Stop Scrolling! These 5 Venice Beach Photo Shoot Locations Are Pure Gold (and So Easy to Find!)

LOCATION #1: VENICE SKATE PARK

The Venice Skate Park is incredibly popular with both locals and tourists. Thousands of people of all ages come here to watch the cool skaters and soak in the unique vibe. This spot has a rich history, dating back to the 1980s as an unofficial street-skating area. The official concrete skatepark you see today was completed in 2009 after years of community effort. It’s a fantastic place to capture the energetic and rebellious spirit of Venice.

LOCATION #2: THE VENICE SIGN

The Venice Sign is a must-see for any tourist visiting Venice Beach, and it’s easily the most popular spot for a photo. Built in 1905 to advertise the burgeoning beach town, it faded over the years but was beautifully restored in 2007. Today, it’s a famous symbol of Venice’s free-spirited, artsy vibe. Just be aware: to get that perfect shot in front of the sign, you’ll need to stand in the middle of a very busy crossroad. You can only do this when the traffic lights are green, and that window is very short! It’s a bit of a “run, snap, and run back” situation, so it’s not the easiest activity, but it’s worth it for the iconic shot.

LOCATION #3: VENICE SHORE/PACIFIC OCEAN

Of course, no visit to Venice Beach is complete without a picture of the beach and the ocean itself! The beauty speaks for itself, but I’ll give you a few tips for the best time to shoot. Mornings, about two hours after sunrise (around 8-9 AM), offer amazing light. The water is generally calmer, there are fewer people (mostly just surfers), and the sun isn’t as hot or bright, especially during summer. Alternatively, try sunset. If you’re lucky, you’ll capture a truly breathtaking sunset, but be prepared for crowds — everyone loves to spend their afternoon at the beach!

LOCATION #4: VENICE CANALS

The Venice Canals are a hidden gem and one of the most romantic spots in the area. It’s like a little piece of Venice, Italy, right here in Los Angeles! Located within walking distance of the Venice Pier, with the added bonus of free parking, the canals are always gorgeous for a photo session. You’ll find lush greenery, serene water, charming small boats, and picturesque houses creating a truly unique backdrop.

LOCATION #5: GRAFFITI ART

The Venice area is famous for its vibrant graffiti art, which you’ll find everywhere, and it’s constantly changing! You might see a beautiful flower painted on a wall near the Venice Skate Park on a Sunday, only to return on Monday evening and find it replaced by someone else’s portrait. Graffiti is incredibly colorful, and if that’s the vibe you’re going for, Venice Beach is the perfect place to capture it.

I could easily list many more fantastic photo locations at Venice Beach, such as the colorful lifeguard towers or the trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Whether you’re on vacation or just enjoying a day at the beach, you’ll find countless charming places to capture memories. And if you’d like someone to guide you to all the best spots and capture stunning photos, I’d be happy to be your photographer!