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Venice Beach

By Betsy Malloy, About.com

Venice Beach view

Venice Beach

(c) Betsy Malloy 2004
About Venice Beach:

Venice Beach is both a town and a stretch of oceanfront sand. This profile refers to the stretch of sand that's called Venice Beach. This urban beach faces west, and the sandy beach here is often overshadowed by the funky nearby beachfront scene.

Venice Beach Fees:
    Entrance Fee: None
    Parking Fee: None if you can snag a scarce streetside spot. Otherwise, plan on paying to park in the Venice Beach lot at the end of Washington Street or one of the nearby paid parking lots off Rose Avenue, Bay Street or Venice Boulevard.
Creature Comforts at Venice Beach:
  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Fishing from the pier
  • Food nearby
  • No Alcohol on the beach
  • No pets allowed, except on the sidewalk (and on a leash)
Venice Beach Activities:
  • Bike path
  • Surfing
  • Swimming, lifeguard on duty during daylight hours
  • Volleyball
  • Walking and biking path
Lodging Near Venice Beach: You'll find some nice places to stay in Venice Beach at reasonable rates.
Highs and Lows at Venice Beach:
  • Venice Beach is always busy, and the sidewalk scene here often overshadows the surf and sand
Beachgoer Beware: Water quality is generally good here during dry weather, but Heal the Bay gives Venice Beach an "F" grade when it's wet.
How to Get to Venice Beach: Venice Beach centered around the Venice Pier at Washington Street. Exit I-405 at Washington and go west.

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