About this experience
Experience the legendary beach culture of Los Angeles on a guided walking tour through Venice Beach and Santa Monica, two of California’s most iconic coastal neighborhoods. Discover the stories, music, movies, art, and personalities that shaped the spirit of LA.
Walk from the Venice Fishing Pier through the historic Venice Canals, stylish Abbott Kinney Boulevard, and the world-famous Venice Boardwalk filled with street performers, murals, musicians, and local artists. Visit legendary Muscle Beach, the iconic Venice Skatepark, the Poets of Venice Monument, and learn about the Beat Generation history connected to Jim Morrison and Venice West Café.
Continue to Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park, home to the historic end of Route 66, before enjoying breathtaking ocean views from Palisades Park. End near the lively Third Street Promenade surrounded by restaurants, nightlife, and live music.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Downtown Los Angeles on Foot: From Union Station to the Market
Read downtown as a sequence of station halls, civic rooms, historic façades, market aisles, and working streets.
Reading the Los Angeles River as Infrastructure and Landscape
Approach the Los Angeles River by exact segment, current access, and the relationships among channel, bridges, rail, habitat, and neighborhoods.
Los Angeles in Scene Changes: A Practical Guide to Building a Coherent Day
Plan Los Angeles around one anchor, one meaningful contrast, and the real distances between basin, hills, coast, river, and harbor.
What is included
- Local guide
Not included
- Food and drink
- Gratuities for the guide are optional but highly recomended
Itinerary and highlights
Meet your guide at the historic Venice Fishing Pier, where the tour begins with an introduction to the history and culture of Venice Beach. Enjoy panoramic ocean views and the relaxed California atmosphere before starting the walk north along the coast.
Explore the peaceful canals inspired by Venice, Italy, originally built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney. Walk along charming bridges and waterfront homes while discovering the neighborhood’s unique architectural and historical character.
Walk through one of Los Angeles’ trendiest streets filled with independent boutiques, cafés, art galleries, and creative spaces. Learn how Abbott Kinney Boulevard evolved into a cultural hub known for fashion, design, and local creativity.
Experience the vibrant energy of Venice Beach with street performers, musicians, colorful murals, artists, vendors, and oceanfront culture. Hear stories about the boardwalk’s role in shaping the free-spirited identity of Venice.
Visit the iconic outdoor gym where generations of bodybuilders trained, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and many legendary fitness athletes. Learn about the rise of bodybuilding culture in California during the 20th century.
See one of the world’s most famous skateparks and discover how Venice became a global center for skateboarding culture, creativity, and street sports.
Discover the historic area connected to Venice’s Beat Generation movement, once frequented by poets, writers, musicians, and artists including Jim Morrison. Learn about the artistic counterculture that shaped Venice during the 1950s and 1960s.
Admire the public art installation honoring Venice’s literary and bohemian heritage, featuring engraved verses from iconic local writers such as Jim Morrison and Charles Bukowski.
Visit the legendary Santa Monica Pier, home to Pacific Park, the historic carousel, and the Pacific Wheel. See the official western ending point of historic Route 66 while enjoying spectacular ocean views.
Enjoy panoramic Pacific Ocean views from this scenic bluff-top park, one of the best locations in Los Angeles to experience the beauty of the California coastline and sunset atmosphere.
Finish the experience in Santa Monica’s lively entertainment district filled with restaurants, bars, live music, and shopping. Your guide will provide recommendations for food, nightlife, and local attractions to continue your evening.
Meeting and pickup information
- The guide will be waiting at the entrance of the Venice Fishing Pier and will have a distinctive tour sign for easy identification.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- CARERI ENTERTAINMENT
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Service animals allowed
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