Free Things to Do in Venice Beach, California

A Guide to the Best Free Activities in LA’s Eclectic Beach Town

Venice Beach is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in Los Angeles, known for its laid-back atmosphere, eclectic shops, and street performers. While there are plenty of paid attractions in Venice Beach, there are also a number of free things to do that are just as enjoyable.

1. Take a walk through the Venice Canals

The Venice Canals are a hidden gem in Venice Beach. They are a series of canals that were built in the early 1900s and are now lined with beautiful homes and gardens. Visitors can take a walk or bike ride through the canals and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

The Canals are a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk. The canals are lined with colorful homes and gardens, and there are often ducks and geese swimming in the water. You can also see people fishing from the bridges that cross the canals.

If you’re lucky, you might even see a celebrity or two living in one of the canals. The Venice Canals are a popular spot for celebrities to live because they offer privacy and security.

The Venice Canals are a great place to take a romantic walk or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon. It’s a free and unique way to experience Venice Beach.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day though be mindful of residents living in the area

2. People-watch on the Venice Beach Boardwalk

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a must-see for any visitor to the neighborhood. It is a pedestrian-only street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. There is always something to see and do on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, from watching the skateboarders at the Venice Beach Skate Park to listening to live music at one of the many outdoor cafes.

One of the best things to do on the Venice Beach Boardwalk is simply to people-watch. There are people from all walks of life on the boardwalk, from tourists to locals to street performers. You never know what you’re going to see, which is part of the fun.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even join in on the fun by trying your hand at some of the street performers’ acts. There are jugglers, magicians, musicians, and all sorts of other performers on the boardwalk. You can also try your luck at the penny arcade or play some arcade games.

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a great place to spend a day or even just an afternoon. It’s a fun and free way to experience the unique culture of Venice Beach.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day

3. Take a selfie with the Muscle Beach sign

Muscle Beach is a public outdoor gym located on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. It is a popular spot for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Muscle Beach is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors can often see people taking selfies with the Muscle Beach sign.

The Muscle Beach sign is a iconic landmark in Venice Beach. It is a great photo opportunity for visitors of all ages. The sign is also a popular spot for people-watching.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day

4. Visit the Venice Beach Pier

The Venice Beach Pier is a popular tourist destination. The pier features a variety of shops, restaurants, and amusement rides. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from the pier.

The Venice Beach Pier is a great place to spend a day with family and friends. Visitors can enjoy the rides, play games, and shop for souvenirs. The pier is also a great place to watch the sunset.

For more information on the Venice Beach Pier including cost or fishing equipment rentals and other information please click here.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day

5. Attend a free event at the Venice Beach Community Center

Venice Beach Community Center

The Venice Beach Community Center hosts a variety of free events throughout the year. These events include concerts, workshops, and classes. Visitors can check the community center’s website for a list of upcoming events.

The Venice Beach Community Center is a great place to learn new skills or simply enjoy some free entertainment. The center offers a variety of classes, including yoga, dance, and cooking. The center also hosts concerts and other events on a regular basis.

Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 8pm, Saturday: 9am – 5pm, Sunday: Closed

6. Visit the Venice Beach Museum of Contemporary Art

Venice Beach Museum of Contemporary Art

The Venice Beach Museum of Contemporary Art (VBMA) is a free museum that showcases the work of emerging and established contemporary artists. The VBMA has a rotating exhibition schedule, so visitors can always see something new.

The VBMA is a great place to experience contemporary art. The museum is small, but it is well-curated and the exhibits are always interesting. The VBMA is also a great place to learn about contemporary art.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12pm – 6pm

7. Visit the Venice Beach Mural Walls

The Venice Beach Mural Walls are a collection of murals that line the walls of a building on Windward Avenue. The murals are created by local artists and cover a variety of topics, from social commentary to abstract art. Visitors can take a walk down Windward Avenue and admire the murals.

The mural is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Venice Beach. The murals often depict stories about the people and places of Venice Beach.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day

8. Visit the Venice Beach Farmers Market

The Venice Beach Farmers Market is held every Sunday from 9am to 2pm. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, and other local goods. Visitors can also enjoy live music and food trucks at the market.

The Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh and local produce. The vendors at the market sell everything from fruits and vegetables to meat and cheese.

The Market is also a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. The vendors at the market sell everything from handmade crafts to vintage clothing.

If you’re looking for a healthy and affordable meal, be sure to check out the Venice Beach Farmers Market. There are a variety of food trucks at the market that sell everything from tacos to sandwiches to ice cream.

For more information on the farmers market visit their webpage here.

Hours: Sunday 9am to 2pm

9. Watch a Venice Beach Sunset

The Venice Beach sunset is one of the best in he world. Take a moment at the end of the day to catch it. Enjoy a glass a wine or a beer on he beach as the day ends and your night life begins.

Hours: At dusk

The Venice Beach fishing pier

All the information you need to know about your visit to the Venice Beach fishing pier.

The Venice Beach Fishing Pier is a popular spot for fishing in Venice, California. It’s located at 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291. The pier is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is no charge to fish there.

Fishing Regulations

There are a few fishing regulations that you need to be aware of if you’re planning on fishing at the fishing pier. First, you need to have a valid fishing license. You can purchase a fishing license online or at most sporting goods stores. Second, there are size and bag limits for some species of fish. You can find a list of the current size and bag limits on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

What to Expect

The fishing pier is a great place to catch a variety of fish, including mackerel, perch, halibut, and even sharks. The pier is also a popular spot for crabbing. If you’re planning on fishing at the Fishing Pier, be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. The pier can be very windy, especially in the afternoons. You should also be aware of the tides, as the pier can be very crowded during high tide.

Cost

There is no charge to fish at the Venice Beach fishing pier. However, you will need to purchase a valid fishing license if you’re over the age of 16. The cost of a fishing license varies depending on your age and residency status. You can purchase a fishing license online or at most sporting goods stores.

History

The fishing pier was built in 1963 and was originally known as the Ocean Front Pier. The pier was renamed the Venice Beach Fishing Pier in 1987. The pier has been renovated several times over the years, and it is now a popular tourist destination.

Tips for Fishing at the Venice Beach Fishing Pier

  • Bring a variety of baits, as the fish at the pier can be picky.
  • Fishing bait in Venice Beach
  • Use a light to medium-weight fishing rod and reel.
  • Be patient, as it can take some time to catch a fish.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, as the pier can be crowded.

Venice Beach Events 2023: A Guide to the Best of What’s Happening

Venice Beach is a vibrant and exciting place to be, and there is always something going on. Whether you’re interested in art, music, culture, or just people-watching, you’re sure to find something to your liking.

Here are some of the best events happening in Venice Beach in 2023:

  • Venice Beach Music Festival: This three-day festival features a variety of musical acts, from indie rock to electronica. The festival takes place in June, and tickets are usually available in early spring.

  • Venice Beach Art Walk: This monthly event features art from local artists, as well as live music and food trucks. The art walk takes place on the first Friday of every month, and it’s a great way to explore the local art scene.

  • Venice Beach Skateboarding Competition: This annual competition is a major event for skateboarders from all over the world. The competition takes place in August, and it’s a great opportunity to see some of the best skateboarders in action.

  • Venice Beach Halloween Costume Contest: This annual contest is a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to show off your Halloween costume. The contest takes place on Halloween, and it’s open to people of all ages.

  • Venice Beach New Year’s Eve Celebration: This festive event features live music, food, and fireworks. It’s a great way to ring in the new year in style.

These are just a few of the many great events happening in Venice Beach in 2023. For more information, be sure to check out the Venice Beach Chamber of Commerce website.

Venice Beach Skate Park: The Birthplace of Modern Skateboarding

The Venice Beach skate park is one of the most iconic skate parks in the world. It is a place where legends have been made, and where new skaters continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

The history of the Venice Beach skate park is a long and storied one. It began in the early 1970s, when a group of skaters began to build ramps and obstacles in an empty lot near the beach. These skaters, who included Tony Alva, Jay Adams, and Stacy Peralta, would go on to become some of the most influential skateboarders of all time.

The Venice Beach skate park quickly became a popular destination for skaters from all over the world. It was a place where skaters could come to practice their skills, and to compete against the best in the world. The park was also a hotbed of innovation, as skaters experimented with new tricks and techniques.

In the 1980s, the Venice Beach skate park began to decline. The city of Los Angeles closed the park for a period of time, and it was eventually reopened in a different location. However, the park never regained its former glory.

In the 1990s, a new generation of skaters began to revitalize the Venice Beach skate park. These skaters, who included Eric Koston, Tony Hawk, and Bob Burnquist, brought a new level of technical skill to the park. The Venice Beach skate park once again became a popular destination for skaters from all over the world.

Today, the Venice Beach skate park is a thriving community of skaters. It is a place where skaters can come to practice their skills, to meet other skaters, and to be a part of a larger skateboarding culture.

The Early Years

The history of the Venice Beach skate park can be traced back to the early 1970s. At the time, skateboarding was a relatively new sport, and there were few dedicated skate parks in existence. However, a group of skaters in Venice Beach decided to take matters into their own hands.

These skaters, who included Tony Alva, Jay Adams, and Stacy Peralta, began to build ramps and obstacles in an empty lot near the beach. They called their creation the “Dogtown Skatepark,” and it quickly became a popular destination for skaters from all over the area.

The Dogtown Skatepark was a unique place. It was built on a sandlot, and the ramps and obstacles were made from recycled materials. This made the park challenging to skate, but it also allowed for a great deal of creativity.

The skaters who skated at the Dogtown Skatepark were some of the most innovative skaters of their time. They experimented with new tricks and techniques, and they pushed the boundaries of what was possible. As a result, the Dogtown Skatepark became a hotbed of skateboarding innovation.

The Golden Years

The Dogtown Skatepark reached its peak in the mid-1970s. During this time, the park was home to some of the most influential skateboarders of all time, including Tony Alva, Jay Adams, Stacy Peralta, and Steve Caballero.

These skaters helped to popularize skateboarding, and they inspired a new generation of skaters. They also helped to establish Venice Beach as a skateboarding mecca.

The Dogtown Skatepark was a place where legends were made. It was a place where skaters could come to practice their skills, to compete against the best in the world, and to be a part of a larger skateboarding culture. Opens in a new windowtheculturetrip.comDogtown Skatepark

The Decline

In the late 1970s, the Dogtown Skatepark began to decline. The city of Los Angeles closed the park for a period of time, and it was eventually reopened in a different location. However, the park never regained its former glory.

There are a number of reasons for the decline of the Dogtown Skatepark. One reason is that skateboarding became more popular, and there were more dedicated skate parks built. Another reason is that the Dogtown Skatepark was located in a somewhat isolated area, and it became difficult to get to.

The Resurgence

In the 1990s, a new generation of skaters began to revitalize the Venice Beach skate park. These skaters, who included Eric Koston, Tony Hawk, and Bob Burnquist, brought a new level of technical skill to the park. The Venice Beach skate park once again became a popular destination for skaters from all over the world.

The resurgence of the Venice Beach skate park can be attributed to a number of factors. One factor is the rise of street skateboarding. Street skateboarding is a style of skateboarding that takes place in urban environments, and it is often more

Best Restaurants in Venice Beach: A 2023 Guide

Venice Beach Boardwalk at sunset painting.
  1. The Beach House

The Beach House is a popular restaurant located on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. It is known for its delicious seafood dishes, its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and its lively atmosphere. The Beach House is open for lunch and dinner, and it is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Address: 1127 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 396-1929
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner every day.
Price Range: $$$

  1. The Tasting Kitchen

The Tasting Kitchen is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Venice Beach. It is known for its creative and delicious dishes, its friendly and attentive staff, and its intimate atmosphere. The Tasting Kitchen is open for dinner only, and it is a great place to enjoy a special meal.

Address: 1035 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 396-2668
Hours: Open for dinner only, Tuesday-Saturday.
Price Range: $$$

  1. The Abbot Kinney Food Lab

The Abbot Kinney Food Lab is a popular food hall located in the Abbot Kinney neighborhood of Venice Beach. It is home to a variety of food vendors, including restaurants, cafes, and bars. The Abbot Kinney Food Lab is a great place to try a variety of different foods, and it is a great place to socialize with friends or family.

Address: 1200 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 396-9618
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner every day.
Price Range: $$

  1. The Venice Whaler

The Venice Whaler is a popular seafood restaurant located on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. It is known for its delicious seafood dishes, its casual atmosphere, and its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The Venice Whaler is open for lunch and dinner, and it is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Address: 1917 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 396-5020
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner every day.
Price Range: $$$

  1. The Venice Beach Farmers Market

The Venice Beach Farmers Market is a popular farmers market located in the Abbot Kinney neighborhood of Venice Beach. It is a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and other local goods. The Venice Beach Farmers Market is open every Saturday and Sunday, and it is a great place to support local businesses and to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Address: 214 Washington St, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 396-9962
Hours: Open every Saturday and Sunday, 9am-2pm.

  1. The Sausage Grill

The Sausage Grill is a popular restaurant that serves a variety of different sausages. There are over 20 different types of sausages to choose from, and you can also build your own sausage sandwich. The Sausage Grill is a great place to try a variety of different sausages, and the atmosphere is casual and fun.

Address: 1218 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 392-6363
Best time to visit: The Sausage Grill is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

  1. The Gjelina

The Gjelina is a popular restaurant that serves modern American cuisine. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect to find fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The Gjelina is a great place to try a variety of dishes, and the atmosphere is sophisticated and elegant.

Address: 922 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 392-6565
Best time to visit: The Gjelina is open for dinner only, seven nights a week.

  1. The Abbot Kinney Collective

The Abbot Kinney Collective is a food hall that features a variety of different restaurants. There is something for everyone at the Abbot Kinney Collective, whether you are in the mood for pizza, pasta, or sushi. The Abbot Kinney Collective is a great place to try a variety of different dishes, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed.

Address: 1223 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 392-9399
Best time to visit: The Abbot Kinney Collective is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

  1. The Hungry Cat

The Hungry Cat is a popular seafood restaurant that has been serving Venice Beach for over 30 years. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including lobster, crab, and fish. The Hungry Cat is a great place to enjoy a casual meal with friends or family.

Address: 1223 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 392-9399Best time to visit: The Hungry Cat is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

These are just a few of the many great restaurants in Venice Beach. Venice Beach is a vibrant and exciting place, and there is something for everyone.

History of Muscle Beach

Muscle Beach is a historic outdoor gym located in Santa Monica, California. It is one of the most famous and iconic fitness locations in the world.

The history of Muscle Beach can be traced back to the early 1930s, when the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a series of exercise stations along the Santa Monica Pier. These stations were designed to provide a place for people to exercise during the Great Depression.

Muscle Beach quickly became a popular destination for bodybuilders and acrobats. In the 1940s, it was a frequent filming location for Hollywood movies.

In the 1960s, Muscle Beach became a popular destination for hippies and counter-culture activists. It was also the birthplace of the modern fitness movement.

In the 1980s, Muscle Beach was forced to move to a new location due to the development of the Santa Monica Pier. The new location is located at the north end of the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Muscle Beach is still a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts from all over the world. It is also a popular tourist attraction.

Interesting People Associated with Muscle Beach

Some of the interesting people associated with Muscle Beach throughout its history include:

  • Steve Reeves: Reeves was a famous bodybuilder who trained at Muscle Beach in the 1940s. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of modern bodybuilding.
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger: Schwarzenegger is another famous bodybuilder who trained at Muscle Beach in the 1960s. He is considered to be one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
  • Charles Atlas: Atlas was a famous bodybuilder and strength trainer who trained at Muscle Beach in the 1930s. He is considered to be one of the founders of modern bodybuilding.
  • Joe Weider: Weider was a famous bodybuilder and fitness promoter who trained at Muscle Beach in the 1930s. He is considered to be the father of the modern fitness movement.
  • Lou Ferrigno: Ferrigno is a famous bodybuilder who trained at Muscle Beach in the 1960s. He is best known for playing the Incredible Hulk in the television series and movies.
  • Bruce Lee: Lee was a famous martial artist who trained at Muscle Beach in the 1960s. He is considered to be one of the greatest martial artists of all time.

Films Filmed at Venice Beach

Some of the films that have been filmed at Venice Beach include:

  • The 1970s film “Pumping Iron” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.
  • The 1990s film “The Santa Monica Pier” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
  • The 2000s film “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” starring Lucas Black.
  • The 2010s film “The Hangover Part II” starring Bradley Cooper.
  • The 2010s film “The Wolf of Wall Street” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Move from Old Location to Current Location

Muscle Beach was forced to move to a new location in the 1980s due to the development of the Santa Monica Pier. The new location is located at the north end of the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

The new location is a much larger and more modern facility than the old one. It has a variety of exercise equipment, including weight machines, cardio machines, and free weights. It also has a number of basketball courts, volleyball courts, and handball courts.

The new location is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It is a great place to get a workout, play a game of basketball, or just relax on the beach.

The Launch of VeniceBeachBar.com

Venice Beach Bars - Happy Hour, Brunch, and Drink Specials

Welcome to VeniceBeachBar.com

Welcome to the site. We are nearly created in order to help cover the happy hours, brunches, food and drink specials for Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Beach Area. The information on the site will be updated and new information on bars will be added daily.

Why a list of Happy Hours?

While living in the area we noticed it was hard to keep up on the drink and food specials across all of the bars in the area. It seemed that in order to find any of this information a lot of time was spent on googling. We noticed that it was pretty hard to final a complete list that covered all of the active specials and happy hour.

What Next?

More and more bars will be added over time and the information on all the happy hour will also be updated. If you see any mistakes or if any happy hour specials have ended, please drop us a line.

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