Venice Beach

The Basics

Travelers love strolling Venice Beach to take in the bohemian boardwalk and its brightly colored murals, funky shops, and street performers, including the Sunday afternoon drum circle. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore Venice Beach on your own schedule, while renting bikes or roller skates enables you to cover more ground—and blend in with the locals. This sandy spot is typically visited on Los Angeles city sightseeing tours and is sometimes paired with a stop in Santa Monica.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Venice Beach is a must-see for sun worshippers looking to experience Southern California’s beach scene.

• Venice Beach offers a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes for travelers interested in souvenirs and dining.

• Accessible parking, picnic tables, and restrooms are available; visit a lifeguard stand to inquire about beach wheelchair rentals.

How to Get There

Venice Beach is located southeast of Santa Monica, along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway. Street parking can be found along the beach and on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and there are also a few parking lots.

When to Get There

Venice Beach is a public outdoor beach, open 365 days a year. It’s busiest on Sundays and less crowded on weekdays. Temperatures can reach up to 100°F (38°C) in summer, while average winter temperatures are about 60°F (15°C).

Prominent Residents of Venice Beach

Notable Venice homeowners include Hollywood stars Julia Roberts, Viggo Mortensen, Kate Beckinsale, Rutger Hauer, Anjelica Huston, and Elijah Wood. Actor Robert Downey Jr. kept an apartment on the boardwalk during the 1990s, and decades before, musician Jim Morrison met Ray Manzarek and formed the Doors while living in Venice. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting career began after he became a regular bodybuilder at Venice’s famous Gold’s Gym. And restaurateur Wolfgang Puck has owned and operated restaurants here since the 1990s.

Can visitors swim at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, and are there lifeguards on duty?

Yes, visitors can swim at Venice Beach in Los Angeles throughout the year. The sandy beach is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) long with plenty of space for swimming, and it has warm waters during much of the year. The beach typically has lifeguards on duty during daylight hours.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Venice Beach in Los Angeles apart from swimming?

Other than swimming, Venice Beach in Los Angeles is a great spot for other beach activities, such as beach volleyball, fishing, and surfing with Venice Breakwater being a prominent surf spot. The beach also has a walking and biking path that’s popular with runners, bikers, and skaters.

Are there any rental shops for bikes, rollerblades, and other equipment at Venice Beach in Los Angeles?

Yes, there are rental shops for bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, longboards, surfboards, paddleboards, and various other outdoor equipment at Los Angeles’ Venice Beach, with many on Ocean Front Walk and Speedway Street right in front of the beach. These shops typically offer hourly, daily, and weekly rental options for convenience.

Is there parking available near Venice Beach in Los Angeles?

Yes, there’s plenty of parking near Venice Beach, although it can fill up quickly. The Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors runs three paid parking lots: two on Ocean Front Walk and a third on Washington Boulevard. There’s also street parking on Abbot Kinney Boulevard and the surrounding streets.

Are dogs allowed on Venice Beach in Los Angeles?

No, dogs aren’t allowed on Venice Beach in Los Angeles. However, dogs are allowed on the Venice Beach Boardwalk (outside of 11am to 8pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day) as long as they’re on a leash, and their owners pick up after them.

Are there public restrooms and facilities available at Venice Beach in Los Angeles?

Yes, there are public restrooms and facilities at Venice Beach in LA. You can find numerous public restrooms with outdoor showers along the Ocean Front Walk. There are also other public restrooms on the Venice Pier, Main Beach, and Rose Avenue parking lots, and in Windward Plaza.

Ways to explore

Strolling Venice Beach to take in the bohemian boardwalk with its brightly colored murals, funky shops, and street performers (including the weekend afternoon drum circle) is a rite of passage in LA.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore Venice Beach on your own schedule, while renting bikes or roller skates enables you to cover more ground—and blend in with the locals. This sandy spot is typically visited on Los Angeles city sightseeing tours and is sometimes paired with a stop in Santa Monica.

Accessibility

Venice Beach boardwalk has wide sidewalks, but there is no wheelchair ramp over the sand.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, bathing suit, camera, bottle of water

What to wear

Wear lightweight and breezy clothes that double as beachwear.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Shops, restaurants and cafes, beach and boardwalk

Address 

Venice Beach is located in Los Angeles’ oceanfront Venice neighborhood, not far from Santa Monica. The best way to get there is by car, taxi, or rideshare service. Alternatively, you can use local buses or book a tour that has included transportation.

Driving

Venice Beach is accessible via numerous major routes, including CA-90, I-10, I-110, and more. Paid parking lots are located across the neighborhood; prices vary.

Public transportation

Several bus routes serve Venice Beach, including the 1 and the 33. Alternatively, taxis and rideshare services may get you there quicker.

Best times to visit

Morning is a great time to scope out Venice Beach before the crowds descend. Alternatively, aim for sunset for scenic views.

Best days to visit

Visit on a weekend if you want to see the area at its liveliest and most colorful, or opt for a weekday if you prefer a calmer experience.

Best months to visit

Summer is a popular time here, but it can bring fog. Aim for late in the season, or visit in September for ideal weather and to beat the crowds.

Special events

Venice Fest is an arts festival with seasonal editions at various times of the year. You can also aim for late September, when Abbot Kinney Festival is held.