Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Venice Beach
Venice Beach delivers a unique blend of laid-back surf vibes and artistic rebellion, all framed by Pacific views. Guests can explore the Venice Canals, people-watch along the boardwalk, or sip coffee in stylish cafés before a sunset yoga session. The neighborhood thrives on self-expression and a casual, come-as-you-are spirit. It’s a colorful coastal escape with energy and attitude.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Venice Beach
Venice Boardwalk Area
The Venice Boardwalk is the epicenter of the neighborhood’s eccentric energy, with street performers, vendors, and oceanfront scenery. Rentals in Venice Beach include modern condos, beachfront apartments, and classic surf shacks steps from the sand. Visitors can walk or skate to Muscle Beach, grab tacos, and catch a drum circle at sunset.
Venice Canals
The Venice Canals offer a serene, residential setting just blocks from the beach, featuring charming footbridges and unique homes along narrow waterways. Vacation rentals in Venice Canals include architect-designed houses, quiet Airbnbs with patios, and stylish retreats perfect for couples. The area feels peaceful and picturesque with a touch of European flair.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Known as the “coolest block in America,” Abbot Kinney is Venice Beach’s upscale shopping and dining corridor. Rentals in Abbot Kinney include boutique lofts, artistic studios, and contemporary Airbnbs near galleries and brunch spots. Guests can enjoy curated shops, artisan ice cream, and rotating pop-up art installations. This area suits design lovers and trendsetters looking for an inspiring stay.
Oakwood Neighborhood
Just inland from the beach, Oakwood is a residential neighborhood that blends historic roots with creative revitalization. Airbnbs range from colorful cottages and converted garages to stylish homes with private gardens. The vibe is local, diverse, and full of hidden gems like low-key coffee shops and fusion restaurants. Oakwood is perfect for longer stays and a more grounded Venice experience.
Marina Peninsula
South of Venice Beach, the Marina Peninsula is a quieter stretch of sand with multi-story homes, beachside paths, and beautiful sunset views. Vacation rentals in the Marina Peninsula include luxury townhomes, ocean-facing Airbnbs, and serene getaways steps from the waves. This spot is ideal for families or couples wanting calm without compromise.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Venice Beach
Venice Beach Boardwalk
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a nonstop spectacle of street art, live music, rollerbladers, and spontaneous performances. Visitors can rent bikes, explore shops, or watch skaters flip tricks at the nearby skatepark. The boardwalk is the soul of Venice’s wild side.
Muscle Beach
A few steps from the boardwalk, Muscle Beach is a famous outdoor gym where bodybuilders have flexed under the sun for decades. Tourists can watch workouts or snap photos beside iconic fitness equipment. Muscle Beach remains a Venice Beach staple.
Venice Canals Walkway
The Venice Canals offer a peaceful network of man-made waterways inspired by Italy, complete with arching bridges and waterside gardens. Guests can wander quiet footpaths, admire quirky architecture, and take in the tranquil vibe. It’s a hidden retreat right in the middle of Venice. The canals are a must-see for calm and charm.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney is Venice’s most stylish street, where visitors can shop indie brands, sample farm-to-table dishes, and browse modern art. The boulevard hosts monthly art walks, fashion pop-ups, and street festivals that energize the scene. With its palm trees and murals, the area is Instagram-ready.
Venice Skatepark
The Venice Skatepark, carved into the beach near Windward Avenue, is a hub for skaters of all ages and styles. Spectators gather daily to watch tricks and stunts against a Pacific Ocean backdrop. It’s free to watch and always lively. The skatepark represents Venice’s blend of athleticism and counterculture.
Hotel Erwin Rooftop
Even if you’re not staying there, the High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin is one of the best places to catch a Venice Beach sunset. Guests can sip cocktails with panoramic views of the ocean, city, and surrounding hills. The rooftop is a top pick for date nights or group outings.
Venice Public Art Tour
Venice is filled with murals, sculptures, and pop-up installations that reflect its countercultural and activist roots. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to view iconic works like the “Touch of Venice” mural or newer street art down alleyways. Public art adds color and commentary to every block.
Santa Monica Pier
A short bike ride north, the Santa Monica Pier offers carnival rides, restaurants, and beach views from a historic setting. Guests can ride the Ferris wheel, fish off the pier, or enjoy arcade games and live shows. It’s classic California fun with easy access from Venice. The pier adds a nostalgic twist to any trip.
Where to find a vacation rental near Venice Beach
Santa Monica, California
Just north of Venice, Santa Monica is listed in the document and known for its iconic pier, open-air shopping, and upscale coastal lifestyle. Guests can enjoy a vacation rental in Santa Monica, from ocean-view apartments to chic homes near Third Street Promenade. The city brings refinement and classic beach-town energy to your Venice Beach itinerary.
Los Angeles, California
All of Los Angeles is in the document, offering an expansive mix of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe—from the buzz of Hollywood to the calm of Echo Park. Staying in a house in Los Angeles, whether near museums or tucked in creative districts, provides endless options for food, culture, and entertainment. It’s the perfect urban anchor for a Venice Beach getaway.
Malibu, California
Just up the coast, Malibu is featured in the document and renowned for its secluded coves, hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, and dramatic cliffside views. A vacation rental in Malibu offers access to beachfront serenity and a taste of California glamour. It’s a luxurious contrast to Venice’s bohemian pace.
Long Beach, California
Located south of Venice, Long Beach is listed in the document and blends harbor views, family-friendly attractions, and a walkable urban core. Visitors can book a condo in Long Beach, near the waterfront or vibrant downtown. It’s an energetic, multicultural addition to a Venice-based coastal trip.
Culver City, California
Just 20 minutes inland, Culver City is not in the document but has become a creative hotbed filled with indie galleries, studio lots, and renowned restaurants. Choosing an apartment in Culver City puts you near art walks and dynamic public spaces. The city adds cultural richness and quick access to Venice Beach’s coastal appeal.
Experience thrilling urban adventures and serene beach escapes across the United States
Explore a dynamic mix of contemporary art galleries, vibrant streets, and iconic boardwalks that echo the vivacious spirit of the source destination. Dive into urban adventures across the country with Danville, Virginia vacation rentals, where the history meets modern culture amid museums and historic districts. The scenic cityscape and riverfront activities found in Chattanooga rental properties offer a unique southern charm. If you prefer sprawling landscapes and shopping in a bustling metropolis, the airbnb in Plano invites you to experience Texan hospitality alongside sprawling parks.
For those seeking sunlit shores, embrace the allure of beach paradises akin to those gracing the main destination. Discover Tampa airbnb options for a taste of lively waterside fun and the historic charm of the Ybor City. Continue your coastal journey with an airbnb in Saint Augustine Beach and soak up the rich history amid sun-drenched sands and charming avenues. Or enjoy tranquil retreats with a stay in Tawas City, where the gentle shores of Lake Huron offer a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.