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See the Quirky Side of California at L.A.'s Venice Beach
Published by Tina Isa, Writer
Country: United States 
The Experience
Of all of California's beaches and celebrity-spotting haunts, Venice Beach is one of the best-known favourites of tourists and locals alike. Named for the canals in the city which were inspired by the famous Italian ones, Venice Beach was mostly frequented by artists, musicians and poets in its early days. Today it is a vibrant, bustling area with a cheerful jumble of visitors from around the world, street-side musicians, buskers, vendors, and artists. While the energy levels are high, attitudes are enjoyably laidback. Celebrities can occasionally be spotted in Venice Beach and the row of their elegant mansions towering over the boardwalk provides a starkly contrasting backdrop.
The main strip is called Ocean Front Walk, and is also colloquially referred to as "the boardwalk". The Venice Beach boardwalk, which is actually more of a street, is backed by a number of motels, casual restaurants, and stores. Facing the ocean is a long stretch of beach with winding paved paths for bicyclists and rollerbladers. A little further down the boardwalk are various merchants hawking everything from low-priced beachwear and sunglasses to toys, trinkets, souvenirs, handmade jewellery and occasionally some questionable drug-related paraphernalia. Street-side musicians and dancers add to the enjoyable clamour, and it is quite common to find large circles of onlookers standing around to sing, clap and join in. Wafting aromas of grilled meat from nearby food stalls will entice just about anyone hungry for a spot of lunch.
A well-known spot here is the sectioned-off Muscle Beach, where oiled and darkly tanned bodybuilders show off their brawn. Adjacent to it is an area designed for gymnastics and acrobatics, and it is a treat to watch professionals twirl, contort and swing through the air. On the beach itself is a large piece of wall, attached to nothing in particular. Local urban artists can usually be found spray-painting graffiti and practicing design techniques. A separate area on the beach provides concrete sports courts where people get together to play a friendly game of basketball, handball and volleyball.
Venice Beach is normally quite busy, but the waters are safe for swimming in the shallow areas. In the morning and later in the evening when the waves grow larger, surfers can be seen arriving in groups with their long boards. For those with a camera, keep an eye out for the sunset. The sunsets usually start later in the evening but are every bit worth the wait for their spectacular hues. Around this time, Venice Beach becomes a little more subdued, save for the large drum circle that forms on the beach, sometimes around a campfire. The drum circle is a wholly informal affair, and anyone can join in, with or without a percussive instrument. It’s the perfect way to end such a busy day at Venice Beach.
The main strip is called Ocean Front Walk, and is also colloquially referred to as "the boardwalk". The Venice Beach boardwalk, which is actually more of a street, is backed by a number of motels, casual restaurants, and stores. Facing the ocean is a long stretch of beach with winding paved paths for bicyclists and rollerbladers. A little further down the boardwalk are various merchants hawking everything from low-priced beachwear and sunglasses to toys, trinkets, souvenirs, handmade jewellery and occasionally some questionable drug-related paraphernalia. Street-side musicians and dancers add to the enjoyable clamour, and it is quite common to find large circles of onlookers standing around to sing, clap and join in. Wafting aromas of grilled meat from nearby food stalls will entice just about anyone hungry for a spot of lunch.
A well-known spot here is the sectioned-off Muscle Beach, where oiled and darkly tanned bodybuilders show off their brawn. Adjacent to it is an area designed for gymnastics and acrobatics, and it is a treat to watch professionals twirl, contort and swing through the air. On the beach itself is a large piece of wall, attached to nothing in particular. Local urban artists can usually be found spray-painting graffiti and practicing design techniques. A separate area on the beach provides concrete sports courts where people get together to play a friendly game of basketball, handball and volleyball.
Venice Beach is normally quite busy, but the waters are safe for swimming in the shallow areas. In the morning and later in the evening when the waves grow larger, surfers can be seen arriving in groups with their long boards. For those with a camera, keep an eye out for the sunset. The sunsets usually start later in the evening but are every bit worth the wait for their spectacular hues. Around this time, Venice Beach becomes a little more subdued, save for the large drum circle that forms on the beach, sometimes around a campfire. The drum circle is a wholly informal affair, and anyone can join in, with or without a percussive instrument. It’s the perfect way to end such a busy day at Venice Beach.
When to Go to Venice Beach
The best time to visit Venice Beach is during the summer months. Part of the charm is meeting so many friendly tourists from around the world, and the majority of them visit during the summer. The weather is delightfully warm, so dress appropriately and use sunscreen. Since the local accommodations book very fast, don't forget to make reservations well in advance.
If visiting in the off-peak season, the weather will be a bit cooler and bookings will be less pricey, but keep in mind that local happenings may not be as plentiful as during the summer.
If visiting in the off-peak season, the weather will be a bit cooler and bookings will be less pricey, but keep in mind that local happenings may not be as plentiful as during the summer.
Odds n' Ends
Beach-casual is the accepted dress code just about everywhere in Venice Beach: tank tops or t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops. This style of dress is also acceptable in most casual restaurants and coffee shops. Along the boardwalk, many people can simply be found walking around in swimwear. Always keep a bottle of sunscreen on hand and apply it often since the UV rays can burn even during overcast days.
Some people may develop allergies or superficial wounds when swimming or playing on the beach. There are several pharmacies in the town, including some that are open later at night. Medication, including anti-histamines, can be recommended and bought from the pharmacist.
Visitors, especially single women, are cautioned to stay away from the beach and boardwalk after dark due to gang activity. When going out at night, go in a group and stick to the busier, well-lit areas.
For late-night party-goers, there are a few eateries that still serve piping hot food well into the wee hours of the night. One of the best is Holy Guacamole (http://www.yelp.com/biz/holy-guacamole-santa-monica), just a few minutes walk from the Venice Beach boardwalk. On weekends, they are open until 2 a.m. The prices are low and the portions are huge! As the name suggests, they serve delicious home-style Mexican food. The restaurant itself is extremely small with virtually no ambiance, so it's better to order the food to go.
Some people may develop allergies or superficial wounds when swimming or playing on the beach. There are several pharmacies in the town, including some that are open later at night. Medication, including anti-histamines, can be recommended and bought from the pharmacist.
Visitors, especially single women, are cautioned to stay away from the beach and boardwalk after dark due to gang activity. When going out at night, go in a group and stick to the busier, well-lit areas.
For late-night party-goers, there are a few eateries that still serve piping hot food well into the wee hours of the night. One of the best is Holy Guacamole (http://www.yelp.com/biz/holy-guacamole-santa-monica), just a few minutes walk from the Venice Beach boardwalk. On weekends, they are open until 2 a.m. The prices are low and the portions are huge! As the name suggests, they serve delicious home-style Mexican food. The restaurant itself is extremely small with virtually no ambiance, so it's better to order the food to go.
Places to Eat
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- While this isn't a local specialty restaurant, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is the perfect place to get an icy vanilla coffee drink and a decadent pastry to kick off a warm day outdoors.
- The Sidewalk Cafe
- The Sidewalk Cafe is located right on the Venice Beach boardwalk and it's the perfect place for newly-arrived visitors to revive themselves and get acquainted with the area by people-watching on the patio. They do serve breakfast and light snacks, as well as the usual assortment of sandwiches, burgers, fish & chips, steaks, pizza as well as Mexican fare. Very casual atmosphere and decent prices.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Venice Beach Cotel
- The Venice Beach Cotel is a cheap and cheerful dorm-style hostel, popular amongst students and backpackers. The rooms are basic but clean. Visitors can also request a private room instead of sharing a bunk-bed with other guests. There are communal bathrooms on each floor, as well as a lounge, kitchen, and computer area. Most of the staff are also student-level backpackers but are very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Due to the small size of the hostel, visitors will find that other guests tend to be very friendly and often offer invites to join them in their outings.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Newly renovated!!! The Holiday Inn Express is located in exciting Marina del Rey. We are near the world famous Venice Beach boardwalk, just ten minutes ... 0 miles away
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Media References
- Venice Beach, The Boardwalk (newspaper)
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