We rented bikes from Santa Monica Pier down to Venice Beach, and the beach itself and the bike path and ride were amazing. It's about a mile and half to Venice Beach from Santa Monica, and you'll definitely know once you've entered Venice Beach. The local vendors and eclectic crowd that frequent this beach give this place a unique flavor... more

Second tourist trap to Santa Monica Pier. Nothing to see but ruined barracks, dirty street and shops and ordinary people. Far from the buzz of Holywood TV shows. Stay away. more

We go to California every year and happen to love Venice Beach. It's one of those places that just has to be seen, it's kind of hard to describe if you haven't been there. It's like stepping back in time to the Woodstock era. If you enjoy something really different, and enjoy people watching, checking out shops that really make... more

Obviously from the reviews this is a place you'll either love or loathe! I loved it! a wild mix of oddballs - beggars offering "hugs for 25c" or (my favourite) "Kick my butt for a dollar" Lots of stalls selling everything from cheap jewellery, Banksy prints, decorated mexican skulls to unique art works and music CDs. Being open and friendly... more

I had seen it on TV, read about it.. but nothing compared to what I witnessed. It was filthy, over-run by drugged out weirdos, beggars and people peddling crap. Getting anything decent to eat was another problem, everything looked so unhygenic or if the food had been sitting around in a hot-box for hours. Public toilets are unisex and also... more

When we arrived at Venice Beach, we arrived the pier end and it was not too bad, nice little shops, clean beach and tourists. Its when you walk along the promenade, passing the apartments/condos, that the other face of Venice Beach hits you. The mixed smell of drains and incense, dirty looking people, graffitti covered, dirty looking shops and the... more

"We have to go to Venice Beach!" I said to my wife as we drove into LA. You see it on TV with it's long beautiful paved strip. Palm trees bordering all the way down. When I think of Venice beach it congers up images of beautiful people roller skating in skimpy clothing, basking in the sun. As we walked... more

We went to Venice beach for a couple of nights, the Pacific coast is stunning with beautiful beach side homes, white sandy beaches, palm trees, an amazing pier/board walk and cool evening scene. The people however were a very odd mix, I was expecting a cool surfer chic crowd but to me it looked a little more like gang land... more

Venice Beach is just one of those places you need to visit when you come to Los Angeles! To me it's the true heart of the artistic experience of the city. It's also a great people watcher sort of place with all the interesting characters that walk about, it's endless entertainment. Go to the boardwalk, stroll down main st, or... more