Venice Boardwalk

The boardwalk and bike path from Will Rogers State Beach in the Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach in Torrance is a stretch of activity some 20 miles long. Rent a bike, roller or in-line skates, or a Segway and cruise as much of the coastline as you please. The Venice Beach Boardwalk portion is packed with characters, shops, and vendors, and is perfect for picking up a souvenir. Marvel at the strip of contemporary beach houses, including the one designed by Frank Gehry, just north of the Venice Pier, and then stroll down the pier to watch surfers and enjoy the panoramic views.

For artists, poets, rollerbladers, weight lifters, tie-dye lovers, (“medicinal”) marijuana users, or just anyone looking to see the “eccentric” side of California, Venice Beach Boardwalk is a must. From boardwalk pubs and vender stands, to muscle beach and the b-ball courts, there’s no escaping those crazy, classic California vibes here.

Venice offers a look into the artsy and eccentric side of Southern Cali seaside culture, with a picturesque beach that is world famous for surfing and a vibrant boardwalk offering something for everyone: specialty shops and restaurants, a slew of souvenir-slinging vendor stands, wild street performers, a skate park, fortune tellers and so much more.

Take it from me, the Venice Beach boardwalk is the best place to people watch. You’ll find skateboarders and surfers that fit the Cali beach bum stereotype to a tee, beefed up weight lifters at the infamous Muscle Beach gym, dozens of basketball courts filled with pick-up gamers and starving artists a plenty. This place is such a trip, you’ll probably feel like you’re on a movie set.

Megan Murphy traveled on Contiki’s Western Highlights tour as part of AFAR’s partnership with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), whose members provide travelers with unparalleled access, insider knowledge, and peace-of-mind to destinations across the globe. For more on Megan’s journey, visit the USTOA blog.