If you were to ask a native of Los Angeles about places to visit while in the city, he or she would most likely list Venice Beach near the top of the list of must-see locations. It is one of the city’s most colorful areas, containing much of the eclectic charm you can find in parts of Los Angeles, and it is a historic experience that you should not miss out on.

The history of Venice Beach dates all the way back to the beginning of the 20th century, when someone got the idea to bring Venetian charm to Los Angeles. The result was miles of inland waterways through which authentic gondolas navigated, creating a magical area that fomented the rise of beat poetry by the likes of Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, as well as the hippie culture of Los Angeles in the 1960s.

Contemporary Venice Beach has not forsaken its bohemian appeal and it is difficult to not be swayed by the carefree appeal of the paved beach path. The ocean front walk lies between Venice Boulevard and Rose Avenue, taking you through what some would say is a mosaic of all of Los Angeles’ stereotypes in one surreal location.

If you choose, you could put on your in-line skates and glide down the ocean front walk, stopping to check out the stands selling cheap sunglasses and traditional Mexican crafts. No other place in Los Angeles has such a whimsical vibe, making it one of the premier people-watching spots in the city.

You are also bound to come across street performers, including mimes, jugglers, and break-dancers, as well as weightlifters bulging with muscle fresh from their training regiment at Muscle Beach. This conglomeration of people in such a wacky locale makes Venice Beach’s ocean front walk one of the most important tourist stops in Los Angeles.