This popular street performer beach is one of Southern California’s biggest attractions. Venice Beach is understood to include the beach, the promenade that runs parallel to the beach, Muscle Beach (made famous in the movie Pumping Iron), the handball courts, the paddle tennis courts, Skate Park (16,00 square feet and is one of the only skate parks located on a beach), the numerous beach volleyball courts, and the bike trail. The basketball courts in Venice are renowned across the country for their high level of street ball and numerous NBA players were developed or recruited from these courts. The Venice Breakwater is an acclaimed local surf spot in Venice, located north of the Venice Pier and Lifeguard Headquarters, and south of the Santa Monica Pier. This spot is sheltered on the north by an artificial barrier, the breakwater, consisting of an extending sand bar, piping, and large rocks at its end. This spot has differing breaks depending on swell intensity, swell direction, tide and time of the day. Other activities include, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and picnicking along the many shaded grass areas. Facilities include paid parking, street parking, restrooms, showers, and handicapped access.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Venice Beach Pier and 8,000 other beaches.