If you’re looking for a free-spirited getaway that will make you be whoever you want to be for a few days, then Venice Beach is a must-visit destination for you with its bohemian vibe. It is also a perfect destination for people looking for pristine beaches, vibrant food scene, and colorful stores. One of the famous attractions here is the Venice Boardwalk where you’ll find lots of chic shops, amazing street performers, and cool murals. Other sites that might pique your interest include a skate park, Muscle Beach, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard. To know what it’s like to be a local in a foreign land, don’t forget to check out our list of the best non-touristy things to do in Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California.
1. Roam around Venice Beach via a bird scooter
One of the best ways to go and roam around Venice Beach is through a bird. It is a scooter for which you pay 1 USD to unlock and costs 15 cents per minute of use. Venice Beach has one of the best pathways for this kind of ride and lots of locals and tourists say that it is the most convenient way to move around because it locks on its own and doesn’t need a designated parking space to leave it. So make sure to rent one when you head down to Venice Beach for a more stress-free trip ahead.
Bird Rental
Website: Bird
2. Have a memorable dining experience at Gjelina
Located in Abbot Kinney, Gjelina is always packed with locals and tourists alike so make sure to book ahead of time and have a reservation before coming to this beautiful farm-to-table restaurants. Everything here is freshly served and prepared with love which the people adore. The setting of the restaurant is rustic with a homey and elegant vibe. Their menu is full of seasonal new American cuisine. It is one of the most iconic restaurants in town so make sure to come by before heading home.
Gjelina
Address: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, USA
Website: Gjelina
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 12am; Sun: 8am - 11pm
3. Take cool photos in front of the Epic Walls
Venice beach is known for its bohemian vibe and free-spirited locals. One of the examples of the artistry of its people is the Venice Graffiti Wall in the Old Venice Pavilion. It is a sight to behold with amazing colorful caricatures throughout the walls. Many people come here to marvel at the artworks or have their photo taken, for it makes a great background photo. Make sure to visit this site before ticking off everything in your itinerary.
Venice Art Walls
Website: Venice Art Walls
4. Have a lovely evening at the rooftop bar in Hotel Erwin
Great food at the hotel cafe, but limited breakfast options and some mixed reviews about the rooftop bar's menu and service.
Pricey for the location and amenities offered, with additional charges for sea view rooms and valet parking.
Prime location right on Venice Beach, close to local coffee spots, restaurants, and beach activities. However, noise from nearby clubs and limited parking.
Free bike rentals, welcome drink, beach towels, and rooftop bar with stunning views. However, some noise and maintenance issues.
If you’re looking for a less crowded space in Venice Beach where you can chill and have some fun, then why not head to Hotel Erwin and have the best time in their fancy rooftop bar. The High Rooftop Lounge offers a variety of specialty cocktails and light eats that you’ll surely love. It also features day and night DJs for your entertainment. Another thing to love about this place is it has a nice view of the boardwalk. Make sure to come with your friends when you visit for a more meaningful night of music and laughter.
Book Your Stay: Hotel Erwin Venice Beach
5. Watch a gymnastic show at Muscle Beach
If you’re having a hard time working out and need some inspiration to move, then you have to go to Muscle Beach and see a gymnastics show. Here, you’ll find lots of fit people working out and it will surely inspire you to exercise. Everywhere you look, you’ll find happy people lifting weights, doing their routines, and having the time of their life. Additionally, you’ll often see impromptu shows of acrobatics, gymnastics, and more.
Muscle Beach
Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, USA
Website: Muscle Beach
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 4pm; Sun: 12nn - 4pm
6. Be fascinated at the Mosaic Tile House
You can never go home from Venice Beach without visiting the Mosaic Tile House. It is a kaleidoscope of color that perfectly reflects Venice Beach and its people. This typical stucco house of the two artist-founders has been turned into a tile mosaic. It is not done yet for there are still portions which haven’t been covered with tiles but still enough to fascinate you. Aside from being their home this place also serves as their studio.
Mosaic Tile House
Address: 1116 Palms Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, USA
Website: Mosaic Tile House
Opening hours: Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed Sun - Fri)
Price: 20 USD
7. Cast a line off Venice Pier
Another not-so-touristy thing to do in Venice beach is going fishing at Venice Pier. Here, you can cast a line and see fishes and marine life at the bottom because of its extra clear waters. This spot also is one of the few places where you can fish for free. In case you’re not into fishing, then you can also just come for the amazing views and the clear blue waters and sky.
Venice Pier
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90292, USA
Website: Venice Pier
8. Experience the surfing hype at Venice Beach
Aside from swimming and sunbathing, you can also learn how to surf at Venice Beach. Whether you are trained or just learning the sport, you can avail of this surfing activity at Viator for a very minimal rate. The activity is inclusive of a surfboard, wet suit, and an instructor. First, you’ll be practicing by the beach and then you try it in the Pacific Ocean. You can also choose the time slot that will suit your schedule.
9. Join a Yoga Class
Are you in Venice beach to soak in the sun, swim in the waters, and stroll around the area? If so, you’ll have a marvelous time in this beach town. But why not make it more memorable and relaxing by joining a yoga class? Before heading out to the beach and doing other activities, it is best that you join a yoga class to get yourself ready for the activities of the day. It will also help you calm your spirit and do away with toxins. Don’t forget to check out yoga schedules at Studio Surya Yoga and choose the appropriate level for you.
Studio Surya Yoga
Website: Studio Surya Yoga
10. Spend your afternoon wine tasting
If you want to know more about wines during your vacation in Venice Beach, then this Wine Tasting Tour by Viator is perfect for you and your special someone. You will be learning about French and Californian wines, techniques for wine tasting, wine regions, and more. You will start with tasting seasonal food and partnering it with fine wine. Another thing to love is the setting of the tour which is in a beautiful garden; you can opt to stay by the pool or by the fireplace.
Free-spirited Venice Beach
With its bohemian allure, Venice Beach will surely take all your inhibitions away. It is the perfect summer destination for you and your loved ones. It has so many surprises in store that you wouldn’t run out of activities and things to see. Make sure to check out our list of non-touristy things to do in Venice Beach before heading out.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data