MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Venice

Day Trips from Venice

Venice Los Angeles, USA Travel Guide

Santa Monica 0-3 miles north of Venice

Directly adjacent to Venice, Santa Monica is famous for its iconic pier, the Third Street Promenade (a pedestrian shopping street), and wide, sandy beaches. It has a slightly more polished, family-friendly beach town atmosphere than Venice.

It is simple to combine Santa Monica with Venice for a full day of coastal exploration. Many visitors discover both in one trip.

Getting There & Time

  • Very walkable from northern Venice. A short bike ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
  • Easily accessible via the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus or a short ride-share.
  • Time Required: Half-day to full-day.
  • Ideal for combining with Venice for coastal exploration.

Urban Explorations

Discover the core of Los Angeles with these excursions.

Hollywood 12-15 miles east of Venice

The heart of the entertainment industry, home to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars), and various film-related attractions. Griffith Observatory, with its stunning views of the Hollywood Sign and the city, is nearby.

Travel & Itinerary

  • Accessible by Metro Rail; ride-sharing is an option.
  • Time Required: Full-day.
  • Morning exploring Walk of Fame, afternoon at Griffith Observatory.

Downtown Los Angeles DTLA 15-20 miles east of Venice

Downtown Los Angeles offers a dense urban experience with museums, historic buildings, and diverse culinary offerings.

Travel & Itinerary

  • Accessible by Metro Rail (Expo Line directly to DTLA).
  • Time Required: Full-day.
  • Morning exploring museums, lunch at Grand Central Market.

Cultural & Scenic Views

The Getty Center 10-15 miles northeast of Venice

  • Art museum complex with stunning architecture and gardens.
  • Driving is the easiest way to reach.
  • Time Required: Half-day.
  • Free general admission (parking fee applies).

Theme Parks

  • Disneyland Park: The original Disney theme park in Anaheim.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood: Film studio with rides based on movies.
  • Access: Both generally require a car or transit/shuttle mix.
  • Full-day or multi-day excursions.

Travel Time Estimates

  • Hollywood45-60 min by Metro
  • DTLA30-45 min by Metro
  • Santa Monica10-15 min by bike
  • Malibu30-60 min by car
  • The Getty Center30-40 min by car
  • Universal Studios45-60 min by car
  • Disneyland1.5-2 hours by car
  • Pasadena45-60 min by car

Natural Escapes

For a break from city life, several natural areas offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty.

Malibu Creek State Park

A large park offering extensive hiking trails and rock climbing. Provides a rugged wilderness experience.

Griffith Park

One of the largest urban parks in North America, home to Griffith Observatory and extensive hiking trails.

Point Dume State Preserve

A dramatic promontory in Malibu with cliffs, tide pools, and stunning coastal scenery.

Malibu Creek State Park 20-25 miles north

A large park in the Santa Monica Mountains offering extensive hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and the historic filming location of the M*A*S*H television series. It has a rugged wilderness experience.

Activities & Access

  • Hiking, birdwatching, picnicking.
  • Access: A car is necessary.
  • Opportunities for wildlife observation.

Griffith Park 20 miles northeast

One of the largest urban parks in North America, home to the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, and extensive hiking trails with city views.

Activities & Access

  • Hiking, visiting the observatory, exploring the zoo.
  • Access: Accessible by car.
  • Public transit connections exist but include transfers.

Coastal Wilderness & Cultural Insights

Point Dume State Preserve20 miles north
FeaturesCliffs, tide pools, secluded beach
ActivitiesHiking, beach exploration, tide pooling
Pasadena Location25-30 miles NE
Huntington Library30 miles East
AccessCar advised for all

Park Visit Recommendation

  • Carry water and snacks when visiting state parks or preserves.
  • Facilities can be limited in some natural areas.
  • Plan ahead for restroom stops and amenities.
  • Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
  • Leave no trace behind to protect the environment.

Cultural Excursions

Expand your cultural exploration beyond Venice with trips to other historic and artistic centers.

Pasadena

A city with beautiful architecture in Old Town Pasadena, home to the Rose Bowl, and the Norton Simon Museum (known for its European art collection).

Access & Activities

  • Accessible by car or Metro Gold Line from Downtown LA.
  • Stroll through Old Town.
  • Visit museums, enjoy dining.

Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

An expansive cultural and botanical complex in San Marino (near Pasadena). It includes diverse themed gardens, a world-class art collection, and a research library.

Access & Activities

  • Access: Requires a car.
  • Spend hours wandering through various gardens.
  • Explore art galleries and the research library.

Disneyland Park

The original Disney theme park in Anaheim. A full-day or multi-day excursion for all ages.

Access & Time

  • Both require a car or a combination of public transit and ride-sharing/shuttle.
  • Approx. 40 miles southeast of Venice.
  • A full-day or multi-day visit.

Universal Studios Hollywood

A theme park and film studio with rides, shows, and attractions based on movies and television.

Access & Time

  • Approx. 15 miles northeast of Venice.
  • Access: A car or public transit/ride-share mix.
  • A full day is typically needed.

Theme Park Adventures

Consider a day at a theme park for family entertainment.

Disneyland Park

The original Disney theme park in Anaheim.

Universal Studios Hollywood

A theme park and film studio with rides, shows, and attractions based on movies and television.

Access

Both generally require a car or a combination of public transit and ride-sharing/shuttle.

Advance Booking Recommended

For popular museums and theme parks, purchasing tickets online in advance often saves time and guarantees entry.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider adding a few days to your Los Angeles trip to explore other iconic Southern California destinations.

Regional Highlights

1

San Diego

Known for its beautiful beaches, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

2

Palm Springs

A desert resort city known for its mid-century modern architecture, golf courses, and relaxing spa resorts.

3

Santa Barbara

A charming coastal city with Spanish colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and a thriving wine region.

Planning Longer Stays

  • Recommendations for Adding 1-3 Days: San Diego (2 hrs south).
  • Palm Springs (2 hrs east).
  • Santa Barbara (1.5-2 hrs north).
  • Las Vegas, Nevada (4 hrs northeast).
  • Logical Next Destinations (North): Santa Barbara, then up the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur or San Francisco.
  • (South): San Diego, then to Baja California, Mexico.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

  • Coastal Drive: Start in Venice, head north to Santa Barbara, then continue up the stunning Pacific Coast Highway.
  • Desert Loop: After Venice, drive east to Palm Springs, then consider Joshua Tree National Park for a change of scenery.
  • This loop then continues before returning to LA or continuing to Las Vegas.
  • Southern California Grand Tour: Combine Venice with visits to San Diego.
  • Also combine with a theme park like Disneyland for a comprehensive Southern California experience.
  • Transportation Connections: San Diego/Santa Barbara accessible by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner or by car.

Travel Connections & Routes

Connections

San Diego/Santa Barbara accessible by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or car. Palm Springs/Las Vegas mainly by car; flights are available to Las Vegas.

Coastal Drive

Venice north to Santa Barbara, then continue up the Pacific Coast Highway.

Desert Loop

East from Venice to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, then to LA or Las Vegas.

Car Rental Advisory

If you plan to visit multiple Southern California destinations, renting a car offers the most flexibility. Book in advance.