The ocean is the thing that makes Venice Beach the most special place on earth. Sure we have great culture and people, but it is the magnificent Pacific that makes it all happen. This three-mile beach is manicured daily and the lifeguards are on duty, so grab a towel and head down to the sand. Surf, swim, body board and splash around in the Pacific Ocean. Go for a deep sand run or power walk in ankle deep water. Sunbathe & relax. Keep an eye out for dolphins. Volleyball courts also available. You can rent surf, body and skim boards at several spots if you do not have your own. Or, grab a Frisbee or a ball for some catch. Marvel at the planet’s largest ocean or meditate into your own universe, either way the beach has the perfect spot for everyone. Admission is free! Have the ultimate beach day experience with Beach Now! Beach concierge service that sets up your ideal beach day with a comfy beach pad with chairs, shade, towels and much more. Want to take a surf lesson or need beach accessories? Check out Jay’s Rentals! They both have packages that include wet suits, boards and a qualified instructor. And, they also have body boards, beach supplies and more! Hungry? Check out this list of Venice bars and restaurants. . Venice Beach Attractions: The Venice Pier: (Following info from Coastal Conservancy) The 1,300-foot Venice Pier, built in 1963, was falling to pieces by the 1980s. It was closed and scheduled for demolition in 1986. Venice residents rallied to the cause, and after years of perseverance the pier was restored and reopened in 1997. The restored pier is fully accessible, with special cutouts for fishing from wheelchairs. Location: End of Washington Blvd. South of the Venice Breakwater The Venice Breakwater: (Following insert from wikimapia.org) The Venice Breakwater is an acclaimed local surf spot in Venice, located north of the Venice Pier and Lifeguard Headquarters, and south of the Santa Monica Pier. This spot is sheltered on the north by an artificial barrier, the breakwater, consisting of an extending sand bar, piping, and large rocks at its end. This spot has differing breaks depending on swell intensity, swell direction, tide and time of the day. Venice Breakwater History: Built by Abbot Kinney in 1905 to protect his amusement park pier, this is one of the few bits and pieces remaining of his dream community, Venice of America. The only place on the beach to see waves break on both sides. Also has the finest sand for sand sculpture. In summer only the north break is even halfway ridable, but when the winter storm swells come in, the five to seven foot point-break type waves at the south end are first rate. FYI Free beach wheelchairs provided by the Dep’t of Beaches & Harbor. Showers and bathrooms located by and on the beach at the Venice Pier, North Venice Blvd, 17th St., Market St. Brooks Ave. and Rose Ave. . Beach Tips/Rules of the Beach: Venice open from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Do not touch, feed, or disturb any marine life on the beach. Animals on the beach are wild and may bite. If you see an injured animal on the beach, ask a lifeguard to call animal rescue. California Marine and Wild Life. 310-457-9453 No alcohol or dogs on the beach Ask the lifeguard about rip currents. Learn about Rip Currents with LACOFD Lifeguard Division. Look for the swim/surf flags and stay in the proper area Pick up your garbageSurfboards, and all beach rentals available atJay’s Rentals. Wear plenty of sunscreen. . Check out Beach Safety tips from LACOFD Lifeguard Division. The Los Angeles County Lifeguards suggest using common sense when visiting the beach. Tragedy in the ocean can happen quickly therefore having knowledge of aquatic safety is crucial when coming to the beach. Always swim near an open lifeguard station and never swim alone. Check with the lifeguard for safe ocean and beach conditions. Never dive into shallow water… Remember… Feet-first every time! Use swim fins and a leash whenever bodyboarding. Keep a safe distance from piers and rocks, and always obey warning signs. Never throw sand and always fill in holes before you leave the beach. Please do not litter…leave the beach cleaner than you found it! Protect yourself from the sun…use sunscreen and wear a hat. Respect other beach patrons and remember your beach manners. The bicycle path is like a road…always look both ways before crossing! If you, or someone in your group gets lost, always find the nearest lifeguard. View more Beach Safety tips from LACOFD Lifeguard Division. View Beach Safety tips from County of LA Fire Department Important Pone Numbers and websites: Wildlife and Marine Rescue Centers Surfline Venice Beach Cam Beaches and Harbors at 310-305-9546 Permit information from Beaches and Harbors 310-305-9503 Filming Information from Beaches and Harbors 310-305-9549 Life Guard Emergency: 310.394.3261 or 310.577.5700. LACOFD Lifeguard Division. LIFEGUARD DIVISION. 2300 Ocean Front Walk. Venice , CA 90291. (310) 939-7200. .=