Venice Beach

There is never a dull moment. From the boardwalk to Muscle Beach, there's excitement at every turn.

TravelCurious Tip

Be ready to talk — the locals here often love a good chat!

Los Angeles has no fewer than 75 miles of country coastline that include some of the world’s most famous surf spots. Couple that with the year-round sun and you have a perfect beach holiday destination. Venice Beach is one of L.A.’s great beaches, and is famous for its waves and its boardwalk.


That very boardwalk is famous for people watching: expect to see some entertainingly wacky characters. Street performers, artists and fortune tellers mingle with locals, visitors and the occasional friendly crackpot. Besides them, the boardwalk is full of little shops, restaurants and rather unique residencies. Expect some great photo opportunities and some strange conversations.


Then tear yourself away from the boardwalk and head towards the glittering expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The Venice Breakwater is a favourite surf spot that has been around for more than 100 years. Watch the pros do their thing, or take some classes and join them — all sorts of surfing schools have set up shop along Venice Beach.


Or you can forego the water altogether: the Venice Beach Recreation Center offers plenty of facilities including gymnastic areas, gym equipment, and basketball courts. Many NBA plays cut their teeth here and were recruited from the very courts you see. Alternatively, dance to a different beat at the Venice Beach Drum Circle that takes place on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s an improvisational jam, with drums, congas, dancing and chanting until sunset.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Los Angeles
Abbot Kinney
Just minutes from Venice Beach, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a mile long strip of the latest fashion, art and food.
Muscle Beach
Alleged to be the home of the American fitness boom, the movement began in the 1930s. Since then Muscle Beach has become a 'must-see' on an LA trip.
Venice canals
The origins of Venice California. A beautiful a relaxing hidden gem by the beach.
Menotti's Coffee Stop
Capturing what travellers consider quintessential vibes of old and new Venice, it's a must-stop for anyone needing a buzzy pick-me-up.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
The promenade is at the heart of the beach for all travellers - with restaurants, hundreds of shops - both pop-up and permanent, and locals who encapsulate the clashing nature of Venice Beach.
Venice Skatepark
Venice Beach is known not just for its muscly people and surfers, but also its' skaters who flock to the skatepark at all hours of the day to show off and try new tricks.

Related Tours

The Best of Los Angeles: Private Full-Day Highlights Driving Tour
The City of Angels enjoys a stunning location: set within a broad basin, backdropped by vast mountain ranges, dark-green forests, desert sands and the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Coast. The "City of Angels" flourished into a world-famous entertainment industry throughout the twentieth century, as people and businesses alike moved to the city to be a part of the magic - and Hollywood was born.  

On your private full-day driving tour, you will:

  • Enjoy spectacular views over Los Angeles from Griffith Park and pop into the Griffith Observatory;
  • Venture down to Hollywood Boulevard, and stroll along the Walk of Fame, passing both the Dolby Theatre and TCL Chinese Theatre;
  • Snap pictures of the iconic Hollywood sign;
  • Continue along Sunset Strip, and walk by the Viper Room and Chateau Marmont;
  • Refuel yourself at La Brea Farmers Market;
  • Cruise through the highlights of Beverly Hills, such as The Playboy Mansion and Rodeo Drive- the best place in LA to see and be seen;
  • Unwind at the Santa Monica Pier amusement park;
  • End your tour by relaxing at Venice Beach and Muscle Beach as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Your adventure begins with a bird's eye view of a city that has been described as 500 miles wide and one mile deep. Should you fancy, pop into the Griffith Observatory (please note, the observatory is closed on Mondays).

Next venture down to  Hollywood Boulevard, where the Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre and of course the beautiful TCL Chinese Theatre await you. The concrete blocks in the famous forecourt bear the hand and footprints of film legends. 

Find the prints of your favourite star, and then ask your guide to snap a shot of you with the iconic 'Hollywood' sign in the hills behind you. Then meander down the Sunset Strip where you happen past iconic places like the Viper Room and Chateau Marmont. 

Enjoy your lunch (food not included in price) stopping at The Grove & Farmer’s Market, an LA institution where more than 100 produce stalls and restaurants cater for every conceivable foodie whim, from nutritious Californian superfood salads to gourmet burgers, man-sized steaks and fajitas. 

In this luxury district, you will see famous locations including the Greystone Mansion and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel,  where the classic ‘Pretty Woman’ was filmed.  You may even have the chance to grab a quick glance at the Playboy Mansion, Rodeo Drive, and the famous palm-tree-lined streets.

A trip to the Californian coast will give you time to unwind before our final stop. Enjoy some rides at the Santa Monica Pier amusement park and then soak up the Bohemian vibes of Venice Beach. 

There’s never a dull moment on the boardwalk, where you’ll see the colourful locals and the famous Muscle Beach.
Los Angeles Iconic Highlights: Private Half-Day Driving tour
Los Angeles is a city with much to discover. Take our half-day highlights tour to uncover the main attractions of the city! 

On your private driving tour, you will:

  • Begin your tour on Hollywood Boulevard and enjoy a walk amongst the stars down the Walk of Fame;
  • Pass iconic attractions such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre;
  • Snap pictures of the Hollywood sign;
  • Continue along the Sunset Strip, passing famous haunts like the Viper Room and Chateau Marmont;
  • Keep your eyes peeled in Beverly Hills for stars popping in and out of their homes;
  • Visit Venice Beach, the hub of creatives, millennials, and foodies;
  • Return to your hotel or ask your private guide to leave you in Venice for the rest of the day.

Your experience begins on Hollywood Boulevard, home to some of the most iconic attractions such as the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre and of course the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Created in 1958, this famous pavement celebrates the Hollywood greats - from silent film stars to modern-day heroes. 

Your knowledgeable guide will also point out the best spot to get that perfect snap of the Hollywood sign in the background. You will continue on to the Sunset Strip and see famous places such as the Viper Room and Chateau Marmont.

In this luxury district, you will visit famous locations such as the Greystone Mansion and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (now the 'Four Seasons') where the classic ‘Pretty Woman’ was filmed. Other highlights include The Playboy Mansion, Rodeo Drive and the famous palm-tree-lined streets. 

Your adventure ends with a breezy drive to beautiful Venice Beach. Take the time to unwind and soak up the Bohemian vibes of this vibrant community. There’s never a dull moment on the boardwalk, where you’ll see the colourful locals and the famous Muscle Beach. 

At the end of your tour, your guide will be able to suggest great eateries for your lunch or dinner, should you choose to stay in the area, otherwise they will be able to transport you back to your hotel.
Visit Venice Beach Neighbourhood: Private 2-hour Walking Tour
Enjoy a private tour of the vibrant Venice beach, an exciting beachside neighbourhood where you can see great performers and street art, and people watch and soak up the energy in the air.

On your private walking tour of Venice Beach, you will:

  • Meet your guide at Menotti’s Coffee Stop, a classic coffee shop with an old-school vibe;
  • Immerse yourself in the laid-back beach culture of Venice, as you walk the quiet streets along the Venice Canals;
  • Visit the famous Muscle Beach, with its exhibitionists, souvenir stands and buskers;
  • Experience the bustle of the Venice Beach Boardwalk, with its eclectic mix of surf shops, galleries and eateries;
  • Snap a photo under the Venice sign and at the Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower;
  • Marvel at agile skaters with a visit to the Venice Skate Park;
  • Gain insight into LA’s gentrification, and the neighbourhood revival of Venice Beach;
  • Explore Venice’s bustling main street, Abbot Kinney, dubbed “The Coolest Block in America.”
  • Finish the tour at Salt & Straw, a fabulous ice cream shop known for its unique gourmet flavours.

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis – each neighbourhood has its own unique culture, with residents coming from the four corners of the globe, making it a truly world-class destination. Venice has a healthy mix of old and new; the quintessential feel of both classic LA and ultra-modern sensibilities. Get an insider’s look into one of America’s iconic beach neighbourhoods. 

Your private tour will capture the melting pot that is Venice and discover that the history of this place is as fascinating as the people-watching. There is an ‘ethical business’ feel that resides here in Venice, where even the upscale has maintained the laid-back Californian vibe. 

Your tour finishes at Salt & Straw, where your guide will leave you to enjoy the best ice cream on the West Coast.
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