MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Venice

Things to Do in Venice

Venice Los Angeles, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Venice’s coastal location a prime spot for various outdoor activities.

Water & Wheel Activities

Surfing and Paddleboarding

Venice Beach a popular spot for beginner and intermediate surfers. Surf schools and rental shops operate near Venice Pier and along the boardwalk. Paddleboarding popular in nearby Marina del Rey due to calm waters. A waterproof dry bag is useful for valuables.

Cycling and Rollerblading

Marvin Braude Bike Trail (Beach Bike Path) a dedicated paved bike path alongside Venice Beach Boardwalk. It connects north to Santa Monica and south through Marina del Rey. Bicycle, cruiser, and rollerblade rentals all along the boardwalk. Path can be crowded, exercise caution.

Beach Volleyball & Ocean Swimming

Public beach volleyball courts on Venice Beach, just south of the main boardwalk. Pick-up games common. Pacific Ocean off Venice Beach suitable for swimming, but water temperatures cool year-round. Lifeguards on duty during daytime hours, swim near a lifeguard station.

Hiking & Wildlife

  • Hiking and Trekking: No significant hiking trails in Venice itself. Nearby areas like Santa Monica Mountains (Malibu Creek State Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park) or Griffith Park offer extensive routes.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Occasional marine wildlife (dolphins, sea lions) can be spotted from Venice Pier or beach, especially early morning. Birdwatching common around canals and beach.
  • Local Observation: Watch for street performers along the boardwalk; their talent a large part of Venice's atmosphere.
  • Bike Path Tip: Rent a beach cruiser and ride the bike path north to Santa Monica Pier for a classic Southern California experience.

Beach Relaxation

  • Sunbathing, reading, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze.
  • Listen to the waves on Venice Beach.
  • Find a quiet spot away from the busiest sections.

Spa & Wellness

  • Numerous yoga studios reflecting Los Angeles’s strong wellness culture.
  • Many offer drop-in classes for visitors.
  • Upscale spas and wellness centers available in Venice and nearby Santa Monica.

Art & Galleries

  • Explore numerous art galleries on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
  • Discover extensive street art and murals throughout Venice.
  • Some local tour companies guided street art walks.
  • Check local listings for "Art Crawls" or gallery nights.

Safety Note for Bike Path

The bike path can be very crowded, especially on weekends. Exercise caution around pedestrians, street performers, and other users. Wear a helmet.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Venice’s unique cultural fabric through its street life and art scene.

Street Performance & Drum Circle

  • Street Performance: Musicians, acrobats, magicians, poets, comedians, and various other entertainers. Tipping customary and encouraged if you stop to watch or enjoy.
  • Tipping: Performers rely on tips for their livelihood. Bring small cash bills.
  • Drum Circle: On Sundays, notably at sunset, a spontaneous drum circle often forms on Venice Beach, typically north of the pier.
  • Observation & Participation: Watch, listen, or join in. An unique local experience, embodying the free-spirited, communal aspect of Venice.

Art Scene & Local Engagement

Art Galleries & Street Art

Explore numerous art galleries on Abbot Kinney Boulevard and throughout the area. Discover the extensive street art and murals that adorn buildings throughout Venice. Many continuously updated, offering new discoveries. Some local tour companies guided street art walks.

Workshops & Classes

Some local studios or shops may offer workshops in painting, pottery, or other crafts. Check local community centers or studios for drop-in classes in music, dance, yoga, or wellness.

Community-Based Tourism & Festivals

Supporting local, independent businesses on Abbot Kinney and the Boardwalk directly benefits the Venice community. Venice hosts several smaller cultural events like the Venice Art Crawl. The Abbot Kinney Festival (late September) is a large street festival with music, art, and food.

Tipping Street Performers

Bring small cash bills for tipping street performers. Their talent a large part of Venice's atmosphere.

Explore Abbot Kinney

Take advantage of Venice's outdoor dining options. Many restaurants have patios, perfect for enjoying the weather and local scene.

Beach Relaxation

Sunbathing, reading, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze and listening to the waves on Venice Beach provides a simple yet profound way to relax.

Relaxation & Wellness

Venice embraces a wellness-focused lifestyle, with options for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Yoga & Spas

  • Yoga and Meditation: Numerous yoga studios in Venice. Many offer drop-in classes for visitors. Styles range from Vinyasa to restorative. Some groups hold outdoor yoga sessions on the beach.
  • Spa and Wellness Center Recommendations: Upscale spas and wellness centers in Venice and nearby Santa Monica offer massages, facials, and other treatments.
  • Traditional Healing Practices: Less prevalent in Venice itself, but Los Angeles has a variety of alternative and traditional healing practices.
  • Beach and Pool Clubs: No major beach or pool clubs in Venice. Some hotels have pools, and beachfront restaurants offer outdoor seating.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Bars and Pubs

Abbot Kinney Boulevard features trendy bars, cocktail lounges, and gastropubs. Washington Boulevard also has casual bars and pubs, some with ocean views.

Live Music & Nightclubs

Smaller venues might feature local bands. For larger concerts, venture to Hollywood or Downtown LA. Venice has limited traditional nightclubs; nightlife focuses more on bars and lounges.

Late-Night Options

Restaurants and bars typically close around midnight to 1 AM on weekdays, later on weekends. Some casual eateries or diners might be open later.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets

Venice Beach Boardwalk has numerous vendors selling souvenirs, t-shirts, sunglasses, jewelry. A good place for inexpensive, quirky finds.

Artisan & Boutique

Abbot Kinney Boulevard known for independent boutiques and artisan shops selling clothing, home goods, jewelry, and handcrafted items. Higher quality and unique designs, many locally made.

Souvenirs

Unique art pieces from boardwalk artists, Venice-themed apparel, locally made crafts, wellness products. Explore independent boutiques on Abbot Kinney Boulevard for locally designed goods.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Venice a lively evening scene, notably on Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Washington Boulevard.

Bars, Pubs & Live Music

  • Abbot Kinney Boulevard features trendy bars, cocktail lounges, and gastropubs that craft drinks and a sophisticated atmosphere.
  • Washington Boulevard, near the pier, also several casual bars and pubs, some with ocean views.
  • Live Music Venues: Smaller venues in Venice might feature local bands, specifically on weekends.
  • For larger concerts or well-known acts, venture to other parts of Los Angeles (e.g., Hollywood, Downtown LA).

Nightclubs & Late-Night Entertainment

Nightclubs & Dancing

Venice has a limited number of traditional nightclubs. Its nightlife focuses more on bars and lounges with a social atmosphere. For extensive clubbing, explore areas like West Hollywood or Downtown LA.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Abbot Kinney Boulevard a compact bar district, movement between establishments. Washington Boulevard also a cluster of bars. Organized pub crawls less common in Venice.

Late-Night Entertainment

Restaurants and bars typically close around midnight to 1 AM on weekdays, and later on weekends. Some casual eateries or diners might be open later.

Rideshare Planning

Explore the bars on Abbot Kinney Boulevard for a stylish evening out, but plan for ride-sharing or walking back to your accommodation.

Cafes & Lounges

Many cafes and lounges offer a relaxed evening atmosphere for conversation and light bites.

Rooftop Bars

Some hotels or establishments feature rooftop bars with ocean or city views, for a premium evening experience.

Responsible Drinking

Always drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Use rideshare services or designated drivers.

Shopping & Markets

Venice diverse shopping experiences, from unique souvenirs to high-end boutiques.

Traditional & Artisan Markets

  • Traditional Markets and Bazaars: The Venice Beach Boardwalk numerous vendors selling souvenirs, graphic t-shirts, sunglasses, jewelry, and unique items. Good place for inexpensive, quirky finds. Bartering is not typical.
  • Artisan Workshops and Crafts: Abbot Kinney Boulevard known for its independent boutiques and artisan shops selling clothing, home goods, jewelry, and handcrafted items. Here, higher quality and unique designs. Many items locally made.
  • Ethical Shopping Guidelines: Prioritize buying from local artists and small businesses. Inquire about origin of products for ethical sourcing and fair labor practices.
  • Shipping and Customs Information: Inquire about shipping options directly from the store. Be aware of home country's customs regulations and duty-free allowances. Keep receipts.

Souvenir & Luxury Shopping

Souvenir Recommendations

Purchase original art directly from boardwalk artists. Venice-themed apparel (T-shirts, hoodies, hats). Locally made crafts (handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, textiles). Wellness products, natural cosmetics, or organic foods a choice for souvenirs.

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

Abbot Kinney a curated selection of high-end and unique boutique brands, a destination for those seeking a more refined shopping experience. Fashion, accessories, and home decor from independent designers.

Affiliate Resource

For booking experiences and activities, explore GetYourGuide.

Apparel & Accessories

  • Venice-themed T-shirts, hoodies, and hats.
  • Locally designed jewelry and accessories.
  • Unique fashion pieces from independent boutiques.

Art & Crafts

  • Original art pieces from boardwalk artists.
  • Handcrafted ceramics and textiles.
  • Unique installations from local galleries.

Wellness Products

  • Natural cosmetics and skincare.
  • Organic foods and health supplements.
  • Locally sourced wellness goods.

Shopping Tips & Customs

Bargaining & Local Support
  • Bartering is not typical in most Venice shops.
  • Prioritize buying from local artists and small businesses.
  • Inquire about the origin of products for ethical sourcing.
Shipping & Customs
  • Inquire about shipping options for large items directly from the store.
  • Be aware of your home country's customs regulations.
  • Keep receipts for all purchases to avoid unexpected fees.

Shopping Insight

For unique items, explore the independent boutiques on Abbot Kinney Boulevard for locally designed goods and artisan crafts.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Activities Checklist

  • Surfing or Paddleboarding at Venice Beach or Marina del Rey.
  • Cycling or Rollerblading along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
  • Playing Beach Volleyball or swimming in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Hiking in nearby Santa Monica Mountains or Griffith Park.

Cultural & Leisure Activities

  • Witnessing Street Performances and the Sunday Drum Circle.
  • Exploring Art Galleries and Street Art.
  • Relaxing with Yoga or a Spa treatment.
  • Enjoying Nightlife at Abbot Kinney or Washington Boulevard bars.