Did you know that up to 30,000 people visit Venice Beach every single day? The famous neighborhood is undoubtedly one of Los Angeles’ most prominent attractions, having made appearances in countless films during its over-century-long history. The two-mile beachfront stretch showcases California’s surf, skate, and beach culture in a way that’s thrilling for tourists and even locals to witness.
From the famous Muscle Beach gym once frequented by Arnold Schwarzenegger, to the charming Venice Canals and beach cottages on Dell Avenue, you’ll find plenty of lovely things to do in Venice Beach. Here’s a rundown of our favorite places to visit.
1. Walk along the Venice Canals
Inspired by Venice, Italy, the Venice Canals provide a delightful slice of Italian escapism right here in Los Angeles. Wander through the maze of landscaped waterfront paths and charming pedestrian bridges while checking out dozens of multi-million-dollar homes. You can even rent a SUP or kayak to add a little adventure to your visit.
📍 Location: Venice Canal Historic District, Venice, CA
2. Grab a bite to eat on Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney is a walkable one-mile block of shops and restaurants that you’ll want to visit during your day in Venice Beach. Whether you’re there to window shop, grab some ice cream, or have a sit-down meal, you’ll want to leave plenty of time to explore the storefronts there. Here are a few standouts:
All’Antico Vinaio
This globally-famous sandwich chain out of Florence serves massive Italian sandwiches.
📍 Location: 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Cha Cha Matcha
The matcha chain made famous in NYC has sinced opened multiple L.A. locations to much ado.
📍 Location: 1401 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Abbot Pizza Company
One of many popular pizza places on Abbot Kinney, Abbot Pizza Co. is a casual pizza shop with fun and creative combos — we’re partial to the “salad pizza.”
📍 Location: 1407 Abbot Kinney Blvd
First Friday food trucks
Dozens of gourmet food trucks line Abbot Kinney Blvd on the first Friday of every month
📍 Location: Abbot Kinney Blvd
Gjelina
This stylish American restaurant is known for locally-sourced produce and global influences.
📍 Location: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Atla
With an all-day menu and outdoor seating, Atla is one of L.A.’s most popular Mexican restaurants.
📍 Location: 1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Felix
Esteemed pasta maker and Michelin-recognized chef Evan Funke helms this fancy Italian restaurant.
📍 Location: 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Salt & Straw
This popular ice cream chain out of Portland is known for creative flavors (try the cinnamon and honey fried chicken ice cream).
📍 Location: 1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd
3. People-watch on the Venice Beach Boardwalk
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is L.A.’s famous two-mile beachfront promenade where many go to see and be seen. This is the heart of the neighborhood, and it’s always teeming with street performers, street vendors, skaters, and tourists. If it’s your first time visiting, you’ll want to take your time and see where the afternoon takes you, whether you stop to watch a pop-up breakdancing competition, an impromptu concert, or world-class roller skaters. Yes, we love everything on this list, but a walk along the Boardwalk is easily one of the best things to do in Venice Beach.
📍 Location: Venice Beach Boardwalk (between Santa Monica Boardwalk and Marina del Rey), Venice, CA
4. Watch the skaters at Venice Skatepark
An essential stop during your day in Venice Beach is the world-famous Venice Skatepark. For decades, Venice has played a key role in the history of skate culture in California, and the introduction of this skate park in 2009 brought everything to a central location. The public park is frequented by the area’s most talented skaters and always draws a crowd.
📍 Location: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
5. Gape at the Muscle Beach bodybuilders
The country’s physical fitness boom famously began in L.A. in the 1930s, just south of the Santa Monica Pier. There, the WPA-installed public gym equipment drew high-energy fitness exhibitions and world-class bodybuilders. While the original Santa Monica location now serves as a massive gymnastics training area, this Venice location rose to fame in the ’60s as the primary destination for bodybuilders and weightlifters. It’s been used by huge names including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Frank Zane.
📍 Locations:
- Muscle Beach Venice: 1817 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
- Original Muscle Beach: Ocean Front Walk betweeen Seaside Terrace and Marine Terrace, Santa Monica, CA
6. Go for a spin on The Strand
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, A.K.A. The Strand, is a flat 22-mile-long bike trail stretching from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades down to Torrance Beach. It passes through both Santa Monica and Venice Beach, making for an easy route on the sand between the two popular destinations. If you’re hoping to see both locations on your visit, a bike ride along this promenade is undoubtedly the best way to connect the two.
📍 Location: On the sand between Will Rogers State Beach and Torrance Beach
7. Visit the Mosaic Tile House
Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran have spent over twenty years covering this Venice Beach bungalow with thousands of colorful mosaic pieces and found objects. The work-in-progress art installation photographs beautifully, but it’s even more wonderful to behold in person. Book a Saturday slot for a personalized tour from Cheri Pann herself.
🎟️ Tour tickets: $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors 65+, free for children under 13 and adults 90+
🕜 Hours: Open from 12-3pm on Saturdays
📍 Location: 1116 Palms Blvd, Venice, CA
8. Eat your way through Venice Beach on a food tour
One of the best ways to get to know a new city is through its food culture, and this Venice Beach food tour pulls out all the stops throughout its three-hour itinerary which includes essential stops like the Venice Canals and Muscle Beach. The menu includes a spectrum of international dishes including churro waffle bites, crispy fish tacos, quesabirria tacos with consommé, a colorful açaí bowl, Argentinian empanadas, and more.
📍 Location: Starts at The Venice Whaler, 10 Washington Boulevard, Venice, CA
And next, a few FAQs…
Everyone knows that this eccentric neighborhood is a go-to spot for people-watching. On any given day you’ll see dozens of street performers, independent vendors and artists, world-class skateboarders, and occasional film productions.
If you love to wander, you’ll want to give yourself at least two or three hours to fully immerse yourself in the excitement of Venice Beach. Whether you decide to hang around the basketball courts to watch a pick-up game, or sit in the sand to watch the waves, Venice Beach is best enjoyed when you’re not in a rush.
Yes, it takes about an hour to walk the three miles between Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. Many visitors enjoy the scenic walk along The Strand, but you can also hop on a bike and get there in about 20 minutes.
Whether you live in L.A. or you’re just visiting for a limited time, you’ll find innumerable attractions, restaurants, and things to do in Venice Beach that go even further beyond this list. Where will you visit first?