Fall hits differently in Venice. We might not get the fiery foliage or sweater weather of other cities, but our version is just as special - and it’s all around us if you know where to look.
Take a walk through the Oakwood walk streets and you might notice the delicate golden webs of orb weaver spiders, strung high in the trees like nature’s own Halloween decorations. Come late October, the Venice Canals turn into a trick-or-treat wonderland, with bridges lit up, neighbors strolling with glasses of wine in hand, and candy flowing.
Orb Weaver on Oakwood Venice Beach
Then there are the sunsets. Have you noticed how they seem more vibrant in the fall - richer pinks, fiery oranges melting into the Pacific? Science says it’s not just your imagination: lower humidity and a sun that’s hitting at a sharper angle scatter light differently, making those colors pop. It’s Mother Nature’s grand finale before the early winter nights set in.
Sunset over Washington Square
And of course, fall means the countdown is on: just a few more weeks until the beach berms go up in Santa Monica and Venice. For the uninitiated, these giant man-made sand hills protect the boardwalk from winter storms… but to locals, they’re the perfect spot for sand sledding - a rite of passage for Venice kids.
Sand sledding at Venice Pier
It’s easy to forget, in the busyness of daily life, that we live in a place where people come to vacation. This season, take a moment to slow down and soak in the small things: the scent of the ocean on a crisp morning, the way palm tree silhouettes cut into a sherbet-colored sky, the mix of costumes and laughter drifting through your neighborhood on Halloween night.
We’re lucky - let’s live like we know it.
Fall Bucket List for Venice Beach Locals
A few ideas to make the most of the Westside this season:
Walk around Oakwood at dusk to spot the shimmering orb weaver spider webs in the trees.
Catch a sunset at the Venice Pier - bonus points for grabbing a slice at Washington Square Pizza first.
Trick-or-treat the Venice Canals for a truly one-of-a-kind Halloween night.
Attend Marina Spooktacular at Burton Chace Park. Carnival games, inflatables, haunted blackout mazes, crafts, face painting, live entertainment, photo booths, and more, all under the October stars. Even better if you take a water taxi!
Beach berm countdown - grab your sled (or boogie board) for the first weekend after they go up.
Bike the Marvin Braude path while it’s still warm enough for a post-ride dip.
Honor tradition at SPARC’s Día de los Muertos celebration - bring a photo for the community altar and warm up with tamales, hot chocolate, and pan de muerto at this beautiful, free evening ritual in Venice.
Día de los Muertos at the Santa Monica Pier A two-day free installation and community altar, with art by local artists, honoring the tradition.
Want to keep up with everything happening this fall in Venice?
Make sure you subscribe to the Venice Rising Calendar so you never miss a moment of the festivities. 🎃
