SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: Go to the beach! Seriously, go to the beach. This is the thing that makes Venice the most special place on earth. Sure we have great culture and people, but it is the magnificent Pacific that makes it all happen. This three-mile beach is manicured daily and the lifeguards are on duty, so grab a towel and head down to the sand. You can rent surf, body and skim boards at several spots if you do not have your own. Or, grab a Frisbee or a ball for some catch. There is plenty of room to play soccer or football and we even have several sets of volleyball nets. Perhaps go for a swim and stretch or just do the old fashioned “walk on the beach.” Marvel at the planet’s largest ocean or meditate into your own universe, either way the beach has the perfect spot for everyone.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Everyone
ADMISSION FEE: Free
FYI: Free beach wheelchairs provided by the Dep’t of Beaches & Harbor. Click here for more info!
VENICE BEACH ATTRACTIONS:
1. The Venice Pier: (Following info from Coastal Conservancy)
The 1,300-foot Venice Pier, built in 1963, was falling to pieces by the 1980s. It was closed and scheduled for demolition in 1986. Venice residents rallied to the cause, and after years of perseverance the pier was restored and reopened in 1997. The restored pier is fully accessible, with special cutouts for fishing from wheelchairs.
Location: End of Washington Blvd. South of the Venice Breakwater
2. THE Venice Breakwater: (Following insert from wikimapia.org)
The Venice Breakwater is an acclaimed local surf spot in Venice, located north of the Venice Pier and Lifeguard Headquarters, and south of the Santa Monica Pier. This spot is sheltered on the north by an artificial barrier, the breakwater, consisting of an extending sand bar, piping, and large rocks at its end. This spot has differing breaks depending on swell intensity, swell direction, tide and time of the day.
Venice Breakwater History: Built by Abbot Kinney in 1905 to protect his amusement park pier, this is one of the few bits and pieces remaining of his dream community, Venice of America. The only place on the beach to see waves break on both sides. Also has the finest sand for sand sculpture. In summer only the north break is even halfway ridable, but when the winter storm swells come in, the five to seven foot point-break type waves at the south end are first rate.
Location: End of Windward Ave. North of the Venice Pier.
COMING SOON:
- Surf/boogie/board/skim board/beach chairs and umbrella info
- Surf and paddle board instructions and lessons
- Suggested beach activities
RULES OF THE BEACH:
- Do not touch, feed, or disturb any marine life on the beach. Animals on the beach are wild and may bite. If you see an injured animal on the beach, ask a lifeguard to call animal rescue. California Marine and Wild Life. 310-457-9453
- No alcohol on the beach.
- No smoking on the beach.
- Throw your trash in the garbage bins or take it home with you. Please don’t litter! Keep our home/beaches clean!
- No fires except at the Dockweiler Beach or Cabrillo Beach fire rings.
- Venice open from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
VISITOR SURVIVOR TIPS:
- Beware of rip tides (strong flow of water near shore). More information on riptides below.
- Respect the surfers. Stay south of the red flag.
- Wear plenty of sunscreen.
- Ask a lifeguard if you need more beach and water tips.
- Click here for more visitor survivor tips.
BEACH SAFETY: Following info from the L.A. County Beaches‘ website.
Lifeguards are on the beach during daylight hours. The Los Angeles County Lifeguards suggest using common sense when visiting the beach. Tragedy in the ocean can happen quickly therefore having knowledge of aquatic safety is crucial when coming to the beach. We suggest you use the following safety tips:
- Always swim near an open lifeguard station and never swim alone.
- Check with the lifeguard for safe ocean and beach conditions.
- Never dive into shallow water… Remember… Feet-first every time!
- Use swim fins and a leash whenever bodyboarding.
- Keep a safe distance from piers and rocks, and always obey warning signs.
- Never throw sand and always fill in holes before you leave the beach.
- Please do not litter…leave the beach cleaner than you found it!
- Protect yourself from the sun…use sunscreen and wear a hat.
- Respect other beach patrons and remember your beach manners.
- The bicycle path is like a road…always look both ways before crossing!
- If you, or someone in your group gets lost, always find the nearest lifeguard.
FAQ’s:
- WHAT ARE RIP CURRENTS? Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. / Rip currents typically form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers. / Rip currents are quite common and can be found on many surf beaches everyday.
- WHY ARE RIP CURRENTS DANGEROUS? Rip currents pull people away from shore. / Rip current speeds can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the ocean. / Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
- WHAT ARE SOME CLUES THAT A RIP CURRENT MAY BE PRESENT? A channel of churning, choppy water. / A difference in water color/A line of foam moving seaward. / A break in the incoming wave pattern
- WHAT IF I AM CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT? Stay calm / Do not try to swim against the current. / Escape the current by swimming in a direction parallel to shore. When free of the current, swim at an angle – away from the current – toward shore. / If you are unable to escape by swimming, float or tread water. When the current weakens, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore. / If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself; face the shore, call or wave for help.
- Above rip tide info found on www.fire.lacounty.gov/Lifeguards/BchSftyRipCurrents.asp
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES:
- BEACH WATER QUALITY REPORT: www.healthebay.org/brcv2/default.aspx
- LIVE BEACH CAMS/WEATHER/SURF REPORT: www.watchthewater.org/beach.cfm?bid=15
- Central Surf Report: 310-578-0478
- Beaches and Harbors at 310-305-9546
- Permit information from Beaches and Harbors 310-305-9503
- Filming Information from Beaches and Harbors 310-305-9549
- Life Guard Emergency: 310.394.3261 or 310.577.5700
- LIFEGUARD DIVISION. 2300 Ocean Front Walk. Venice , CA 90291. Chief Lifeguard – Mike Frazer. Assistant Chief – Phil Topar. (310) 939-7200.
- CENTRAL SECTION. 1642 Promenade. Santa Monica , CA 90401. Section Chief – Mickey Gallagher
- RESCUE BOAT SECTION. 13851 Fiji Way. Marina Del Rey , CA 90292. Section Chief – Jon Moryl
- For more info: www.fire.lacounty.gov/Lifeguards/Lifeguards.asp
