Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Venice, California
Check out LA's hot spot for the beautiful and eccentric! Combining sweet California sunshine, ample surf, swaying palms, and long, white, sandy beaches, Venice Beach is Los Angeles in a nutshell. People-watching is definitely the most popular activity at Venice Beach, which is long known for its counter-culture atmosphere brimming with the fit and sun-tanned. The boardwalk overflows with a sideshow of street musicians, break-dancers, comedians, old-school roller-skaters, bodybuilders, and tourists. One can rent skates, bikes and beach gear here onsite.
Despite its eccentricity, the beach also has more conventional amenities, such as showers, a great bike path, volley ball and basketball courts, a playground for tots, and even gift shops. When visiting, be sure to look for the unique local landmarks, such as the Frank Gehry-designed "binoculars" building on Main Street. This street also has artsy murals painted on many of its buildings, such as the famous "History is Myth" mural on the Venice Beach Hotel. There's also Muscle Beach, a world class California original, and one of the most popular attractions in Venice Beach. It was created in the 1930's, and has been a favorite ever since for locals and celebrities alike. Visitors are invited to experience the working out in the great California beach outdoors and can even engage in a bit of voyeurism.
Some practical info: although there are some scarce street-side parking spots, plan on paying for parking in the lot at the end of Washington Street, or at one of the paid lots off Rose Avenue, Bay Street or Venice Boulevard. While the sidewalk scene here often overshadows the surf and sand, you'll also find typical beach scenes here, such as sunbathers and surfers enjoying the white sand and the shade of the palms, so bring along your suit and prepare to be seen.