PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

With summer right around the corner, nothing beats spending a day at the beach. Although Los Angeles is home to a plethora of wonderful beaches, I have always been particularly fond of Venice.

This strip of beach is about 1.5 miles in length (north to south) and it’s bordered by Navy St and Washington Blvd. Besides the typical beach activities like playing frisbee, flying kites, swimming, and laying out on the sand…there are plenty of other things to see and do at Venice Beach.

The Boardwalk

Lined with souvenir shops, artists, musicians, and street performers – the Boardwalk at Venice Beach is a great spot for an afternoon stroll. If you’re looking for a little more activity, rent a pair of rollerblades or a bike for about $20 and then head off in any direction. The Boardwalk is part of the South Bay Bicycle Trail which spans 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County…so make sure you have enough energy for the trip back

Bars & Cafes

There are plenty of cafes along the boardwalk where you can sit down and enjoy the view; it’s also great for people watching. For something quick and affordable, grab a slice of pizza and then find a bench facing the ocean. On a hot day, why not grab a cold beer (or cola) at a neighborhood bar to cool down.

Souvenirs & Art

If you’re looking for some cheap souvenirs or pieces of art for the house, you’ve come to the right place. Venice Beach is home to tons of vendors who will sell you everything from fake designer sunglasses to hand carved trinkets.

Tarot Card Readings

Another thing you’ll find abundant at Venice Beach are the Palm and Tarot Card Readers…about 2-3 per block. Some have their own shops while others are nestled along the boardwalk between the street performers and the animal rights activists.

Parking

Parking in Venice is no picnic and you’ll be really lucky to find an available space along the street. Make sure you read the signs carefully because you don’t want to get a ticket, or worse, have your car towed away. If you don’t find parking along the street, there’s a lot on Rose Ave and Speedway that charges $4. Interestingly enough, there is another parking lot a few blocks south that charges $14.