Surf, sun and sand take a backseat to the loud and lively human carnival on parade along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. There’s never a dull moment for people-watching in this sun-drenched bohemian enclave of artists, musicians, poets, singers, skateboarders and jugglers. From chain-sawing acrobats to fire-breathing cyclists, you’ll find Los Angeles at its most ostentatious, eccentric and unrestrained. Just remember to tip performers if you watch most of their show or take their photograph.While you make your way along the boardwalk’s 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometre) stretch, browse the stalls, shops and stands laden with souvenirs, trinkets, cheap sunglasses, T-shirts and sandals. Have your fortune read or get a temporary tattoo.Further along the boardwalk is Muscle Beach, best known as the place where Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno (of Incredible Hulk fame) once flexed their pecs and biceps. At this outdoor gym you’ll see the toned and tanned pump iron while acrobats bend, twist and contort their bodies into eye-watering shapes. You can join them. Just buy a day pass (about $10) at the Venice Beach Recreations and Parks Office on Ocean Front Walk and then take your place to work out in front of the passing crowds.Peel your eyes away from the vivid and flamboyant spectacles and head to the beach, a three-mile stretch of well-maintained and manicured sand. The water is patrolled during daylight hours, so you can dive in if you want to do more than soak up the rays on the sand. Rent surf or body boards and catch some waves, but be mindful of other riders.LA’s Mediterranean climate makes Venice Beach a good place to be for most of the year however, it is incredibly crowded in the summer. It is around 19 miles (30 kilometres) from downtown LA on the coast between Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. There are plenty of city parking lots next to the beach.
Venice Beach
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Hotel Erwin Venice Beach
Reviewed on 15 Jun 2024
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Reviews of Venice Beach
3/5 - Okay
It's a bit tacky! The walks along the canals behind the beach are much quieter and very pleasant.
2/5 - Disappointing
Not sure what I expected but its a collection of people selling 'art' and services
3/5 - Okay
Venice Beach itself is lovely ... it was great to watch the skateboarders in the skate park. Unfortunately Muscle Beach was closed for renovations when we visited, however the area is full of homeless people and begging, during the day it felt safe as there were lots of people around however it’s not somewhere I would go in the evening.
5/5 - Excellent
Very busy. Lots going on. Pubs full of young people.
5/5 - Excellent
Go muscle beach. Its very entertaining. Body buiders show off to music
4/5 - Good
Santa Monica is better if you only have time for one or the other.
Popular places to visit
Venice Skate Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Venice Skate Park, a lovely green space in Venice. Experience the acclaimed art galleries or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.
Muscle Beach Venice
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Muscle Beach Venice during your travels in Venice? Discover the beautiful sunsets in this walkable area or enjoy its cycling trails.
Venice Fishing Pier
Find out about the history of Los Angeles with a stop at Venice Fishing Pier. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
During your trip to Venice, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Discover the beautiful sunsets in this walkable area or enjoy its cycling trails.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Venice Beach Boardwalk during your travels in Los Angeles? Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Main Street Santa Monica
During your trip to Los Angeles, you can do some window-shopping at Main Street Santa Monica. Stroll along this family-friendly area's beaches or simply enjoy its restaurants.
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