An Afternoon at Venice Beach

Had the chance to visit Venice Beach the other day.  I got a couple shots to hopefully give a broad overview of the area. 

Venice is a several mile long stretch of a beachfront neighborhood on LA’s Westside. The area is  notable for several things including: a 2.5 mile long concrete Boardwalk; great surf; Muscle Beach; the eclectic nature of its visitors and residents, and skateboards. 

In years gone by though, it hosted several amusement parks and canal waterways fashioned after those in its namesake Italian city.  Actually, a few of these canals remain although they are nothing like they were in the 1920’s.  

The area is full of street performers.  This one was into broken glass, including glass being broken over his head!

Even the trashcans were fancy!!!!!!

This guy was very talented.  What he was doing playing for tips on the beach wasn't clear, until he was done and started walking around with his bucket asking for tips.  Dude was CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!

Venice has a long musical history.  The Doors were formed in 1965 after Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek met at Venice Beach. 

Next Jim Morrison? 

And..... Next Ray Manzarek........

From the smells along the beach, there were A LOT of these "Medical Evaluations" going on!!!!!

There is a great skate park on the beach and it was interesting to note that although there is graffiti  everywhere else, there was none here.

I like the shadow which was captured entirely by accident. 

If I could have spent more time here, I could have tried for some more action shots.  I only took a few pics and now I wish I had stayed longer. 

They let artists get a permit and come paint in this area.

Um, for medical purposes only.......

The area is jam-packed full of interesting people.

I figured I would see some gang-related ink.  Saw some Sureno stuff but didn't get any good pics.  I did come across this Juggalo, which ARE gang members for anyone who may think they aren't.

Sureno

I spared you the pictures of the guys in thongs working out!!!!!!

The Governator’s acting career began after becoming a regular bodybuilder at Venice's famous Gold's Gym.

Thanks for looking!  Remember, clicking on any of the shots will being them up in a bigger window.....