Venice Beach, CA
In an attempt to free ourselves from the Orange County bubble, I took the kids to Venice Beach.
It’s been years since I’ve visited Venice Beach but I remember it as a boardwalk full of an eclectic collection of colorful street performers, beach vendors peddling food and souvenirs, interesting architecture, and, of course, an expansive beach.
In some respects, Venice hasn’t changed all that much and has managed to retain its unique character. All that I expected to find was there . . . and more. Unfortunately, the changes weren’t that appealing.
We enjoyed a slice of pizza while checking out some t-shirts shops and street performers. Several t-shirts displayed on the boardwalk could be considered offensive to more than just a few people but, really, you could probably come across those t-shirts anywhere … just not all lined up in neat little rows.
However, my 12-year-old son began asking me “Are you sure this is a good place for families?” This would be his mantra throughout the afternoon.
Pizza at Venice Beach. Yum!
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Some street performers were clever and talented, while others were just sad like the raggedy old man, cup in hand singing “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, help me get drunk today.”
Of course this brought a raised eyebrow from my son and the inevitable question, “Are you sure this is family friendly?”
The obvious new attraction at Venice Beach was the medical marijuana shops set up at short intervals along the boardwalk. I use the word “medical” lightly as everyone did on the boardwalk. Each “clinic” was flanked with sales people trying to draw in business, handing out fliers and announcing, “The doctor is in. Walk-ins welcome.”
The Doctor is in. Walk-ins welcome.
Again, a disapproving look from my son.
We decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk and go explore the Venice canals located a block away. This neighborhood has a lot of charm and definitely worth a visit.
Venice Beach Canals
Finally, we set up our gear on the beach and enjoyed an hour of relaxation before heading back to Orange County. My son, back in his comfort zone of the familiar beach scene, enjoyed swimming in the surf.
Finally. The Beach.
Our day at Venice Beach was a mixed bag.
Did I enjoy myself? Well, yes. It certainly was an interesting afternoon.
Would I bring my kids back? No, probably not. I think my son had a valid point. There are simply too many other great places to explore in California that may be more appropriate for everyone in our family.
For more destination information GoCalifornia
Tags: Beaches, Los Angeles County, Venice Beach
