1. Venice Beach Boardwalk — Ocean Front Walk
Street performers, vendors and murals.
The boardwalk is LA's most colorful promenade, with performers, vendors and murals.
It is free.
Good to know: Go before noon.
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
The 8 Best Attractions in Venice & Marina del Rey (2026)
The best things to do in Venice in 2026 are walking the Venice Beach Boardwalk, strolling the Venice Canals, watching the lifters at Muscle Beach and the skaters at the Venice Skatepark, and shopping Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The Venice Pier, Marina del Rey and the Ballona Wetlands add quieter options.
Venice is LA's eccentric beach town, a short walk or bike ride south of Santa Monica. The boardwalk is busiest on weekend afternoons; mornings are calmer.
2. Venice Canals — Venice Canals
Quiet canals lined with homes and footbridges.
The Venice Canals are a peaceful network of canals with walking paths and arched bridges, a remnant of Abbot Kinney's 1905 plan.
They feel far from the boardwalk.
Good to know: Walk them in the morning light.
Dell Ave & 25th Ave, Venice, CA 90291
3. Muscle Beach Venice — Ocean Front Walk
The famous outdoor gym.
Muscle Beach is an outdoor weightlifting area made famous in the 1970s.
Day passes are sold for working out.
Good to know: Watch from the boardwalk.
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
4. Venice Skatepark — Ocean Front Walk
A beachside skatepark with bowls and street sections.
The Venice Skatepark sits by the sand with bowls and a street course, a spectacle for watchers.
It is free.
Good to know: Late afternoon has the best light.
1500 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
5. Abbot Kinney Boulevard — Abbot Kinney
Boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
Abbot Kinney has independent shops, galleries and some of the Westside's best restaurants.
First Fridays bring food trucks.
Good to know: Pair with dinner at Gjelina or Felix.
Abbot Kinney Blvd & Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
6. Venice Fishing Pier — Venice Pier
A long pier at the end of Washington Blvd.
The Venice Pier stretches into the ocean, with fishermen and views of surfers below.
It is quiet compared with Santa Monica's pier.
Good to know: Visit at sunset.
Washington Blvd & Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90292
7. Marina del Rey — Marina del Rey
Boating, harbor walks and paddleboarding.
Marina del Rey, just south of Venice, is a large small-craft harbor with paddleboard and kayak rentals, harbor cruises and Mother's Beach for kids.
Fisherman's Village has shops and restaurants.
Good to know: Rent a paddleboard in the calm harbor.
4701 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
8. Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve — Playa del Rey
Restored coastal wetlands with birdwatching.
The Ballona Wetlands south of Marina del Rey are one of LA's last coastal wetlands, with walking paths and birdwatching.
Volunteer-led walks run on some weekends.
Good to know: Bring binoculars.
Culver Blvd & Jefferson Blvd, Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Frequently asked questions
Is Venice Beach worth visiting?
Yes for the people-watching, Muscle Beach, the skatepark and the canals. It is best during the day.
Where are the Venice Canals?
A few blocks inland between Venice Blvd and Washington Blvd; enter from Dell Ave or Ocean Ave.
Can you bike from Venice to Santa Monica?
Yes, the beach bike path connects them in about 15 minutes.
Where do I park in Venice?
The county beach lots at Rose Ave, Venice Blvd and Washington Blvd fill early on weekends.
Is Venice safe?
The main boardwalk is busy and fine in daylight; be aware of your belongings and avoid quiet areas late at night.