THE VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK

The Venice Boardwalk

The Venice boardwalk is a mystical place where thousands of people of every age, and gender, from every nation on earth, come together seeking a stress free day in the sun. Amazingly it works and everyone gets along.This is no small feat considering the sheer number of visitors on any give weekend. I've heard and read estimates of up to 500,000 visitors on the boardwalk during a busy weekend.

Here are some things to do on the Venice Boardwalk

BICYCLE AND SKATE RENTALS

The Venice Boardwalk still functions as a great big beach backyard for locals and visitors. People come to the boardwalk to ride bicycles, roller skate or partake in just about any physical activity dreamed of by man. There are several bike rental shops on the boardwalk and you can rent anything from a surfboard to rollerskates.

JAY”S RENTALS

Takes reservations if you call 310-392-7306. Javier is always helpful. If you just need air in your tires or a last minute repair on your own bike, he's the guy to see. J's is located on Windward and Speedway at 1301 Ocean front Walk. J's Website.

BLAZING SADDLES

is up on the Santa Monica Pier. Their telephone is 310-393-9778; you can also rent from Blazing Saddles at Perry’s Café about half way between the Santa Monica Pier and The Boardwalk. Perry’s offers a 15% discount KCRW members. Perry’s web site . I can also recommend Perry’s Bike tours of Venice and Santa Monica. Check them out here.

OTHER BIKE RENTAL LOCATIONS

RENTAL ON THE BEACH 300 Ocean Front Walk 310/ 396-1959
RENTAL ON THE BEACH 2100 Ocean Front Walk 310/ 821-9338
VENICE PIER BIKE SHOP 21 Washington Blvd 310/ 301-4011

SURF CAMPS

Another popular activity, especially for the kids, is taking a few group or private surfing lessons at a surf camp. Parents also like it since it's a great way to keep the kids busy while you sneak off to shop or dine. Below are a couple of the better known surf camps. There are others scattered along the beach, just look for a canopy with "Surf Camp" stenciled on it.

ISLANDS SURF CAMP

is about half way between the Venice Pier and the Santa Monica Pier. They usually have a variety of available dates and times for you to choose from. Their web site

LEARN TO SURF

Learn to Surf LA has camps in Santa Monica or south on Dockweiler Beach. To register for Santa Monica or LA Dockweiler camps or for more information feel free to call (310) 663-2479.

MUSCLE BEACH

Muscle beach originated just south of the Santa Monica Pier in the 1940’s as a workout area for acrobatics and balancing. At one time Venice and Santa Monica was winter home to many circus performers. In time the location shifted to just north of Venice Blvd. With the construction of a huge weight pit and a stage for bodybuilding pose offs, Venice Beach has successfully hi-jacked the Muscle Beach name and left the acrobatic legacy behind. But the acrobats, ring performers and others still gather at the old site to offer an entertaining spectacle.

SKATEBOARD PARK

The great white elephant of Venice, the Pavilion, once occupied the area directly between the end of Windward Blvd and the ocean. It was torn down in the 90’s and replaced with a huge open area that is dedicated to skateboarding, a roller disco area and the famous Venice grafitti pit.

GRAFITTI PIT

Another very popular location in Venice beach, especially with photographers, is the Graffiti pit just north of the skateboard area. This area was designated as a City approved testament to the days when every wall and garage door in Venice was covers in Crips and Bloods tags.

SPORTS ON THE BOARDWALK

All along the beach you will find people playing, roller hocky, yoga, acrobatics, rings, rope climbing, few people know that beach volleyball is a locally invented game. There is also the famous Venice beach Basketball courts featured in many movies like “White Men Can’t Jump”. You will also find handball courts and numerous playgrounds for smaller children.

DRUM CIRCLE

Often you’ll hear the drum circle, the pulsing beat carries for miles and some residents hate the intrusion but it an amazing organism that starts grows, dies at night, and then is reborn days later, somewhere else on the beach.

SHOPPING

You can shop until you drop on the boardwalk. T-shirts of every description, Head Shops (yes, they still exist), jewelers, and other artists all have something to offer. When shopping don’t be surprised if you are distracted by street performers juggling knives, a one man band or two, and maybe even a guy painted gold.

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