11 Best Things to Do in Venice Beach, Southern California

At its founding, Venice was referred to as “Venice of the United States.” Originally intended to be a cultural mecca, it was transformed into “Coney Island of the Pacific,” complete with an amusement pier and a miniature steam railroad.

In addition to its world-famous boardwalk and beautiful beach, Venice has become one of Los Angeles’ most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. For decades, it has served as a cultural hub in Los Angeles thanks to the Beat Generation poets and artists who lived there.

A woman over 50 like you will find a diverse selection of fun things to do in Venice Beach. Keep on reading to find out what they are!

Best Things to Do in Venice Beach

These activities in Venice Beach will help you get to know L.A.’s colorful beachside district.

1. Take a Stroll on the Venice Canals

In the Venice Canals, the renowned beachfront experience is shown in a completely new light. Along with Dell Avenue’s three canal-lined blocks, you’ll find a picture-perfect landscape complete with sloping pedestrian bridges, lovely beach cottages, a bevy of ducks, and the occasional paddleboarding surfer.

However, the canals do not have boat rentals. Still, you can bring your non-motorized vessel and explore the neighborhood from above water level in the vessel of your choosing (use the ramp on Venice Boulevard as your entry point).

2. Watch People on the Boardwalk and at Venice Beach

The Venice Boardwalk is a great place to watch people. This pedestrian promenade and its associated bike lane practically run uninterrupted from the southern end of Santa Monica Beach. As a result, Venice’s streets are awash with T-shirt shops and shady street performers, as well as the revved-up gym-goers who frequently go to Muscle Beach.

Its skate park is always fun, and the Waterfront and the Great White, two of the best restaurants in the neighborhood, are definitely worth a visit. Aside from that, the beach is unusually soft and spacious, and the mountains can be seen from the shore. As you walk along the canals, you’ll notice unique architecture and beautiful gardens.

3. Check Out Santa Monica Pier

In the nearby city of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Pier is a great place to visit. With so much to see and do, you could spend a whole day there. The pier has been around for over a century and has become a popular tourist destination.

Numerous specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants can be found near the pier. In addition, the pier hosts a variety of festivals and entertainment events. Pacific Park, a roller coaster-themed amusement park, is one of the most popular attractions on the Santa Monica Pier. Just underneath it is the Aquarium, which is just as popular.

4. The Mosaic Tile House is a Must-See

The boardwalk of Venice Beach is renowned for its colorful, eccentric residents and visitors alike. Reflecting this “rainbow coalition,” the houses, buildings, and other structures in this area are also diverse.

One example of a colorful house is the so-called Mosaic Tile House. When Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran initially moved into their Venice home, it was nothing more than a plain, drab structure. However, over a decade, their living and working space became an incredible mosaic of colorful tiles, stonewares, and ceramics. 

Mosaic Tile House is a beautiful piece of art on its own. The experience of walking inside this massive work-in-progress structure is similar to that of being inside a coral reef. Thus, it was made open to the public every Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm with a $20 email reservation.

5. Peruse Your Reading Habit at Small World Books

Mildred Gates and Mary Goodfader founded Small World Books in the Boys Shopping Center in 1969. Bob, Mary’s husband, found a lovely abandoned building on Ocean Front Walk with graffiti reading “stop bombing in Cambodia” after the lease was terminated. 

Bob had an idea of what it might be like if the bookstore and a small restaurant were to be built next door. To cut a long story short, the bookstore gained its popularity – until today.

Although no one would expect a traditional bookstore in an artsy community like Venice, Small World Books surely will not disappoint. This bookstore offers a wide selection of books in a cozy little nook on the boardwalk. 

Small World Books adheres to the quirky idea that the book you desire is what you must have. As a general bookstore, they stock many books from major and small publishers. Alongside, the staff at this independent bookstore is friendly and helpful.

6. Take a Look at the Clamor of Venice Skate Park

When the Z-Boys were tired with flat waves, they turned to the pavements, giving birth to skateboarding. Although it was not established until 2009, this skate park has quickly become one of the most identifiable areas due to its stunning area, palm trees, and proximity to the beach.

Skateboarding video production often takes place in the vicinity of the fences, so keep an eye out.

7. Visit the Upscale Abbot Kinney District to Dine and Shop

Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice’s chicest Boulevard, is home to some of the city’s top stores, galleries, restaurants, and bars (Felix and Gjelina, most notably). You may ride your bike from the beach to this upscale neighborhood and visit the storefronts.

8. Brew Up Some Menotti’s Coffee 

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a cup of coffee, Menotti’s is the place to go for both. The cafe provides stunning views of Venice Beach’s boardwalk and is a popular meeting place because of the views and the excellent coffee. 

Additionally, organic or vegan options and high-quality Four Barrel Coffee are available.

9. Take a Look at the Murals in Venice

In Venice, there is a plethora of public art in the form of large, vibrant murals. Taking a self-guided walking tour is the best way to see these murals. The boardwalk and parking lot are separated by a barrier between Navy and Rose Avenues, making this the ideal starting point for your tour. 

You can expect this ideal route to take about three hours if you take your time. Nonetheless, a photo exhibit at the beginning of the walk shows a few murals from history. You’ll see about two dozen murals as you travel along the route.  

10. Penmar Park is a Great Place to Get Some Exercise and Fresh Air.

There is a lot to do in Penmar Park if you’re looking for a large area of open green space with a variety of amenities. Basketball and tennis courts, softball fields, and a playground are available on-site. You can also bring packed lunch and eat it outside at one of the picnic areas near the parking lot.

11. Eat at Great White

Great White is no exception to the rule when describing Venice’s restaurants as fresh and local. New American dishes like avocado toast, kale salads, and traditional favorites are served in this casual, classic California cafe.

There are three meals a day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, and burgers are also on the menu. At the same time, their drinks include smoothies, coffees, teas, wine, and margaritas that go well with the picturesque views of the Venice Beach sunset.

Immerse Yourself to the Beauty of Venice Beach and Exciting Things to Discover!

Venice Beach in Los Angeles is a popular destination for those who enjoy people-watching. Alongside, its carefree vibe is exemplified by the area’s distinctive architecture, kitschy shops, and carnival-like atmosphere.

It’s possible to uncover a different side of Venice Beach if you can get past the wacky but amusing facade. Indeed, artists, performers, and hippies worldwide have long been drawn to Venice because of its artistic diversity. So, grab a travel companion, and get ready to recharge yourself and experience the best things to do in Venice Beach!

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