15 Fun Things to Do in Venice Beach

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Venice Beach, California, is one of the most famous and iconic beach towns in Southern California. With its unique mix of art, culture, entertainment and outdoor activities, it’s no wonder why Venice Beach attracts so many visitors each year.

The world famous Venice Beach Boardwalk is perhaps the biggest draw for visitors. It stretches over two and a half miles, all the way to Santa Monica, and is packed with street performers, souvenir shops and quick-stop eateries to try out.

Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach Boardwalk (photo by GTC)

The boardwalk also offers plenty of activities beyond just walking and people watching, with its roller-skating plaza, basketball courts, skate park, and bike paths. Every Saturday night there’s even live music performances for visitors to enjoy.

There’s a lot more that you can do on this quirky white-sand beach than just walking the boardwalk. This unconventional community offers unique experiences for shopping, dining, arts, and sports.

Are you planning your trip to Venice Beach?

If you’re traveling to Venice Beach, ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks to help you plan!

Where to Stay in Venice Beach:

  1. Hotel Erwin (4-star near the Venice Beach Boardwalk with rooftop bar)
  2. Venice on the Beach Hotel (3.5-star beachfront hotel with terrace and firepit)

Best Tours and Experiences in Venice Beach:

  1. Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
  2. Small Group Electric Bicycle Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Our Recommended Hotel

Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hotel Erwin
✔️ Ocean view
✔️ Rooftop terrace

Venice Beach Tours to Book

15 Fun Things to Do in Venice Beach California

1. Enjoy the Beach

Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower
Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower (photo by GTC)

The best part of Venice Beach is the … beach! You heard it here first. It’s a no-brainer to spend time on the Venice beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the 3-mile stretch of perfectly manicured beach with lifeguards always on duty.

The beach is open from 6am to 10pm. Showers and public bathrooms are located all along the boardwalk for easy access. Parking is also fairly easy. There are many lots along the Speedway, a road that parallels the beach. You’ll pay $10 for 3 hours.

You’ll also see the Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard tower while you’re out there. Pretty awesome. You might want to take one of these great beach games with you for something other than swimming to do.

Be sure to always follow safe beach pratices:

  • Always swim and surf near an open lifeguard station and never swim alone.
  • Check in with the nearest lifeguard for daily ocean conditions and hazards.
  • Use good judgment. Always swim and surf within your abilities.
  • If in doubt of the large surf, don’t go out! Ask a lifeguard.
  • Never dive into shallow water. Feet-first every time.

2. Skate at Venice Beach Skatepark

Venice Beach skate park

Did you know that California is the birthplace of skateboarding? The sport was invented in the 1960s by surfers during the days when the waves weren’t high enough to ride.

The Venice Beach Skatepark is definitely one of the most popular skateboarding spots in California and it’s almost always full of avid skaters. If you’re one of them, you can join in at the 16,000-square-foot skatepark with fellow skateboarding enthusiasts.

If you’re not a skateboarder, you can just find a safe spot to sit and watch the jumble of amateur and pro skaters practicing their tricks. It’s actually quite mesmerizing. We can sit there for an hour or more watching.

3. Work Out on Muscle Beach (or just watch!)

Muscle Beach in Venice Beach

Muscle Beach Venice is the home of bodybuilding and was integral to the popularization of muscle beaches worldwide after it was inaugurated in 1987.

For most of us, Muscle Beach is just a place to go and watch bodybuilders do their thing. It’s actually quite fascinating. They use this area to prepare for competitions, be in the public eye, and get tanned!

It’s not only a weightlifting platform but also a popular venue for all sorts of bodybuilding shows and competitions. The place is often booked for such events, so you might be lucky enough to witness a live event during your visit.

However, you don’t need to be a bodybuilder or gymnast to access this outdoor gym. It’s open to everyone and only costs $10 for a day pass. The outdoor gym has been completely renovated recently.

The one thing you need to know is that there aren’t always bodybuilders in this area. They actually spend most of their time working out at Gold’s Beach (360 Hampton Dr – the mecca of bodybuilding), and they come to the beach to get tanned and competition ready.

4. Surf, Kayak, or Paddle at Marina Del Rey

Mother's Beach Marina del Rey

Venice Beach is an ideal destination for water sports and fishing enthusiasts. Even if you aren’t already one, you can take lessons and learn how to paddle board, surf, kayak – you name it.

There are several rental shops for kayaks, surfboards, paddleboards, and other water sports, so you don’t need to invest in expensive equipment to enjoy. One of the best places to do it is in Marina del Rey because the water is super calm and enjoyable. You can rent all the equipment you need at Marina del Rey Boat Rentals. A 1-hour paddleboard rental costs $23

For surf lessons, sign up with Kapowui Surf Lessons. The 2-hour lesson includes all the equipment you need – surfboard, wet suit, and instructor. It takes place on the border of Venice and Santa Monica, where the sandy bottom is safe and perfect for beginner lessons.

5. Stroll down the Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice beach boardwalk

Taking a stroll along the 2-mile-long Venice Boardwalk is something that everyone must do when visiting Venice. It’s a place where street vendors, performers, fortune-tellers, muscle men, and the weird and wacky converge. The people-watching potential is unrivaled here.

The busiest stretch of the boardwalk is from North Venice Boulevard at the south end to about Park Avenue at the north end, with some scattered bars and shops up to Rose Avenue. I would suggest to park at 17th or Windward, and start your walk there. The skate park is just in front of you and Muscle Beach is to the left.

Depending on when you’re visiting – on a busy weekend or a slow mid-week day – you can expect the unexpected. There’s always something interesting going on or being said or being sold.

6. Visit the Museum of Flying

Museum of Flying in Santa Monica
(CC: 3.0 Photo by Jengod)

If you’re looking for something different, book a guided tour at the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica. It holds all sorts of aviation-related antique rarities and memorabilia.

Learn about the rich history of aeronautics and marvel at iconic vintage aircraft, aviation art, and original artifacts of the Douglas Aircraft Company. Don’t leave without trying out the flight simulator!

The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, 10am-4pm. Admission is $10 for adults and parking is free.

7. Cycle to Santa Monica

Venice Beach bike and walking path

Get on your bike, or rent from one of the shops, and roll along the South Bay area, north of Venice Beach. It’s the perfect opportunity to stay active while appreciating the scenic seascape.

This is another great way to experience the boardwalk and the long stretch of beach that goes all the way from Marina del Rey to Santa Monica. You can do it on your own or go on a guided group bike tour with an electric bike, which will make it even easier.

The ride from Venice to Sta. Monica is approximately 3.5 miles long and takes about 15 minutes, when doing it on your own. If you go on the tour, you’ll also stop at sights along the way and it’s about a 2-hour tour.

8. Go Boating in the Venice Canal Historic District

Venice Beach, known initially as the Venice of America, was developed in 1905 to mimic the famous Italian City. I wouldn’t say they nailed it, but there are parts of the city that attempt to replicate the world-renowned canals.

The manmade waterways were built so visitors could complete the adventure. Be sure to go on a boat ride on the waterways or stroll along the bridges and sidewalks. It doesn’t cost anything to walk around the canals, which are residential waterways, but it can be difficult to find parking.

You can rent a boat from Venice Pals for an hour or two and float through the waterways on your own ($100 per boat), or get a guided tour.

9. Tee Time at the Penmar Golf Course

Try your hand at golf at the Penmar Golf Club, where they call themselves friendly golfers. Beginner or pro, anyone’s welcome there.

We recommend booking your tee time in advance as the place can be full, especially in the morning. It’s located at 1233 Rose Avenue and is a 9-hole course with six par 4s and three par 3s. Green fees are $18 on weekdays and $23 on weekends.

Alternatively, you can also take delight in being a spectator, as there are constant golf matches and other events in the place. They also have a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food and drink while being entertained by a live performance.

10. Go on a Luxury Boat Cruise

An electric Duffy boat

I particularly like to get out on the water any time I can and you can do that in Venice in an electric Duffy. You can take these boats out for a spin on Marina del Rey Harbor. They are electric and don’t go that fast, but you’re there to enjoy the passing scenery and your friends in the boat, not the speed.

The boat has plenty of seating and a table in the middle so you can bring your own charcuterie and drinks and enjoy an easy stroll around the beautiful harbor. The boat rental fee is $160/hr or $304 for 2 hours. If you’d rather just enjoy the ride consider this 2 hour boating tour with wine and charcuterie included.

Be sure to check the website before you reserve as there are minimum rental times and other fine print.

11. Go Shopping

Visit-the-Farmers-Market

One of the must-visit places in Venice Beach is the open air Venice farmer’s market at 500 Venice Blvd. Every Friday rain or shine, from 7am – 11am, stalls are set up to display newly harvested local produce from neighboring farms.

Other food items like coffee and fresh homemade pastries are also available here. You’ll also find seafood, honey, handmade artisan products, flowers, and more. It’s perhaps not the best for visitors who can’t really indulge in all the produce, but it’s still a fun morning activity for a Friday.

12. Enjoy Seaside Dining

Salt Restaurant & Bar
Salt Restaurant & Bar (photo by GTC)

You can’t think of quintessential seaside dining in Venice without the Great White crossing your mind. It’s a popular gastro haven at 1604 Pacific Avenue. The food here is great and the atmosphere is a harmonious blend of coastal lifestyle and Australian culture, with a relaxed, cozy feel.

The Waterfront Venice just off the boardwalk at Rose and Navy has great Californian cuisine while the Beachside Restaurant and Bar, overlooking Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, also offers great waterfront dining.

Salt Restaurant and Bar in the Marina del Rey Hotel is another of our favorites. They have great brunch, happy hour, and cocktails. For something more low-key, try The Venice Whaler just off the Venice fishing pier.

13. Visit the Mosaic Tile House

Nothing screams eclectic-bohemian energy like the Mosaic Tile House. This unique art installation looks beautiful on Instagram, but it’s more mesmerizing in person and even more up-close.

This hidden gem is a home owned by couple Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran, who also lead the tours. No one can tell the story better, after all, than these two.

They’ve worked on the mosaic for over twenty years, and each nook and cranny is an immortalization of their journey. It sounds like a long time, but it was definitely worth the effort.

14. See a Live Performance of the Pacific Resident Theater

Venice Beach Pacific Resident Theater

While you’re in Venice Beach, check out the Pacific Resident Theater’s calendar for their upcoming shows.

The theater holds concerts, plays, and other live performances that aren’t only entertaining but give honor to the craft. They’re known for both classic and lesser-known productions and even up-and-coming writers.

It was founded in 1985 by local artists as a non-profit company dedicated to performance art. Throughout its operation, it has received over 90 awards from various agencies.

15. Chill at the High Rooftop Lounge

High Rooftop Lounge in Venice Beach

The best view of the Venice Beach coast is probably at the High Rooftop Lounge. This bar is seated at the top of Hotel Erwin and offers a menu of Mexican and local cuisines.

Have drinks with a view high above Venice Beach Boardwalk. Munch on delicious shrimp ceviche or fish tacos while you enjoy the view. They are open for brunch Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 3 pm or stop in for happy hour and watch the sun set.

If you have energy left after an afternoon of shopping and biking, you can dance to a live DJ and enjoy the beautiful view. However, this animated LA town’s energy is just too contagious, so you won’t find a reason not to party.

Conclusion

This vibrant town has undoubtedly taken beach activities to a whole new level. So whether you’re the intimate type or the adventurous wanderlust, there’s always something for you in Venice Beach, California.

These are just 15 fun things to do in Venice Beach California, besides swimming and sunset viewing. There’s definitely more that you can do if you know where to look.

A word of warning, though – the Venice Beach atmosphere can be pretty addictive, so visit at your own risk!

» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.

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Venice canals
15 Fun Things to Do in Venice Beach

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