While most beaches offer a winning combination of sun, sand, and surf, Venice Beach spun more than just typical summer fun, defining SoCal culture for decades. With a long list of celebrity visitors, Venice Beach was the place to be in the '70s and '80s, serving as a beloved spot for roller skating, lifting weights, skateboarding, and of course, hanging loose.
From Cher on skates to Arnold Schwarzenegger getting in some reps, here are 21 radical photos of Venice Beach, California in the '70s and '80s.
1
“Venice Beach, California, Paul McDonough, 1979.”
2
“Taken on my 18th birthday 30 years ago, March 1989.”
3
“Roller skating on Ocean Front Walk, Venice California, 1979.”
4
“Venice Beach, California, 1980s.”
6
“Pretty girl in bikini at Venice Beach, 1975.”
7
“My mom, Tova, in Venice Beach, circa 1972.”
8
“Roller skater on Venice Beach (1979).”
9
“Ocean Front Walk near Brooks Ave in Venice Beach in 1973. Photo by Robin Dunitz.”
10
“Venice Beach California 1989.”
11
“Cher at Venice Beach, 1979.”
12
“Arnold Schwarzenegger and two training partners in Venice Beach - early 70s.”
13
“Venice Beach, late 1970’s.”
14
“Venice Beach, CA - early 1980s.”
15
“Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone - workout session in Venice Beach. 1980’s.”
16
“Eazy-E Skateboarding in Venice Beach, 1989.”
17
“Venice Beach, CA 1977. Still this way today.”
18
“Getting air in Venice Beach 1982.”
19
“Roller skaters at Venice Beach in 1979.”
20
“Roller skating, Venice Beach, California, 1980.”
21
“Rollerskaters at Venice Beach, California, 1979.”
