Venice is the loud, colorful beach neighborhood just south of Santa Monica. Unlike Santa Monica, it is part of the City of Los Angeles. It began in 1905 as Abbot Kinney’s “Venice of America,” a resort town built around canals modeled on Venice, Italy. Today it is known for the boardwalk, street performers, Muscle Beach, the skatepark, a quiet canal district and the shops of Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This guide covers each of them, plus hours, parking and getting there.
In this guide
It is part of our Los Angeles neighborhood guide. Venice pairs well with our Santa Monica guide, since the two are linked by the beach path.
Venice at a glance
- What it is A beach neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles, south of Santa Monica
- Founded 1905, as Abbot Kinney’s “Venice of America” resort
- Muscle Beach gym 8am to 5pm October to April, 8am to 6pm May to September
- Skatepark Free, open 8am to sunset, skateboards only
- Canals Six surviving canals in a historic district, about a 45-minute walk
- Parking County beach lots at Rose Ave, Venice Blvd and Washington Blvd
The boardwalk
Ocean Front Walk, the Venice boardwalk, runs along the beach from the Santa Monica border to near the Venice Pier. It is lined with souvenir shops, food stands, murals, vendors and street performers. It is busiest on weekend afternoons. Keep an eye on your bag in crowds, and walk the length of it at least once, since the scene changes block by block.
The paved beach bike path runs right beside the boardwalk. It continues north to Santa Monica and south toward Marina del Rey and the South Bay, so you can ride between Venice and the Santa Monica Pier in a few minutes.
Muscle Beach
Muscle Beach Venice is an outdoor gym on the boardwalk, run by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. You can watch from the fence for free. To work out, buy a day pass, which the city lists at $10, or $5 for seniors 55 and older. Hours are 8am to 5pm from October 1 to April 30 and 8am to 6pm from May 1 to September 30. It closes on holidays, rainy days and during events.
The skatepark
The Venice Beach Skatepark sits on the sand near the boardwalk, with bowls and street features. It is free and open from 8am to sunset. It is for skateboards only; bikes, BMX and scooters are not allowed. Even if you do not skate, the low wall around it is one of the best places on the beach to watch.
Basketball and paddle tennis
Next to Muscle Beach are the Venice basketball courts, known for pickup games, plus paddle tennis and handball courts. They are public and usually busy on weekends.
The Venice Canals
A few blocks inland, between Venice Boulevard and Washington Boulevard, are the Venice Canals. Most of Kinney’s original canals were filled and paved in the 1920s and 1930s. Six canals survive, now part of a historic district with footpaths, small bridges and homes along the water. The Venice Canals Association suggests about 45 minutes for a short walk, entering from Pacific Avenue, Strongs Drive, Venice Boulevard or Washington Boulevard.
These are private homes, so keep your voice down, stay on the public paths and do not walk onto docks or yards. Mornings and late afternoons are pleasant and quieter.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Boulevard, named after the founder, runs inland through Venice and is lined with independent shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. It is a calmer counterpoint to the boardwalk and a good place for lunch or coffee. Street parking is limited, so walk over from the beach if you can.
Other spots
- The Venice sign | The lit “Venice” sign hangs over Windward Avenue near Pacific Avenue, a classic photo stop.
- Murals | Murals cover walls along the boardwalk and nearby streets.
- The Venice Breakwater | A rock jetty off the beach near Windward Avenue, popular with surfers.
Venice with kids
Kids tend to like the skatepark wall, the street performers and the beach itself. The boardwalk can be crowded and loud in the afternoon, so mornings are easier with small children. Bring a stroller that handles sand, or rent bikes with child seats and ride the beach path. For calmer water, Mother’s Beach in nearby Marina del Rey is protected from waves. See our Los Angeles with kids guide for more family ideas.
A short history
Abbot Kinney, a tobacco businessman, opened Venice of America in 1905 with canals, gondolas and an amusement pier. Venice voted to join the City of Los Angeles in 1926, and most canals were paved over soon after to make room for cars. The six that remain were restored and are listed as a historic district.
Getting there
By car
LA County runs three beach lots in Venice:
| Lot | Address |
|---|---|
| Rose Ave | 300 Ocean Front Walk |
| Venice Blvd | 2100 Ocean Front Walk |
| Washington Blvd | 3100 Ocean Front Walk |
Rates change between summer and winter and between weekdays and weekends, and the lots close in the evening. Check the county’s Beaches and Harbors parking page before you go. On summer weekends, lots fill early.
By transit
There is no rail line to Venice. Metro Bus 1 stops at Washington Blvd and Dell Ave, near the canals. Big Blue Bus routes also connect Venice with Santa Monica. Many visitors take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica and then walk or bike south along the beach path. See our LA Metro guide.
Tips for visiting
Venice tips
- Go in the morning for a calmer boardwalk and easier parking.
- Rent a bike in Santa Monica or Venice and ride between the two.
- Lock bikes and keep valuables out of sight in parked cars.
- Check beach water quality before swimming, and avoid the ocean for 72 hours after heavy rain.
- Stay for sunset, then eat on Abbot Kinney or Main Street.
Where to stay
Venice lodging is mostly small hotels and short-term rentals. Check that rentals show a City of Los Angeles registration number. For more hotel choice, stay in Santa Monica and walk or bike down. See our where to stay in Los Angeles guide.
Plan a day in Venice
Start with coffee on Abbot Kinney, then walk the canals while it is quiet. Head to the boardwalk late in the morning, watch the skatepark and Muscle Beach, then ride the bike path north to the Santa Monica Pier. Come back for sunset on the sand. For more beach ideas, see our best beaches in Los Angeles list.
Frequently asked questions
Is Venice part of Los Angeles?
Yes. Venice is a neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles. Its neighbor Santa Monica is a separate city.
Is Venice Beach free?
Yes, the beach, boardwalk and skatepark are free. Muscle Beach charges for a workout pass, and parking lots charge.
Where are the Venice Canals?
Between Venice Boulevard and Washington Boulevard, a few blocks inland from the beach.
What are Muscle Beach hours?
8am to 5pm from October to April and 8am to 6pm from May to September, closed on holidays and rainy days.
Can I take the train to Venice Beach?
Not directly. Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica and walk or bike south, or take Metro Bus 1.
Official sources: Venice Beach, LA Recreation and Parks; Muscle Beach Venice; Venice Canals Association; LA County Beaches and Harbors: Venice Beach; LA Metro.
Photo credits
Featured image: Downtowngal / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0