CURATED GUIDE:
VENICE BEACH
SUMMER 2025
LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JULY 22ND 2025
🏄 HELLO, VENICE!
Welcome to CurationsLA’s Curated City Guide for Venice Beach, California
Venice Beach is a lively, eclectic neighborhood located in Los Angeles. Venice is known for its bohemian vibes, artistic flair, and stunning beaches.
Venice Beach was founded in 1905 by Abbot Kinney as ‘Venice of America,’ a place for street performers, skateboarders, and dreamers.
Whether you are here in Venice for a day trip, or want a deeper dive into Venice Vibes, this Curated Guide to Venice Beach will make you feel like a local, exploring well-known spots, hidden gems, and insider tips: where to park, and best times to have Venice for yourself.
🔗 TABLE OF VIBES
TABLE OF VIBES |
|---|
🍟 TOP VENICE EATS
BRAND | CUISINE | MUST-TRY |
|---|---|---|
American, vegetable-forward, pizza | Wood-fired pizzas, roasted vegetables | |
Seafood, wine bar | Fresh seafood, oysters, burger | |
Italian | Handmade pastas, pizzas | |
Bakery, deli, cafe | Sandwiches, pastries, smoked fish | |
Taco Truck, Mariscos | Ceviche, cocteles | |
Japanese Izakaya | Smoked shoyu, salad, pork belly gyoza | |
Thai | Larb, fried chicken, noodles |
NEW VENICE EATS
BRAND | CUISINE | OPEN DATE |
|---|---|---|
Modern Indian | Opened this summer | |
Smash burgers & breakfast | May 31st, 2025 | |
Greek / Eastern Mediterranean rooftop | July 4th, 2025 | |
Mexican street tacos, halal-friendly | Opened March 2025 | |
Brazilian açaí bowls & smoothies | Opened March 2025 |
🏄♀ TOP THINGS TO DO
🌊 Ocean Front Walk (Boardwalk): Stroll the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk and catch street performers, shops, and great places to people-watch.
🔗 Official Website: laparks.org/venice/
💪 Muscle Beach: Watch bodybuilders at this historic outdoor gym, a Venice Beach staple.
🔗 Official Website: musclebeachvenice.com
🛹 Venice Skate Park: Catch skateboarders in action at this beachside park, perfect for sports enthusiasts, photographers, and people watching.
🔗 Official Website: veniceskatepark.com
🚣 Venice Canals: Wander through these picturesque canals, inspired by Venice, Italy for a serene escape.
🔗 Official Website: venicecanals.org/canals
🛍 Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Named after Venice’s founder, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is home to trendy boutiques, galleries, and eateries on this stylish street.
🔗 Official Website: abbotkinneyblvd.com
🎨 Mosaic Tile House: Discover a unique art installation covered in colorful tiles. Open Saturdays, reservations are required.
🔗 On Instagram: @mosaictilehouse_venice
FREE THINGS TO DO
EXPERIENCE VENICE WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME
Walk the Ocean Front Walk and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Explore the Venice Canals for a peaceful, scenic stroll.
Watch skateboarders at the Venice Skate Park, free to spectators.
Relax on the beach and enjoy the sun and sand.
Check out street art on Abbot Kinney Boulevard for a dose of local creativity.
💎 HIDDEN GEMS
UNCOVER VENICE’S LESSER-KNOWN TREASURES
🎨 Mosaic Tile House: A colorful art haven, open on Saturdays: 12:00pm - 3:00pm, $20 reserve via [email protected]
🥁 Venice Beach Drum Circle: Join the weekend jam session on the sand, free and open to all.
🔍 Binoculars Building: Spot this Frank Gehry-designed architectural gem near the beach.
🎣 Venice Fishing Pier: A quieter spot at the end of Washington Street for ocean views and fishing, less crowded than the boardwalk.
NAVIGATE VENICE LIKE A LOCAL WITH THESE TIPS:
🅿 Parking: Arrive early for street parking, especially on the weekends. Public lots at 2100 Ocean Front Walk and 3100 Washington Boulevard.
Costs around $15/day in the summer.
Consider apps like ParkMe or SpotHero for reservations.
⌚ Best Time To Visit: Weekdays are less crowded. Early mornings offer a peaceful beach experience.
🚀 Local Hacks
Walk to the end of Venice Pier for stunning views.
Don’t miss the weekend drum circle.
Explore side streets off of Abbot Kinney for unique finds.
🎬 FAMOUS FILM LOCATIONS
VENICE BEACH’S CINEMATIC HISTORY ADDS A HOLLYWOOD TOUCH:
🛼 Venice Boardwalk
Barbie, Lords of Dogtown, White Man Can’t Jump
🚣 Venice Canals
A Nightmare on Elm Street, Point of No Return
🌊 Venice Pier
Falling Down
🚒 Firehouse Restaurant: 213 Rose Avenue
Speed
🧠 VENICE INSIGHTS
THIS VENICE GUIDE WILL RECEIVE UPDATES AS 2025 SURFS ON
The best parking is often found on side streets like 18th Avenue or Mildred Avenue, free but fills fast. Check signs for restrictions.
Locals love early morning coffee runs to Gjusta, avoiding the brunch rush.
The drum circle on weekends is a community event. Bring a blanket and jump in.
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