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Venice Boardwalk A carnivalesque 1.4-mile pedestrian walkway bursting with frenetic weirdness, the Venice Boardwalk is one of LA's prime gawker destinations. Los Angeles United States 33.993722 -118.479668

3.9 75

Venice Boardwalk - Beach | Culture | Outdoor Activity | Shopping Area in Los Angeles.

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71 User Reviews

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Emma

Party Earth Review A carnivalesque 1.4-mile pedestrian walkway bursting with frenetic weirdness, the Venice Boardwalk is one of LA’s prime gawker destinations. A whirlwind of activity keeps shutterbugs busy, while tourists crowd around storefronts... ... read full review

Neighborhood:

Venice
Address:

Ocean Front Walk, between Navy Street to the north and Washington Boulevard to the south
Venice, CA 90291

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Links:
Official Website

Hours:

24/7, though most of the retail businesses close around sunset.
Recommended as:
- Day Spot

First to review Sridevi R.

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Venice Boardwalk Schedule of Events

July 2013

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Jul04Thu

Jul 4, 10:00AM

Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach - Awards Show Event in Los Angeles.

Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach 2013

Awards Show Event / Swimwear

10:00 am

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Party Earth Venice Boardwalk Review

The Scene

A carnivalesque 1.4-mile pedestrian walkway bursting with frenetic weirdness, the Venice Boardwalk is one of LA's prime gawker destinations.

Venice, Los Angeles –

A carnivalesque 1.4-mile pedestrian walkway bursting with frenetic weirdness, the Venice Boardwalk is one of LA’s prime gawker destinations.

A whirlwind of activity keeps shutterbugs busy, while tourists crowd around storefronts to peruse the cheap knickknacks, postcards, handicrafts, t-shirts, and knock-off sunglasses.

Savvier locals, on the other hand, spend their time soaking up the sun at the open-air cafés and beer gardens or making the rounds of the various tattoo parlors, smoke shops, and marijuana doctors.

Boom boxes and impromptu drum circles provide the beat for the walk itself, where bikini-clad rollerbladers glide by painted performers, cyclists enjoy their own parallel track, and joggers dodge the maze of hustlers and panhandlers.

Both sunbathers and transients set up camp on the grassy patches along the beach side of the walk or on the wide sandy beach itself, while more athletic types skateboard, spike volleyballs, shoot hoops, surf the breakers, or get a day pass to Muscle Beach to work on their massive pecs.

Abuzz with activity during the day, the area dies down around sunset when the vendors close up shop and a seedier air prevails.

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Tip from Emma:

Take a mini boardwalk pub crawl! Start off with cheap drinks, apps and live music at the Sidewalk Café and then head to Boardwalk Café where their Happy Hour goes till close and Bud pitchers are only seven bucks!

Crowd

Locals and tourists of all types and ages.
Entertainment / Music

Street performers, musicians, street ball hoops, periodic weightlifting competitions.
Food / Miscellaneous

Countless restaurants and cafés along the boardwalk and side streets. Jewelry dealers and artists set up shop on the grass along the boardwalk. Assorted public parking lots and street parking throughout the area.
Prices

Access to the boardwalk is free. Food prices range from modest to upscale.

What to Wear / Dress Code

Anything goes. Most people are in beachwear.
Hot Nights / When to Go

Any afternoon. Most energetic on weekends. Busiest in summer, but the crowds flock here year-round.
Close By

The best daytime drinking spots include the beer garden at On The Waterfront Café (205 Ocean Front Walk) and the outdoor patio at The Venice Whaler (10 Washington Boulevard). The swanky bar at the High Rooftop Lounge (1697 Pacific Avenue) offers one of the best sunset views in town. The lively Townhouse Bar (52 Windward Avenue) features a popular burlesque dancer show on Wednesday nights.

Tags:: All AgesAll TypesAnything goesArtistsBarsBasketballBikersBritish FoodBurgersCafésChinese FoodFreeFrench FoodGreek FoodHot DogsIndian FoodItalian FoodJapanese FoodLocalsMediterranean FoodMexican FoodMiddle Eastern FoodMusiciansPizzaRestaurantsSandwichesSeafoodSkatersSpanish FoodSportySteakStreet PerformersSunbathersSurfingTapasThai FoodTouristsVolleyball

Venice Boardwalk User Reviews

Roberto Monico Jun 11, 2013 3.0 stars West Coast Incarnate Seriously, I heard this about 10 times walking down the boardwalk. If you want a Medical Marijua Card, this might be the place to go to! This however is just part of the unique vibe of Venice Beach. There are all kinds of restaurants, souvenirs shops, and art stands that will make the liberal hippie in you make you want to run away from home and just sell art by the beach. The Venice Boardwalk is impressive and unique more for its free spirited idealism than anything else. Any of the things here could easily set up shop somewhere else but the core of it all would be gone. The boardwalk is a place I enjoy checking out with friends who have never been just to see their reactions. Venice captures a very significant part of the West Coast Easy Living VIbe and makes it tangible through its various trinkets and street performers. It is fun every now and then but if you come here to often you will either find yourself consumed by the culture and actually become a part of it or you will grow bored. Luckily however the boardwalk isn't the only thing there is to amuse yourself. You have skate parks, basketball courts, Muscle Beach, drum circles and if that isn't enough the entire Pacific Ocean is staring at you in the face. Definitely check out Venice and all its magic and wonder and you might just spark some lost or hidden creative fire inside you.

racheyco Jun 3, 2013 4.0 stars Fun, funky and unforgettable Venice beach boardwalk is a can't-miss spot for first-time tourists or an endlessly repeatable trip for natives and locals. Venice Beach Boardwalk's vibes are world famous, with good reason. The Venice Beach Boardwalk represents everything quintessentially LA and SoCal, from the palm trees surrounding the skate park to the head shops and sunglasses stands. It's always worth the trip to Venice just for the boardwalk, you'll have enough to do, see, eat, drink, and shop for regardless of whether you hit the actual sand strip or feel the surf. The best part of Venice Beach Boardwalk is the view- the ocean is simply a backdrop for the endless parade of carnival street performers. Hear jokes from the world's greatest Wino, choose sides in a breakdance battle, or scope out the body builders. Venice Beach Boardwalk is an LA landmark you can't miss!

Daniela Mayock Jun 3, 2013 3.0 stars Very cool, alternative vibe The scene at the Venice Boardwalk is very cool and colorful; it’s a mixture of rasta and edgy. There is fantastic art on display—people sell beautiful hand painted skateboards and posters and figurines. The street performers are entertaining, and they range from generica hip hop dancers to a man who sticks a nail through his nose. There is also good shopping, if you’re into bohemian-type clothing. I recommend renting rollerblades and skating around. And if you don’t want to rollerblade, you can always watch other skaters at the skate rink. If you’re want to get a body piercing, there are several piercing and tattoo shops along the boardwalk. This is a very fun place to go if you’re looking for a beach with an alternative vibe.

silent471 May 22, 2013 3.0 stars Artsy Venice Boardwalk is an interesting place to be at. Every time I have gone, it's always been full of people. They have lots of little shops on one side selling souvenir type T-shirts. On the other side, some vendors sell hand made stuff like bracelets. Some vendors paint a caricature of you and other vendors paint a beautiful scenery on the spot. There is a number of tattoo shops as well. Some of the tattoo shops also do piercings. Venice Boardwalk is a nice place to take a date and explore the artsy liberal environment around you. It's right next to the beach and the pier so you can check that out right after. There is a number of bars and eateries in the area so you can grab a bite while enjoying your day out. You will also run into some street performers. Make sure to have a couple of dollars on you to tip, because they gotta get paid too.

Nancy Diaz May 15, 2013 3.0 stars enjoy the breeze this is a fun place to go walk and enjoy the beach breeze. while walking you see so many little shops that sell souvenirs. this place is fun to go if you just want to hang out and not to anything that crazy.

Kristian Jenkins May 13, 2013 3.0 stars Take a boardwalk on the wild side! If it's a taste of authentic inauthentic LA life you want then a saunter down the Venice Boardwalk is an absolute must. In fact any visit to The Angels would be left incomplete without it. Make sure you come armed with your wits and a willingness to haggle and hustle though, because without them you might be left out of pocket by the plethora of inexpensive stores full of vintage clothing and dubious hats and sunglasses. Not to mention the countless independent stands offering everything from original paintings and sculptures to spiritual enlightenment and psychic certainty, on the beach side. Bars, cafes and food outlets are in the plentiful supply, and if you just want to chill beach side then there is no shortage of sitting space on the golden sand. But above all else the boardwalk is a people watching persons paradise. Tattooed tantrics, rollicking roller bladers, mystical musicians and savvy street entertainers will keep your eyes popping all afternoon, and if it's the under world you yearn then hang around until after dark and wait for the freaks to come out. If you want to feel LA life in the raw then come and talk a walk down the boardwalk!

Samuel Sandoval May 12, 2013 3.0 stars A Balanced Blend of People Venice Boardwalk is a really cool place to be and the performers are very entertaining. Venice borders Santa Monica, and the walk between the two is relatively short which makes it accessible to tourists. That being said, the local community has a sizable presence on the boardwalk, so be prepared for a major culture shock. Make sure to go during the weekends and in the day time to get the most out of your experience. If you go during the weekdays, you won't see all the amazing performers. If you go at night, it can get a bit sketch. Also, beware if you're LGBT. My boyfriend and I get a lot of looks every time we go there, and we hear anti gay derogatory words a lot, too.

Sandra Casillas May 5, 2013 3.0 stars Truly a new experience Venice boardwalk is a place like no other. It is a place full of diverse people and cultures. Surrounded by peculiar shops all along the boardwalk, Venice is definitely an interesting sight. You'll be surrounded by people doing acts such as walking on glass, performing crazy stunts, or simply singing and playing instruments. Nonetheless, these performers will give you a show you won't forget. While Venice boardwalk may not be a typical sight you're used to, give it a moment and embrace your surroundings. You're bound to form great memories and stories to share about your experience at the Venice Boardwalk.

Janna Wenz Apr 29, 2013 3.0 stars An experience you won't get anywhere else Venice boardwalk is a site to see at least once. As you walk around you will see several thrift shops and cheap food while enjoying beautiful weather on the beach. It is true that there are several homeless people, young artists trying to sell their music, "doctors" who are trying to sell you cannabis medical cards and weirdos everywhere, but is it all a part of the strangeness of the Venice boardwalk. You will see people performing tricks, covered in body paint and rollerblading in bikinis. You can shop around for clothes and there are tobacco pipe shops everywhere! If you like to ride your bike or skateboard, there is a path for that separately alongside the boardwalk. If you would rather relax in the sand on the beach it is only a few steps away. Don't visit Los Angeles without stopping to check out the Venice boardwalk.

Steph Dotson Apr 1, 2013 3.0 stars The Heart of Los Angeles If Venice Boardwalk could be described in one word it would be unique. There is nothing quite like this place anywhere in the world. People from all walks of life come to Venice to relax, eat, shop, sell and explore. If you love to people watch, this is the place to go. If you walk far enough you can catch some serious street basketball games on the boardwalk courts. Walk a little further and you’ll see some body builders lifting weights at Muscle Beach. Expect to stop for some awesome street performances and to run into a few characters. Everywhere you turn there are people selling really cool art, trying to convert you to their religion, or offering you a "green" marijuana card. If you're looking for a high energy and very interesting place to spend the day, head to Venice. If the boardwalk gets a bit crazy take a break from the crowds and head to the beach! A must see for anyone hoping to get the Los Angeles experience.

shimon moshehai Mar 28, 2013 4.0 stars Classic California There is nowhere on earth with the rich culture, history, and people like Venice Beach Boardwalk. Set aside at least a couple of hours to visit this classic California tourist attraction. Parking might be a bit of a problem, but paid parking is always an option. The boardwalk is lined with tourist stores, containing a bunch of shirts and souvenirs to buy. The real, authentic merchandise is the art. Venice Beach Boardwalk is flooded with artists and street performers who sell their services and products. Most of these are amazing, one of a kind, and they make very good gifts for friends back home. The laid-back atmosphere is only emphasized by the aroma of incense and sight of beach bums just laying out. If you walk a little farther down you will be able to catch Muscle Beach, a huge outdoor gym famous for its ridiculously muscular members. If you want to catch a bite to eat, Venice is flooded with cafes and random food stops, including delicacies such as FRIED PIZZA! All in all, Venice beach is a MUST SEE if you are visiting.

Jasmit Nijjar Mar 26, 2013 3.0 stars A Blend of Different People The Venice boardwalk is such an amazing place. So much happens here. When I don’t feel like being in the water I love just walking the boardwalk. You meet so many different characters of people. You see so many people trying to sell the most random stuff. The eating-places here are really good. I love going to the pizza place to order pizza and taking it to go while I walk the boardwalk. There are some creepy and weird people there but I feel that just having a mix of everything makes this place a good place to be at. It’s right next to the beach so you can go to the beach whenever you finish exploring.

Teresa Pilon Mar 26, 2013 3.0 stars Ocean Front Tattoo if you want a piercing! The great thing about the Venice Beach Boardwalk is that you can have a unique beach day without swimming or having to spend a lot of (or any!) money. There is so much to see and do as you walk around. Local artists and craftsmen sell their work which is usually pretty cheap and cool to just look at. If you're looking to get something pierced, check out Ocean Front Tattoo and in particular ask for Myke. The store kind of looks like a hole in the wall with a bunch of tattooed guys, but the staff is very professional and friendly and they do a really good job.

Kate Krasileva Mar 25, 2013 3.0 stars LA Landmark Venice Boardwalk is by far the most unique location in Los Angeles. Although it is a destination for tourists, many locals hang out there as well. The boardwalk stretches for a couple of miles along the beach and is filled with vendors, street performers, and food stands. It is great for people watching and you will undoubtedly see some odd sites. The shopping is pretty good, there are souvenir stores as well as some regular shops. Good See has a very large selection of quality eyewear and is worth stopping by for prescription lenses or sunglasses. The boardwalk is also great for bike riding and skateboarding.

Kevin Kim Mar 22, 2013 4.0 stars GREAT DATE SPOT Tall palm trees, graffiti on the wall, and muscle dudes... We're at Venice Beach Boardwalk! It was my first time exploring Venice Beach Boardwalk and I must say this place is amazing! We were able to find a parking lot literally a block away from the boardwalk!!! We came here hungry and ready to pig out! There are plenty of places to eat around the boardwalk! Mediterranean cuisine, Chinese take out, Hawaiian poke, fresh fruit vendors, and smoothie stands can be found here just to name a few. There are also plenty of souvenir shops to check out and we saw several smoke shops here as well! There are so many activities around the Boardwalk! They have a skate park, basketball courts, and even a children's playground (so even with all the weirdos and bums around the beach, it still has that family friendly feel to it)! Overall, we had a great time here! I'd recommend making a stop at this famed beach/boardwalk if you are nearby. Who cares about the traffic?! It's worth it!

Bobbi Gould Mar 13, 2013 4.0 stars If you like the circus, you'll love the Venice Boardwalk! This is by far my most absolute favorite place in all of LA. I love the fact that you can take a walk on the beach, grab a bite to eat, check out amazing artwork, watch the skaters at the infamous skate park, see street performers, or just lollygag around and buy yourself a new pair of sunglasses at one of the hundreds of shops. Can you say variety?! Gawking at the wide array of people is enough to keep anyone busy. There are jacked up men on muscle beach that I don't think have left since 1983 and some people just trying to charge others a $1 for advice to make an extra buck. It's hilarious! Make no mistake though, it's not super kid friendly. There are SO many pot clinics you wont believe your eyes, but I suppose we all have to make a living somehow. Overall, it's a MUST SEE!

laurenkimmykim Mar 7, 2013 3.0 stars Artsy & Hipster Venice Beach is a pretty unique place that you won't want to miss if you're ever in the area. You'll run into a whole spectrum of different people, and there are usually street performers and artists who make it more than your average beach experience. Plus, there are tennis courts and an outdoor workout area where body builders come and look fit. Plus, there are plenty of little stands out that sell trinkets, artworks, snacks, etc. (There especially seem to be a lot of henna tattoo and smoke shops.) Most likely, you'll run into some people asking for change, and that's just part of the experience.

Duane Luu Mar 4, 2013 3.0 stars cool shops, good food, great vibe The boardwalk at Venice Beach is one of the many reasons why Venice is my absolute favorite beach in the world. The boardwalk has a lot to offer in terms of shops, restaurants, and even medicinal marijuana providers (if you are into that kind of thing…). The people there are very chill, relaxed folks who typically are pretty friendly. Some can be kind of weird, but that just fits with the weird nature of Venice Beach itself. While walking down the boardwalk, you can get your palm read, buy a pair of shades, get some henna, and purchase some bomb sweet potato fries. It’s one of the most fun boardwalks out there, and to me definitely the best in LA.

Erin Standen Feb 20, 2013 3.0 stars Go in with the right attitude The Venice Boardwalk is unlike any other place in the world-- full of free spirits, fun retail, and an amazing CA beachy vibe. That being said, it's also full of weird performers, medical marijuana dispensaries, and t-shirts with crude language on them. All of that can be quite an amusing spectacle, but only if you come to the boardwalk with a relaxed frame of mind.

sobaybb Feb 19, 2013 2.0 stars For Tourists and First-timers If you've been to the boardwalk once or twice before, it kind of starts to lose its charm. As a tourist, it's a fun environment unlike any other place, at least that I've seen, with a mix of street performers, vendors and a beach environment. However, it's also dirty, crowded and it doesn't tend to change much. Not a place you can frequent and still enjoy like the first time.

Nile Cappello Jan 31, 2013 3.0 stars A Must-See in LA Attracting the free-spirits, the curious tourists, and the local artists alike, the Venice Boardwalk is an eclectic beachside community. Known for muscle beach, tattoo shops, and a fair share of "crazies," a walk down the boardwalk is guaranteed to provide an entertainment-filled day away from the glitz and glamour of LA. The key to enjoying the Venice Boardwalk is to visit with an open and friendly attitude- if you are uncomfortable being approach by street vendors or avoiding 90s-inspired rollerbladers, you're likely to feel like a fish out of water on this easygoing oceanside strip. Be willing to venture into smoke shops and tourist traps alike, try some snacks or a drink from a boardwalk shack, and ask a street artist about the inspiration for their sculptures. If you get overwhelmed, duck off the boardwalk and onto one of southern California's signature beaches. An iconic hotspot featured in tv shows, movies, and songs alike, the Venice Boardwalk lives up to its world-famous reputation- there is no better place in LA to soak up some sun and culture.

Franchesca Davis Jan 22, 2013 4.0 stars LA's Melting Pot New Orleans has Bourbon Street, New York City has Time Square, Las Vegas has The Strip and Los Angeles has the Venice Boardwalk. filled with a diverse variety of pedestrians, entertainers and more, walking along this boardwalk will provide an interesting site to see if you love people watching. From tourists to locals, the Boardwalk does not fail to entertain leaving a diverse group of people. Have anxiety? Have no fear, the marijuana doctor on the Boardwalk can help you with that. Have an urge to get a tattoo well the Boardwalk has tattoo artists eager to get you to express yourself. You can either buy souvenirs, food, handcrafts or more when walking along the Boardwalk. You also have the option of sunbathing along the beautiful beach as you watch the sunset. Meanwhile, in the background you will hear different conversations and music from the people brought to the beach. Every now and then there are some dance offs and skateboard contests. You have the choice to go during the buzzing atmosphere of the day or settling at night while the craziness dies down to watch the sunset on the beach. It's always nice to ride your bike as well as people watching along the Boardwalk. This place is guaranteed to leave you fascinated.

Elyse Blye Jan 3, 2013 4.0 stars Weirdos and Weirdo Admirers Welcome Any preconceived notion about a mid-afternoon stroll will surely be jerked around and twisted inside out once you’ve walked Ocean Front Walk, otherwise known as the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Packed with dread lock–adorned hippie art vendors, gimmicky storefront merchants, and poster-bearing locals trying to make a living through the mundane—“I need cannabis”—to the magnificent—“Need money 4 penis enlargement. Wanna be a porn star”—this place is nothing short of a feast for the senses. It’s easy to get by here with little to no money and still feel like you’ve quelled those pesky feelings of normalcy, boredom, or hunger. Spend a few hours being classy at the Venice Beach Freakshow, which reportedly has the largest collection of two-headed animals in the entire world; get in touch with your inner landscape architect by visiting the World’s Smallest Front Yard (and yes, it’s what it sounds like); or just take a harmless gander at the abundance of well-oiled glutei maximi belonging to those who frequent Muscle Beach. Don’t be surprised though if you find yourself being eyed by someone and aren’t sure if you’ve been identified as their next pick-pocketing victim or a potential customer who will submit to hearing about the vegan lifestyle and correlated health benefits of organic coconut milk. Venice Beach Boardwalk—if you love to people watch or get a kick out of the unexpected and uninhibited, this is where you want to be.

FISHNETS Dec 12, 2012 4.0 stars You Must! If you're only going to go to one tourist trap walk while you're in Los Angeles it has to be Venice Beach. While not the most chic of strolls, it is the ultimate people watching walk as you pass pretty much every walk of life you can possibly imagine in one place. Pass by Muscle Beach to check out the meatheads pumping iron, or the basketball courts to watch local kids play pick up games. If you're feeling adventurous there are plenty of places for you to get a tattoo or if you're less committal - a henna tattoo. Plus there are plenty of street excellent street performers to watch or sexy people skating or biking along the boardwalk. Definitely check this out for a one of a kind Cali experience.

Skyler Swezy Dec 4, 2012 4.0 stars The Venice Walk and Gawk The Venice Boardwalk is a feast for the eyes. This 1.4-mile pedestrian pathway is a parade of weirdness and an excellent place to ogle. One can visit a psychic, get a tattoo and witness a street performer eat broken glass without travelling 50ft. The bustling walkway is lined with shops hawking cheap sunglasses, novelty T-shirts, baroque bongs and tourist trinkets. A steady flow of bronze chests and bikini tops zip along a separate bike path on rented beach cruisers and rollerblades. Past this, a field of sand stretches to the Pacific’s edge. Savvy visitors often sip suds and observe from one of the many restaurant patios as hustlers, buskers and street vendors crone to sensory-shocked tourists shuffling past. Although vagabonds and gutter punks laze in the grass, the beach is also a mecca of outdoor activity. Locals come out for the public basketball courts, skate park, graffiti wall and surf worthy waves. At Muscle Beach, body builders blast their biceps as Midwestern grannies stare at their tan fannies. Often, the sun sets to the friendly rhythm of a drum circle on the beach but when the shops close and darkness falls, the transient vibe becomes a tad sketchy. Making it a perfect time to head toward Santa Monica’s nightlife on Main St.

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Venice Boardwalk Schedule of Events

July 2013

Party Earth Venice Boardwalk Review

The Scene

Tip from Emma:

Crowd

Entertainment / Music

Food / Miscellaneous

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Hot Nights / When to Go

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