- Founded by a Tobacco Millionaire: Venice Beach was founded in 1905 by Abbot Kinney, a tobacco millionaire, who wanted to create a beachfront resort town.
- Venice of America: It was originally designed to mimic Venice, Italy, complete with canals, gondolas, and a Venetian-style architecture. Some of the canals still exist today.
- Muscle Beach: Venice Beach is home to the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, a hotspot for bodybuilders, including Arnold Schwarzenegger during his early days in America.
- Street Performers: The Venice Beach Boardwalk is famous for its vibrant street performances, artists, and vendors.
- Skateboarding Mecca: Venice Beach is often considered one of the birthplaces of skateboarding and is home to the Venice Skatepark.
- Art Walls: The Venice Art Walls are a series of concrete walls that have been designated for use by graffiti artists, making the area a living canvas.
- Basketball Courts: The Venice Beach basketball courts gained fame through movies and TV and are one of the most famous public basketball courts in the world.
- Silicon Beach: In recent years, Venice has become a tech hub and is often referred to as “Silicon Beach” due to the influx of tech companies setting up offices there.
- Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Named after the founder, this boulevard is a mile-long strip featuring some of LA’s trendiest boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants.
- Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate: Despite its bohemian reputation, Venice Beach is also known for its expensive real estate, with some properties going for several millions of dollars.
Helpful Web Links for Visiting Venice Beach
- Official Los Angeles Tourism Website: Check for the latest updates and activities related to Venice Beach.
- Yelp and TripAdvisor: For reviews of local attractions, restaurants, and activities.
- Airbnb and Hotel Websites: To explore accommodation options.
- Public Transportation Websites: Like Metro Los Angeles, for information on how to get to and around Venice Beach.
- Local News Websites: For any current events or issues you should be aware of during your visit.
- Social Media: Check out platforms like Instagram and Twitter for real-time updates and photos from Venice Beach.
What You Should Know About Venice Beach
- Crowds: It can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Parking: Parking can be difficult, so consider using public transport or ride-sharing services.
- Safety: Like many busy tourist destinations, it’s wise to stay alert and be aware of your belongings.
- Local Laws: Make sure to obey all local ordinances, including those about alcohol consumption on the beach or performing for money.
- Weather: Venice Beach is generally sunny but can be cooler than other parts of LA due to the sea breeze, so dress accordingly.