California Livin' Series: Venice Beach Boardwalk (Venice Beach)

Say what? A California Livin' post that's actually in California? I know, I know. What can I say, I'm well-traveled.

The Venice Beach boardwalk. It's definitely its own scene, to be found nowhere else in the world.


You will never be bored on the boardwalk. There is always some crazy person walking around. At least one. And usually a stray dog that's actually not a stray but has some crazy owner who isn't afraid of some other crazy person picking up that dog and running with it.


Speaking of boring, you know what makes everything infinitely more entertaining? Weed. And you can get your medical card at more than one location here on the boardwalk.


And you know what's really fun to do when you're high?


Get a massage. They have two massage stations within a few meters of each other and they're both cheap as hell. Treat yo'self.

Music also sounds better when you're high and there's bound to be at least one musician playing on the boardwalk during your visit. If not there will definitely be no less than three people hawking their mixtapes.


Is all that green giving you the munchies yet? Well they got something for that too. Many things, actually. You got Ben & Jerry's beloved ice cream...


Some classic fair food items including funnel cake (which I've yet to try... I know, shocking)...


And some other intriguing little food courts and restaurants along the way, including one that has its own hidden book shop next door (not pictured).


As you cruise down the boardwalk you will notice a plethora of various goods for sale.



And yes most of them are trinkets, magnets, and the like. Many are made by local artists.



More local artwork includes paintings, woodwork, etc., etc. Lots of cool stuff, actually.



Plenty of sunglasses by the way, if you happen to forget yours.



Did you forget your swimsuit? Yeah, they have plenty of those too. As well as every other clothing item. And beach towels. Can't forget the commemorative Venice Beach beach towel.


Oh yeah, and I didn't forget about your precious trees. They have plenty of glass shops for you guys too.



Other services you can partake in include a couple of henna tattoo stands...



Those brown tattoos that are totally not cultural appropriation or anything and well they only last a few days anyway so it's fine. If you're down for it you can get a real tattoo right next door. Don't say I said it'd be quality work though. And in keeping with the "ambiguously weird" vibe that is the boardwalk, you can also get your fortune told.


Down the ways you will find some athetic activities you can partake in, such as pickle ball...


Basketball...


And if you're up for it, step into the gym known as Muscle Beach. Or just watch people do some crazy-ass stunts.


Make sure to grab some water when you're done. Also for sale everywhere cash flows.


Did I mention the skate park? How could I forget that. If you want some afternoon entertainment look no further. This place is always crowded. People come from all over the world to check this bowl out. Justin Bieber's even been known to skate here.


Don't know how to skate but still want a set of wheels? They got plenty of those too, in the form of bike rentals. You'll find several of these shops lining the walk.


Take a ride along the beach path and you'll see this little gathering of graffiti'd walls that serve as the backdrop for many a photo shoot...


And yes, you'll also find some campers living that beach bum life.


One thing you might want to bike ride away from... the notorious Venice Beach Boardwalk Bathrooms.


You will not find anything pleasant inside here unless you have a death wish. So take that little rental bike of yours and find literally anywhere else to drop the kids off at the pool.

But before you ride on out of here, make sure you take a stroll around the neighborhoods of Venice Beach. They're pretty scenic and eclectic.


And if you haven't already, make sure to round out your stay in Venice with a trip to the canals! Check out the pics if you're not already intrigued.

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