Venice Beach in Motion: A Guide for the Playfully Active

Skate, glide, or roll with it

Lace up your skates and cruise the Venice Beach Boardwalk, one of the most iconic stretches of pavement in the country. The wide, smooth pathway has long been a haven for roller skaters, rollerbladers, and jam skaters, who turn a simple glide into a full-on dance performance. As you roll past palm trees and colorful mural-covered buildings, expect to see a mix of fire-juggling performers, breakdancers, and maybe even a man walking his dog while playing the electric guitar. The skating culture here dates back to the 70s and 80s disco-skating era, and it’s alive and well, so don’t be surprised if you end up dancing on wheels without meaning to.

Pedal power on The Strand

For a true California experience, hop on a bike and ride The Strand, also known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. This 22-mile paved path connects a string of classic beach towns, from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach, and offers unbeatable views of the Pacific. In the Venice section, you’ll pedal alongside the beach and boardwalk, past Muscle Beach, skate parks, and oceanfront homes that could pass for film sets. Fun fact: The trail has appeared in countless TV shows and movies, including Baywatch, which was partly filmed just down the coast. Whether you’re riding solo or with friends, it’s the kind of ride where you’ll want to stop often just to take it all in.

Muscle Beach magic

No visit to Venice Beach is complete without checking out the legendary Muscle Beach. This outdoor gym has been a mecca for bodybuilders and strength athletes since the 1930s, and it’s where Arnold Schwarzenegger famously trained during his rise to fame. But it’s not just about flexing. On any given day, you might see acrobats building human pyramids, calisthenics crews flipping on bars, or gymnasts turning the beach into their personal stage. It’s high-energy, totally public, and endlessly entertaining. Even if you don’t break a sweat, the people-watching alone is worth the stop. It’s a public park that’s open to all, though there is a fee to use the outdoor gym equipment.

Shred the skatepark

Tucked right off the boardwalk and framed by crashing waves, the Venice Beach Skatepark is a must-see for skaters and spectators alike. Opened in 2009, this concrete playground was built after years of community advocacy to honor Venice’s deep roots in skateboarding history, most famously the Z-Boys of Dogtown, who revolutionized skate culture right here in the 1970s. The park’s bowls and street elements attract everyone from seasoned pros to local teens, and the vibe is electric. Even if you don’t drop in, watching the action with the ocean in the background is a highlight.

Catch a wave (or just try to)

Venice Beach might not have world-class surf, but that’s part of the charm. It’s inviting, not intimidating. The beach break here is ideal for surfers of all levels. The bottom is sandy with few underwater hazards, making nearly the entire coastline ideal for surfing. Venice Beach has a long-standing surf culture, fueled by its free-spirited community and creative crowd. It’s the kind of place where locals cheer on first-timers, and everyone’s stoked just to be out there. Need a lesson? There are several places to choose from, including Aloha Brothers and Kapowui Surf Club.

Stroll the Venice Canals

Just a 10-minute walk inland from the high-energy boardwalk lies a completely different side of Venice: quiet, residential, and downright charming. You’ll find the canals right off 25th Street. The Venice Canals, inspired by their Italian namesake, were designed by developer Abbot Kinney in 1905 as part of his dream to create a “Venice of America.” Today, the area is a peaceful grid of walking paths, arched footbridges, and narrow waterways lined with pastel-colored bungalows and lush gardens. It’s the perfect place to slow your pace, snap some photos, and see why Venice Beach isn’t just bold and beachy, but also beautiful.

Rental gear, no sweat

Need to rent wheels, boards, or beach gear? Venice Beach has you covered. Jay’s Rentals, Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals, Venice Boardwalk Bike Rental, and Boardwalk Skate and Surf all offer a wide selection of roller skates, bikes, surfboards, and skateboards perfect for diving headfirst into the active Venice lifestyle, no matter your experience level.

Great White

Trendy and coastal-chic, Great White serves up Aussie-inspired café food: smoothie bowls, fish tacos, and wood-fired pizzas. Their breakfast burrito is a local go-to.

Fig Tree Beachfront Café

A laid-back, oceanfront eatery with Latin-inspired fare. Open daily from morning through dinner, it’s known for dishes like plantain—coconut pancakes, chilaquiles, and fresh gravlax plates. They also pour natural wines and cocktails and serve quality coffee on their breezy beachfront patio.

Hinano Café

This no-frills dive bar with outdoor seating is famous for its juicy, greasy-perfect burgers and cold beer. A Venice institution steps from the beach, it’s been around since the 60s.

Belles Beach House

A stylish spot blending Hawaiian and Japanese flavors. Expect things like poke bowls, crispy rice tuna, and tropical cocktails in a Tiki-meets-SoCal setting.

Mr. B Mediterranean Grill

A casual walk up counter-service spot known for its flavorful shawarma, kebabs, and stuffed falafel. Great for a quick bite that’s hearty and fresh. This place is highly rated, and you’ll find out why.