Venice Beach

Venice Beach showing picnicing and a city as well as a large group of people
Venice Beach showing picnicing and a city as well as a large group of people
Venice Beach showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Venice Beach featuring markets
Venice Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town


A popular beach with visitors to Los Angeles, Venice beach offers an eclectic mix of golden sands, pumped up bodybuilders, street entertainers and mime acts.

Venice Beach is renowned for its lively and entertaining sights. Walking along the Venice Beach Boardwalk you’ll see what can only be described as a human carnival. A heavy dose of vibrancy, colour and sheer life force is exuded by the people in this location. This most bohemian of areas will never leave you short people-watching opportunities, with street artists, musicians, poets, singers, skateboarders and jugglers all commonplace. There are some incredible sights to behold among the crowds here watch a cyclist breathing fire or an acrobat juggling chainsaws, anything’s possible here. This is LA at its inimitable, ostentatious, outrageous best.The boardwalk stretches out for over 2.5 kilometres miles. Take a leisurely stroll and check out the stalls, shops and stands, which sell local fare, along with a selection of souvenirs, trinkets, cheap sunglasses, T-shirts and sandals.Further along the boardwalk, you’ll encounter a different type of exhibitionism, in the form of Muscle Beach. This is the legendary outdoor gym at which some of the best beach bodies are put through their paces. This was where the likes of famous actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno of Incredible Hulk fame both worked out during trips to Los Angeles. If you fancy pumping some iron and want to join in, you can buy a day pass for $10 at the Venice Beach Recreations and Parks Office on Ocean Front Walk.Venice Beach itself is five kilometres of scrupulously maintained golden sand that feels like paradise on earth. If you fancy a dip in the sea to cool off, you can do so in the knowledge that the beach is patrolled throughout daylight hours. There are also both surf and body boards to hire if you want to try your hand at a spot of surfing. Venice Beach has a Mediterranean climate and is a wonderful destination for anyone who wishes to soak up a bit of sun. There is plenty of parking available nearby. Venice Beach is located around 30 kilometres from downtown LA on the coast between Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

See all 25 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 20 activities

Water activities

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Reviews of Venice Beach

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
44
5 - Excellent 30%
4 - Good
66
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
19
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
16
2 - Disappointing 11%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 3%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It's a bit tacky! The walks along the canals behind the beach are much quieter and very pleasant.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Not sure what I expected but its a collection of people selling 'art' and services

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

Verified traveller

Very busy. Lots going on. Pubs full of young people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go muscle beach. Its very entertaining. Body buiders show off to music

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Santa Monica is better if you only have time for one or the other.

Popular places to visit


Top Venice Beach Hotel Deals

Venice Breeze Suites

Venice Breeze Suites

3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue Venice CA
Venice Breeze Suites
Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

4 out of 5
1697 Pacific Avenue Venice CA
Hotel Erwin Venice Beach
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

2 out of 5
25 Windward Ave Venice CA
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel
Venice V Hotel

Venice V Hotel

3 out of 5
5 Westminster Avenue, Suite 118 Venice CA
Venice V Hotel
Venice Suites

Venice Suites

3 out of 5
417 OceanFront Walk Venice CA
Venice Suites
Venice on the Beach Hotel

Venice on the Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2819 Ocean Front Walk Venice CA
Venice on the Beach Hotel
Air Venice on the Beach

Air Venice on the Beach

3 out of 5
5 Rose Avenue Venice CA
Air Venice on the Beach
South Venice Lodge

South Venice Lodge

2 out of 5
440 S Venice Blvd Venice CA
South Venice Lodge
The Inn at Venice Beach

The Inn at Venice Beach

3 out of 5
327 Washington Blvd Venice CA
The Inn at Venice Beach
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.

Things to do near Venice Beach

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard, only 1.3km from Venice Beach, offering a vibrant mix of boutiques and eateries. Santa Monica Place, located 3.2km away, provides a bustling atmosphere, while Westfield Culver City Shopping Center, 8.0km away, features diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at SoFi Stadium, where you can catch a thrilling game or concert. For a touch of culture, the Dolby Theatre offers enchanting performances, while the TCL Chinese Theatre showcases blockbuster films, perfect for a family outing or a romantic evening.

Adventure

For an adrenaline rush, visit OnRope Consulting for climbing thrills, located 3.2km from Venice Beach. Alternatively, Hangar 18 Climbing Gym Southbay offers indoor climbing adventures 14.5km away. For a romantic stroll, explore the International Boardwalk, 17.7km away, surrounded by beautiful beach scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Venice Beach is vibrant and eclectic. For a unique entertainment experience, visit Raleigh Studio Hollywood, located 17.7km away. Enjoy live performances and a lively atmosphere, or explore local bars and eateries for a laid-back evening by the beach.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Venice Beach

Venice Beach, California, is a vibrant destination offering a delightful mix of culture and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beach, explore the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, and experience the energetic atmosphere of Muscle Beach. Don't miss the picturesque Venetian Islands for a scenic escape. With opportunities for photography and a lively street scene, Venice Beach is perfect for those seeking a unique urban experience by the coast.

  • Santa Monica Beach: Located 3.2km from Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with its golden sands and iconic pier. Enjoy beachside activities like volleyball, cycling along the promenade, or simply soaking up the sun while watching street performers and local artists showcase their talents.
  • Rodeo Drive: Situated 11.3km away, Rodeo Drive is renowned for its luxury shopping and high-end boutiques. Experience the glamour of Beverly Hills with designer stores, exclusive brands, and the chance to spot celebrities while strolling along this famous street.
  • Getty Center: Just 9.7km from Venice Beach, the Getty Center is a cultural haven featuring impressive art collections, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Los Angeles while immersing yourself in world-class art and exhibitions.

Best time to go to Venice Beach

The best time to visit Venice Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Venice Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Venice Beach falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Venice Beach

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Venice Beach.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Venice Beach.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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