Venice Beach is famous for its colorful boardwalk, mix of pop-up art stalls, quirky shops, skateboarders, families and the occasional whiff of secondhand ganja smoke.

Venice Beach is undeniably one of the most peculiar beaches I’ve ever seen, especially on weekends. You’ll witness all sorts of strange and unique sights, including:

Unusual Performances: People handling snakes, pulling off daring jumps, or even homeless individuals showcasing their unexpected talents, like playing the piano.

Creative Beggars: Keep an eye out for artistic or creative beggars too!

Celebrity Encounters: If you’re lucky, you might run into Harry Perry, the roller skate guitar legend. He’s made appearances in several films, including favorites like “Point of No Return”, and usually charges $10 for a photo.

Muscle Beach is a must-see—if you’re in the mood for some serious outdoor fitness, you can buy a day pass to work out under the California sun.

Exploration: Spend a few hours or days exploring the beach. Whether you enjoy walking, biking, or rollerblading, there’s plenty to do.

Bike & Scooter Rentals: Rent a bike or scooter directly on the boardwalk for a leisurely ride to Marina del Rey or Santa Monica.

What to Do in Venice Beach in Points

Tips for Visiting

• Parking: Public parking lots are available, but can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
• Biking: Rent a bike and ride along the beach bike path for a scenic and active way to explore.
• Weather: Bring sunscreen and a hat, as it can get quite sunny.
• Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

TIP: If you’re visiting on a weekend, don’t miss The Drum Circle—an energetic, improvisational jam session that forms on the beach near Brooks Avenue and Ocean Front Walk. It’s not an official event, but it reliably happens every Saturday and Sunday, usually kicking off around noon and lasting until dusk.

If you’re up for some action, bring your gear! Whether you want to skate, shoot hoops, or play a round of beach volleyball, Venice Beach has something for everyone.

For the latest events, check out the Venice Paparazzi calendar.

And before you escape the lively chaos of Venice Beach, make a stop at Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This mile-long stretch is packed with trendy boutiques, salons, galleries, restaurants, and bars. You might even recognize it from the show Californication!

For updated info and local events, visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard’s website.

Vegan at Venice Beach

Where to Stay in Venice Beach

Staying in Venice Beach offers a unique experience, with many boutique hotels housed in landmark buildings featuring distinctive decor and offering great ocean views. Here are some notable options.

Exploring Venice Beach: Cautionary Notes

Venice Beach can be a fun place to explore, but I wouldn’t recommend doing so alone at night. Even a nice afternoon can be spoiled if you unknowingly take a photo of someone’s venue and they demand payment. During the COVID pandemic, Venice became a haven for homeless people, turning it into a tent city. It was disheartening to see. The city eventually cleaned it up, but it took a long time.

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