Venice Beach

When thinking of Los Angeles it is hard not to picture the city’s iconic Venice Beach. Whilst many beaches are exactly that, and nothing else, Venice Beach is much more than that; a beach, cultural institution, vibrant community and international tourist destination to name a few. What goes on along the beach front is as important to Venice beach’s character as the sand,ocean and palms trees that physically define it.

Most of what makes Venice Beach what it is goes on along Ocean Front Walk, or the Boardwalk as everybody calls it. This is where you will find the outdoor gyms of Muscle Beach, the skate parks and basketball courts. You’ll also find a host of eccentric street performers that help make Venice Beach the colorful place it is; musicians, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, magicians, fortune-tellers and even the odd prophet.
As well as being a permanent circus the Boardwalk is also the place to go cruising, whether this is by skate, bike or foot

The beach itself is a three mile stretch of golden sand lined with tall palm trees. Facing into the Pacific Ocean there is often good surf to be had here, particularly at Venice Breakwater. Towards the southern end of the beach is Venice Fishing Pier. Regularly trashed by winter storms the pier is currently structurally sound.