It’s been called eclectic, quirky, strange, or just plain radical! In actuality, Venice, California is ALL of the above. According to Mark Cramer’s book, FunkyTowns USA, Venice is one of the funkiest towns in the country, with only the Mission District in San Francisco upstaging it. It certainly has notoriety. Once steeped with surrounding canals, it was home to many artists, particularly during the 1960s. Even the (late) Jim Morrison of The Doors called the canals home. Today, after a major $6 million refurbishing effort from the city of Los Angeles, there are only six canals left, with some of the most gorgeous homes encircling them. While perhaps originally meant to capture the European flavor of its Italian namesake, it truly is So.California in all its madcap glory. It also has long since been a haven for film stars (residents have included Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Angelica Huston, and Robert Downey Jr.), and a setting to shoot movies and television shows.
The Boardwalk
Of course, Venice wouldn’t be Venice without the world renowned Boardwalk. Weekends, in particular, draw all sorts of unique talent to the 1.5 mile stretch. Artists, acrobats, tarot card readers, retail vendors, performers, and musicians co-mingle and show off their stuff. On any given Saturday or Sunday you may see the Gold Man, who looks like a bona fide statue until you drop a coin in his box and he performs a 3 second dance with a quick wink at the end, then resumes his statue stance. Or you may see the Tree Man who is over 7 feet tall (he’s on stilts) and adorned with tree branches and body paint. He strolls along the Boardwalk, chatting up anyone who will stop and listen. People (especially kids) love to be photographed with him and he’s more than happy to oblige. Other such notables are the Chainsaw Juggler who is known to juggle three running chainsaws at once, the Fire Blower who blows fire along the Boardwalk, and the most recognized entertainer, Harry Perry, Venice’s street musician, who plays guitar while rollerskating. It truly is a world of in your face guerrilla theatre, and while many are certainly talented, making a living at any of this is anyone's guess as most rely strictly on donations.
Cafes and Retail Shops
The majority of people that visit the Boardwalk make a day of it. There are loads of small eateries that line the Boardwalk and most of them offer soft drinks and food at reasonable prices. The most famous one, however, is the Sidewalk Cafe and Bar, where people can dine outdoors and people watch, all at the same time. There is also a vintage bookstore attached to it, offering mystery reads from many famous authors.
The retail choices are endless. Not only can people buy one-of-a-kind art, clothing, and jewelry from the many artist stands that line the Boardwalk, there are the countless vendors that offer sunglasses, t-shirts, souvenirs and curios, luggage, clothing, furniture, and fine art.. Even such established retailers as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Quiksilver have set up shop along the Boardwalk.
Other Attractions
Clearly, Venice Beach offers an experience like no other. Where else can you watch bodybuilders pump iron at the famous outdoor gym, Muscle Beach? A few steps away you can also catch people playing beach volleyball or basketball on the outdoor courts, or sunning, surfing or running. The Boardwalk also is the perfect path for bike riding, rollerskating, and rollerblading. Or, you can simply take a walking tour of the many murals or check out the historic Venice architecture. One thing is for certain: visiting Venice Beach is an experience you are not apt to forget anytime soon.
Parking on Venice Beach
There is parking available at the end of Venice Blvd., right on the beach. Daily rates range from $3 to $10 depending on the time of year. There is also parking between North and South Venice Blvd., west of Lincoln Blvd. These lots are within walking distance and generally free shuttle is available. There are also several private parking lots near the beach near Windward. These lots can cost as much as $15 per day. What’s important to remember is that the parking on the beach and the surrounding lots fill up quickly, so be prepared to start your day early.
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