Venice Beach is the largest tourist attraction in Southern California. Over 16 million people a year come here to experience the free life-style, culture, and attractions in the region. In 1993, Venice surpassed Disneyland as Southern California’s number one tourist attraction. The first documented surfing exhibition was held here in 1907, and Venice is also considered the birthplace of skateboarding as celebrated in the documentaries "Dogtown Z-boys" and  "The Lords of Dogtown". Such first rate movies like "Speed" with Sandra Bullock, "Breathless" with Richard Gere, and the famous TV series "Baywatch" have been filmed on Venice’s beaches.

The first Spanish settlement occurred in 1819, but the true development of Venice didn’t happen until after 1892, when Abbot Kinney’s love affair with Venice, Italy; took hold. It was the catalyst that propelled the construction of the city as we know it today with its canals and cultural attractions. From Muscle Beach to the famed boardwalk, Venice has retained its focus as one of Southern California’s most unique places to see

Venice Chamber of Commerce: Tel: (310) 822-5425