For this week’s Discover LA Series, we visit the legendary Venice Beach Boardwalk.
The world famous Venice Beach Boardwalk is on most people’s to-do list when visiting Los Angeles. The boardwalk, which spans one and a half miles on the Southern California coast, is the second most visited destination is Southern California, according to Touropia.com. (Disneyland is the first.) And for a good reason! With such a wide variety of activities to do and people to watch, you can easily spend an entire day just cruising the ‘walk. Street performers, shops, and food stalls all cry out for your attention, while the skate park and legendary Muscle Beach beckon you as well. Pack a camera, because Venice Beach Boardwalk has it all.
But if you are wondering where to start or what to do, no problem! I listed out my five favorite things to do on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Check it out below.
In my opinion, the best way to experience the boardwalk is by cruising down the beachfront bike path. The bike path is about 1.5 miles long with countless bicycle rental shops along the way. The path winds along the sun-soaked sand and leads to Santa Monica. It only takes about 15 minutes to get to the Santa Monica Boardwalk from Venice Beach, so venturing north to ride the ferris wheel is totally doable. Find a list of bike rentals HERE!
My favorite activity of them all – people watching! Observing both the locals and tourists that visit Venice is quite entertaining. Once you get to Venice, you will see that it is filled with all kinds of people and personalities. Along the path, there will also be many street performers, so catch a show or two. Check out the performers eating fire, singing, break dancing, juggling, playing instruments and more. Usually, bigger shows happen during the weekend when the performers attract larger audiences.
Venice Beach is a creative place, to say the least. You will find yourself amongst art walls, street displays, and artists selling their work on the boardwalk. Take the time to stop and appreciate the work of local artists! Maybe you’ll head home with a unique piece of your own. There is something for everyone here, with art ranging from watercolor and photography to graffiti art and balloon animals.
If you are looking for LA souvenirs, the boardwalk is the place to go! There are more than enough souvenir shops to find something for everyone on your list.
What’s a trip to Venice Beach Boardwalk without checking out the skate park? Watch skaters of all ages and experience levels hit the ramps at the famous Venice Beach Skate Park. This area is so popular that it even became a level in a Tony Hawk Pro Skater game. I love to take a break from shopping and perusing to watch the skaters do their tricks. On any given day, you can usually catch some really talented skaters!
And don’t forget to take a picture under the “Venice” sign on Windward Avenue and Pacific Avenue. (Like the photo featured at the beginning of this article.)
We’d love to see you and your favorite Blowfish Malibu shoes on the Venice Beach Boardwalk! Make sure to tag us for a chance to be featured @blowfishmalibu.
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