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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Venice
Beach Day Trip
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By Matthew Martz |
Venice Beach is a one-of-a-kind
location that has evolved and developed its own unique
identity since the turn of the century. From the amusement
pier of the 1920’s, to the hippies of the 60’s
and the Bohemians of today, Venice Beach offers an insight
into Los Angeles' beachfront counterculture.
From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in the
theme that can only be the spectacle of Venice.
The best way to experience the waterfront scene is via
a three-quarter-mile boardwalk. It's really more of a
simple concrete strip than a classic boardwalk, but you
will never see a wilder, more vibrant assortment of creativity
and craziness congregated as densely in one place.
As you shuffle down the tourist-laden trail, you’ll
pass an array of off-the-wall shops, tacky souvenir stores,
tattoo and piercing parlors, flea markets and vendors
selling all kinds of items from incense to sarongs.
On the beach side of the boardwalk, dozens of artists
create three-dimensional art and peddle their wares. You
can watch sculptors creating amazing works of art out
of sand, or purchase a piece of locally made jewelry.
The beach side also includes legendary Muscle Beach. Popularized
in the 1950s and featured in many films since, this is
the same place where Arnold Schwarzenegger and many other
famous bodybuilders trained in the outdoor weight room.
If you'd like to have your day in the sun, you can buy
a day pass to Muscle Beach work out area. |
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Venice Beach California |
Before leaving
the north end of the boardwalk area, be sure to check out
the Venice Beach Graffiti Walls. These historic concrete
canvas’ covered in graffiti murals were originally
part of the Venice Pavilion that was built in 1961, and
in 2000 was renamed the “Graffiti Pit” and made
a haven for local street artists to exhibit their artistic
flair. Now home to some of the most beautiful graffiti art
out there, visitors can watch artists busy at work on selected
weekends.
At the south end of the boardwalk --north of the Venice
Pier -- is the historic Venice Beach House. The structure
was built in 1911 by Warren and Carla Wilson, the owners
of the Los Angeles Daily Journal, and is a must see for
fans of well-known architect Frank Gehry. Many Craftsman-era
details remain--dark woods, the glass-enclosed breakfast
nook, a lattice-framed portico, and a grand fleet of stairs.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this
little B&B radiates and the location, steps from the
beach and boardwalk, is what Southern California is all
about.
A short distance inland are six of out of some 16 miles
of manmade waterways that once made up Venice-of-America,
founded in 1905 by local developer, conservationist, and
creative genius behind circa 1900 Venice --Abbot Kinney.
Fully restored and remodeled homes make it a postcard scene
along the canal shores that now make up a quaint upscale
neighborhood. The canals provide visitors a sense of serenity
that the Venetians would have truly appreciated. |
Venice Beach Boardwalk |
Venice Beach Canals |
Finally,
just a few blocks away from the canals is the very trendy
Abbot Kinney Blvd. Aptly named after Mr. Kinney, this one-and-a-half
mile stretch boasts some the areas finest dining, boutique
shopping, art galleries, antique stores and sightseeing
that Los Angeles has to offer.
And there’s no better way to experience what Abbot
Kinney Boulevard is all about, than stopping by on the first
Friday of every month just after the sun begins to set over
the nearby Pacific Ocean. It’s a time when the neighborhood
merchants come together to feature the best artists, gifts,
products and music. The curious blend of event-goers creates
an exciting yet community-oriented atmosphere, making it
a perfect night for dates, or visits with family and friends.
The Boardwalk springs to life seven days
a week about 10:00 a.m. and gathers momentum as the day
progresses. This year–round virtual carnival can get
extremely crowded in the summer, and parking can be an issue
since most of the closest streets are reserved for pedestrian
traffic only. Expect to pay to park a ways from the beach
and the boardwalk. |
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Santa
Monica Pier is home to Pacific Park
and the worlds first solar powered ferris wheel. |
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Malibu
Beach offers
some of the world’s most spectacular beaches
along its coast. |
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Paradise
Cove watch for movies stars and celebrity's
at the hidden Malibu Beach cove. |
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Hollywood
Walk of Stars Madame Tussauds, Movie Star Tours. |
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La
Brea Tar Pits are
a famous cluster of fossil sites in urban Los Angeles.
Page Museum |
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