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.
