Things to Do in Venice, CA: The Ultimate Guide to LA’s Iconic Beach Neighborhood

Venice, CA: An Overview of a Legendary Destination

Venice, California, stands out as one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, fusing bohemian spirit with world-famous beaches, art, and food. Known for its creative energy and laid-back charm, Venice offers a dynamic mix of activities for travelers and locals alike. Famous for its iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and historic canals, the area attracts over 10 million visitors a year, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Southern California.

How Venice, CA Delivers Unique Experiences

Unlike anywhere else in LA, Venice is a hub where culture, recreation, and creativity converge. Visitors can immerse themselves in a range of unforgettable experiences, from exploring skate parks and open-air muscle gyms, to shopping unique boutiques on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, to discovering hidden art murals and culinary hotspots. The neighborhood is compact enough for easy exploration on foot or bike, with most things to do located within a few miles of the beach.

Core Attractions and Experiences

  • Venice Beach Boardwalk: World-famous promenade teeming with street performers, vendors, and people-watching opportunities.
  • Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Trendy strip lined with boutique shops, cafes, craft coffee, and high-end dining.
  • Venice Skatepark: Renowned destination for skateboarders and spectators alike.
  • Venice Canals: Scenic, historic residential waterways with picturesque pedestrian bridges and lush gardens.
  • Muscle Beach: Legendary outdoor gym where bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts train in the sun.
  • Art Galleries & Murals: Exploring vibrant street art and discovering local galleries.
  • Sunset Watching: Unforgettable ocean sunsets from the sand or Venice Pier.

Top Benefits of Visiting and Staying in Venice, CA

For guests and property owners, Venice offers substantial benefits as a short-term rental hotspot and lifestyle destination:

  • Walkable & Bike-Friendly: Easily explore on foot, bike, or scooter, with ample rental options and scenic routes.
  • Eclectic Activities: Wide range of things to do for every interest, age, and budget.
  • Dynamic Dining Scene: Everything from vegan cafes to sushi bars, Italian trattorias, and LA’s best food trucks.
  • High-Income Short-Term Rental Potential: Peak-season ADR (Average Daily Rate) can exceed $350/night, with 75%+ occupancy rates achievable for well-marketed properties.
  • Cultural Access: Regular events, art walks, film shoots, and seasonal festivals fill the neighborhood calendar.

The Most Popular Things to Do in Venice, CA

1. Stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk

Stretching two miles along the Pacific, the Boardwalk is Venice’s social epicenter. Expect a kaleidoscope of artists, musicians, vendors selling handmade goods, and open-air fitness demonstrations. Street performers compete for your attention while world-class murals make every corner a photo op. Budget at least an hour or two for a full loop from Windward Avenue to Rose Avenue.

2. Explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard

This is Venice’s chic commercial spine, dotted with indie boutiques (such as Heist and Satine), gourmet ice cream shops (like Salt & Straw), coffee bars, and top-rated restaurants including Gjelina and The Tasting Kitchen. Friday and Saturday evenings are especially lively, perfect for people-watching or discovering local designers.

3. Discover the Venice Canals

Just a few blocks from the boardwalk lies a tranquil network of man-made canals, originally designed by founder Abbot Kinney in 1905 to recreate Venice, Italy. Walk the footbridges and enjoy reflective waters, blooming gardens, and some of LA’s most unique residential architecture.

4. Hit the Venice Skatepark & Muscle Beach

One of the planet’s most celebrated outdoor skateparks sits right on the sand, drawing skaters from beginners to local legends. Nearby, Muscle Beach’s outdoor gym—famed worldwide since the 1930s—calls to fitness fans. Buy a day pass or simply soak in the spectacle and energy.

5. Enjoy Sunset at Venice Pier

Walk out to the end of Venice Pier for sweeping ocean and city views, often with local fishermen lining the rails. Golden hour here is especially breathtaking, making it one of the best free things to do in Venice, CA.

6. Art Walks and Murals

Venice’s creative pulse is visible on every block. Major art walks occur quarterly, but casual exploration will reveal multiple iconic murals (snap a selfie at the “VENICE” sign at Windward Avenue). Local galleries, like L.A. Louver, showcase world-class talent year-round.

7. Dining, Drinks & Nightlife

From rooftop cocktails at Hotel Erwin’s High Rooftop Lounge, to Italian classics at Felix Trattoria, Venice will satisfy any craving. Many venues feature live music or themed nights—check local calendars for pop-up events.

Challenges and Risks: Venice, CA Considerations

Though Venice is packed with attractions, visitors and property investors should be mindful of local nuances:

  • Crowds: Peak tourist months (June–August) bring heavy foot traffic and busy parking lots. Consider off-peak visits for a more relaxed vibe.
  • Parking: Street parking fills quickly. Opt for rideshares, public transit, or rental bikes when possible.
  • Short-Term Rental Regulations: Venice is part of the City of Los Angeles, which has strict STR regulations—hosts must register properties and comply with local zoning, guest limits, and taxes. Fines for non-compliance can be steep.
  • Noise & Safety: Boardwalk areas are boisterous by day and lively into the night, so consider property placement and guest screening tools when managing rentals.

Expert Strategies for Making the Most of Your Venice Experience

How to Optimize Your Stay or Rental in Venice, CA

  1. Choose the Right Location Within Venice:
    • Beach Adjacent: Higher rental rates ($350–$450/night), ideal for surf and boardwalk fans.
    • Canal District: Quieter, upscale, great for families—expect ADRs of $400+ during high season.
    • Abbot Kinney: Central, walkable, boutique vibe—popular with couples and groups of friends.
  2. Leverage Top Guest Acquisition Channels:
    • Major platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and JmartBookings—which connects hosts with both short and long-term guests worldwide and features zero listing fees for the first 6 months for new users, letting hosts keep more of their earnings.
    • Direct bookings via Instagram or property websites (augment with SEO–optimized content about “things to do in Venice, CA” to drive organic traffic).
  3. Optimize Your Pricing Strategy:
    • Use short-term rental software or channel managers to implement dynamic pricing—adjust for seasonality, weekends, and local events.
    • Add cleaning and pet fees as appropriate; average cleaning fees in Venice range from $100–$200 per booking depending on property size.
    • Track your occupancy rate—successful Venice hosts target 70–85% occupancy over a 12-month average.
  4. Deliver Exceptional Guest Experience:
    • Provide beach essentials (towels, umbrellas, surge protectors for devices).
    • Local guidebooks listing the best things to do, top eateries, and hidden gems—this boosts reviews and repeat bookings.
    • Use guest screening tools to minimize risk and ensure quality stays.
  5. Monitor Reviews and Leverage Social Proof:
    • Encourage guests to leave 5-star reviews across major platforms.
    • Showcase recent bookings and positive guest quotes on your listings, similar to the approach used by hosts on JmartBookings.

Mini Case Study: Earning Potential for Venice Short-Term Rentals

A 2-bedroom property near the Venice Canals, professionally photographed and listed on top marketplaces and JmartBookings, maintained a 78% occupancy rate last summer with an ADR of $388/night. Factoring in average cleaning fees and a commission structure of only 5% on bookings via JmartBookings (versus 14% on some platforms), the owner netted an additional $6,500 over four months by expanding beyond traditional channels.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations for Venice, CA Visitors and Hosts

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Venice. Hosts must register with the Los Angeles City Planning Department and comply with the Home-Sharing Ordinance:

  • Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are permitted only in the host’s primary residence.
  • Strict registration, transient occupancy tax, and maximum number of rental days apply.
  • Non-compliance can lead to fines up to $2,000 per violation and removal from rental platforms.
  • Use reputable platforms that provide clear compliance guidance—JmartBookings makes it easy to get listed, manage inquiries, and stay updated on regulatory requirements.

For visitors, confirming that your accommodation is licit ensures a smoother, stress-free stay. Always book service-verified and positively reviewed listings.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Best of Venice, CA

From surf and sunsets to street art and fine dining, Venice offers a distinctive LA experience that blends classic California vibes with cutting-edge creativity. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, seeking a unique short-term rental investment, or just searching for the most memorable things to do in Venice, CA, the neighborhood delivers inspiration and adventure at every turn.

For hosts or anyone considering listing their Venice property, remember that success hinges on standout guest experiences, pricing agility, and multi-channel marketing. Innovative global platforms like JmartBookings now make it simpler and more cost-effective to connect with guests from around the world—without the steep fees of legacy sites and with real bookings and 5-star reviews already happening. Explore Venice, share it with others, and experience why it remains LA’s original hub for creative living and limitless things to do.