Venice Beach's claim to fame is its boardwalk. Hosting a daily procession of eclectic characters and scantily clad beachgoers, the boardwalk never fails to impress out-of-towners. As far as the beach goes, the water is generally OK for swimming, but sunbathing is the activity of choice here.
Depending on your expectations, Venice Beach will either entertain or appall. Some call the beach too "touristy" and the restaurant options "minimal." But others rave about the neighborhood's quirky feel, bustling beach and the unique food options along Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Venice Beach is approximately 20 miles west of central L.A. Street parking and parking lots are available around the neighborhood, though finding a spot can be a hassle at certain times of the day; read all street signs carefully to avoid a ticket or towing. For more information, check out the neighborhood's