The 15 best things to do in Venice, CA, from the Boardwalk and Canals to Muscle Beach and the reservation-only Mosaic Tile House, rechecked July 2026.
Start at the Venice Boardwalk for the people-watching, walk the Venice Canals for the quiet, and shop Abbot Kinney Boulevard for the food and boutiques. If you only have time for one offbeat stop, book ahead for the Mosaic Tile House, it's reservation-only and easy to miss.
Venice is a neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles, founded in 1905 by Abbot Kinney as a seaside resort. It's known today for its beaches, the 2.5-mile Ocean Front Walk, and canals originally built to resemble Venice, Italy.
Venice Beach is typically safe in the daytime and early evening; use normal city awareness at night and avoid solo walks after dark. Parking is tightest on weekends and during events, arrive early or budget for a lot. All 15 picks below were rechecked in July 2026.
The Venice Boardwalk is the epicenter of the action, street performers, artists, shops, and restaurants line one of LA's most eclectic stretches. Even without spending a dime, people-watching alone will fill a day. Go during daylight hours to get the full effect.
The Mosaic Tile House is a private residence covered entirely in mosaic tile, created by artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran starting in 1994. It's open to visitors by reservation only, Saturdays from 1 to 4pm, booked by emailing the house directly.
The Venice Whaler has been pouring drinks a few steps from the sand since 1944, now operating under the Whaler Beach Bar brand. Mimosas, lobster rolls, and BBQ chicken pizza are all reliable orders, with regular live music on the patio.
Modeled on the canals of Venice, Italy, this quiet residential stretch of waterways and footbridges is one of the few genuinely free, relaxing things to do in the neighborhood. Go at golden hour for the best light.
A mile-long strip of trendy retail, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. On the first Friday of each month, a caravan of food trucks lines the street for First Fridays, one of the neighborhood's most reliable recurring events.
Wurstküche specializes in a wide range of grilled sausages, from classic pork to rattlesnake and vegan options, alongside a serious craft beer list. Its fall Oktoberfest programming is a neighborhood tradition, check the restaurant's own event calendar closer to September.
Skaters from around the world come to show off at this oceanfront skatepark, one of Venice's can't-miss landmarks even if you're not skating yourself. If you're in town at the end of July, the Venice Beach Games brings a competitive lineup.
Just off the boardwalk, Muscle Beach is the outdoor gym known as "The Home of Bodybuilding," where Arnold Schwarzenegger trained during his competitive years. Watch, or pay for a day pass and join in.
A more relaxed alternative to the Santa Monica Pier, this 1,300-foot walking path gives sweeping coastline views. Grab a coffee and walk to the end to watch (or join) the fishermen who line the rail.
Venice Breakwater offers consistent, medium-sized waves right next to the skatepark, available year-round (a wetsuit is a must in winter). Several surf schools and rental shops operate within a short walk.
Located between Muscle Beach and the skatepark, these permit-only walls give local and visiting artists a legal canvas for large-scale murals that rotate over time, making every visit a little different.
Held every Friday morning, this market brings together handmade goods, locally sourced produce, and live music in a compact, walkable footprint just off the boardwalk.
Hotel Erwin sits steps from the sand with retro-modern rooms and the High Rooftop Lounge, worth a visit even if you're not staying the night for sunset cocktails and ocean views.
Groundwork Coffee serves organic, pesticide-free coffee alongside homemade pastries and locally sourced wraps and salads, just a short walk south of the boardwalk.
Operating since 1975, L.A. Louver cycles through exhibitions of established and up-and-coming contemporary artists, both local and international, with free admission.
Yes, during the day and early evening. Venice received a B safety grade from Crime Grade, slightly better than the average US city, but it's best to avoid walking alone late at night.
Email mosaictilehouse@mac.com to reserve a spot. The house is open to visitors on Saturdays from 1 to 4pm, there's no online booking system.
Parking gets tight on weekends and during events. Check Parkopedia for current options, and arrive early if you're visiting on a Saturday or Sunday.
Walking the Venice Canals, watching the Venice Art Walls murals, and visiting the Venice Farmers Market on Fridays are all free.
Yes, it's been serving drinks at 10 Washington Blvd since 1944, now operating under the Whaler Beach Bar brand.