10 Cool Things You’ll Want To Do In Venice Beach, California
Naturally, when I moved back to the US and began planning a trip to California, I knew I finally had to check out Venice Beach. How could I resist heading to the unique So Cal spot originally inspired by the Italian city of canals and gondolas?
Venice Beach is most known for 2 things; its famous canals and the funky street performers and bohemian vibes you are sure to encounter on the boardwalk. However, there are more than just these two things to see and do in this unique town, so I’m sharing my top 10 here!
1. Take a stroll through the canals of Venice
Once upon a time, a man named Abbott Kinney was so inspired by his visit to Venice, Italy that he decided to build a series of canals in what is today known as Venice Beach. The area opened in 1905 and consisted of a network of canals, complete with gondolas and gondoliers. The site was also the site of an amusement park featuring rides, entertainment, and even a freak show. While the area became a popular site for early 20th century tourists, it eventually fell into disrepair, and many of the canals were even filled in.
Today, a few of these canals remain and have been restored, and are a popular site for tourists. Homes in this area now cost millions of dollars, but I definitely had fun “house hunting” for my dream home while I strolled around the area. You’ll definitely want to allow an hour to walk around the canals and bridges, and admire the beautiful homes you will find there.
2. Head to the Venice Beach Boardwalk
There is so much to take in while walking along the Venice Beach boardwalk! While walking around, you’ll discover a plethora of shops, stalls, and street performers along this beachside path. The boardwalk is definitely an excellent place to admire the Pacific Ocean and really is an experience of its own! The boardwalk has a reputation for having a crazy, funky vibe, so you’ll never know exactly what you will find there.
3. Watch a street performer
Venice Beach is also famous for its street performers and local characters. On any given day, you are bound to run into some crazy costumes, eclectic styles, bohemian street performers, and the downright bizarre. Unfortunately, the day I visited was incredibly windy (I was fighting sand being blown into my eyes) so I didn’t get to experience as much of this crazy crowd. However, I did manage to catch a glimpse of the famous roller-skating guitar player Harry Perry (pictured above, left). He even has a Wikipedia page and is well-known to locals and tourists alike! My mom distinctly remembers seeing him on a visit in the ’90s!
4. See the famous Muscle Beach
Muscle Beach is an outdoor gym right off of the Venice Boardwalk. The location is now iconic as fitness icons such as Arnold Schwarzenegger helped to popularize it. Today, you can work out in the beach air where the greats once did. A day pass at Muscle Beach Venice only costs $10, so fitness gurus might want to bring their gym gear. Personally, I just opted to stop and snap a photo!
5. Go on a street art hunt
There is so much cool street art all over Venice that you won’t have to look very far to find some! It’s all over the buildings, shops, parking areas, and even on palm trees right on the beach. I love street art and had a great time finding it throughout Venice Beach. My personal favorite were the unexpected works on the palm trees!
6. Check out the skateboarders at the Venice Beach Skate Park
Does anything scream Southern California more than a skate park located practically on the sand? I don’t think so. You’ll want to spend a few minutes watching the boarders at this awesome skate park. You’ll probably find a small crowd of people watching a mix of skateboarders of different ages and skill levels practicing. I definitely had fun observing the boarders, even though I am TERRIBLE at skating!
7. Shop ’till you drop on Abbott Kinney Street
Named after the Abbott Kinney who first had the idea to bring a bit of Venice to southern California, this mile long boulevard is filled with hip and trendy dining and shopping options. Celebrities, locals, and tourists alike all frequent this popular street, which really embodies the bohemian styles and feel of Venice.
8. Find Venice’s Binoculars Building
If you are loving the quirkier parts of Venice, then you might want to consider stopping by Venice’s Binoculars Building. The appropriately named office building is…you guessed it…shaped like binoculars! You’ll find it on 340 Main St, Venice, CA 90291 if you’d like to drive by and get a snapshot.
9. Hit the roof…top bar
Image: High Venice
I am obsessed with rooftop bars and am so bummed that I missed out on this one when I visited Venice beach! The High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin is the only rooftop bar in Venice beach and is the perfect way to end fun and exciting day in Venice. Perhaps I will head here on my upcoming visit to California later this month?
10. Explore next-door Santa Monica
Once could easily spend a whole day or more taking in all that Venice Beach has to offer. However, if you are looking to squeeze a bit more into your day or weekend, then you won’t want to miss the next-door city of Santa Monica. Santa Monica is known for its iconic pier, complete with a small amusement park and Ferris Wheel, and is also the end point of the Historic Route 66. A must if you are spending time in LA. You can check out my 10 must-dos in Santa Monica here!
Does Venice Beach sound like a place you’d like to visit, or have you been? Let me know in the comments!
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