Exploring Venice Beach, California: A Guide to the Best Attractions & Hidden Gems

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a hot spot for fun and entertainment.  A prominent feature in movies and television shows from “Barbie” to “Baywatch,” this world-renowned promenade is packed with sidewalk vendors, street performers, eclectic shops and beachfront cafes. As you stroll the paved pathway, you’ll encounter plenty of beach access for sunbathing and surfing and a skate park attracting skaters from around the world. Take in some dazzling tricks and flips or rent a board and join in the fun if you dare.

Next, strike a pose or pump some iron at legendary Muscle Beach, known to attract Arnold Schwarzenegger from time to time. When you’re ready to refuel, The Sidewalk Café, a celebrated fixture for over 40 years, provides a front row seat to all the beach has to offer. Nestled next door is Small World Books, one of the last surviving independent bookstores in Los Angeles – perfect for those who want to curl up with a good read on the beach. Spend time admiring the Venice Art Walls adorned with ever-changing graffiti and murals. Feeling inspired? The oceanfront concrete walls are free to paint every weekend for visitors and artists on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss the energetic drum circles and sunset jams that also electrify the boardwalk on weekends. 

Located at 80 Windward Avenue, just steps from the boardwalk, the iconic Venice Sign dangles above the intersection. This must-have photo op is a modern recreation of the original 1905 landmark installed by Abbot Kinney, the 19th century visionary who built Venice. To capture the perfect shot, wait for the traffic light to turn and then quickly pose in front of the sign before cars begin moving again in about 30 seconds. After snapping your photos, stroll along Windward Avenue to explore the vintage shops and hip restaurants and bars. Sip a craft cocktail at Townhouse Venice, the neighborhood’s oldest bar that once served as a prohibition speakeasy, or cozy up with a glass of wine beneath the Venice sign at Gran Blanco.

Whether you’re seeking high-end fashion or visiting Felix Trattoria for some of the best pizza and handmade pasta in the city, Abbot Kinney Boulevard offers a captivating mix of shopping, dining and cultural experiences. It’s known for its upscale shops housed in both Craftsman-style bungalows and modern architectural spaces. Visitors can browse international flagship stores and boho-chic boutiques and savor a dining scene with top-notch establishments and trendy cafes attracting celebrities, foodies and locals. The street comes alive with events such as First Fridays when it transforms into a lively late-night market featuring food trucks, live music and extended shopping hours. The Abbot Kinney Festival draws thousands to the boulevard each fall with immersive entertainment, artisanal vendors, delicious food, live music, one-of-a-kind art, beer gardens and more.

Venice is named for the scenic canals lining its neighborhoods, constructed in admiration of the California town’s namesake in Italy. Visitors are welcome to explore the six canals, a fraction of the original waterways that remain from 1905. Take an idyllic stroll on Dell Avenue to admire arched pedestrian bridges, charming houses and adorable ducklings. This enchanting neighborhood has been featured in films and television shows like "Valentine's Day" and "Role Models." For an immersive experience, rent a kayak, paddleboard or gondola to explore the canals.

The Venice Walk Streets are another peaceful detour from boardwalk crowds. These four pedestrian-only streets – Crescent Place, Amorosa Place, Marco Place and Nowita Place – are a 15-minute walk from the beach. Originally traversed by entertainers from the Venice Pier in the early 1900s and now lined with high-end houses (including some celebrity homes), these streets feature beautifully landscaped gardens, unique artifacts and shaded pathways.

Continue your escape from reality with a visit to the whimsical Mosaic Tile House. Its eye-catching exterior, adorned with mirrors and tiles, beckons passersby to discover the wonderland that waits inside. Every inch of the property, from the pathways to the archways and sculptures, is covered in intricate, hand-crafted tiles. The private home is only open for tours on Saturdays and visitors must email in advance for reservations.

Venice Beach is 30 kilometers away from the airport. Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and rent a car or use rideshare the rest of the way. The drive typically takes less than an hour.