Venice

Venice Beach has almost 3 miles of coastline with 238 acres of beach and 3 parking lots with over 1200 spaces. Venice Beach is understood to include the promenade that runs parallel to the beach (Ocean Front Walk), Muscle Beach, the tennis courts, Skate Dancing plaza, numerous volleyball courts, the bike trail, and of course the beach itself.

Venice Beach is one of the most interesting and popular sights in Los Angeles. Venice hosts artists, palm readers, bikini-clad roller skaters, belly dancers, vendors, street performers, and of course bodybuilders. Legendary Muscle Beach is where former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and others bulked up in the workout pit.

The area is great for people watching as well as shopping and eating. There are various eateries along Ocean Front Walk. For those who are more inclined to do actual beach activities, swimming, beach volleyball, fishing, and surfing are popular at this beach. The Venice Breakwater is actually an acclaimed local surf spot. Bike and skate rentals are also available along Ocean Front Walk.

From its world-famous boardwalk and beautiful beach to the shopper’s paradise of Abbot Kinney Blvd., if you're looking for cool things to do in California, Venice offers a unique and vibrant mix of activities and attractions. Originally called “Venice of America,” Venice was founded in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as a beachfront resort town. Kinney’s initial vision of creating a cultural mecca was set aside to accommodate the public, and Venice became the “Coney Island of the Pacific,” complete with an amusement pier and a miniature steam railroad. Kinney also created a system of canals and imported gondolas and gondoliers from Venice, Italy.

Today, Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Los Angeles for visitors and locals alike. From its days as home to Beat Generation poets and artists, Venice continues to be an important Los Angeles cultural center.

Whether you’re looking for some fun in the sun, a unique shopping experience, or a sophisticated evening of art and music, find out more about one of L.A.’s top neighborhoods.