Venice Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Gary Leonard/LA Tourism Marketing
Photo provided by Matt Marriott/La Tourism Marketing
Venice
Venice
Venice Beach showing outdoor eating and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Stroll along one of California’s most iconic boardwalks, hit the surf or just enjoy the eclectic mix of people at this beachside resort town that's a true slice of pure Americana.

Venice, California gained an international reputation during the 1950s and 60s as the home of the Beat Generation and today, it is still a magnet for poets and artists as well as tourists who come to join in the fun.

Wander along the boardwalk, officially known as Venice Ocean Front Walk. The east side is lined with groovy restaurants, souvenir shops and boutiques while the other side is where you’ll find quirky street performers and buskers. Have your fortune read, get your name written on a grain of rice or watch the body builders work out on Muscle Beach.

For shopping of a different kind, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, named by GQ Magazine as “The Coolest Block in America.” Historically a hub for the area’s artistic community, it is the place to find handmade homeware stores, cool bookstores and hip salons.

Venice Beachhas to be one of the most iconic places in the United States of America, and the sand here is perfect for creating sand sculptures. Rent a surfboard and try out the Californian Breakwater, popular with locals because the waves break on both sides. Surfing lessons are also available every day.

Take a self guided tour of the area’s funky street murals. There are more than a dozen of these spread throughout the area including Morning Shot, a portrait of Jim Morrison who began his career here.

Venice, California is also home to the Venice Canal Historic District, a network of man-made canals designed to resemble the canals of Venice in Italy. Take a gondola ride to explore this area which was built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney.

Venice is a 15 minute drive from Santa Monica and paid parking is available at a number of stations in the area. Shuttle buses also run regularly and once you are there most of the area’s attractions are within walking distance.

Where to stay in Venice

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Venice Canals

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Venice Canals might not have many top sights, but Venice Beach and Venice Beach Boardwalk are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Venice Canals
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
The price is £111 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£111
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,376 reviews)
"Great Services"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
4 out of 5
404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA
The price is £130 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£130
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,559 reviews)
"Everything was clean"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Loews Hollywood Hotel
4 out of 5
1755 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
The price is £255 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£255
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,349 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Loews Hollywood Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Venice Breeze Suites
Venice Breeze Suites
3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue, Venice, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,668 reviews)
"Fantastic beach vacation stay"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Venice Breeze Suites
Venice Suites
Venice Suites
3 out of 5
417 OceanFront Walk, Venice, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,251 reviews)
"It was a very nice stay for the price. Right on the beach. Will go again."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Venice Suites
Cute house a block to beach w/ two bikes pet friendly!
Cute house a block to beach w/ two bikes pet friendly!
Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this beach holiday home in Venice. Enjoy a beach locale and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
Best location
"Awesome spot, beach vibes, great home. Had everything we needed for a couple nights of Venice fun! Thanks!"

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

Cute house a block to beach w/ two bikes pet friendly!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Venice

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Ken

The canal area is worth a visit for a walk along the canals

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We where in Venice for 3 nights, out of everywhere in LA we enjoyed it the most.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Not as good as the last time we visited, the area appears to be run down and dirty with limited options to eat in the immediate vicinity.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

AmaZing area, best of LA

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very nice area. It was a shame that the canals were fry.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

My first ever time here so initial feelings are possibly biased. Took time adjusting to the idyllic location and homelessness side by side. Its beautiful but paradoxical. I enjoy walking so the distances to Santa Monica were no problem.

Cities near Venice