Image placeholder: A descriptive, editorial-style cover related to the topic. Art direction: clean, minimal, LA landmark + subtle Olympics vibe.

Venice & Santa Monica: Beach Day + Games Itinerary (24/48/72h)

Beach volleyball championships on the pier, fan zones along the Venice Boardwalk, and endless sunsets make the Westside the perfect Olympic detour. These itineraries help you balance competition with coastal downtime.

Before you arrive#

• Book a hotel within walking distance of the Metro E Line or Main Street. Our best areas to stay guide highlights beach-friendly picks.
• Pack layers—mornings start foggy, afternoons heat up, and evenings cool quickly.
• Pre-reserve bikes or scooters; LA28 adds corral zones, but they fill up fast.
• Grab a Metro 3-day pass if you plan to bounce to SoFi or Downtown for ceremonies (/blog/hotels-near-sofi-stadium-olympics complements cross-town strategies).

24-hour sprint#

1. Sunrise yoga on Venice Beach, followed by coffee and breakfast sandwiches at Gjusta.
2. Stroll the Boardwalk fan activations; watch adaptive sports at the Venice Recreation Center.
3. Midday bike ride to Santa Monica Pier for beach volleyball prelims.
4. Grab quick tacos at Blue Plate Taco or poke bowls at Sweetfin.
5. Evening: Catch the Pier fan fest, then watch sunset from Palisades Park before finishing with dessert at Sweet Rose Creamery.

48-hour stretch#

Day 1 as above.
Day 2:

• Brunch on Abbot Kinney (Great White, The Butcher’s Daughter) and browse local boutiques.
• Paddleboard the Venice Canals or rent kayaks via Marina del Rey’s docks.
• Ride the E Line to Culver City for dinner at Citizen Public Market—extend with our Culver City itinerary.
• Return for night sessions at the Santa Monica Fan Fest or live music at Winston House.

72-hour coastal residency#

Day 3 adds:

• Rent a car or rideshare to Malibu for morning surf lessons (check discount codes in the LA28 app).
• Visit the Getty Villa (timed entry is free) for Roman-inspired architecture and ocean views.
• Spend the afternoon at the Annenberg Community Beach House—reserve pool passes two weeks out.
• Cap the night with rooftop drinks at Hotel Erwin and late-night bites along Main Street.

Essential packing list#

• SPF 50, hat, and reusable water bottle.
• Portable charger—fan zones rely on QR codes for giveaways.
• Beach blanket inflates quickly for pier seating; collapsible cooler for budget-friendly snacks (see our Budget Olympics guide).
• Comfortable shoes or sandals for navigating sand + boardwalk back-to-back.

FAQs#

Q: How early should I arrive for medal matches on the pier?
A: Plan to arrive 90 minutes before first serve. Security is tight and shaded seating disappears fast.

Q: Can I store luggage between hotel check-out and late sessions?
A: Yes—look for Bounce or LuggageHero lockers near the pier and Venice Boardwalk. Book in advance on busy weekends.