The Insider’s Guide to Getting Lost on the Venice Boardwalk

From Muscle Beach to the Venice Skate Park and more, explore the best restaurants, bars, and sights on the iconic two-mile stretch.

Like the rest of the city , the Venice Boardwalk has changed tremendously since its glory days as a hideaway for artists , hippie , and counterculture movements in the sixties and ‘ 70s . There was even a consequence where we sincerely worry that we ’d lose the iconic two - nautical mile - stretch toSilicon Beachstart - ups . Yet even as the neighborhood has contended with decades - long gentrification and an ongoing homelessness crisis , the Boardwalk has retain its bound , still attracting LA ’s eldritch and cockamamie to its shores .

In the Before Times , saunter the Boardwalk could be an overpowering endeavour , with street performers , artists , psychics , skater , cyclist , and tourists all contend for outer space and attention on the crowded walk . It also represented one of the most eery aspect in LA at the height of shutdowns when its wide-cut promenade was close to footer , with businesses shutter .

Thankfully , this neck of the woods that love an undesignated status as one of the most 420 - favorable places on earth is quick to welcome you back . A long - time haven for some of LA ’s most prolific player and artists , the Venice Boardwalk has urge on countless song , murals , and movies , place from gritty dramas likeLords of Dogtownto buddy comedies likeWhite Men Ca n’t Jump . When outsiders conjure an range of a typical California surfer bro , it ’s inspired by the real - life beach bums you ’ll still encounter sauntering down the Boardwalk .

Venice Boardwalk

Photo by Dee Williams for Thrillist

While the Boardwalk ’s past is nodded to with unswayed street portrayal of fable like Doors frontman Jim Morrison , the unlikely holidaymaker attraction is also adapt to the times . After years of candidature from Venice residents , a car - free plazaon Westminster Avenue between Ocean Front Walk and Speedway was unveiled in January . Nearby , the famousMuscle Beachreopened in March after three age of gag rule with update equipment and refurbished facilities . But one of the most celebrated arrivals is an really - above - decent food view that adds variety to the long - standing walk - up window offering snowfall cones , clavus dogs , funnel cake , and fair - inspired foods .

Whether heading there to brunch before beach Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , admire street murals , ogle at the array of busker , explore the various pop - up booths , or skate , cycle , or scoot down the Strand , the Venice Boardwalk invite you to choose - your - own risky venture . And just in typeface you need some guidance , we wrote this ready to hand guide rounding up everything to see , use up , and do on one of LA ’s most classical promenades .

( Full disclosure : We cheated and included a few maculation that are a engine block or two off the boardwalk — you’ll give thanks us later on . )

Muscle Beach

Even if you do n’t lift , a trip to the Boardwalk is n’t complete without at least a slow , loiter amble by Muscle Beach to stare at the rip athletes as they grunt and toss around weighting . For those whodolift , the open - line gym put up an affordable rank at just $ 10 for a daytime pass , $ 50 for a hebdomad pass , or $ 200 for a yearly rank . In addition to being the “ Home of Bodybuilding ” and once - preferred workout stain for legends like Arnold Schwartzenegger and Lou Ferrigno , all of the equipment is still - novel and shining following a nearly - three - yr stoppage and recent reopening with update facilities .

Venice Skate Park

Again , even if you ’re not a skilled tumbler pigeon blader or skater , you ’ll want to feel a pole above this dip half - dome to watch over the athletes swerve and throw across the various shaped bowl . The public skatepark butt up against the sand , so you ’re in for some somewhat heroic aspect in all management . If you ’re concerned in charter a turn , just be mindful of those prompt around you to avoid any collisions .

Venice Drum Circle

If you find yourself at the Boardwalk near sunset , and especially on the weekends , you ’ll likely find yourself gravitating towards mesmerizing drumming that echoes from the crossing of Brooks Ave and Ocean Front Walk , where an assortment of musicians across a range of acquirement levels congregate with their rhythm section and play late into the Nox . All are welcome to join , just in lawsuit you ’re the case of someone who keeps a bongo in your automobile trunk .

The Waterfront

This quintessentially Californian eatery has something to outfit any temper . There are tables and umbrellas off the boardwalk that extend prime people watching and aspect of the glide , a wizard interior that feels like a tech surfer bro ’s living way with a vinyl disk histrion and uneven piece of furniture , and a shaded outdoor terrace with intimate couch and wicker - wrap light - fixtures . The card offers similar variety , featuring shareables like nachos , oyster , and red-hot flank , as well as large plates like Corn Agnolotti that nods to LA street fare with charred edible corn and Tajin . The blood - catch Striped Bass that ’s served with Rita ’s smart flour tortillas is another standout choice . Brunch is an mundane affair , run for until 2 post-mortem on the weekdays and 3 pm on the weekends . A natural selection of wine and beer are available , with a few wine-colored - base cocktails and slushies on offer .

Teddy’s Red Tacos

This Tijuana - way birria blot afford a locating off the boardwalk in 2019 , earn a warm response from munchie - tug locals , wave - worn surfers , and tourists likewise . Get the spicy brood gripe in tacos , mulitas , tostadas , and quesadillas , and sum up some birria broth ( con carne ) for dipping . Even catering to Venice ’s works - based crowd , the taqueria offers a vegetable taco ( with cheese ) , mulita , tostada , vampiro , and a Deluxe Plate with grilled red , yellow , and immature bell pepper and onion , served with cilantro , Allium cepa , and spicy sauce . Refreshing agua frescas in flavors like pineapple and jamaica will keep the spice from flood out your roof of the mouth . They ’ve got red umbrella in the Westminster Ave footer plaza , to cast shade over your table while birria gets you warmed up for your beach day .

The Win-Dow

straightaway , gentle , tacky , and delicious , The Win - Dow confirmation all of the boxes for an efficient fuel - up before you hit the boardwalk or as a last - minute picnic before you settle on the sand . The under $ 10 bill of fare is to the point with smashburgers ( including a vegan option ) , a Fried Chicken Sandwich , a Grain Bowl , Shaved Kale Salad , and Gallic Fries . They also boast an ice cream political program that ’s alone to the Boardwalk location with deal - spin milkshakes in feel like Chocolate S’Mores , Local Strawberry , and Vanilla Bean , with the option to tote up malt for just 50 cents more . They ’ve also got plunge cones in Salted Caramel ( with a caramel racing shell , caramel drizzle , and Maldon Strategic Arms Limitation Talks ) , Peanut Buddy ( with a chocolate shell and peanuts ) , and Mint Cookies and Cream ( mint shell and Oreo biscuit crumb ) .

Dudley Market

This charming and faint - filled market on Dudley Ave just off the Boardwalk has its own sportfishing gravy boat that allows them to get all of their Pisces the Fishes newly day by day and sell it to customer ( as well as local fine dining institutions likeRepublique , The Tasting Kitchen , andMirame ) , specializing in extremely migrant species like tunny , yellowtail , oceanic bonito , and dorado , as well as rock cod , ling cod , whitefish , guts dab , and halibut . They take their wine just as seriously , only stocking natural and biodynamic options , though the extract offer is global . At just $ 50 a month , their wine-coloured membership is one of the most low-cost in town , offering two gratuitous bottles per month , discounts on retail wine , and a forego $ 20 corkage fee when you dine in .

Green Goddess

Did you even go to Venice Beach if you did n’t get gamy ? Fair warning , even if you do n’t partake , you might feel a little secondhand buzz from the tobacco user toking up and down the Boardwalk . But for those whoareseeking to get stoned , this pioneering store that prioritize education is a big option for tyro and experienced potheads likewise , declare oneself flower , pre - curl , vapes , concentrate , edible , and other products that you may alsoorder onlinefor additional convenience .

Winston House

After the Dominicus sets and you ’re ready to party Boardwalk - style , head to young - ish supper club Winston House , where you ’ll discover lively musicians and DJs do under the gleaming of a spinning disco ball every night of the week . Co - owner Corey McGuire said he was inspired to spread the lounge because , “ There are so many music fans on the Westside of Los Angeles , but faced with driving across town , it end up being too operose to get to most display . We work hand in bridge player with the medicine industry to fetch the salutary artists to Venice so that people do n’t have to make that journey east . Artists get to plug into with a unlike lover - al-Qaeda and Westsiders get great music . It ’s a profits for everyone . ”

Also on offering at the two - taradiddle venue is a carte of beach - inspire bar nutrient like West Coast Oysters , Duck Tacos , and Lobster Fried Rice that’re uncommitted late into the night ( and from an express window that opens at 10 necropsy ) . The cocktail menu features reinterpretations of classical drink like mojitos , old fashioneds , and blanched russians , and beer and vino are also uncommitted .

Townhouse

Established in 1915 by Italian immigrant Cesar Menotti , Townhouse is the oldest saloon in Venice and one of the oldest in all of LA — the basement - spirit level Del Monte bar even dish out as an actual speakeasy during inhibition . In 2006 , the bar was bought by Louie and Netty Ryan , another pair of immigrant by fashion of NYC . you may still catch bouncy music and drollery shows in the Del Monte cellar , including KCRW ’s Morning Becomes Eclectic DJ Anthony Valadez , who spins dance tunes every Friday night . The barroom ’s fully stocked and a rotate casting of pop - ups bring home the bacon the previous - night munchies .

Small World Books

This long - run bookstore is a welcome respite from the chaos of Venice Boardwalk , stock its shelves with a wide selection of titles from small and big presses , with a knowledgeable staff that ’s eager to help you find the perfect beach read . The shop class hosts author reading and signings , as well as a book club that meets on the last Thursday of every month at 7 necropsy . May ’s read isWicked Enchantmentby poet Wanda Coleman .

Hinano Cafe

Jim Morrison ’s preferred beachside burger shack has n’t deepen much since he was a regular , though the pandemic has encouraged them to expand their patio seats . In the pallidly lit Department of the Interior , you ’ll regain surfboards peg to the ceilings , pool table , mounted TVs , and sport flag put the bar . The World Famous Hinano Cheeseburger is the move , with a slash of melted cheddar or Swiss cheese on top of a chubby cake , and accompanied by lettuce , tomato , onion , mayo , mustard , and relish on a bakeshop - fresh sesame seed / egg bun . A full cake is available , but beer is the specialty , with special attention paid to American Pale Ales , Lagers , and IPAs .

Venice Ale House

For more beer on the Boardwalk , stumble down to this topically have position that offers one of the best patios for people - watching . As the name suggests , California craft beers are the specialty , though they ’ve nonplus a full bar with authoritative and family cocktails , plus wine , sake , kombucha , and voiceless seltzers . The nutrient is elevated gin mill menu with constitutive ingredient , including Warren Earl Burger , sandwich , wraps , bowl , salads , and a few big - format seafood dish . As Andy Vaughan , the theater director of operations for hospitality group Local LA say , “ It ’s a celebration of LA , and the best place to get a beer and a chow . ”

Belles Beach House

Around the corner from Winston House and Townhouse , Belles Beach House fare courtesy of the cordial reception group behind LA hotspotsEveleighandElephante . The newer , tiki - inspired beach measure is adorned with palm Tree and informal wicker article of furniture that feel quintessentially Venice while also transporting you to the tropic . Hawaiian and Japanese influence is felt in sweetheart like the Teriyaki Cheeseburger with a Kobe gripe cake and Char Siu Pork Ribs , as well as cocktail such as Heat Stroke with tequila , cocchi americano , lime , passionateness yield , mango , chilly , and smoked cayenne table salt . A lucky minute special is extend Monday through Thursday from 4–6 pm , with $ 10 cocktail and wine , $ 6 beer , and discounts on bites like Avocado Crispy Rice and Hawaiian Fries .

Venice Canals

As we cite , the Boardwalk can be overwhelming and crowded , especially on the weekends and just a few blockage away , the Venice Canals offer a scenic and restful escape . Originally built by Venice developer Abbot Kinney as a way of recreating the appearance and feel of Venice , Italy , his Venice canal labor was stall when auto rose in popularity in the 1920s . Today , only six of the original thirteen canals are still assailable , with water entering through ocean gates in the Marina Del Rey breakwater , and again in Washington Boulevard . A maze of bridge and sidewalks serve you navigate the canals and margin residents ’ home . While the district was number on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 , many of the homes have undergone modern renovations in late years .

Venice V

Maybe you just ca n’t bear to forget the Boardwalk and if that ’s the causa , you ’ll want to book a dark at the neighborhood ’s only beachfront lifestyle hotel that ’s just a scant walk away from the skate green and other landmark . The hotel ’s rooms proffer three unlike themes that pay court to Venice archetypes : the beachy bohemian , the soulful creative person , and the Dogtown skater , many featuring sea perspective . If you favor to watch the action from the comfort of your room , the hotel has partnered with democratic all - 24-hour interval cafeGreat Whiteto deliver food straight to your room .

Hotel Erwin

Since the seventies , Hotel Erwin has offered comfortable rooms just steps from the Boardwalk , plus a rooftop with one of the good sunset aspect on the Westside . They make it easy to extend your beach day into the weekend with bike and helmet offered complimentary to guests , as well as towel , tank , volleyballs , and other games . A selection of the way even have balcony with chairs so you may post up and watch as the sun dip below the Pacific Ocean .

Mao’s Kitchen

If you ’ve been boozing on the Boardwalk all twenty-four hour period and need something hearty and delicious before you make your mode back inland , Mao ’s is a long - operate neighborhood mental institution serving up country - trend Chinese smasher at low-priced terms . They ’ve also got an unbeatable weekday lunch special that offers your selection of entree with steamed Elmer Leopold Rice , salad , and outflow roll for just $ 11 ( or $ 13 for seafood and tofu entrees ) .

Muscle beach