11 Best (Outdoor) Things to Do in Venice Beach, CA
Venice Beach, CA Is world renowned for its culture and variety of things to do and see, and is especially active around the oceanfront boardwalk. There is a huge variety of activities as well as sights to see and restaurants to dine. The sun, surf, and sand bring travelers from all around the globe and keeps visitors entertained for days on hand. The only problem you’ll have is finding time to do all the things on your list! With that in mind we’ve curated our own top 11 list of the best things to do during your stay at The Venice Beach House and feel free to ask us for directions or info on any of the places listed below. (Please remember that during these times availability and accuracy may change at any time as rules regarding businesses update often based on city and state safety guidelines.)
1. Venice Beach – This is a no brainer for anyone visiting the area, and especially for our guests at The Venice Beach House, since it’s right across the street. The beach is known for its eclectic vibe and (almost) year round gorgeous days. Millions come here each year to learn to surf, play volleyball, get a workout (see #2), or just chill in the sun. There is plenty of sand to go around and room for everyone to enjoy.
There is a boardwalk that runs the length of the beach, and more, stretching from the end of Venice all the way through Santa Monica. Here you can bike, roller blade, roller skate, skateboard, scoot, or just cruise and people watch. There’s also a huge skate park that is frequented by some of the best skaters in the area. A must visit!
If you’re more in chill mode there is fishing from the Venice Pier or dining at one of the many oceanfront restaurants and bars. Whatever your pace, Venice Beach will provide a full day of entertainment for all ages.
2. Muscle Beach – Originally located in Santa Monica, Muscle Beach is an historic site where world class weightlifters publicly show off their skills, and muscles.
Famous athletes such as Jack La Lanne and Arnold Schwarzenegger have worked out here and there is a Hall of Fame and Walk of Fame that showcases these athlete’s accomplishments.
3. Venice Murals – For the artsy crowd a self-guided walking tour of the Venice Murals is a must. Starting at the barrier of the parking lot between Navy and Rose, there is a display that shows photographs and descriptions to help you navigate the murals. Taking the time to soak in the history, and art, is a nice way to enjoy the day and learn more about the historic culture of Venice Beach.
4. Venice Canals – As ode to our Abbot Kinney room, we highly recommend taking a leisurely walk along the Venice Canals. Designed in 1905 by none other than…Abbot Kinney, these man made canals are Italian inspired and were once home to actual gondolas with gondoliers imported from Italy. Kayaks and canoes have taken place of the gondolas, but the Italian essence remains. You will also see some of the beautiful homes, new and old, that represent the past and future of Venice.
5. Venice Skatepark – Watch the movie ‘Dogtown and Z-Boys’ and you’ll understand the roots of the skate culture that has thrived in Venice for decades. In the past the streets and pools were the terrain of choice, but nowadays a world class skate park right on the beach with a prime ocean view is where you’ll find most of the local talent.
Opening in 2009, the skate park provided a place for skaters to showcase their talents to local fans and visiting tourists. It consists of a sunken pool, street section, rails, and stairs. Most of the park is built for intermediate to advanced skaters, but there is a section that can accommodate new skaters, but as any skater knows, skate at your own risk.
In 2020 at the height of the pandemic, the park was filled with sand by the city to deter large gatherings. Annoyed and fed up with this action, local skaters took matters into their own hands and removed the sand themselves, although the city did say this was temporary and were planning on removing the sand once stay in place orders were lifted. Too late.
6. Dine & Shop on Abbot Kinney Blvd – Abbot Kinney seems to be a theme around here, huh? Well since he basically built Venice, it’s fair that he has his own street named after him, and a suite in our establishment.
Abbot Kinney Blvd is a short walking distance away and home to some of the best food on the coast, with plenty of outdoor seating options. Cutting edge restaurants and hole in the wall pizza joints are what this area is all about. It’s a beautiful mix of anything you’re craving, and wherever you choose you will surely be entertained with the people watching.
Shopping is the other main draw to this street as it boasts some of the trendiest boutiques featuring up and coming designers, as well as established brands. It’s a fairly short stroll up and down the street, but you’ll want to make sure you walk both sides so you don’t miss any of the hidden window treasures.
7. The Venice Whaler – Since 1944 this watering hole has entertained the likes of The Beatles, The Doors, and The Beach Boys. It’s a local hotspot as well as a tourist destination, and one of the best spots in Venice to catch a famous sunset. It’s a 2 story building with lots of room inside, but going along with our ‘outdoor’ theme, there are also bottom and top level patios for you to enjoy the beautiful weather and get some fresh air while enjoying your favorite libation or meal. Our insider tip is to hit up their happy hour, but if you’re looking for the full experience, get there a little before sunset and enjoy your journey into the night.
8. Hinano Café – Just across the street from The Whaler is another Venice staple known as Hinano Café. No surprise that Jim Morrison from The Doors was also a regular here, and since 1962 this joint has been pumping out some of the best burgers in town, as well as its fair share of pints.
Don’t expect fine dining here, it’s a dive bar to the core, which is why it’s so loved by the locals. A great Venice vibe is always in the air and they have recently made it pandemic friendly with the addition of an outside patio.
You can’t go wrong here with the right expectations. It’s gonna be loud, dirty, crowded, and overall epic. Enjoy.
9. Surf Lessons – Surf’s up year round in Venice and this is one of the main reasons people visit this area. It’s one of the most consistent beach breaks in the county and also open enough to accommodate beginners where they can learn in uncrowded waves.
There are rental shops all over town but if it’s your first time in the water it’s probably best to book a lesson as it will make your first experience much more fun, and safer. Summer waters are warm enough to skip the wetsuit and work on the tan while you’re out there, but the winter months can get cold and a wetsuit is mandatory.
Let us know what you’re goals are and we can point you in the right direction. Either way you know you’ll have a warm, comfy bed to come back and rest when you’re done, as surfing is one of the most physically challenging sports out there, but also one of the most rewarding.
10. The Venice Oceanarium – Located at the end of the Venice Pier, the Oceanarium is a grassroots non-profit that has educated and entertained countless numbers of people since opening in 1995.
They are known as a museum-without-walls, with open air exhibits and beach walk programs, and offer a variety of programs tailored to be interactive and fun for everyone. “Our inspiring programs integrate art, literature, poetry, music, and science to inspire kids (of all ages) to understand and appreciate the environment and become stewards of our precious oceans.”
Give them a visit and watch the grunions run (if you’re lucky to be here during grunion season) or enjoy a reading of Moby Dick on the beach. Grab some swag or just donate to a good cause as their hopes are one day having a permanent location on the pier where they can educate all.
11. Venice Farmer’s Market – Last but not least we recommend taking a stroll over to our local farmer’s market. One of the most popular ‘outdoor’ things to do in town, the farmer’s market is open every Friday and is the best place to grab fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, and locally made, handcrafted treasures. You never know what you might find here and there’s always the chance of a local celebrity sighting as Venice is home to many of Hollywood’s actors and actresses. Go solo or bring the family, either way this is a great way to start your Friday!