Venice Beach Provides Las Angeles Change of Pace
Honky Tonk Seaside Prominade Provides Shopping, Sun and Sights
Apr 3, 2009
To see Los Angeles at its eccentric best, tourists shouldn’t miss going to Venice Beach and strolling along Ocean Park Walk. The wide asphalt promenade is a prime attraction on sunny afternoons any time of the year.
Venice founder Abbot Kinney’s dream was to create an Oceanside resort, complete with canals like the city’s namesake in Italy. Although most of the canals have been paved over and the original amusement pier with its thrill rides is gone, today’s Venice Beach has become one of L. A’s most popular attractions. It’s also unlike any place else on earth.
Best Place for Venice Beach Sight-Seeing
The carnival atmosphere is especially evident along the more than a mile long stretch of the boardwalk between Venice Boulevard on the north and Rose Avenue on the south. Lined with shops on the landward side, the walkway follows a palm- bedecked stretch of grass bordering the beach.
Cast of Characters on Ocean Park Walk
Although Ocean Park Walk has its regulars like Harry Perry, who plays his acoustic guitar as he skates along and has entertained the passing parade for years. Caricaturists sketch, artists sit at their easels staring out at the sea. Sand sculptors create mermaids, skulls and crossbones and the traditional castles. Hard bodies flex and lift weights at Muscle Beach. Psychics predict the future. Tourists in all shapes, sizes and styles of apparel take it all in, wide-eyed.
If they choose, people who visit the boardwalk can undergo transformations of major proportions. Face-and-body-piercing studios, tattoo parlors, and beauty shops that specialize in unusual hairdos are all a part of the Venice scene.
Venice Beach Shopping Opportunities
Merchandise in the shops lining the promenade consists of the regular tourist-type trinkets, augmented by everything from Harley Davidson boots and leathers to original art. One shop is devoted to bikinis; another to X-rated underwear. Colorful dresses and men’s shirts suitable for casual cocktail parties are popular kiosk merchandise.
Wine and Dine at Ocean Park Sidewalk Cafes
There is definitely no shortage of sidewalk cafes, pubs and places where one can sip a glass of wine while watching the sunset. Among the cafes, Figtrees is one of the older ones, having been on the boardwalk since 1978. Several of the restaurants and bars have nautical names like On the Waterfront and Land’s End Restaurant. Others, such as Venice Gelato, Ice Cream & Café, have names with a Venetian flavor. Almost all of them have open-air as well as indoor dining. In fact, one of them is named The Sidewalk Café. For people with tired feet, the outdoor eateries are great for watching the crowds go by.
Special Events at Venice Beach
Venice Beach’s special events focus mostly on body building and beach sports. Among May events are power-lifting competitions and the annual Muscle Beach International Classic. June’s schedule includes paddle tennis and handball tournaments. In July there will be a custom bicycle exhibit.
Venice Beach is at its liveliest on weekends, but since parking is at a premium anytime, it’s much easier to arrive at the beach before noon on a weekday. Even then, off-street parking may be non-existent, but there will still be room in the commercial parking lots.
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