Located a less than 3 miles south of Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach ... numbers of homeless people and the smell of marijuana (particularly on the boardwalk). The beach itself is open daily ...

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at one of the shops on the Santa Monica Pier and spend the afternoon riding 3 miles (one way) along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to Venice Beach. Stop for ...