6 Best Things To Do in Venice Beach, California Without a Car

Steps from the beach and each of these attractions is the Redline Apartment Hotel, the ultimate capstone to a Venice Beach cultural exploration. The hotel itself is an homage to Venice's history – each suite captures a unique facet of the city’s story, weaving together art, design, and the narratives of the people who built the community. The hotel offers a private getaway in the middle of the city’s buzz with 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites ideal for group travel. Relax in luxury with high-end amenities and provided bathrobes, or slip away to the rooftop deck, which offers beach views and a space to take in Venice vibes and relax with your guests.

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Enjoy the sun, surf and skate paradise along the Venice Beach boardwalk that stretches 2+ miles along the ocean. You’ll catch the energy in the street performers, musicians, visual artists and shops that line the walk. Whether you roll on skates or cruise on a bike, the beach is a beautiful backdrop to soak in the sun and connect with locals. If you’re visiting on a weekend, stick around for the sunset drum circle performance. The beach and boardwalk are free to the public, creating a space to appreciate the spirited cast of Venice Beach. Image source: Unsplash

After Disneyland, Venice Beach stands as Southern California's second most visited destination, drawing crowds for a significant reason—it's the beating heart of skate culture. At its core is the Venice Skatepark, a 16,000-square-foot oceanfront concrete skate Mecca. This coastal paradise witnessed the genesis of modern skateboarding. In  the 70s, Venice became the breeding ground for a group of fearless skaters known as the Z-Boys. These renegades took skateboarding to the next level. It was here that Tony Alva, Jay Adams, and Stacy Peralta honed their skills, leaving an everlasting mark on skateboarding folklore. 

Grab a front-row seat, witness insane stunts, and soak in the electric energy of our local skate scene.

For its beautiful beachside setting and boardwalk, people have been rollerskating in Venice Beach as far back as the 1930s, but the 70s roller disco made it a phenomenon and brought flocks of people to skate in Venice Beach. Today, skating in Venice Beach is not only a recreational activity but also a lively cultural expression. The 16,000-square foot Venice Beach Skate Park, with backdrops of the ocean, provides a dedicated space for skateboarders and rollerbladers to showcase their skills, and is free to the public. Grab a front-row seat, witness insane stunts, and soak in the electric energy of our local skate scene. Image source: Unsplash

Muscle Beach - Venice epitomizes the legacy of weightlifting and bodybuilding, symbolizing a key element of the city's thriving fitness culture. The outdoor gym, located steps away from the sandy shores, gained massive recognition as bodybuilding legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Lou Ferrigno showcased their talents here. Whether you seek a workout against the backdrop of the beach or simply wish to witness this living monument of bodybuilding history, this is an unmissable destination during your beach visit. Throughout the year, the gym serves as the stage for various fitness competitions, adding to its dynamic and historic allure.

In the early 1900s, Abbot Kinney’s vision was to make Venice Beach an entertainment hub by the sea. His legacy is honored on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a street that’s been dubbed the “coolest block in America.” A few blocks off the ocean, the trendy street is lined with unique boutiques, hip cafes, and art galleries that reflect the city's creative soul. Shop for one-of-a-kind local wares along this hip boulevard, and discover some of the best restaurants and bars in Venice Beach, too. On the first Fridays of the month, the shops stay open late and food trucks and musical performances add to the shopping experience.

Venice Beach is a canvas for street artists from around the world. Murals, graffiti-covered walls and public sculptures will meet you at nearly every corner of the city. The Venice Public Art Walls, located near the skate park, are a designated space for artists to showcase their work and make some of the best photo spots in Venice Beach. The open-air galleries feature diverse expression and thought-provoking pieces that contribute to the nonconformist culture of the city. You can witness artists in action while you stroll the beach.

When Abbot Kinney crafted Venice Beach, he engineered a network of 16 miles of canals to transform Venice Beach into an American iteration of Venice, Italy. Fast forward to today, and only three blocks of those canals remain. The serene waterways, pedestrian bridges and beachfront homes offer a glimpse into the city's charm. Stroll along the concrete edge or take the plunge – you're welcome to use non-motorized paddle boards or kayaks, facilitated by a public launch ramp on Venice Boulevard.