Sometimes you just feel like getting out of the routine and staying somewhere exciting. It could be an exotic location like Hawaii, Jamaica, Croatia, or the South of France. Other times, a simple stay-cation will do the trick. Whatever your aspirations and goals about rest and relaxation, finding somewhere that’s both fun and affordable can be a bit of a challenge.
One place that provides plenty of free entertainment and is close to numerous theme parks and more is Venice Beach. From canals to restaurants and bars, there’s so much to do in Venice besides just watching the exciting cast of characters that call the area home. There are unique events and gatherings, such as the local artist collective and wine tasting, showcasing local artists and musicians.
For example, Flight of Voices showcases various musical styles to go with the different types of flights of wine included in the event. For attendees not from the area, considering making Venice an overnight vacation destination can be expensive, so considering alternatives to traditional hotels is a good strategy. Plus, exploring alternative overnight arrangements is keeping Venice Beach’s alternative vibe.
Choosing the Best Accommodations
The primary alternative is with a local Airbnb host, which has become extremely mainstream globally. But, keeping with the Venice spirit, Airbnb hosts in Venice Beach have a little more flair than hosts in other areas. If you’re looking at places to stay overnight, check reviews for suggestions and give you an idea of what the hosts may offer.
Review sites can help you determine the best place to rest your head at night. Yelp, Guesty Review, Sitejabber, Tripadvisor, Facebook, and Google Reviews are all reliable options. Each of these review sites will provide you with different layers of data to make informed decisions about the home and the host to help you make an informed decision about whether to stay with the host or to find a different place to stay.
What to Do in Venice Beach
When staying in Venice Beach, there is just so much to do, but if you need a highlight of things to look for, here’s a short list of the top things to explore in Venice Beach.
- Venice Beach Boardwalk: When people think of people-watching, the Venice Beach Boardwalk is what comes to mind. In addition to watching eclectic people and street artists, there are a variety of cool boutiques, street performers, food trucks, and more.
- Abbot Kinney Boulevard: For the shopping and dining fan, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a great place to walk around, spend some time shopping, and grab a bite and a drink.
- Muscle Beach: Any trip to Venice Beach wouldn’t be complete without taking in the scenery at the world-famous Muscle Beach, where you can watch men and women exercise in the outdoor gym that was once home to Arnold Schwartzenegger.
- The Canals: To take in the best sites and sounds and take a break from the crowds and street vendors along the Boardwalk, consider taking a casual stroll along the many canals that make up the area.
The best part about a day around Venice Beach is that with the street performers, artists, and generally eclectic atmosphere in the area, you can spend an entire day people-watching without spending as much as a dime. That said, there’s more to Venice Beach than just people. You can visit award-winning restaurants and bars or shop local boutiques until your heart’s content.
Areas of Interest Just Outside Venice Beach
One of the benefits of Venice Beach is the proximity to so much that Los Angeles and Orange County have to offer. Just a short drive from Venice Beach has a ton of attractions. For example, you can cruise to the Santa Monica Pier and enjoy the oldest roller coaster on the west coast.
Or, maybe some family time at the Magic Kingdom is in order. Disneyland isn’t too far from Venice Beach, and Universal Studios is just a little bit further, where you can spend the day checking out all the latest rides and attractions from the movie studio. Maybe theme parks and attractions aren’t your gigs, either. Well, there’s the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Visit the campuses of UCLA and USC or head to the Guggenheim Museum.
With the money you’ll save by staying at a hosted Airbnb or VRBO, you can have more to spend on dining out, gifts for friends and family, or just splurge as you feel. There are so many cool things to do around Venice Beach and having a vacation on a budget isn’t as challenging as you might think. Finding alternatives to expensive hotels and shops, Venice Beach has something for everybody.
