Family Vacations in California: Venice Beach

The Los Angeles neighborhood of Venice and its fabulous beach were once home to Ocean Park, a Coney Island-like amusement pier that attracted throngs of fun-seekers. While the park went out of business in the 1960s, Venice Beach has remained a magnet for people from all walks of life.

Venice Beach, California.
The epicenter of California cool, Venice Beach waves attract
surfers and sunworshipers.

Venice was founded in the 20th century and was named and modeled after Italy's Venice. Its three-mile beach is in many ways an afterthought. A few people come for the sand and surf, but many more come to shop, talk, or just wander and people-watch. The beach's boardwalk is the heart and soul of California cool, with merchants hocking an array of eclectic art, cheap sunglasses, souvenir T-shirts, and much, much more.

Venice Beach has been called the "Roller Skating Capital of the World"; it's fronted by a skating and bicycling path that runs along California's coastline, uninterrupted for 22 miles. There's also Gold's Gym, the famous outdoor weightlifting hotspot commonly called "Muscle Beach." Perhaps Mike Bonin, a staff member for the Los Angeles City Council, put it best: "There's lots special about Venice. It is internationally recognized as a place of free expression, diversity, tolerance, and incredible artistic talent. Not to mention funky weirdness."

Venice Beach Information

Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
Telephone: 310/399-2775

To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:

  • Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
  • Los Angeles City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit Los Angeles.
  • California State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in California, as well as other recreational activities.
  • Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.