subject: Venice Beach [print this page] Sitting on the Santa Monica Bay, Venice Beach is most popular not for the sand and water, but for the sidewalks that surround it. The lively attractions on the sidewalk are where you will find a mixture of artists, palm-readers, belly-dancers, bikini-wearing roller-skaters, and ice cream vendors.
The most famous attraction at Venice Beach is the Venice Boardwalk. Taking a stroll down this long sidewalk will allow you to see everything the beach has to offer; from the waterfront views to the sidewalk vendors and performers.
Many locals like to long board, roller skate, or ride their beach cruiser bicycles out on the Boardwalk to soak in the sun and take a relaxing ride down the coastline. Though it is only a sidewalk, once you see everything that goes on around it, you will know why the pavement itself is such a popular attraction.
Muscle Beach is almost as famous as the man who made it famous. Arnold Schwarzenegger and countless other body-builders are known to have packed on the muscle in the outdoor weight room that is Muscle Beach.
Visitors can buy a day pass or avid beef-cakes can buy a membership, and you can work out in the sand, with the cool ocean breeze. People like this weight room because of its beach-side environment, and a lot of people just like to show off their muscles glistening with sweat in the hot summer sun.
In 1905 a local developer name Abbott Kinney built a 16 mile long waterway to mimic the canals of Venice, Italy. Now, only a few blocks of the man-made structure remain, but tourists and locals still like to walk around what used to be the Venice-of-America.
If you're into art, check out the Venice Beach Graffiti Walls, where local artists create their work. Though graffiti is typically viewed as a form of vandalism; the Graffiti Walls in Venice celebrate outdoor spray-paint.
Artists can gain permits from the city and go to this large mural to display their artistic abilities and creative expression. Check out years of collected graffiti art, or go watch artists hard at work on new creations.
If you are a connoisseur of architecture, specifically that of Frank Gehry, check out the Venice Beach House on facing the waterfront on Beatrice. This lavish home is known to attract visitors who come with a camera on hand to capture the genius of Gehry's creative work.
Abbot Kinney built the Venice Canals in 1905, and he has his own street just blocks away from the beach. Abbot Kinney Blvd. is where you will find trendy boutique shops that sell clothing, antiques, home decor, and more.
The Boulevard has been labeled as a new "hip spot" in the area, and has attracted many visitors who enjoy window shopping. You will also find more upper-scale restaurants on this street, compared to the finger-food shacks closer to the beach.
If you are into more laid back eateries, be sure to check out Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom. This place is famous for its hotdogs, and is a great place to grab a bite to eat on the go.
The Venice Beach Pier is located south of Venice Blvd, and will get you away from the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk. Looking out on the Pier will show you the calmer side of the beachfront lifestyle; which is actually more relaxing than partying.
Venice Beach also plays host to the Los Angeles Triathlon every Year in early October. The participants start off with a swim in the Venice Beach waters, and go on for the bike race down Venice Blvd. This is an exciting thing to watch if you are interested, otherwise, it can be very inconvenient and will prevent you from driving anywhere in the area.
Venice Beach is a great place to visit year round, since it doesn't get too cold, even in the winter months. The beach is typically very crowded in the summertime and on weekends, but morning s and evenings are typically quieter.
by: Terry Daniels
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