Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- https://www.virginiabeach.com/
- Virginia Beach, VA 23451
About This Beach
Colorful, eclectic, and endlessly entertaining, Venice Beach is one of the most famous and energetic stretches of sand in California — and the world. Located just south of Santa Monica, Venice embodies the bohemian spirit of Los Angeles, where street performers, artists, surfers, skaters, and travelers come together in a one-of-a-kind coastal experience.
From its bustling Venice Boardwalk (Ocean Front Walk) to the iconic Muscle Beach gym and vibrant Venice Skate Park, this beach offers a mix of sun, surf, and street culture found nowhere else. Whether you’re people-watching, exploring local art walls, or catching a sunset drum circle, Venice Beach is a living, breathing California icon.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Founded in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney, who dreamed of creating the “Venice of America” with canals, gondolas, and Italian-style architecture.
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Today, the Venice Canals Historic District still exists — a peaceful residential area with picturesque bridges and walkways.
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The Venice Beach Boardwalk stretches for over 2 miles and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Los Angeles.
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Home to legendary Muscle Beach Gym, where fitness icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger trained.
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The Venice Skate Park, built right on the sand, is one of the most photographed skate parks in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March – May): Ideal weather and smaller crowds.
Summer (June – August): Peak season — full of events, music, and lively boardwalk energy.
Fall (September – November): Warm water, fewer tourists, and great sunsets.
Winter (December – February): Mild temperatures, quieter boardwalk, and locals-only vibe.
Summer (June – August): Peak season — full of events, music, and lively boardwalk energy.
Fall (September – November): Warm water, fewer tourists, and great sunsets.
Winter (December – February): Mild temperatures, quieter boardwalk, and locals-only vibe.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Walk the Boardwalk: Watch street performers, artists, and vendors selling unique crafts.
- Venice Skate Park: Catch local and professional skateboarders showing off tricks.
- Muscle Beach Gym: Iconic open-air gym — visitors can watch or join with a day pass.
- Surfing & Swimming: Great surf breaks near the Venice Pier; lessons available for beginners.
- Venice Art Walls: Public murals where artists can legally paint — a rotating outdoor gallery.
- Explore the Canals: Peaceful contrast to the lively beach scene — perfect for photography and strolls.
- Shopping: Visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard for boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy cafés.
- Sunset Drum Circle: A must-see weekend ritual of drummers and dancers celebrating the sunset.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards on duty year-round
- Public restrooms and outdoor showers
- Beach rentals (bikes, surfboards, skates)
- Multiple public parking lots and street parking
- Restaurants, bars, and shops on Ocean Front Walk
- Accessible walkways and ramps for wheelchairs
- Pet-friendly boardwalk (leashed dogs only)
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Boardwalk & Shops: Typically open 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Muscle Beach Gym: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venice Skate Park: Sunrise to sunset
Boardwalk & Shops: Typically open 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Muscle Beach Gym: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venice Skate Park: Sunrise to sunset
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: $10–$20/day (varies by lot)
Gym Day Pass (Muscle Beach): ~$10–$15
Bike Rentals: ~$10/hour or ~$40/day
Surf Lessons: ~$90–$120/session
Parking: $10–$20/day (varies by lot)
Gym Day Pass (Muscle Beach): ~$10–$15
Bike Rentals: ~$10/hour or ~$40/day
Surf Lessons: ~$90–$120/session
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
The Waterfront Venice: Trendy beachfront restaurant with tacos and craft beer.
The Sidewalk Café: Classic boardwalk stop with people-watching views.
Venice Ale House: Farm-to-table dishes, oceanfront patio, and live music.
Great White Café: Instagram-favorite breakfast and coffee spot.
Gjelina (Abbot Kinney Blvd): Upscale California cuisine in a chic local setting.
The Sidewalk Café: Classic boardwalk stop with people-watching views.
Venice Ale House: Farm-to-table dishes, oceanfront patio, and live music.
Great White Café: Instagram-favorite breakfast and coffee spot.
Gjelina (Abbot Kinney Blvd): Upscale California cuisine in a chic local setting.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Venice Beach Music Fest (Summer): Live performances, art, and local vendors.
Venice Art Crawl: Monthly art walks showcasing murals and local artists.
Venice Beach Drum Circle: Every weekend at sunset — free and open to everyone.
Abbot Kinney Festival (September): Street fair celebrating Venice’s creative community.
Halloween on the Boardwalk: Costume parades and beach parties.
Venice Art Crawl: Monthly art walks showcasing murals and local artists.
Venice Beach Drum Circle: Every weekend at sunset — free and open to everyone.
Abbot Kinney Festival (September): Street fair celebrating Venice’s creative community.
Halloween on the Boardwalk: Costume parades and beach parties.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, US
Access Points
Main Access:
Venice Beach Boardwalk
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, USA
Other Key Areas:
Venice Skate Park: 1800 Ocean Front Walk
Muscle Beach Gym: 1800 Ocean Front Walk
Venice Fishing Pier: 3100 Ocean Front Walk
Venice Canals: Dell Ave & 25th St, Venice, CA 90291
Getting There:
About 25 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles
15 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Accessible via Pacific Avenue or Venice Blvd
Venice Beach Boardwalk
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, USA
Other Key Areas:
Venice Skate Park: 1800 Ocean Front Walk
Muscle Beach Gym: 1800 Ocean Front Walk
Venice Fishing Pier: 3100 Ocean Front Walk
Venice Canals: Dell Ave & 25th St, Venice, CA 90291
Getting There:
About 25 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles
15 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Accessible via Pacific Avenue or Venice Blvd
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, US
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