Abbot Kinney had a dream: make a copy of Venice, Italy, in America. Fortunately, his dream came true and gave place to the most famous and seen beach in the world of cinema.
In 1905, the construction of the canals was finished and the gondolas started to row them. However, the canals weren’t practical for cars and, in 1929, most of the canals were converted to roads. Today, there are some remaining canals, and Venice Beach is one of the most visited places in the world. Not only for that reason but especially because in Venice it’s never “just a day at the beach”!
One of the “things to do before you die” is walk trough Ocean Front Walk and become part of the Venice Scene. This is the place were The Doors were born and you’ll never see any place like Venice Beach on earth.The funky atmosphere will make you want to be part of it! You’ll see not only renowned artists that also live there, but also streets performers. Dancers, bikers, preaches, comedians, skaters, musicians, jugglers, roller skaters, weightlifters, surfers, there’s a place for everyone in Venice Beach. If you like to photograph the piers, unusual buildings and murals will be a nice background for your picture.
If you prefer to lay on the beach or shopping you can choose between antiques, home and furniture, clothing, swimwear, jewelry and accessories, books and music, flowers... But, it will be difficult to you to decide in wish quality restaurant, luxury bar or hot nightclub you will be spending your nighttime on.
You’re welcome to walk around in Venice Beach during the day but after dark it’s better if you don’t.
REASONS TO GO
Artists and street performers
Surfing, skating, sunbathing
Los Angeles & Hollywood Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Malibu
ORIENTATION
The Ocean Front Walk (or “boardwalk”) is parallel to the beach and takes you to Santa Monica (north). In the kilometres of the bike trail you’ll find Muscle Beach, handball, beach volley and paddle tennis courts, Skate Dancing Plaza and many businesses.
Downtown Venice is located around Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Pacific Avenue and Venice Boulevard where you can find art galleries, nightclubs, hotels, bars and apparel shops with remarkable facades.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Winter is generally mild and humid and summer hot and dry, but it never rains too much and you will be able to sunbath during almost all year.
The best time to visit is between March and June, when temperatures are not too high (around 25°C). In July, August and September temperatures will be around 30°C.
HOW TO GET THERE
Los Angeles International Airport is located about 11 Km from Venice Beach and is served by many domestic and international flights. You can reach it by car, taxi, low-cost airport shuttle or metro.
TRAVELING AROUND
There are so many places to visit around LA and Venice Beach that we couldn’t count them all. If you are spending your holidays here, you certainly don’t want to miss Los Angeles Downtown, Hollywood Boulevard and Beverly Hills.
You can also explore some other beaches like El Matador (north Malibu), great for sunbathing and picnicking. In El Matador there are no lifeguards so you have to swim carefully.
If you are in a mood for kayaking or hiking, Channel Island National Park will be the perfect place to do it. You can take a boat from Ventura and spend some time watching archaeological remains as well as plants and animals that live nowhere else.
In the very large white sandy beach of Hermosa Beach you will surf, sunbath, swim and paddleball. If you stay for the night you will see the crowds fill the restaurants and bars.
A very safe place to swim is Carpinteria Beach where you can also surf.
INFO
http://www.venicebeach.com
