Explore Venice Beach—History, Skate Scene & Muscle Beach Gym

Enjoy the Street-Culture Vibe of Venice Beach

When you hear “California beach,” which places come to mind?

Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu—Los Angeles alone boasts countless famous, crowd-pleasing shores.

This is Beach Guide, Vol. 3!!

Following our Malibu feature, we’re spotlighting the world-famous Venice Beach, where you can dive into unique street culture like Muscle Beach Gym and skateboarding!

1. About Venice Beach

Venice Beach is roughly 8.7 miles (14 km) north of LAX and just about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) south of Santa Monica Beach.

With a famous skate park, the iconic Muscle Beach Gym, and street performers lining the oceanfront path, the area buzzes with locals and travelers every single day.

2. The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Venice Beach

The area we now call Venice Beach was first developed in 1905 by tobacco magnate and world traveler Abbot Kinney.

He christened the district “Venice of America,” constructing canals, pleasure piers, and other attractions modeled after its Italian namesake.

The population boomed and the neighborhood flourished as a seaside resort.

After Kinney’s death in 1920, two devastating fires (1920 and 1924) destroyed his amusement piers.

In 1926 Venice was annexed by the City of Los Angeles, and with rising automobile traffic plus public-health concerns—stagnant canals bred mosquitoes and malaria—most of the original waterways and attractions were filled in.

The discovery of oil in 1929 quickly transformed the area into an industrial zone.

Post-World-War II economic decline, rising crime, and suburban flight further sapped Venice’s vitality;
by the 1950s it was nicknamed “the Slum of the Sea.”

During the 1960s, however, low rents and a bohemian spirit drew young people and artists.
Street performances, music events, and a mix of cultural backgrounds breathed new creative life into Venice.

Today, upscale housing and commercial projects continue to reshape the beachfront.

Despite its many ups and downs, Venice Beach has re-emerged as one of Los Angeles’ most compelling tourist destinations.

3. Take a Stroll down the Ocean Front Walk

If you come to Venice Beach, you absolutely have to explore the legendary Ocean Front Walk!

The colorful shops and street art are stylish and seriously photogenic.

It’s the liveliest spot on the beach, packed every day with street performers and live music.

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4. Muscle Beach Gym—the Body-Building Mecca—and the Venice Skatepark

Muscle Beach Gym is an open-air training ground revered as the birthplace of America’s 20th-century fitness boom.

Since opening in the 1930s, it has been the go-to spot for bodybuilders and fitness fanatics from around the globe.

Legend has it that Arnold Schwarzenegger himself once pumped iron right here!

With beach views on one side and encouragement from passers-by on the other, it’s easily one of the most inspiring places to work out in L.A.

The Venice Skatepark, opened in 2009, is another must-see.

Skaters flock here from every corner of the world, and crowds gather just to watch the pros land next-level tricks—even if they don’t skate themselves.

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5. Things to Watch Out for When You Visit

Pushy—or Shady—Street Vendors
Because Venice is packed with tourists, you’ll occasionally run into aggressive vendors—or people selling sketchy souvenirs and “deals.”
There are plenty of great pop-up stalls and honest merchants, so you don’t have to be paranoid—just keep your wits about you and trust your instincts.

Less-than-Sparkling Restrooms
Public restrooms at any famous beach can be rough, and Venice is no exception. Try to use a restroom elsewhere before you start your stroll.

6. High-End Grocery Store: Erewhon

After exploring Venice Beach, the perfect extra stop is the premium supermarket Erewhon!

The flagship store is right here in Venice, and there are ten locations in the Los Angeles area, including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.

With a strict focus on organic and health-oriented products, Erewhon is regarded as one of the very best sources of top-quality groceries in all of L.A.

Prices come in below most restaurants, yet the ingredients meet—or exceed—restaurant quality, which is why the store has such a loyal following.

Check out the Instagram post below to see an American-style dish we made using vegetables from the Venice Erewhon.

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7. Final Thoughts

Under clear blue skies, Venice Beach buzzes with street-culture energy—there’s truly nowhere else like it!

If you have the chance, be sure to visit and soak up this quintessentially American atmosphere.

We feature plenty of other Southern California beaches on our Instagram—check them out for more travel inspiration!

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