Venice Beach

Venice Beach showing a city and picnicking as well as a large group of people
Venice Beach
Photo provided by Matt Marriott/LA Tourism Marketing
Venice Beach
Venice Beach


With muscle-bound men and wacky street entertainers, there's plenty of premier people-watching on offer at LA's world-famous boardwalk.

It's a good idea to wear sunglasses when heading to Venice Beach – then you can people-watch in private. Not that much is private here though, as you will soon find out! For once, a sandy beach isn't the main draw: instead it's the people who make a visit here so much fun.

Along the 2.5 kilometre long boardwalk, which is located from the southern end of Santa Monica Beach, watch out for the bikini-wearing roller-bladers as you stop and enjoy the street entertainment which takes place at every intersection along Ocean Front Walk. You will see singers, acrobats, mime artists, fire-breathing jugglers, comics, magicians, fortune tellers and psychics, all hoping to make a bit of money from passers-by.

If you want to flash the plastic, there are lots of funky shops to browse in. The stalls that line the boardwalk are laden with souvenirs, trinkets, sunglasses and tie-dyed T-shirts – be sure to bargain hard!

One of the highlights of Venice Beach has to be Muscle Beach which lives up to its name. Here you will find fanatical and oiled up body-builders who pump iron in a public show of strength. This is where Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno (of Incredible Hulk fame) first attracted attention. If you're keen to show off your moves and strut your stuff, you can join in: just buy a day pass for about US$10 at the Venice Beach Recreations and Parks Office on Ocean Front Walk.

If you can drag yourself away from Muscle Beach, Venice Beach itself is worth a stroll on. The sand is as well-maintained as the body builders, and if you're keen for a swim, there are lifeguards on patrol during daylight hours. You can hire surf boards here too if you want to emulate the Beach Boys.

Venice Beach is 30 kilometres from downtown LA on the coast between Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. There are car parks next to the beach but they do fill up quickly.

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Reviews of Venice Beach

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
44
5 - Excellent 30%
4 - Good
66
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
19
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
16
2 - Disappointing 11%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 3%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It's a bit tacky! The walks along the canals behind the beach are much quieter and very pleasant.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Not sure what I expected but its a collection of people selling 'art' and services

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Venice Beach itself is lovely ... it was great to watch the skateboarders in the skate park. Unfortunately Muscle Beach was closed for renovations when we visited, however the area is full of homeless people and begging, during the day it felt safe as there were lots of people around however it’s not somewhere I would go in the evening.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very busy. Lots going on. Pubs full of young people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go muscle beach. Its very entertaining. Body buiders show off to music

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Santa Monica is better if you only have time for one or the other.

Popular places to visit


Top Venice Beach Hotel Deals

Venice Breeze Suites

Venice Breeze Suites

3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue, Venice, CA
Venice Breeze Suites
Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

4 out of 5
1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA
Hotel Erwin Venice Beach
Venice V Hotel

Venice V Hotel

3 out of 5
5 Westminster Avenue, Suite 118, Venice, CA
Venice V Hotel
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

2 out of 5
25 Windward Ave, Venice, CA
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel
Venice Suites

Venice Suites

3 out of 5
417 OceanFront Walk, Venice, CA
Venice Suites
Air Venice on the Beach

Air Venice on the Beach

3 out of 5
5 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA
Air Venice on the Beach
South Venice Lodge

South Venice Lodge

2 out of 5
440 S Venice Blvd, Venice, CA
South Venice Lodge
Venice on the Beach Hotel

Venice on the Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2819 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
Venice on the Beach Hotel
The Inn at Venice Beach

The Inn at Venice Beach

3 out of 5
327 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA
The Inn at Venice Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Venice Beach

Venice Beach offers a vibrant array of activities, including stunning sunsets, roller-skating, and surfing. Visitors can explore lively music venues, engage in matches at volleyball courts, and admire local art at various galleries. The bustling boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll, while event spaces frequently host exciting happenings. This eclectic beach destination promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a vibrant shopping area only 1.3km from Venice Beach. Jadis, a charming store, is just 1.6km away. If you're up for a drive, Westfield Century City, 9.7km away, offers a wider selection of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at SoFi Stadium, just 12.9km from Venice Beach, where you can catch a thrilling sporting event. For ultimate relaxation, visit Trilogy Spa, renowned for its soothing treatments and serene vibes, also located 12.9km away. Alternatively, catch a game at Campus El Segundo, 11.3km from the beach.

Adventure

At OnRope Consulting, located 3.2km from Venice Beach, you can enjoy exhilarating climbing experiences amidst a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. For underwater adventures, Eco Dive Center, 6.4km away, offers thrilling scuba diving opportunities. Meanwhile, the scenic Nicholas Flat Trail, 4.8km from the beach, promises breathtaking hiking adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Venice Beach with a trip to the TCL Chinese Theatre, where romance and entertainment await. For a touch of culture, visit the Dolby Theatre and Pantages Theatre, both offering captivating performances just a short distance away, perfect for family outings or a romantic evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Venice Beach

Venice Beach, California, offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of traveller, from culture enthusiasts to families seeking fun. Explore the sun-kissed beach, stroll along the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, and relax in Venice Beach Park. This vibrant urban area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere while enjoying the stunning coastal views.

  • Santa Monica Beach: Located only 3.2km from Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with its golden sands and lively beach vibes. Enjoy sunbathing, beach sports, or simply taking in the stunning ocean views.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Just 3.2km away from Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier features a charming jetty with friendly people vibes. Explore the amusement park, enjoy local eateries, and take a leisurely stroll while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
  • Kia Forum: Situated 12.9km from Venice Beach, the Kia Forum is an entertainment hub that radiates family-friendly vibes. Attend concerts or events in this iconic arena, ensuring a memorable night out with loved ones.

Best time to go to Venice Beach

The best time to visit Venice Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Venice Beach

To save money on your trip to Venice Beach, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for a stay on a Monday, as Saturday is the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare prices and refine your preferences, and consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for the best deals. Additionally, take advantage of free activities along the beach and explore the area on foot to minimise transport costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Venice Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Venice Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Venice Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and chosen type of accommodation. To discover the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Venice Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.