Venice Beach New Year’s Bash: Your Ultimate Guide to Ringing in 2024
Ditch the overpriced parties and tourist traps! Dive into the vibrant soul of Venice Beach this New Year’s Eve with our curated guide to bars, events, and unforgettable vibes. Find hidden gems, epic dance floors, and killer cocktails for a night you’ll never forget. Escape the ordinary, embrace the extraordinary – Venice Beach awaits!
Forget stuffy ballrooms and overpriced dinners. Forget generic countdown clichés and forced merriment. This New Year’s Eve, Venice Beach beckons with an exhilarating kaleidoscope of parties, hidden gems, and raw, unscripted revelry. Trade your tux for flip-flops, your champagne flute for a tiki torch, and embrace the vibrant soul of Los Angeles’ bohemian heartbeat.
Dive into the pulse of Venice with our curated guide to 10 unforgettable bars and NYE events:
1. The Venice Whaler (1020 Abbot Kinney Blvd.):
Location: https://www.venicewhaler.com/
Why NYE: This iconic beachfront institution offers breathtaking ocean views, a crackling bonfire on the sand, and live music that’ll have you dancing from sunset to sunrise. Don’t miss out on Chef’s New Year’s menu special! Only available New Year’s Eve and Day. Must make reservations
NYE Event: Bonfire, live music, DJ sets, and a midnight champagne toast.
New Year’s Drink: Spiced Pumpkin Rum Punch – warm up with this Venice Whaler signature, laced with autumnal spices and tropical sunshine.
For more info on The Whaler and NYE events click here.
2. The Brig (1500 Ocean Front Walk):
Location: https://thebrig.com/
Why NYE: This nautical-themed gastropub boasts epic ocean views, delicious seafood, and a playful atmosphere perfect for ringing in the new year with your crew.
NYE Event: Five-course prix fixe dinner with live music and a champagne toast at midnight.
New Year’s Drink: Shark Bite Margarita – sip on this tangy, tequila-infused concoction while watching the waves crash against the boardwalk.
For more info on The Brig and NYE events click here.
3. The Roosterfish (902 Abbot Kinney Blvd.):
Location: https://www.roosterfishla.com/
Why NYE: This Venice institution is a haven for locals and celebrities alike, offering craft cocktails, delicious eats, and a cool, laid-back vibe. All inclusive. LA’s best DJ’s, 5 Hour Open Bar, 360 photobooth, champagne toast, and more. Click here for more info on the event and to reserve your spot or for more info on The Roosterfish click here.
NYE Event: DJ sets, dancing, and a midnight champagne toast.
New Year’s Drink: Midnight Old Fashioned – ring in the new year with this classic twist, made with aged rye whiskey and spiced with apple cider reduction.
4. The Waterfront (2300 Ocean Front Walk):
Location: https://www.thewaterfrontvenice.com/
Why NYE: This beachfront bar/restaurant is a Venice Beach staple, offering live music, dancing, and stunning ocean views.
NYE Event: Live music, DJs, dancing, and a midnight champagne toast.
New Year’s Drink: Venice Sunset – capture the spirit of the setting sun with this tequila-based concoction blended with mango, pineapple, and orange.
5. The High Hat (1615 Abbot Kinney Blvd.):
Location: https://www.hi-life.com/happy-hour.php
Why NYE: This speakeasy-style cocktail lounge offers a sophisticated escape from the beachfront chaos, with expertly crafted cocktails and a vintage vibe. Ring in the New Year without breaking stride! This year, Hi-Life keeps it real with a relaxed vibe for New Year’s Eve. Enjoy our regular menu, spiced up with some special treats, grab a seat first come, first served, or book ahead. Drinks flow all night at the bar, and there’s no cover charge for early birds. Celebrate at your own pace, Hi-Life style! (For seats after 9pm, there’s a $25 party charge added to your bill.). For more info on the The High Hat’s NYE event click here.
NYE Event: Live jazz music, burlesque performances, and a midnight champagne toast.
New Year’s Drink: The French 75 – raise a toast to the new year with this classic blend of champagne, gin, lemon juice, and sugar.
6. The Venice Beach Boardwalk:
Location: Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach, CA 90291
Why NYE: No Venice Beach NYE is complete without a stroll down the iconic boardwalk. Witness street performers, artists, and vendors, all bathed in the glow of the setting sun and the festive spirit.
NYE Event: Live music, street performances, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s electric with anticipation for the new year.
New Year’s Drink: Grab a hot chocolate or a spiked cider from one of the boardwalk vendors and soak in the sights and sounds of Venice Beach magic.
7. The Marina del Rey Fireworks and Glow Party:
Location: Just north of Venice Beach, the Marina del Rey at Fisherman’s Village or the South Jetty
Why NYE: Witness the night sky explode in a kaleidoscope of color as the clock strikes twelve. The fireworks are best viewed from the beach or the boardwalk, offering a breathtaking backdrop to your NYE celebrations. The magic of New Year’s Eve unfold with two vibrant fireworks displays! Join the festivities at Fisherman’s Village or the South Jetty at 8:59 PM and 11:59 PM. Find out more information about the Marina del Rey Fireworks including best places to watch click here.
NYE Event: Fireworks show at 8:59 PM and 11:59 PM.
New Year’s Drink: Pop open a bottle of bubbly and enjoy the dazzling spectacle with your loved ones.
8. The Venice Beach Bonfire:
Location: Various locations along the beach, including the Venice Whaler and Marina del Rey.
Why NYE: Gather around a crackling bonfire, roast marshmallows, and share stories under the starry sky. The bonfires offer a unique and cozy way to ring in the new year.
NYE Event: Bonfire gatherings at various locations along the beach.
New Year’s Drink: Spiced cider or a hot toddy – warm your hands and your soul with a comforting beverage as you gaze into the flames.
9. The Venice Beach Sunrise:
Location: Any spot along the beach with an unobstructed view of the east.
Why NYE: Start the new year with a fresh perspective by witnessing the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean. The beauty and tranquility of the sunrise are a perfect way to cleanse the palate after a night of revelry.
NYE Event: Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
New Year’s Drink: A cup of coffee or tea – greet the new day with a warm beverage and a renewed sense of hope and possibility.
Beyond the Bars: Your Venice Beach NYE Adventure Awaits
Remember, Venice Beach is more than just bars and parties. This vibrant neighborhood offers a kaleidoscope of experiences to enrich your NYE celebrations. Explore the Abbot Kinney shops, catch a live music show at the Venice Beach Bandshell, or take a walk through the canals. Embrace the street art, the eclectic energy, and the bohemian spirit that makes Venice Beach so special.
So, ditch the expectations, embrace the unexpected, and let Venice Beach weave its magic on your New Year’s Eve. With this guide and an open mind, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to conquer the new year.
Happy New Year from Venice Beach!
