Local Highlights

5 Things To Do In Venice Beach At Night

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By day, Venice Beach is known as one of Los Angeles’s most exciting neighborhoods. A longtime haven for artists, creatives, and eccentrics alike, it’s a colorful and vibrant part of the city where everyone from surfers to shoppers can go to have fun. From seeing the Venice sign as you drive in, to the vibrant Venice boardwalk and historic canals, this Southern California beach is one of the must-see Los Angeles attractions

But what happens after the sun goes down?

If you’re looking for things to do in Venice Beach at night, look no further. Watch the sunset from the Ocean Front Walk, dine at an Abbot Kinney Boulevard eatery, or chill at a rooftop lounge, there’s no limit to your options. From sunset to last call, this guide has everything you need to know to enjoy Venice Beach after dark. 

#1 Watch the Sunset

It’s a simple thing, but the best way to begin Venice Beach nighttime is by watching the sunset. Few sights are as breathtaking as the sun slowly lowering over the Pacific, and Venice Beach has at least two prime locations to watch from:

  • Venice Beach Pier – You can stroll more than 1,300 feet of the Venice Pier out onto the Pacific Ocean for a truly panoramic view of the sunset.1 And as you walk back to shore, you’ll be treated to some excellent views of the Venice Beach boardwalk at night.
  • High Rooftop Lounge – Get a bird’s eye view of the setting sun from the High Rooftop Lounge, located in the trendy Hotel Erwin. With phenomenal views of Venice Beach’s landmark boardwalk, a broad menu of specialty cocktails, and DJs spinning live every evening, it’s a top-notch way to enjoy Venice Beach at night.

#2 Grab a Drink at Townhouse 

Established in 1915, Townhouse is the oldest bar in Venice Beach.2 Once the home of the famed Prohibition-era speakeasy The Del Monte, it now enjoys a reputation as one of the neighborhood’s premier late-night spots.

Townhouse offers live music and comedy shows five nights a week in the original basement speakeasy. Take in a show while you sip classic cocktails that perfectly match the 1920s décor of original tile floors, copper ceilings, and walls papered in vibrant patterns and prints. 

#3 Check Out The Brig

The Brig has been a staple of Venice Beach nightlife since it opened in the 1950s. Today, it remains one of the top places to go in the neighborhood for drinks, fun, and good vibes.

The impeccable mid-century modern décor is definitely a highlight of The Brig, but the real treasures are to be found on the menu. With unique house cocktails, an extensive selection of whiskeys, tequilas, and other spirits, and shot-and-beer combos that combine your favorite brew with your favorite liquor, there’s something to quench every thirst.

Once you’re properly libated, check out the food trucks that crowd that adjacent lot.3 Then, enjoy some of the other activities that make The Brig so popular, like: 

  • DJs
  • Live music
  • Billiards

#4 Rock Out at Hinano Café

Although many bars in Venice Beach are beloved by residents and sought out by visitors, not all of them have the honor of being the favorite spot of a legendary rock star. That distinction goes only to Hinano Café. Hinano Café has been serving cold beer and delicious burgers to the citizens of Venice Beach since the early 1960s. It was the local favorite of Jim Morrison of The Doors, but you don’t have to be famous to get in. 

A self-described “local bar for people from all over the world,” Hinano Café sticks to the basics to deliver an authentic, no-fuss Venice Beach experience. The bar stocks beer and wine only, which reflects the laidback, beachfront atmosphere. There’s also:

  • Billiards
  • Free popcorn 
  • Live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Hinano Café is usually best if you’re planning on an early night. The live music starts at five pm on weekends and the bar closes at midnight. 

#5 Grab a Late Bite at Nighthawk Breakfast Bar

We’re putting this item last on our list because it’s the perfect way to put your Venice Beach night to bed. Once you’ve checked out all the options for dinner, drinks, and dancing, end your night the same way area rockers have been for decades: with breakfast.

That’s where Nighthawk Breakfast Bar comes in. This trendy Venice Beach hang was conceived as an homage to the musicians of the 1980s and 90s who made a tradition of visiting the diners of Los Angeles after their shows.

Nighthawk Breakfast Bar offers liquored-up takes on traditional breakfast food and drinks, like:

  • Brandy-infused French toast
  • Spiked cereal milks
  • Alcoholic coffee drinks 

With a trendy interior and a playlist packed with old-school hits, it’s a bustling spot with a nostalgic vibe—and the best place to go before you call it a night.

While Venice Beach is filled with endless options, you can also experience the nightlife of the nearby Santa Monica Beach. Explore the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park, ride the infamous Ferris Wheel, and grab a souvenir before you leave. Both of these beaches are very similar, but it’s worth exploring them to see for yourself the differences between Venice Beach vs Santa Monica Beach

Explore Venice Beach at Any Hour By Choosing Common 

From strolling the ocean front walk and exploring the Venice canals, to dining at Abbot Kinney Boulevard, you may never run out of things to do in Venice Beach, and it might help to stay in the Southern California city for a while. Common is making it easier than ever to live in the country’s top cities. From Chicago to Venice Beach, we offer attainable coliving suites that combine fully furnished living spaces with the most desired community amenities—all at a more affordable price than traditional apartments.  

At Common Penmar in Venice Beach, you’ll enjoy the convenience of a fully furnished private room in the heart of this eclectic neighborhood. Penmar also offers in-suite laundry, a furnished rooftop deck, community events, and more, all within walking distance of Venice Beach’s top attractions. While living in Venice Beach, you can explore all of the nearby California cities and beaches including San Diego, Manhattan Beach, Malibu Beach, and more. 

Ready to discover how easy life can be? Schedule a tour today to learn more.

Sources: 

  1. Visit California. Venice Beach Pier. https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/venice-pier/  
  2. Townhouse. History. http://www.townhousevenice.com/history 
  3. Venice Beach Bar. The Brig. https://venicebeachbar.com/the-brig-abbot-kinney-venice/ 
  4. Hotel Erwin. https://www.hotelerwin.com/food-drink/high-rooftop-lounge/ 
  5. Townhouse. http://www.townhousevenice.com/ 
  6. The Brig. https://thebrig.com/ 
  7. Hinano Café. https://www.hinanocafevenice.com/ 

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