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The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 25+ Essential Things To Do In Venice, Los Angeles (Beyond Muscle Beach)

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Planning a trip to Venice, Los Angeles in late 2025? You are about to experience one of the world’s most vibrant, eclectic, and ever-evolving coastal destinations. While the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk and Muscle Beach remain the heart of the action, the neighborhood’s true magic lies in its new culinary hot spots, hidden architectural gems, and the unique cultural entities that have emerged or been refreshed this year. This guide cuts through the noise to give you the freshest, most essential experiences for your visit right now, as of December 26, 2025.

The spirit of Venice—a blend of bohemian street culture and high-end coastal chic—is stronger than ever. From the newly-buzzed-about rooftop dining to the weekly electric bike parade, we’ve curated the ultimate list of activities, ensuring you hit the must-see landmarks while discovering the local favorites that define the current Westside scene. Get ready to explore the "Coolest Block in America" and beyond.

The Essential Venice Beach Boardwalk Experience and Coastal Culture

The Venice Beach Boardwalk, officially known as the Ocean Front Walk, is the neighborhood’s pulsating artery and a world-famous destination for people-watching. It is a true "Museum Without Walls," where street performers, artists, and vendors create a circus-like atmosphere that is constantly in motion.

  • Witness the Legends at Muscle Beach: No visit is complete without stopping at the outdoor gym where fitness culture was born. Watch bodybuilders, gymnasts, and acrobats train at this iconic landmark, which is a testament to the area's dedication to physical expression.
  • Explore the Venice Beach Art Walls: Located near the beach, these legal graffiti walls are an ever-changing outdoor gallery. They offer a unique opportunity to see live street artists at work and view massive, vibrant murals.
  • Spot Iconic Murals: Keep an eye out for famous WPA-era murals and contemporary pieces. Look for the works of local legends like Jonas Never, whose pieces often celebrate Venice history, including a famous mural of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
  • Join the Venice Electric Light Parade: For a truly unique and current experience, join this free, weekly LED-lit bike ride at sunset. It’s a family-friendly event that captures the community's quirky and creative spirit.
  • Find a Literary Gem at Small World Books: Tucked away near the boardwalk, this is one of the last surviving independent bookstores in Los Angeles. It’s a perfect, quiet retreat from the bustling beach.

Insider Tip: For the best boardwalk experience, visit on a weekend afternoon when the energy is at its peak. Remember that the beachfront promenade connects Venice with Santa Monica to the north and Marina del Rey to the south, offering miles of scenic bike path.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Dining, Shopping, and Hidden Gems

Just a few blocks east of the beach, Abbot Kinney Boulevard has earned the moniker "The Coolest Block in America." This stretch is a sophisticated counterpoint to the boardwalk's chaos, offering a curated selection of high-end boutiques, art galleries, and some of the city's most talked-about restaurants.

The 2025 Dining Scene: New & Buzzworthy

The culinary landscape in Venice is constantly evolving, with several new spots generating significant buzz in 2025:

  • RVR: Named America's Best New Restaurant for 2025 by Esquire, this Japanese-California izakaya is the latest project from seminal chef Travis Lett. It is a must-try for a truly fresh and high-quality dining experience.
  • Kassi Rooftop Venice Beach: Opened in July 2025 atop the Hotel Erwin, this breezy, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers stunning, 180-degree ocean views and a menu celebrating Greek and grilled cuisine. It's the perfect spot for sunset cocktails and ocean breezes.
  • Companion: This chilled-out neighborhood spot operates as a cozy cafe by day and transforms into a Cal-Italian trattoria by night, making it a versatile and essential stop for a relaxed meal.
  • Paloma Venice: Located at the intersection of Abbot Kinney and Venice Blvd, this is another new Mediterranean-inspired venue offering a vibrant ambiance and scenic dining options.

Unique Shopping and Hidden Gems

The shopping on Abbot Kinney focuses on independently-owned boutiques and unique, high-quality goods, making it ideal for finding a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

  • HEIST: Tucked behind a minimalist storefront, this boutique is known for its highly-edited selection of luxury, understated fashion, embodying the Venice aesthetic.
  • Titanic Boutique: A true hidden gem, this shop captures the stylish yet bohemian vibe of Venice Beach, offering unique clothing, jewelry, crystals, and local art.
  • UNION: Often described as the gift shop that turns into a full shopping spree, UNION offers a curated mix of unique home goods, apparel, and accessories.
  • AVIATOR NATION: Known for its vintage-inspired, California-made sportswear, this is the place to pick up the quintessential laid-back LA uniform.

The Tranquil Side: Canals, Piers, and Live Music

Venture just slightly off the main thoroughfares to discover the quieter, more contemplative side of Venice, where the neighborhood's history and creative energy truly shine.

The Historic Venice Canals

The Venice Canal Historic District, located right off 25th Street, is a surprising and tranquil escape. Designed in 1905 by Abbot Kinney (the man who named the famous boulevard), the canals were meant to recreate the feeling of Venice, Italy.

  • Take a Bridge Walk: Stroll along the quaint walking paths and cross the charming, arched wooden bridges. The area is a residential neighborhood, offering beautiful views of the unique coastal architecture and the waterfowl that inhabit the waterways.
  • Picnic by the Water: Grab a coffee and a pastry from a nearby cafe and enjoy a peaceful morning or afternoon sitting on one of the benches overlooking the water.

Entertainment and Nightlife

While the beach itself is lively, Venice offers several spots for world-class entertainment once the sun sets.

  • Catch a Show at The Venice West: This is the premier live music venue in the area, known for hosting a diverse range of touring and local acts. Check their calendar for the latest concerts and events, ensuring you experience the local nightlife scene.
  • Sunset Cocktails at High Rooftop Lounge: While Kassi Rooftop now occupies the space, the Hotel Erwin's rooftop area remains the only open-air lounge in Venice. It is highly sought-after for its unparalleled sunset views over the Pacific Ocean and the bustling beach below, making it a perfect end to any day.

Whether you're drawn to the electric energy of the boardwalk, the high-fashion boutiques of Abbot Kinney, or the serene beauty of the historic canals, Venice, Los Angeles, offers a depth of experience that goes far beyond the typical tourist checklist. In 2025, the blend of the historic and the brand new—from the iconic Muscle Beach to the critically acclaimed RVR—makes it an unmissable stop on any Southern California itinerary.

things to do in venice los angeles
things to do in venice los angeles

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