I'm quite surprised that so many people don't seem to realize that Venice Beach is extremely bohemian, seedy, has lots of homeless people, and is not for the faint of heart. Frankly, I don't see how it's unique culture could have arisen if it were forced to clean itself and abide by all the typical rules of society. Yes, you... more

I have always heard about the unique people along the walk at Venice beach, now I can say I have witnessed it with my own eyes. I really wasn't expecting much, I guess that is why i took it with a grain of salt. It is alway interesting to see things that would shock most, all lined up along the... more

I am a single mom from Minneapolis. I took my 9 year old son to Venice in July. We stayed in Marina Del Rey which was close by. When we arrived in Venice I drove around and tried to find street parking for free. This was difficult but it can be done. I ended up parking blocks away. That was... more

The actual beach is very nice. It is interesting to take a stroll and take in this very unique place. I can't say I felt extremely comfortable, but it was enjoyable. I now feel like been there, done that. more

It was noisy, tawdry and tasteless. Populated by noisy, tawdry & tasteless people. From the primping narcissists on Muscle Beach to the hucksters trying to sell their cheap & tacky rubbish along the side. Even the restrooms were vomit inducingly dirty. I wouldn't even do it the justice of taking any pictures. Perhaps Sunday was a bad day to visit.... more

This was our 2nd visit to Venice Beach since 2005. We were on vacation to Disneyland, San Diego etc. and decided to do a day in Venice. We spent the 1st part of the afternoon wandering thru the shops and letting the kids buy little souveniers here and there and then spent the last couple of hours on the beach... more

As my older daughter put it....it is like Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley at its worst! I insisted going there despite her comments and feedback from friends who went there two years ago. There is NOTHING to recommend it since it is full of tatoo parlours, freak showoffs and stores full of junk and tee-shirts that you can find anywhere. There... more

The actual BEACH part of Venice Beach is nice - very soft, fine sand - lovely surf. The shops are great if you are in the market for a cheap pair of sunglasses or 3 t-shirts for $10.00 - because 99% of the shops sell nothing but that. I was hoping to see some nice shops with hard-to-find and unique... more

You have seen the shots of the: ocean front, the shapely babes roller blading, the tanned and ripped bodybuilders at muscle gym, interesting old hippies, a nice kind of place to go eh? Think on, it took us about five minutes to see through it. Loads of washed out druggies wanting money, pretty poor art for sale, a very volatile... more