Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour Review | A Relaxed LA Food Tour for First-Time Visitors
- Emma Hamrick
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
This year, I'm determined to check off some of the items on my California bucket list. The first stop? A visit to Venice Beach for a food tour! As an LA local, I’d somehow never made it out to Venice, despite years of living nearby. But when I was invited to join the Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour, a guided walking tour that blends local food stops with some of Venice’s most iconic sights, I decided a drive over the hill was definitely in order.
This Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour review covers everything you need to know about the experience, including where it starts, what you’ll see and taste along the way, and whether it’s worth adding to your itinerary if you’re looking for an approachable LA food tour.
My In-Depth Review of the Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour
Location & Arrival
Venice Beach has a distinct personality that sets it apart from other areas of Los Angeles. From the boardwalk to the canals, it feels creative, laid-back, and a little unconventional in the best way. The tour began at Cow’s End Cafe, and communication leading up to the experience was clear and straightforward. Our guide, Bob, was easy to find, communicative via text message the day of, and facilitated a seamless check-in process.
Parking was surprisingly simple. We found free street parking on Pacific Avenue, which felt like a small miracle by LA standards. A shoutout to my favorite parking app, Spot Angels, for the assist.
What the Tour Includes
The tour includes food at five individual stops, an informative guide, and a comprehensive walking route around Venice Beach. One of the biggest surprises of this tour was how much of Venice we were able to see beyond the food itself. The walking route included stops near:
The Venice Boardwalk
Muscle Beach
The Venice Skate Park
The Venice Canals
The canals, in particular, were a highlight; quiet, scenic, and unexpectedly peaceful. They offered a side of Venice that felt worlds away from the busier boardwalk areas.
This balance of food and sightseeing made the tour feel relaxed and well-rounded, rather than overly focused on eating alone.
Food Stops & Highlights
All of the food we sampled was enjoyable and approachable, making this tour especially well-suited for visitors who may be unfamiliar with LA’s food scene. Dishes included acai, tacos, pizza, and dessert.
The standout dish for me was the birria tacos, which have become increasingly popular across Los Angeles in recent years. These were served with chips and consommé, making the experience interactive and satisfying. The location itself is set among colorful street art in downtown Venice, which added to the overall appeal.
The tour also included a stop for Thrifty’s ice cream, an iconic Southern California dessert that evokes a strong sense of nostalgia among the locals. While it may not be the best ice cream in Los Angeles (my vote goes to McConnell's for that), it’s a historic choice that fits well with the tour’s emphasis on local culture.
Overall, the food wasn’t overly adventurous, which I actually see as a positive. The selection felt thoughtfully curated to appeal to a wide range of tastes, and I imagine most visitors would find it appealing.
Tour Guide Experience
Our guide, Bob, played a major role in shaping the experience. He was personable, knowledgeable, and clearly connected to the area, having attended Venice Beach High School himself. Much of the tour narrative focused on Venice’s ties to Hollywood and the film industry, which added an interesting layer of context between food stops.
Bob was able to answer nearly every question related to LA history and shared personal anecdotes that helped ground the experience in the neighborhood itself. He also offered helpful recommendations for places to eat and explore in Venice beyond the tour, which felt genuinely useful rather than scripted.
Timing, Pacing & Practical Notes
The tour is advertised as a three-hour experience. We ended up spending closer to four hours, which worked well for us and allowed for a comfortable pace. That said, travelers on a tighter schedule may want to plan accordingly, as a shorter timeframe could feel rushed.
If you're looking at taking the tour, I'd suggest visiting between November and April, as much of the tour is outdoors and summer temperatures can get quite warm.
Is the Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour Worth It?
I’d recommend this LA food tour especially for:
Visitors who are new to Los Angeles
Travelers looking for a relaxed introduction to Venice Beach
Small groups or couples seeking a low-key daytime activity
The tour is strictly 21 and over, which is worth noting when planning. While locals may recognize some of the food offerings, the real value lies in the guided experience, neighborhood context, and ease of seeing Venice in a structured but unhurried way.
How to Book the Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour
You can book the Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour directly through the official website:
The tour is operated by the same team behind LA Ghosts and offers a non-haunted alternative for visitors interested in food, culture, and walking tours. If you're interested in a more chilling walking tour, check out my review of their Terrors of Tinseltown experience.
LA Ghosts is run by parent organization US Ghost Adventures, which operates experiences—both haunted and non-haunted—in over 100 cities nationwide. Visit usghostadventures.com to explore tour options in destinations across the country.
Wrapping It Up
We thoroughly enjoyed our experience on the Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour. Between the approachable food, scenic walking route, and knowledgeable guide, it offered a thoughtful introduction to one of LA’s most distinctive neighborhoods.
Thank you to the tour team for hosting us. All opinions shared are my own.
If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles or if you are a local looking to experience Venice Beach in a new way, this tour is well worth considering. While you're at it, check out some of my other LA reviews below.
Until next time, keep on exploring!