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Beach & Boardwalk

Venice possesses a quirky atmosphere, colorful seaside performers and a laid-beach life with a bit of Harley and Hollywood sprinkled in – in short the entire outdoor experience that defines Los Angeles.

Where else in the world has an outdoor gym with strong-armed bodybuilders working their muscles before the eyes of thousands of gawking tourists? A few steps away, people are playing basketball, beach volleyball, paddle tennis (paddle tennis!?), surfing, sunning, running, biking and rollerblading. There's more physical activity happening every few minutes Venice Beach than in most health clubs in a week.

The only workout most tourists get is with their eyes. This is one of the few beaches in the world where most of the action takes place away from the shore. In addition to sports, an array of performers dazzle visitors. They line the boardwalk and most are quite talented. There is a man who walks on broken glass, one who juggles chainsaws and a human statue, just to name a few of the acts.

• Shopping: art, apparel, sun glasses, leather goods & more!

• Art, Artists & Performers: musicians, street performers, murals & more!  

• Activities: biking, rollerblading, muscle beach, basketball, volleyball & more!

The world famous Venice Boardwalk offers a one of a kind California beach experience. Visitors to the Boardwalk are welcomed into a beautiful beachside setting that is home to an eclectic mix of artists, performers, athletic activities, and shopping opportunities.

At Venice you can observe artists create their artwork or watch the bodybuilders pump iron at Muscle Beach. Street performers entertain visitors, while a wide range of stores and vendors offer wares ranging from souvenirs & curios to luggage & clothing and furniture & fine art. You can take a walking tour of the many murals, or check out the historic Venice architecture. In fact, The Sidewalk Cafe is housed by a building rich in turn of the century history.

In addition to the main Boardwalk, Venice Beach offers a path that is perfect for biking and rollerblading, and several stands offer rentals. The basketball courts, skateboard park, paddle tennis courts, and rollerskate/rollerblade dancing area provide more opportunities to enjoy a sunny day at the Beach. And, of course, don't forget the sand and the water - swim, surf, play catch, or just relax and catch some rays!

Take a look at this live webcam - the first webcam of Venice Beach live from the world famous Sidewalk Cafe.

The Boardwalk is a virtual sidewalk circus, a walk 'n' rolling skin show. There are lots of funky shops, too, if you want to eat out of the ordinary or buy an unusual souvenir or T-shirt. There are courts for basketball, handball, shuffleboard and paddle tennis. Muscle Beach is a special area where fanatic bodybuilders pump iron in a public show of strength.

The Venice Chamber of Commerce maintains an Event calendar. More information can be found here.

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