The Perfect Venice Date

Here is a whole list of free and not free things to do to make every day in Venice Valentine’s Day!

Spend the day at the beach with your loved one!

Admission is free! This is the thing that makes Venice the most special place on earth. This three-mile beach is manicured daily and the lifeguards are on duty, so grab a towel and head down to the sand. Surf, swim, body board and splash around in the Pacific Ocean. Go for a deep sand run or power walk in ankle deep water. Sunbathe & relax. Keep an eye out for dolphins. Volleyball courts also available. Or, grab a Frisbee or a ball for some catch. Marvel at the planet’s largest ocean or meditate into your own universe, either way the beach has the perfect spot for everyone. Beach details here.

Watch a Venice, California sunset!

Perfect for dates! Admission is free. View some of our favorite sunset photos and viewing locations here!

Cruise the coast with your loved one!

Ride or skate the path all the way from Venice to Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Playa del Rey, Pacific Palisades or Palos Verdes! The bike path that runs along the sand in Venice is 22 miles long and extends from Palos Verdes through Pacific Palisades, with a brief in-land detour. Its smooth concrete surface is great for bicycles, roller skates and skateboards alike. Need a skateboard? Shop local at Maui and Sons!

Walk the Venice Canals!

Many of the streets in Venice were once canals. What is left is just a fraction of once abundant waterways, which were laid out by the City’s founder Abbot Kinney to be a miniature version of Venice, Italy. Click here for more info!

Read poetry with your loved one at Beyond Baroque’s Poetry Walls.

The words of Jim Morrison of the Doors, Manazar Gamboa, Philomene Long, Exene Cervenka of the Punk Rock band X, actor Viggo Mortensen, and others are engraved in the concrete walls of the LAPD substation and three public restrooms exterior shower walls. Click here for more info!

Go to the theater!

Check out Venice’s Pacific Resident Theatre, Electric Lodge, and Beyond Baroque!

Get a room in Venice Beach, and wake up to a beautiful sunrise on the majestic shores of the Pacific at Venice Breeze Suites, The Cadillac Hotel or Hotel Erwin.

Check out this list of awesome hotels!

Dine at James Beach!

James’ Beach is a Venice Beach institution. An iconic restaurant and bar now celebrating 23 years, a ½ block from world famous Venice Beach and the Pacific ocean. James’ Beach has over the years earned a loyal following of lovers of American Comfort food, great drinks, an award winning wine list plus marvelous people watching. Los Angeles Times food critic, Irene Virbila reviewed that the straightforward cuisine, friendly service, and beach ambiance made James’ Beach “as comfortable as a favorite sweater.” Paintings of the Venice life of the two owners are exhibited next to romantic, comfy dining room booths.

Locals and visitors seek out James’ Beach for legendary food from locally sourced ingredients, natural meats and sustainable seafood including the famous Fish Tacos from the movie “I Love You, Man; generous cocktails like a spicy prickly pear margarita from the patio bar (with a palm tree growing out of it); weekend brunch on the tropical patio; a popular “5 to 7” happy hour and one of the best weekend bar scenes on the Westside. jamesbeach.com

Celebrate LOVE w/ Hama Sushi’s!

Established in 1979, Hama Sushi can be traced back in time to being one of the first sushi restaurants on the westside. Known for it’s unique ambience and casual setting, Hama brings the freshest and friendliest service. Locals, tourists and newcomers can all enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine with unique fusion dishes.

Located on the circle of Windward/Main street, a block from the famous Venice Boardwalk, Hama has been a part of Venice Beach’s history for the past forty years. HamaSushi.com

Cocktails and a 360 degree view of Los Angeles at High Rooftop Lounge!

It’s always going off at High Lounge. High is the only rooftop bar in Venice, which means you can count on epic sunset views year round. On any given night, their live local DJs set the chill vibes and our bartenders keep the drinks flowing.

You probably don’t need any more reasons to swing by. But just in case you’re still not sold, OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards named High Lounge the Best Ambiance, the Best Hot Spot and the Best Scenic View in Venice. That’s alotta “bests.” http://www.hotelerwin.com/high-rooftop-lounge

Gift the gift of Venice! Adopt-a-Bulb on the Venice Sign.

When Abbot Kinney officially introduced the world to Venice-of-America in 1905 he did it in style. Across Windward Avenue at Pacific (then Trolley Way), 3-foot high letters glowed to electric life and spelled out the place to be on that 4th of July – in VENICE. Historic Windward Avenue with its Italianate architecture and colonnade began life as the entrance to the wonderful amusement pier. Today it remains our gateway to the remarkable scene known throughout the world as Venice Beach. Click here for more info

Dine with a marina view and sunset at 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! TonyPs.com

Who’s looking for love? Adopt!

Check out NKLA, Much Love Animal Rescue, Beach City Kitties Found Animals Foundation, or Adopt-a-Pet.com.

Explore Venice with this Venice Beach Fun list!

No trip to Venice is complete without visiting each of the listed attractions and unique neighborhoods that make up our city! Print out the Venice Beach Fun Checklist and Map