If you’re heading out to California any time soon, you’ll want to pencil in some time in Venice Beach. This is a beautiful, picturesque part of the state that boasts some of its most panoramic and gorgeous views. However, it’s important to know exactly where you should go, although you’ll almost certainly see something good no matter where in Venice Beach you decide to wander. Here are the 15 best things to do in Venice Beach so that you can plan your trip accordingly!
1. Check out the Venice Skate Park
If you’ve got even a passing interest in skateboarding or just want to watch skaters doing cool tricks, then the Venice Skate Park should be on your list.
Skaters flock to this park to hit up the spot for video shooting.
The beautiful backdrop of Venice Beach provides the perfect opportunity for skaters to show off their skills.
You’ll almost certainly see lots of skaters demonstrating seriously impressive physical feats.
2. Head to the Boardwalk
When you just want to take a walk, you should definitely wander along the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
This iconic location stretches all the way along Venice Beach.
There’s a cycle path you can ride along if you’re not in the mood for walking.
Make sure to try and spot the bodybuilders working out on Muscle Beach; their physical feats must be seen to be believed.
3. Walk the canals
You didn’t think it was called Venice Beach for nothing, did you?
Dell Avenue boasts several canals along which you can walk, offering picturesque views.
If you’ve got a kayak or a similar vessel without a motor, you can bring it along and paddle through the canals.
You’ll often see tourists and locals doing just that, so join them if you want to feel like a whimsical sailor while you’re in California.
4. Check out a show at the Pacific Resident Theatre
While there are plenty of venues to catch plays and other shows in Venice Beach, the Pacific Resident Theatre is one of the best.
Here, you’ll see lesser-known productions put on by smaller companies.
These shows often provide life-changing experiences that you didn’t expect.
Make sure to book your spot ahead of time, as even the more obscure productions can get pretty popular.
5. Dine at the Rose
Contrary to popular belief, American food can be just as delicious as international cuisine, and the Rose restaurant in Venice Beach proves that.
This bohemian spot has been around for a few decades and has expanded its menu to include unexpected items.
When you find yourself with a few minutes, be sure to sit down here and grab some food to recharge your batteries for your walk or cycling tour.
6. Drink at the High Rooftop Lounge
The High Rooftop Lounge is part of the Hotel Erwin complex in Venice Beach, and it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy some cocktails or a meal while taking in the sights.
As the name implies, the Lounge lets you look out over Venice Beach while you enjoy your refreshments.
If you’re looking to cap off a wonderful day with panoramic views, you’re in luck.
Again, make sure to book a spot ahead of time, as the Lounge can get pretty busy.
7. Explore and find something yourself!
While lists like ours are great ways to find cool spots, you should also make sure you pencil in some time just to take a walk and try new things.
Relying on lists is a good way to see things others have already identified as great.
However, you may never find “that one place” that feels uniquely yours if you don’t just wander.
On one of the days during your trip, start walking in a direction and see what you find along the way.
Just make sure you don’t get lost!
8. Make sure to see the Venice Sign
Over on Windward Avenue, you’ll see an iconic sign that should definitely be part of your trip’s itinerary.
The Venice Sign is a reproduction of one that hung over Venice Beach’s streets back in the early 20th century.
This newer recreation evokes the same World’s Fair-style futuristic design.
Snap yourself standing underneath the sign or take some photos at artistic angles to get the best view.
9. See the graffiti walls
Dotted around Venice Beach, you’ll find walls covered in local graffiti artists’ work.
This is real graffiti; it’s gorgeous to look at and captures the local California spirit.
If you’re lucky, you may even see a local resident putting together a piece while you’re exploring.
Don’t disturb them while they’re working, but if you see a graffiti artist resting and they look friendly, why not wander over for a chat?
10. Spot the murals
Much like the graffiti walls and the Sign, the murals dotted around Venice Beach are one of the location’s most iconic elements.
If you take a walk along the Boardwalk, you’ll see many of these murals along the way.
Some of them are truly breathtaking pieces of art.
There are 24 murals to spot, each with information about who created them and their purpose.
11. Find a quiet place on Venice Beach
You might think this is impossible, but if you travel to the actual Venice Beach area on a quieter day and are willing to walk for a while, you’ll almost certainly find a quieter spot.
There’s nothing quite like unpacking a picnic or packed lunch on Venice Beach and watching the waves roll in.
Just make sure to go on a day when the weather is clement, or you may end up with soggy sandwiches!
12. Go shopping on Abbot Kinney Boulevard
If you’ve ever traveled in the UK and visited locations like York’s Shambles, you may find something to love on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Unlike many major American city locations, Abbot Kinney is a stripped-down bohemian-style boulevard.
It promises smaller stores where you might find some serious bargains.
Chain stores are much less frequent, so if you’re a fan of indie shops, you should definitely make a stop here.
This location is so unconcerned with the whims of tourists that it only opens for a single day every week.
You can only visit on Saturdays between 12pm and 3pm.
Make sure to book a reservation before you go; if you do visit, you’ll find an absolutely stunning building covered in mosaic tiles of all colors and sizes.
14. Get some food at the Venice Whaler
One of Venice Beach’s most iconic restaurants, the Venice Whaler has been serving customers since 1944 and shows no signs of going away anytime soon.
If you’re feeling peckish after your walk or bike ride, this restaurant is a great option.
If you’re not a fan of seafood, don’t worry; you can also enjoy California-style grilled chicken, French toast, quesadillas, and much more.
15. Head to the Venice Farmers’ Market
Is there anything more compelling than a quaint little farmers’ market?
If you want to see something truly local and homegrown, make sure to visit the Venice Farmers’ Market, available every Saturday of the year.
It features scrumptious-looking homegrown produce, live music, homemade goods, and plenty more.
The USA has a reputation for pre-packaged and unhealthy food, and if you want to see the perfect antidote to that reputation, then the Venice Farmers’ Market is a must-see.
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