Achieve your 10,000 steps at Venice Beach

In our 10K steps series, we've invited writers to share their top spots for walking while soaking in city sights, favorite routes, and hidden gems. Here, James March guides us through the vibrant and lively streets of Venice Beach.

While Los Angeles boasts a 75-mile coastline, few areas are as iconic, vibrant, or peculiar as Venice Beach.

Nestled between Santa Monica to the north and Marina Del Rey to the south, Venice’s waterfront is one of California’s most diverse and unconventional public spaces, officially part of LA since 1926. Yet, Venice offers much more than its bustling boardwalk. From serene canals to modern skateparks, exploring this unique part of LA is a sensory adventure, welcoming a mix of hippies, misfits, performers, artists, and beatniks.

To truly experience it all, the best approach is a circular walk. Here’s how to navigate my favorite route.

Starting point: The Venice Sign

You’ll spot the iconic Venice Sign later tonight (in a much more vibrant way), but it’s also the perfect kickoff for our stroll. If you need a bit of pre-walk energy, the industrial-chic breakfast spot Eggslut is just around the corner with its egg-centric sandwiches. Alternatively, head east along Pacific Avenue, then turn north on S Venice Blvd to join the Venice Canals towpath.

Wander through the Venice Canals

Undoubtedly the most tranquil area in Venice, these saltbush-lined canals offer a stark contrast to the rest of the neighborhood—and LA as a whole. With graceful white bridges, a soothing color scheme, swaying palm trees, and beautiful water reflections, the canals are a photographer's dream, and you might find yourself envying those who live here.

Every waterside home has its unique charm, with the large-windowed Scandi-style modernist apartments being particularly enticing (in this writer’s view). The stillness here is a refreshing change from the beach, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere. Keep an eye out for cormorants, herons, and other birds splashing around as you stroll.

The stroll

Leave the canals behind and head north on S Venice Blvd. Walk for about 10 minutes, passing the Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library, then take a left onto Abbot Kinney Blvd. Abbot Kinney, the 19th-century creator of the canals, played a pivotal role in renaming this area from Ocean Park to Venice in 1911, inspired by the enchanting Italian lagoon city. Now, this vibrant street carries his name.

Pause for a high-quality coffee on Abbot Kinney

Affluent Abbot Kinney Blvd bears a striking resemblance to other trendy LA neighborhoods like Silverlake or Brentwood, yet it still showcases its coastal charm, such as a pseudo wooden beach shack that houses a Ray-Ban outlet (don't miss the turquoise Goodr cabin further down for budget-friendly sunglasses). As for shopping, be prepared to splurge on everything from pricey smoothies to an array of retro clothing boutiques.

However, this stylish walk is also adorned with vibrant murals and boasts fantastic restaurants and coffee shops, with Intelligentsia standing out as a favorite. Sunlight floods the wood-paneled central station while organic blends are served alongside lively jazz tunes (just be ready for the occasional long line).

The stroll

You can grab reasonably-priced tacos at the family-owned Tacos Por Favor located at the intersection of Electric Avenue and Hampton Drive. Alternatively, continue north along Hampton, passing by the iconic Gold's Gym (rumor has it Arnold Schwarzenegger still works out there, though you’d need to be an early riser to spot him). Make a zig-zagging route to Navy St, eventually reaching the northern end of the Venice boardwalk.

Explore the boardwalk

Cannabis smoke wafts through the air, drums reverberate, neon bikes sparkle, portable stereos blast, helicopters buzz overhead, people shout, others sing, and hot dog stands hiss. In the heart of Venice, your senses aren't merely stimulated; they're overwhelmed. The boardwalk may be kitschy and chaotic, but it’s irresistibly captivating.

With the sun shining brighter and the atmosphere loosening up, the mid-afternoon is the perfect time to soak in the vibrant boardwalk, where people-watching reaches exhilarating heights. Step into Small World Books for a moment of intellectual respite, and only use the public restrooms if absolutely necessary.

The stroll

Saunter south at your leisure and pause at any vendor that piques your interest (there are over 200 to choose from). Locals are always up for a chat, and you might encounter some uniquely dressed characters eager to share their life stories. Sidewalk Cafe offers a relaxed spot for a cold beer on a warm afternoon, conveniently located next to the skate park, our next destination.

Witness some incredible skating talent

As LA’s gentle late-afternoon light bathes Venice’s sunken skatepark, a mesmerizing scene unfolds, with skilled local skaters becoming gliding silhouettes against the backdrop of tall, slender palms. The energy is always high, as tourists and friends cheer on the impressive moves and tricks displayed.

The sound of waves crashing nearby resonates here, while the cheerful encouragement mixed with the funky beats from the roller skating dance plaza adds to the lively vibe, especially with playful banter flowing between skaters and their friends behind the rails.

The stroll

With the shores of LA nearby, why not take a quick dip in the Pacific while you can? Return to the boardwalk and visit the iconic Muscle Beach, where you might spot a few Adonises perfecting their bench press.

This spot has been a training ground for legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno during the bodybuilding heyday of the 1970s. Nowadays, the lively sounds of couples playing paddle tennis from the nearby courts tend to take center stage. Walk past the bustling restaurants and bars of Windward Avenue, then turn right at the Venice Sign to enter the Hotel Erwin.

Savor the breathtaking views from the rooftop as the sun sets

Interestingly, there’s only one rooftop patio in Venice, and it’s at the Hotel Erwin. Adorned with vibrant blood orange umbrellas, the expansive 7th-floor deck runs the length of the hotel. On a clear day, the views are breathtakingly panoramic, showcasing the hazy skyscrapers of downtown and the rugged Malibu Hills extending towards Hollywood and beyond.

If you time your stroll perfectly, you’ll witness a stunning golden sunset casting its glow over the lights of Santa Monica Pier. While many sofas may be reserved, the bar and high tables on the left side welcome all guests.

The walk

You can order a meal at the Erwin or head down the elevator to Windward Avenue for a variety of dining options (I particularly enjoy the smoky mezcal at the Del Monte Speakeasy inside Townhouse). But now that night has fallen, don’t forget to cross Pacific Avenue and snap a photo of the illuminated Venice Sign in its striking green, white, and red colors.