Best Outdoor Activities in Venice Beach

"Hailed as the first ever World Surfing Reserve by the non-profit Save the Waves Coalition, Surfrider Beach boasts amazing surf breaks right in the shadow of the Malibu Pier. As part of the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, the impressive swells created by Malibu Point draw waveriders of all ages and experience. Non-surfers can pack a picnic and play in the sand, bird watch on a walk through the lagoon and even try saltwater fishing up on the pier."

"Head down the path from the bluff and you’ll discover the beautiful tranquility of Malibu Lagoon State Beach where the creek meets the ocean. This wetland area is home to hundreds of species of migratory birds and just a great place to have a stroll. Take a moment, too, to look into the Malibu Lagoon Museum at Adamson House to learn more about the history of the town, and enjoy some of the best views over the beach."

"Malibu Lagoon State Beach is often interchanged with Malibu Surfrider Beach. Both are found on the Pacific Coast. Surfrider sits on the Expect to pay $12 of parking your vehicle here."

"While there are beaches all around the Santa Monica Area, none are quite as accessible and exciting as Santa Monica State Beach. Extending almost four miles along the length of the city, this popular and beautiful stretch of sandy beach is where you can find the crowds on hot, sunny days. However, if you are seeking a quieter place to take a dip in the Pacific, there are more remote spots further down the beach that you can walk to."

"Ocean Ave at Colorado AveSanta Monica, CA 90401(310) 458-8300. Resting along Santa Monica’s Pacific Coast Highway, this 3.5-long beach offers plenty of kids activities."

"San Vicente's signature attraction is a real beauty. It actually consists of three beaches – Long Beach 1, 2 and 3 – which combined yield about 14km of almost empty golden-hued, sunset-facing beach. Long Beach 2 is the most glorious; it's 50m wide, faces the sunset and stretches uninterrupted for 7km, navigable by foot or motorbike."

"Carbon Beach is a long south-facing beach in front of stunning beachfront homes in Eastern Malibu. This mile-long beach is between the Malibu Pier at Surfrider Beach and Carbon Canyon Road."

"Paradise Cove (28128 Pacific Coast Highway) is a picturesque bay surrounded by cliffs. We think it is important to mention that there are tanning beds and a restaurant, which can be good for some and a downside for others, depending on what you want. If you are looking for a long and quiet beach, this is not for you, but in our opinion, it is worth coming here anyway."

"Parking: Parking can be expensive at $35 Monday- Friday and $50 on weekends and holidays. If you purchase at least $30 at the café, you’ll get a much-reduced rate for four hours’ worth of parking; $8 Monday-Friday and $10 on weekends and holidays. Amenities: Dining nearby and beach chairs."

"Paradise Cove is a public beach fronting a privately-owned facility. As such, the admission here can be a bit pricey. But visitors can’t deny that it’s one of the top beaches in this Southern California city."

"Ruth’s Chris Steak House serves up an extensive a la carte menu of extra-thick cut steaks, live Maine lobster, fresh seafood and a variety of vegetable side dishes; not to mention potato dishes served eight different ways!. The steakhouse is known to serve their famous steaks on heated ceramic plates, topped with a tablespoon of butter just before it leaves the kitchen, so the delicious aroma of your dish fills the dining room and arrives to your table with a mouthwatering sizzle. Start with an order of the Sizzlin Blue Crab Cakes, and for your entrée, order the Ribeye with mashed potatoes for a more traditional steak dinner."

"Restaurants Cafés La Brea. This La Brea cafe from chef Karen Hatfield and husband Quinn has earned a dedicated following at breakfast and lunch thanks to its seasonal California comfort food, a packed pastry counter and a fashionable space that includes brick walls, exposed wood rafters and an umbrella lined patio. If you can make it here for breakfast or brunch, the buttermilk rye pancakes ($11) are a true breakfast treat."

"Famous for its extensive and healthy brunch menu, the real gem at Sycamore's Kitchen is the dessert menu, which features items that are all freshly baked in-house. My go-to is the sticky bun, glazed in a gooey caramel sauce and sprinkled with a generous serving of pecans. And don't just take my word for it—it was featured in a Los Angeles Times's article about the best sweets in LA."

"A photo posted by LAdineNclub (@ladinenclub) on Jan 31, 2017 at 4:33pm PST. Karen Hatfield updates the Jewish brioche-like classic by topping it with salted caramel and pecans. It’s part sticky bun, part babka, and all delicious."

"My friend and I stumbled on this place by accident walking down third. The hostess was prompt and and we loved the sign out front abo..."

"With its Day of the Dead décor and authentic Michoacán cuisine, Urbana is a must-see. They specialize in street tacos and ceviche with bold takes on seafood and guisados (slow-cooked meats). The hand-made flour and corn tortillas are a bonus."

"Since 1987, Marston’s has been serving some of the best breakfast and lunchtime meals to locals and tourist alike. The establishment has been featured numerous times in the media including Food Network Magazine. Their french toast is very popular and so are their eggs benedict and pancakes."

"When we crave French toast, we think of Marston’s and their Fantastic French Toast – that’s the name of it on the menu. What makes it fantastic?. The fact that it’s dipped in a vanilla batter and then rolled in corn flakes."