Description: Venice Beach is amazing to sum it up in one word. It is world famous having featured in a number of films and is the perfect retreat for LA folk compared to the smog filled, hectic life of the city. I have been to LA 3 times to meet friends and each time i come back to Venice Beach.
Venice Beach is situated in Santa Monica, a beach town of Los Angeles. The famous, the rich, tourists and bohemian people alike flock here on a sunny day and it is well worth the experience. To get to Venice Beach, although well linked up with transport, I wont pretend it isnt difficult travelling on the city's bus system all day long. You really could do with a car here, but i have never got one and i will tell you about the bus systems to get you here from all over the city as I have to rely on public transport. The buses cost $3 a day ticket, all over the city zone. The main Santa Monica bus goes along Santa Monica Boulevard, if youre coming from Hollywood, LA has a grid street system, so its hard to get completely lost. Find your way to Santa Monica Boulevard and you ll be en route. Important tip, the bus on this route takes a long time, one time it took me an hour and a half. Through the day it is good but at night time i would be wary. Its a real eye opening experience to be sitting on a bus when strange, suspicious and wary people come on. Be prepared for some drug-influenced or crazy people at night and crammed seats through the day.
When i arrive in Santa Monica the town is beautiful. Having friends here i was introduced to a cheap, quick way of getting to Venice Beach. Its a local bus called the TIDE and it transports you to all areas of the main beach and it only costs 75 cents. I get the bus to the main street in Santa Monica. Then from there its a quick walk to the main beach promenade. Once youre on the beach turn left to go to Venice and turn right to go to Santa Monica main pier. In this occasion we are turning left.
The walk to Venice Beach is pretty. Palm trees ajorn the route and there are open grassy areas to lie down on and sunbathe during hot days. You arrive arrive at Venice Beach and there are a multitude of stores, selling souveneirs, fast food, drinks, t shirts. You walk past a mass of stores and suddenly youre in a crowd of funky bohemian people. Skateboarders, joggers and cyclists whizz past you and soon youre in a crowd of people walking in each direction.
You will reach a part with a commerative park, with plenty of park benches where you can enjoy an ice cream, a corn dog and sit in the sun and watch. There is a basketball court with people playing a game usually as youre there. You will recognise this court from a variety of hollywood films. In fact there is usually filming of some sort going on consistently with all the films and television shows that reference the area. Keep your eyes peeled for stars. They tend to come to the area as frequently as Hollywood.
Street vendors sell all sorts of interesting things, henna face painting, funky jewellery, t shirts and souveneirs. Graffiti ajorns some walls and there is also an element to watch out for as in any city, pickpockets so watch your wallet here. I had been approached by some people asking for money but just walk on and smile and they dont bother you. A little bit of caution is required as the area is also known for its gang element. Dont let me put you off, its not dangerous, just keep your wits about you and dont go down any side streets..
You have to try a corn dog here. They are thick and tasty and only cost a couple of dollars. There are museum style stores. Youll get an element of eclectic sounds and see vintage pictures of some of the people who visited in the past which the area got famous for such as The doors, Sinatra and countless Hollywood stars. Once youve past the crowds, take a diversion to the main Venice beach. I went for a paddle in the sea and had a great sunbathing session. The area is well patrolled with lifeguards and police and is relatively safe. The sea is beautiful to watch the Pacific waves crashing and seeing the surfers out in full swing. Then its a beautiful walk back across the beach which goes on for miles.
For a fantastic bite for lunch go to the Coffee Bean on mainstreet. The mainstreet area has lots of fantastic stores.
Santa Monica is beautiful and well recommended.
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