What to know about Venice Beach: more than just a beach, an open-air stage
Editor's note, published 08/13/2025
Forget the image of a quiet California beach. Venice Beach is a non-stop spectacle, a whirlwind of energy where counterculture, art, and body worship collide in a joyfully organized chaos. The air here carries the scent of the ocean and incense, while the soundtrack is a mix of Pacific waves, skateboard wheels, and the eclectic performances of street artists.
Why get swept up in the energy of Venice Beach?
Founded in 1905 by millionaire Abbot Kinney, who dreamed of creating a Venice of America, the beach has far outgrown the original plan. It has become the epicenter of a bohemian lifestyle and one of the most filmed locations in Los Angeles. Visiting Venice means diving into a unique universe that is raw, creative, and unapologetically free.
The constant show of the Ocean Front Walk
The beating heart of Venice is its boardwalk. Stretching for over three kilometers, it is an uninterrupted succession of stalls, fortune tellers, musicians, and performers of every kind. You will come across local artisans, eccentric T-shirts, and food stands where the smell of fry oil mingles with sunscreen.
The graffiti walls
The Venice Art Walls are a legal space for graffiti artists to express themselves. These walls are an ever-evolving art gallery where bold, colorful works are layered over one another, reflecting the creative and ephemeral spirit of the place.
Muscle Beach, the temple of body worship
Just off the boardwalk lies the legendary Muscle Beach Venice, an outdoor weight room. This fenced-in space is famous for having been the training ground for bodybuilding legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Watching the workout sessions is a performance in itself, a display of strength and determination under the California sun.
The mecca of skateboarding
The Venice Beach Skatepark, with its 1,500 square meters of sculpted concrete facing the ocean, is one of the most famous in the world. It is the cradle of the Z-Boys skate culture from the 1970s. You can spend hours watching the acrobatic tricks of skaters, from amateurs to professionals, with the Pacific waves as a backdrop.
Pro tip: For a more authentic and less crowded experience, rent a bike or some rollerblades and hit the bike path that runs along the sand. Move a bit away from the main boardwalk toward the south in the direction of the marina or north toward Santa Monica to enjoy the change in atmosphere and the scenery of the coastline.
The other side: the Venice Canals
Just a few steps from the bustle of the waterfront hides an entirely different world. The Venice Canals, created by Abbot Kinney, offer a peaceful and charming walk. Far from the noise, you can stroll across pretty wooden bridges and admire the eclectic houses, from modest bungalows to architectural marvels, that line the waterways.
A popular beach spot, Venice is the place where athletes hang out. Runners, skaters, cyclists, and bodybuilders all mix together on the beach, right next to food stands that aren't always that appealing. With its palm trees and colorful lifeguard towers, the beach is very pleasant. Aside from lounging on the sand, there isn't much to do, but I recommend stopping by for a quick visit if you are staying in Los Angeles, before heading over to Santa Monica.