Venice Pier used to be one of
three piers in Venice Beach, California, and a more amazing amusement
destination than today's
Santa Monica
with its pleasure pier, called Pacific Pier.
Venice Pier, the 1310 foot wonder
that's survived storms, weathering and a few earthquakes during its
current lifespan (built in 1997), was reopened in 2006 after yet another
devastating blow had closed it due to structural concerns.
People love fishing in L.A. You
don't have to know what you are doing, and you don't have to catch
anything. But you do have to maintain an attitude that being outdoors in
the Southern California weather is just fine. The Venice Pier actually
provides areas that wheelchairs can pull up comfortably to fish, in
fact.
When you speak of the Venice Pier,
you need to explain which one you are referring to. Florida has a Venice
Pier, as well, and though it is just over half the length of the L.A.
version, anglers like to fish on it, as well. Venice Pier in California
is one of over 30 municipal and regional fishing piers that visitors can
enjoy for strolling, and free fishing, unless the pier specifies with
signage that it is not a free fishing pier. (Most that aren't will state
that a California State fishing license is required.) Venice is fairly
representative of so much of the Southern California coast. Oil
was discovered and for a time, derricks dotted the landscape and
skyline. Three piers were built during the time that builders had
to convince people to move to the beach. Like its neighbor to the
south (Naples, a neighborhood of Long Beach), Venice was designed with
pleasure in mind. It was supposed to be like an Italian city with
all the romance of canals, boats, gondolas, hotels, amusements and joy.
Within view of the Venice Pier is Santa Monica Pier to the north. A
public parking lot next to the pier that charges a flat rate, street
parking throughout the neighborhoods and blocks away are your options in
this area. On clear days you can gaze at and enjoy the stunning Santa
Monica mountains. Closer and in view are surfers that ply the open
waters surrounding the pier. And to the south is the Marina del Rey
harbor. For a day of piers, check out Venice Pier, Santa Monica Pier and
Malibu Pier. That should could busy for a few hours. The Santa
Monica Pier has several restaurants where you can grab a sit-down, ocean
view meal.
Venice Pier, Washington Blvd. and Ocean Walk Front (Boardwalk), Venice,
CA 90291. Pier is open daily.
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