Venice Beach – Venice: Best Beaches in California

ByLisa Dworkin Hours

Photo courtesy of Lisa Dworkin. All rights reserved.

Beach Personality: Quirky, Eclectic, Never Dull, Not For Children Or The Faint Hearted

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is non-stop, ever changing and full of surprises. According to Becky and Wendy, two Venice Beach vendors, it’s a “playground for adults” and “where art meets crime.” Clearly Venice Beach isn’t your typical beach destination.

Why should you go to Venice Beach? There are the sand, the sea, the palm trees, the grassy areas, the waves crashing on the shore, the view of the Santa Monica mountain range, the many activities available at or near the beach, and the world-class people watching opportunities.

What might keep you away? The crime – mostly petty crime like theft –, the large homeless population, the ubiquitous scent of marijuana, and the crowds. Sometimes on holidays and summer weekends Venice Beach’s Oceanfront Walk gets so crowded people are packed together like sardines.

Beach Activities:

  • Surfing
  • Boogie boarding
  • Bodysurfing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Paddle tennis
  • Skateboarding
  • Handball
  • Bodybuilding
  • People watching
  • Lounging

Beach Amenities:

  • Public bathrooms – Yes.
  • Showers – Yes.
  • Parking – Yes, for a fee in the beach parking lots.
  • Food – Yes, along the paved path adjacent to the beach.
  • Lifeguard – Yes.
  • Dogs allowed on the beach – No.

Additional amenities – drinking fountains, ATMs, playground, skateboard park, basketball, paddle tennis, handball, bodybuilding area, pier.

Beach Rentals:

Rentals are available in many of the beach parking lots and along the paved path adjacent to the beach. Items available to rent include beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards and bicycles.

Directions:

Venice Beach is located at 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, California 90291.

To many joyful beach experiences!

— Lisa Dworkin

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