Welcome to Venice, California, the center of the universe!  Our beach front town is the birth place of skateboarding, Suicidal Tendencies, The Doors, and a whole lot of of awesomeness!   And, I am going to help you get the most fun out of your day here.

Wake up early, grab a coffee at The Cows End Cafe or Muscle Beach Juice Bar and  hit the beach for a surf.  Board rentals and lessons are available at Jay’s Rentals, Maui and Sons, and Muscle Beach Surf starting around 6:00 a.m.  Or head to YAS Fitness Center for yoga/spin class.  Either way, this is perfect way to start the day in Venice.  Breakfast at Barlo, Jody Maroni’s, or Sidewalk Cafe is always a good call to fuel up for the adventure.

Next up is the boardwalk.  There are tons of cool things in Venice, so it is important to prioritize.  Muscle Beach is an absolute must do.  You can get a workout on in the weight pit, where Arnold used to train, with a $10 a day pass.  Or hit the gymnastics area, paddle tennis, or basketball for free. Then head south and a check out the Venice Pier.  It is a happening surf spot, and the 1300 ft. Structure takes you out into  mighty Pacific for a birds eye view of all the action.  And, if you want some rad food and drinks in the Washington Square area, hit up Simmzy’s or Cabo Cantina, both locally revered hot spots.

Once your done here, you need to rent a bike and hit our famous 17 mile ocean front, bicycles only, path.  It stretches from Palos Verdes to Pacific Palisades.  And, it goes right through the beach where  Baywatch  was filmed.  $15 will get you a rental for the entire day at almost any rental shop around. As you cruise north, stop and enjoy the Art Walls, murals painted on what is the remains of the famed Venice Pavillion.  Permits to paint are issued on the weekends, and murals stay up all week, until the next artist comes along to make their mark.  It is a great way to check out some legit L.A. Street art. Just north of the Art Walls is the legendary Venice skate park!  27,000 sq. feet of Oceanfront concrete brings a lot of talent and it is super fun to watch the skaters ripping up the bowls with the Ocean in the background.   This is quintessential Venice stop. By this time you will need to refuel. 

There are many really great restaurants in Venice.  However, there is one walk up window on the boardwalk that is the stuff of legend.  And, that Hawaiian sashimi slanging spot  is called Poke Poke.  Located on OFW at 2011 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, it is the first Poke shop on the west coast!  So, get a poke bowl and walk the iconic VB boardwalk!  There is a vast array of performers, artists, and other interesting characters to observe and interact with. Venice’s Oceanfront Walk is known the world over.  So, take your time and take it in. By now it is probably time for a drink. 

Happy hour is a time honored tradition in the V, and finding perfect one for you depends on what you are into.a. Some of our favorites are: Hama Sushi, Canal Club, Simmzy’s, and Barlo.  If you want to hear live music, check out The Venice Beach Bar at 323 Oceanfront Walk.

Watching the sunset in Venice is a daily event as well.  Our favorite place is the High roof top lounge, located on top of Hotel Erwin for a 360 degree view of Venice. 

Now, we are ready to enjoy some live music, Art, comedy, theatre, shopping, and whatever else we can find!  Abbot Kinney Blvd. is a hotspot for retail and restaurants.  And if architecture is your jam, then the Venice Canals are your destination. There are many a venue for all of the above in Venice, as well a a slew of annual events.  Some of the best that do live music regularity, are Townhouse, The Whaler, The Venice Beach Bar, and Brennan’s.   

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Explore our site for more Venice Beach Fun!  www.VisitVeniceCA.com