Venice Beach Boardwalk
A vibrant, eclectic, and iconic stretch of LA coastline filled with street performers, artists, and unique shops.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak energy and performances
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Best Time
Peak energy and performances

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, eclectic, and iconic stretch of LA coastline filled with street performers, artists, and unique shops.
"It's a sensory explosion of street performers, artists, shops, and eclectic characters."
🚶♀️ Explore the Canals
Don't miss the serene Venice Canals, a peaceful contrast to the boardwalk's energy.
🚲 Bike the Beach Path
Rent a bike for cheap and cruise to Santa Monica Pier. Great way to see more!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Venice Beach Boardwalk
Ocean Front Walk
A sensory explosion of street performers, artists, shops, and eclectic characters. A true LA experience!

Venice Canals Historic District
Adjacent to the Boardwalk
Idyllic, picturesque canals with charming bridges and homes. A peaceful escape from the boardwalk's energy.

Muscle Beach
South end of the Boardwalk
Outdoor gym where you can watch bodybuilders train and athletes perform incredible feats.

Venice Skatepark
Adjacent to Muscle Beach
Watch talented skaters perform tricks at this iconic, oceanfront skatepark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Daytime Delights, Nighttime Caution
Beyond the Boardwalk Buzz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore the Canals
Don't miss the serene Venice Canals, a peaceful contrast to the boardwalk's energy.
🚲 Bike the Beach Path
Rent a bike for cheap and cruise to Santa Monica Pier. Great way to see more!
💰 Cash is King
Many shops and food vendors on the boardwalk are cash-only.
🌃 Avoid After Dark
The boardwalk is best enjoyed during the day; it can feel unsafe at night.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Canals
Don't miss the serene Venice Canals, a peaceful contrast to the boardwalk's energy.
🚲 Bike the Beach Path
Rent a bike for cheap and cruise to Santa Monica Pier. Great way to see more!
💰 Cash is King
Many shops and food vendors on the boardwalk are cash-only.
🌃 Avoid After Dark
The boardwalk is best enjoyed during the day; it can feel unsafe at night.
🎨 Discover Mosaic Tile House
A unique, hidden gem covered in colorful mosaics. Book tickets in advance!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Venice Beach Boardwalk is a vibrant, eclectic, and often chaotic experience, celebrated for its unique street performers, artists, and lively atmosphere. While many enjoy the daytime spectacle and nearby canals, some visitors caution against visiting after dark due to safety concerns. The area offers a quintessential LA beach vibe, but can be overwhelming for some.
"The Venice Boardwalk is pure California energy — vibrant, eclectic, and full of life. Strolling along the beach with the ocean breeze in the air, you’ll find street performers, local artists, quirky shops, and plenty of great food options all in one place.
The atmosphere is a mix of laid-back surf culture and buzzing creativity. You can watch skaters at the famous Venice Skate Park, check out incredible murals, or just people-watch — which might be the best entertainment of all."
Lucas Casaletto
"Venice Beach Boardwalk is such a fun place to explore! There’s so much to see—from unique street vendors and talented performers to the gorgeous beach views. It has such an energetic, artsy vibe that makes it a great spot for people-watching or just soaking it all in.
You can rent bikes or scooters and cruise along the bike lane that runs right next to the beach—it’s such a fun way to explore the area. Just a quick note: parking near the beach isn’t free. I paid about $18, so be prepared for that if you’re driving in."
Rebecca G
"Pretty cool place. Tons of touristy shops, clothing shops, and carnival type food. If you look hard enough, you can find a couple good restaurants.
There are homeless people, but they kept to themselves. Many vendors, but not pushy. A couple times CD peddlers tried to push their music at me, but I ignored them.
There are occasional restrooms, they didn't seem gross. The walking paths are nice, and there is boardwalk access to the beach."
Jason Adamson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Venice Beach Boardwalk via car, bus, or the Metro Expo Line. Parking can be challenging and expensive, so consider ride-sharing or public transport. The Metro Expo Line will take you to the Downtown Santa Monica station, from which you can walk or bike to Venice.
Yes, there are several parking lots near the boardwalk, but they fill up quickly and can be pricey. Some Reddit users suggest parking further away and walking or biking, or using public transport like the bus or Expo Line to avoid parking hassles.
Absolutely! It's about a 3-mile walk along the beach path. You can also rent bikes or use the Big Blue Bus for a return trip if you don't want to walk back.
Yes, the Metro Expo Line is a good option to avoid parking issues. You can also take various bus routes that stop near the boardwalk.
Renting a bike or using a ride-sharing service are popular options. For a budget-friendly choice, consider the Metro Bike app for hourly rentals to explore the boardwalk and beyond.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Venice Beach Boardwalk itself is free to enter and explore. However, some attractions or specific venues along the boardwalk may have their own admission fees.
The boardwalk is generally accessible 24/7, but shops and vendors typically operate from late morning to early evening. The atmosphere changes significantly after dark.
The Venice Canals Historic District is a public area and does not require tickets to visit. You can stroll along the pathways and admire the scenery freely.
The Mosaic Tile House typically charges around $20 per person for tours, which are usually available on Saturdays. It's recommended to book your visit in advance.
Yes, watching the street performers, visiting Muscle Beach, and exploring the skatepark are all free activities. The vibrant atmosphere itself is a major draw.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can watch street performers, browse unique shops, visit Muscle Beach, check out the skatepark, and explore the nearby Venice Canals. It's a place for people-watching and soaking in the eclectic atmosphere.
During the day, it's generally considered safe with a lot of people around. However, many travelers advise against visiting after dark due to safety concerns. Stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas if you do stay late.
Casual, comfortable clothing is best. Think beachwear, shorts, t-shirts, and comfortable shoes for walking. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential.
The boardwalk is filled with eclectic shops selling souvenirs, art, clothing, and unique crafts. It's more about the browsing experience than specific must-visit stores.
While Venice Beach is a popular spot, some visitors note that the water quality isn't always the best for swimming. For cleaner water, consider heading further north towards Santa Monica.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous casual eateries, food trucks, and bars directly on the boardwalk. For more diverse options, explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard for trendy restaurants or nearby spots like Hinano Cafe for burgers or The Whaler for a lively atmosphere.
Yes, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, located near the boardwalk, is known for its upscale and trendy dining scene, offering a variety of cuisines and a more refined experience compared to the boardwalk.
Food trucks and casual stands along the boardwalk offer more budget-friendly choices. Look for taco trucks or simple burger joints. Many places on the boardwalk are cash-only.
Yes, Hotel Erwin has a popular rooftop lounge with ocean views, perfect for sunset drinks. The Whaler also offers a rooftop patio.
You'll find a mix of classic beach fare like burgers and fries, alongside diverse options from food trucks and nearby restaurants, including tacos, ceviche, and international cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful murals, street performers, the Venice Canals, Muscle Beach, and the skatepark all offer great photo opportunities. The vibrant and eclectic atmosphere provides endless visual interest.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. However, the boardwalk is most lively during the day, providing ample subjects for candid shots.
The Mosaic Tile House is a truly unique and visually stunning spot, covered from floor to ceiling in intricate mosaics.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing the wide range of scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the boardwalk's expansive views, and a telephoto can help with candid shots of performers.
While candid photography is common, be mindful of privacy. It's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of individuals, especially performers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a calmer experience, the Venice Canals provide a safe and picturesque area for a family stroll. Renting bikes is also a great way for families to explore the coastline together, perhaps heading towards the Santa Monica Pier. Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water, as it can get hot and sunny.
💰 Budget Travelers
For affordable eats, seek out the numerous food trucks and casual vendors on the boardwalk – many are cash-only and offer good value. Renting a bike with the Metro Bike app is also a cost-effective way to explore the area and beyond, often cheaper than parking.
👫 Couples
Abbot Kinney Boulevard provides a more upscale dining and shopping experience, ideal for a date night. Exploring the unique shops and enjoying a nice dinner there can be a great way to spend an evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Venice Beach Scene
Beyond the main drag, the Venice Canals Historic District offers a serene escape. This charming neighborhood, designed in the early 20th century, features picturesque canals, arched bridges, and beautiful homes. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and a stark contrast to the boardwalk's vibrant chaos.
For those looking to be active, renting a bike is highly recommended. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs along the coast, connecting Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier and beyond. It's a fantastic way to cover more ground and enjoy the ocean views.
Safety and Best Practices
If you do choose to stay after sunset, stick to well-lit areas and stay close to other people. Avoid displaying expensive items or flashy jewelry, and keep your valuables secure. The beach itself can become a resting place for the homeless population overnight, so it's generally not recommended to linger there after dark.
During the day, the boardwalk is generally safe and bustling with activity. The key is to maintain situational awareness. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, but be mindful of your personal belongings and trust your instincts.
Culinary Delights and Local Haunts
For a more refined dining experience, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, often referred to as the 'coolest block in America.' Here, you'll find a plethora of trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to various tastes, from gourmet burgers at Great White to innovative Italian at Ospi.
If you're looking for a classic dive bar experience with great burgers, Hinano Cafe is a local favorite. For a livelier crowd and a rooftop patio with ocean views, The Whaler is another popular choice. Don't forget to check out the rooftop bar at Hotel Erwin for sunset drinks and panoramic views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit