Staying in Venice beach area...

Question

Hi everyone,

I have the opportunity to stay in a friend's house near 7th and Vernon, in mid-May, for a couple of weeks.

I don't really know anyone in the area, and i don't know the area well (though of course i know of Venice Beach and surroundings, and i've been to Santa Monica and other areas)....

Is that area safe for a single woman to walk around in? I might just have a bike, not a car...

Thanks for advice! I was excited about the 'beachy' area but now wondering if I'll feel comfortable...

Answer

The area around 7th and Vernon in Venice Beach is generally considered to be a safe neighborhood for walking and biking, especially during the day. Venice Beach, in general, is a popular tourist area with many visitors, so you’ll find a variety of people around, including families, locals, and tourists. However, like any place, safety can vary depending on the time of day, so it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings.

Here are a few things to consider for your stay:

Daytime Safety: During the day, the area is bustling with activity, and you should feel comfortable walking or biking around, especially near Venice Beach itself. The beachwalk and the Venice Boardwalk are popular spots, and many people are out enjoying the sights, so it tends to be a friendly and lively environment.
Evening Considerations: In the evenings, some areas near Venice Beach can get quieter, especially if you're walking away from the main tourist attractions. While the area is still generally safe, it's always a good idea to stay in well-lit, populated areas after dark. If you plan on biking or walking at night, stick to main streets and avoid isolated areas.
Bike-Friendly Area: Venice Beach and the surrounding neighborhoods are quite bike-friendly. The area has a good number of bike lanes, and you can easily cycle to nearby attractions like Venice Beach, the Venice Canals, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which has some great shops and restaurants.
Nearby Areas: If you're concerned about the immediate area around 7th and Vernon, it’s good to explore the nearby parts of Venice Beach and surrounding neighborhoods such as the Venice Canals, which is a peaceful area with scenic walks and biking paths. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is another popular spot, offering trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants that are well-frequented and generally safe.
Transportation: If you find yourself needing to go further or feel uncomfortable biking at night, public transportation and ridesharing services (like Uber and Lyft) are easily accessible. You might also find that many places are within walking distance, which would give you more flexibility to explore.

Overall, Venice Beach is a vibrant and popular area, and most single travelers, including women, feel safe walking and biking around, especially during the day. Just take the usual precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, being mindful of your surroundings, and locking your bike when you’re not using it.

Enjoy your time in Venice Beach, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!