Venice Beach attracts guests from worldwide, who come to catch glimpses of eclectic characters like Snoop Dogg and Chris Brown, in addition, to taking part in its big selection of actions from paddle boarding to seashore volleyball. It’s greater than only a seashore – it is expertise! Come see what it is all about and be taught these 10 the explanation of why you want to go to Venice Beach in Los Angeles in the present day.
1) It’s known as ‘the beach but it’s actually a lagoon
You’ve most likely heard of Venice Beach. It’s a preferred vacation spot for individuals visiting L.A. as a result of it has fascinating historical past and is known for its boardwalk, canals, and amusement park rides. But what chances are you’ll not know is that it’s truly known as the Venice Beach Lagoon and never the seashore.
So why is it known as a lagoon? It’s a result of Venice used to be its personal island earlier than it was linked to L.A. by bridges in 1925 and 1932. Back then, Venice was crammed with canals that had been initially constructed as a part of a drainage system; they made getting around by boat simpler. Even in the present day, a few of these canals are nonetheless there.
2) The Venice Pier
The Venice Pier is dwelling to a few of the most iconic sights on the west coast. The pier has been a preferred vacation spot for locals and vacationers alike since its opening day in 1909. It’s not possible not to get pleasure from a stroll alongside the pier with views of the Pacific Ocean, sunsets over Catalina Island, and delightful Angelinos spending their leisure time.
The sights alongside Venice Pier are broad and assorted, however, two you shouldn’t miss are Muscle Beach and Abbot Kinney’s. Muscle Beach is a hotspot for bodybuilders, weightlifters, and individuals who simply love to train. It’s additionally dwelling on a few of LA’s most eye-catching graffiti artwork that has drawn artists from all around the globe.
3) Muscle Beach
Muscle Beach is a free weight gymnasium with free weights and machines which are open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Muscle Beach was initially created as a spot for individuals to train, but additionally grew to become generally known as the middle of L.A.’s bodybuilding scene and impressed Gold’s Gym.
There are six outside weightlifting areas on Venice seashore. Two had been geared up with Olympic bars, two had been geared up with dumbbells, and two had been geared up with each bars and dumbbells.
4) Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus Museum
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus Museum is a must-see when visiting Venice Beach. It’s positioned on the pier, making it straightforward for you to stroll by means of the museum earlier than taking in a present at one of many close by venues. The museum’s displays embody circus memorabilia from over 150 years in the past. Plus, there are interactive parts that may train you about circus historical past.
The museum is open day by day, and the doorway is free. Hours are topic to change, so make sure to verify their web site for hours of operation earlier than you go to. The museum additionally has some very fascinating data on well-known circus performers all through historical past.
5) Point Dume State Reserve
Point Dume State Reserve is a picturesque spot for a hike and provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It additionally provides some nice fishing, so you’ll be able to catch your individual dinner after a protracted day of exploring.
There’s additionally a surf spot that breaks at a spot known as Point Dume. This is a spot for skilled surfers, and also you gained’t discover very many good swimming seashores round it. However, in case you do need to swim, there are nonetheless loads of choices close by, together with El Matador State Beach and Leo Carrillo State Park.
Due to its location proper on PCH, Westward Beach is without doubt one of the hottest seashores with native residents.
6) Inspiration Point in Santa Monica
The Inspiration Point is a vacationer vacation spot on the Santa Monica Pier. This venue hosts reside music, theatre, and dancing performances. Inspiration Point additionally has a small museum concerning the historical past of Venice Beach in Los Angeles.
If you might be in search of a laid-back exercise, go to the seashore at Venice and watch individuals surf or play volleyball with pals.
The Venice Boardwalk is a well-liked place for avenue performers, artwork galleries, and outlets promoting classic garments and jewelry.
7) Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach is without doubt one of the largest and hottest seashores on the West Coast. It is positioned simply south of Venice, CA, and attracts many guests yearly. The pier at Dockweiler State Beach provides an excellent view of the Venice Pier in addition to the Santa Monica Pier. If you might be in search of some household enjoyable, there are many sights comparable to paddle boarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boards accessible for lease.
Another close by Venice attraction is Hermosa Beach. This seashore is positioned on an island and has a soothing ambiance that pulls many households and locals alike. There are many locations alongside Pier Avenue the place you’ll be able to seize meals, drinks, and different merchandise.
8) Rose Avenue Fish Market
If you might be visiting Venice Beach in LA, you then want to try the Rose Avenue Fish Market. Here, on the boardwalk proper throughout from the seashore, locals and guests alike collect each morning. The market is so well-liked that it has been featured on a number of TV exhibits together with Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations.
The market is open 7 days per week and begins at 6 am Monday by means of Saturday.
What started as a tiny storefront has develop into one in all LA’s hottest markets. Fishmongers bustle backwards and forwards carrying ice chests stuffed with contemporary fish, crabs, shrimp, and lobsters. The market provides every part that you could possibly presumably need to cook dinner with seafood, from shellfish shares and sauces, spices for broths, and gravies for ceviche.
9) Alligator Wrestling
One of the preferred methods to spend a day at Venice Beach is alligator wrestling. Local residents supply a $5 alligator wrestling match, which entails grabbing the gator by its tail and making an attempt to flip it over on its again. If you are profitable, you get a t-shirt, bragging rights, and your image taken with the alligator.
However, watch out not to get too shut. Those alligators could look playful however they’ve been recognized to chomp on fingers. Not solely that, but it surely’s additionally unlawful for anybody who is not a licensed alligator handler in Florida. Be certain you realize what you are doing earlier than you try to deal with one in all these guys.
10) Stray Cat Alliance
The Stray Cat Alliance is a non-profit group that rescues cats from the streets and feeds and cares for them till they’re adopted. They additionally work with native shelters to present foster properties for cats who want a bit of further care earlier than going up for adoption. The Stray Cat Alliance’s mission is to be the voice of homeless cats and make sure that all stray, deserted, and feral cats obtain humane remedy.
After being rescued, these cats are given medical care by veterinarians. They are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and obtain any obligatory medical remedy.
