About: Join the Venice Penguin Swim Club at the Breakwater, at the end of Windward, every January 1st and greet the New Year with a Big Splash!  The first man and woman to complete a 500-yard swim around a buoy and back will be crowned the penguin prince and princess.

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  • When:   Every January 1st .
  • Sign up starts at 11:00am on the beach and there is no entry charge to participate.
  • The first man and woman to complete a 500-yard swim around a buoy and back will be crowned the penguin prince and princess.
  • Swim starts at 12:00 noon.
  • Certificates to all finishers, snacks and hot drinks
  • Location: Venice Breakwater.  End of Windward Ave. and the Venice Boardwalk.  1800 Ocean Front Walk.  Venice, Ca 90291.

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Volunteers needed to help with set up and registration. Contact the office 310 390-5700 or email [email protected] if you are interested in helping!

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View past Venice Penguin swim galleries by Venice Paparazzi.

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SPEND THE REST OF TH DAY IN VENICE!
Have fun with this free activities checklist and map! 

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venice-california

SWIM THEN EAT!  

Check out this list of brunch and lunch options for after the Penguin Swim!

BEST PLACES TO DINE BY THE BOARDWALK

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The Sidewalk Cafe. Located on the Venice Boardwalk at Venice Beach, the Sidewalk Cafe is an ideal location to eat, drink and people watch 1401 Ocean Front Walk. Venice, CA 90291. (310) 399-5547. www.thesidewalkcafe.com
The Sidewalk Cafe: Large outdoor patio on the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Eat, drink and people watch on the Venice boardwalk. Serving a variety of American, Mexican, Italian cuisine and signature drinks from the full bar. Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner.  Satellite sports packages shown here.Look for the red and white awning near the center of the Venice Boardwalk!  HOURS:  Open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Sunset happy hour M-F 3-7 p.m.  1401 Oceanfront Walk | thesidewalkcafe.com | 310 399 5547
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Muscle Beach Juice BarMuscle Beach Juice Bar.  Power up on wheatgrass and ginger shots, fresh juice, smoothies, protein shakes, peanut butter and jelly, breakfast burritos, vegetarian options, more! View menu!  Muscle Beach Juice Bar is located on the Venice Beach Boardwalk across from the world famous Muscle Beach Gym. 1809 Oceanfront Walk.  Venice, Ca 90291.
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On the Waterfront CafeOn the Waterfront Cafe:    Large outdoor patio on the Venice Beach Boardwalk
Where the view is as good as the brew!   Great deals on wine and beer every weekday from 6-8pm (except holidays).  Enjoy Swiss and German Beers and Food while you catch the most unforgettable sunset on their outdoor patio and beer garden!    Celebrating 20 Years of Great Views & Great Brews.  HOURS:  Mon-Fri. 11:00am – 11:00pm. & Sat. & Sun from  9:30am – 11:00pm   www.waterfrontcafe.com
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James' Beach. Cocktails & Dining Beach Style. 60 North Venice Boulevard. 310-823-5396. www.jamesbeach.com

James Beach: Cocktails & Dining “Beach Style.” Menu features a wide variety of seafood, meat and vegetarian items. Beautiful outdoor patio. Home of the “I Love You Man” fish tacos.  HOURS:  Lunch: 11:30 to 3pm W-F.  Weekend brunch 11am – 3pm. Bar open ‘til 2am.
60 North Venice Blvd. | jamesbeach.com | 310.823-5396
 
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BARLO KITCHEN AND COCKTAILS. Located in Hotel Erwin. 1697 Pacific Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90291 T 424.214.1063Barlo Kitchen and Cocktails: (Located in Hotel Erwin). Barlo serves up menus of ever-rotating “barn to belly” dishes and drinks with a focus on simplicity and fresh farmer’s market ingredients in a comfortable setting.  And all of Barlo’s  beer is from Ca. breweries!  That means low food miles! Way to be green, Barlo!  HOURS:  Breakfast is served Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Saturday/Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  1697 Pacific Ave. | BarloVenice.com 

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Poke Poke. The Surfer's Sashimi. 1827 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291. (424)-228-5132. www.poke-poke.com

Poke Poke: Poke-Poke is sooooo delicious!  If you haven’t tried it, get some!  Poke Poke: Hawaiian style tuna tar-tar.   It’s fish (primarily Ahi) marinated in and mixed with onions and some other tasty veggies. The acai bowl with bananas & coconut is also a must try!  1827 Oceanfront Walk (Across from paddle tennis courts) 19th and the Boardwalk. Open at 11:00 a.m. daily.
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hama-webHama Sushi: Venice’s original sushi since 1979.  Sat: 4-11pm & Sun: 4-10:30pm.  Mon-Thu:  Noon-10:30pm. Fri: Noon-11pm.  Daily happy hour from 5-7pm.    213 Windward Ave. (on the Windward Circle) | hamasushi.com | 310 396.8783

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BEST PLACE TO DINE BY THE VENICE PIER

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CABO CANTINA. 2-for-1 priced Happy Hour lasts from 4-8pm, 7 days a week. 30 Washington Boulevard Venice/Marina Del Rey, Ca 90292. 310.306.2500 http://thecabocantina.com/Cabo Cantina. Cabo Cantina is the ultimate sports event and pay-per-view fight destination with giant frothy margaritas, a fire pit, outdoor patio & tasty mexican favorites. 2 for 1 drinks on all drinks from 4 – 8pm daily and from 10:30pm – 12:30am Sun- Thurs. $9.95 Bottomless Mimosa’s & Bloody Mary’s Fri – Sun.Check out all of Cabo Cantina’s neighborhood specials.  30 Washington Blvd. | thecabocantina.com | 310.306.2500
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logoSimmzy’s is relatively new to the Venice Pier area and they brought their A game for sure.  With 26 taps and a many more in bottles and cans, they are the undisputed beer kings of Washington Square.  And, they really know their craft. With rotating handles, Simmzy’s supports local craft breweries.  Most of  their taps being primarily So. Cal breweries.   The Santa Monica Brew Works Chili XPA is ridiculous as is The El Segundo Brewery’s IPA.  And, they have tap take overs monthly among other events.  A knowledgeable, excited staff paired with great food and a breezy vibe steps from the sand makes Simmzy’s a welcome addition to the area.    37 W. Washington Blvd. Venice, CA 90292.  www.Simmzys.com
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The Cow's End Cafe. Where the Locals hang. 34 Washington Blvd. www.thecowsendcafe
The Cow’s End: Family owned since 1989.  Coffee, tea, sandwich & smoothie bar, salads and baked goods. HOURS: Open from 6 am to 10 pm weekdays and ‘til 11pm weekends.
34 Washington Blvd. | thecowsendcafe.com | 310.574.1080
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BEST PLACE TO DINE IN THE MARINA!

Tony-Ps-Dockside-Grill.-4445-Admiralty-Way-Marina-Del-Rey-CA-90292.-310.823.4534.-www.tonyps.com_Dine and drink  Tony P’s Dockside Grill!   Voted by local newspapers and T.V. Stations! Tony P’s Dockside and Grill has the best steak, seafood, outside dining, beer selection, bar food, blood Mary! Westside #1 Sports Tavern and Happy Hour. One of top three fish and chips, American BBQ and martinis! Weekend Breakfast with Bottomless Mimosas at Tony P’s!   Great patio with Marina view!  www.TonyPs.com

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Marina Grill and BarDine and drink at Marina Grill and Bar!  California cuisine and local enchantment combine for a truly memorable dining experience in the heart of Marina del Rey. Relax by the fire or on the outdoor patio with a specialty cocktail, while looking out over Mother’s Beach.  The Marina Grill and Bar is located in the Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey, and is open for breakfast, happy hour and dinner and features a full bar. Marina Grill and Bar. All you can eat breakfast buffet for 14.95.  www.marinagrillandbar.com

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Check out www.VisitVeniceCA.com for all fun things to do in Venice, California

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