Venice Beach Tours

Venice Beach which includes picnicing and a city as well as a large group of people
Venice Beach showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Photo provided by Matt Marriott/LA Tourism Marketing
Venice Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town
Venice Beach showing outdoor art


Bronze your body and rub shoulders with body builders and wacky performers at Los Angeles’ quirky urban shoreline, a colorful escape from the city.

Surf, sun and sand take a backseat to the loud and lively human carnival on parade along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. There’s never a dull moment for people-watching in this sun-drenched bohemian enclave of artists, musicians, poets, singers, skateboarders and jugglers. From chain-sawing acrobats to fire-breathing cyclists, you’ll find Los Angeles at its most ostentatious, eccentric and unrestrained. Just remember to tip performers if you watch most of their show or take their photograph.While you make your way along the boardwalk’s 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) stretch, browse the stalls, shops and stands laden with souvenirs, trinkets, cheap sunglasses, T-shirts and sandals. Have your fortune read or get a temporary tattoo.Further along the boardwalk is Muscle Beach, best known as the place where Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno (of Incredible Hulk fame) once flexed their pecs and biceps. At this outdoor gym you’ll see the toned and tanned pump iron while acrobats bend, twist and contort their bodies into eye-watering shapes. You can join them. Just buy a day pass (about $10) at the Venice Beach Recreations and Parks Office on Ocean Front Walk and then take your place to work out in front of the passing crowds.Peel your eyes away from the vivid and flamboyant spectacles and head to the beach, a three-mile stretch of well-maintained and manicured sand. The water is patrolled during daylight hours, so you can dive in if you want to do more than soak up the rays on the sand. Rent surf or body boards and catch some waves, but be mindful of other riders.LA’s Mediterranean climate makes Venice Beach a good place to be for most of the year however, it is incredibly crowded in the summer. It is around 19 miles (30 kilometers) from downtown LA on the coast between Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. There are plenty of city parking lots next to the beach.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Venice Beach

Tours & day trips

See all 94 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 26 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 24 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 14 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 13 activities

Reviews of Venice Beach

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1577
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
1358
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
482
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
118
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
63
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Venice Beach Not Much of a Fan of as I am ,Marina Del Rey & Santa Monica.... Worth the Trip

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Venice has changed over the years, homeless tent cities abound and there is pot everywhere, not terrible if that's your preference, but I was really uncomfortable and would be even more uncomfortable bringing my children there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

For those who may be a free spirit and enjoy being in an eclectic environment, Venice Beach is the place!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Rent a bike at Santa Monica Pier for a short ride to the beach.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

residential area is charming and quiet. Commercial area full of hustlers, graffiti "artists," homeless encampments. Sometimes a bit scary, and I am from NYC!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Good place to people watch. Big beach area.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Venice Beach

Venice Breeze Suites

Venice Breeze Suites

3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue, Venice, CA
Venice Breeze Suites
Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

4 out of 5
1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA
Hotel Erwin Venice Beach
Venice V Hotel

Venice V Hotel

3 out of 5
5 Westminster Avenue, Suite 118, Venice, CA
Venice V Hotel
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

2 out of 5
25 Windward Ave, Venice, CA
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel
Venice Suites

Venice Suites

3 out of 5
417 OceanFront Walk, Venice, CA
Venice Suites
Air Venice on the Beach

Air Venice on the Beach

3 out of 5
5 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA
Air Venice on the Beach
South Venice Lodge

South Venice Lodge

2 out of 5
440 S Venice Blvd, Venice, CA
South Venice Lodge
Venice on the Beach Hotel

Venice on the Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2819 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
Venice on the Beach Hotel
The Inn at Venice Beach

The Inn at Venice Beach

3 out of 5
327 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA
The Inn at Venice Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Venice Beach

Venice Beach offers a vibrant mix of activities and attractions for visitors. Enjoy stunning ocean views while strolling along the iconic Venice Boardwalk, which features various ice cream parlors and lively nightlife experiences. For the more adventurous, try surfing or rollerskating along the beach. Don't miss the chance to explore the eco dive center for unique underwater experiences as you soak in the laid-back California vibe.

Shopping

Abbot Kinney Boulevard, located 1.3km from Venice Beach, offers a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Jadis, a charming store, is only 1.6km away. If you're up for a drive, Westfield Century City is 9.7km away, featuring a diverse range of shopping and dining options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at SoFi Stadium, 12.9km from Venice Beach, where you can catch thrilling sports events. Enjoy a round of golf at the Riviera Country Club, 8.0km away, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For family fun, visit the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center, just 3.2km away, offering various water activities.

Adventure

At Eco Dive Center, located 6.4km from Venice Beach, experience thrilling underwater sports in vibrant marine environments. For climbing enthusiasts, OnRope Consulting, 3.2km away, offers exhilarating outdoor adventures. Hike the Nicholas Flat Trail, 4.8km from Venice Beach, and enjoy stunning scenery in a natural setting.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Venice Beach is vibrant and eclectic. Experience romance and culture at the Dolby Theater, enjoy family-friendly films at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or dive into entertainment at Raleigh Studio Hollywood. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of California's nightlife.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Venice Beach

Venice Beach, California, offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk and the lively urban parks nearby. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and experience the unique city vibe. Don't miss exploring the beach itself, where sunbathing, people-watching, and street performances create an unforgettable atmosphere. Venice, Los Angeles, is a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and urban adventure.

  • Santa Monica Beach: Just 3.2km from Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach offers a quintessential Californian experience with its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy sunbathing, beach volleyball, and stunning ocean views, making it perfect for relaxation and recreation.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Located 3.2km from Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier is a lively hub featuring an amusement park, restaurants, and shops. The friendly vibe is perfect for families and friends looking to enjoy rides, games, and seaside dining while watching the sunset.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: Situated 9.7km from Venice Beach, UCLA is a historic university known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural scene. Explore its beautiful campus, art galleries, and museums, soaking in the vibrant academic atmosphere.

Best time to go to Venice Beach

The best time to visit Venice Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Venice Beach

To save money on your trip to Venice Beach, consider visiting between November and January, when accommodation rates are lower. Mondays typically offer the cheapest stays, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting options from lowest to highest price and filtering for eco-certified stays. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for extra savings. Look out for exclusive deals and upfront pricing to maximize your budget while enjoying free activities like beach walks and local parks.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Venice Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Venice Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Venice Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you customize your travel experience by selecting your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from lowest to highest price, ensuring you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Venice Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia