Venice Boardwalk: The Sights, Sounds and Scene

I've only been on the Venice Boardwalk maybe three times and probably just two, so it's no wonder I find it so fascinating.

I've lived in the L.A. area all my life, except for some college years in San Diego, but the boardwalk had never been a destination. Not even when out-of-the-country visitors and relatives nationwide made their trek to California for vacation.

And the first time I walked it, I came from the Santa Monica side, walking with a Rand Corporation colleague at lunch for exercise. We didn't venture more than a few blocks before turning around.

So, pretty much, I'd not seen the Venice Boardwalk until a few weeks ago when I found the zip line and hung out by the skateboard park. 

And, I know, that's only a very small part of the boardwalk. 

I was there on a Friday in August and could see the day wasn't even close to the height of a weekend or prime summer crowd.

But, I enjoyed myself: I dug the wide open grassy park area where the zip line went overhead, the curves of the free skate park, the sand leading to the sea.

I was captivated by people and scenery.

So, it's no wonder that I like this video of what I think may be last weekend on the Venice Boardwalk. It's fun and shows a diversity of people--muscle men, hoopsters, skateboarders, tourists, performers, the thrush and blush of people and a communal place with a communal spirit, when you're in the mood for it.

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