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    Binocular Building

    4.5 (20 reviews)

    Binocular Building Photos

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    Google Venice Campus
    Glenn A.

    The Binocular Building is actually Google's Venice Campus. It has a large sculpture of a Binocular in front of the building. The Binocular is actually an entrance to an underground parking garage. The whole campus takes up the whole block. Unfortunately, you can't tour the inside unless you know someone who works there. However If you Google "Google Venice Campus" you can see images of the inside which is amazing. It must be nice to work for Google.

    Outside
    Seon M.

    I got a chance to check this place out one day! It is Google's LA office. It is on the smaller side compared to other Google locations. There are two Google buildings and this is one of them. There is a parking garage when you go under the binoculars. You can only get in if you know someone who works at Google. Once inside the building, you check-in and receive a badge. You have to be with your host at all times because host's badge is needed to enter in/out of some places within this facility. Also, you can take pictures inside the building with your host's permission. Honestly, I was really looking forward to free lunch at Google LA because that is the main reason why I drove all the way to Venice, CA. I was very disappointed when I found out that I could not get free lunch (not even snacks) because of the holidays! The place was completely emptied out. This place has a game room, fitness center, shower, bike rentals, mini basketball court, conference rooms, quiet rooms, kitchens, and a nice outdoor space. I hope I can come back to try their free lunch one day! I can't wait to visit other Google locations.

    Joan S.

    When I first came to LA, almost 10 years ago, I landed on Venice Beach. I'd never been to LA before I got off a plane with 3 suitcases, with the intention of staying. Needless to say, I love a good adventure. And Venice Beach certainly did provide me with just that. I lived a few doors from the Boardwalk for a couple of years. On my first day out, the night after I arrived, I went looking for food. I walked a couple blocks inland and discovered the Clown Building and the Binocular Building. I wondered where the hell I was.....had I entered the Twilight Zone? or was the circus in town? or both...? Holy crap, there was nothing like this back on the South Side of Chicago....... Little did I know that these landmarks would be among the tamest discoveries I would encounter on Venice Beach. But that's a whole 'nother story. About the Binocular Building: Leave it to Frank Gehry, what a great mind. It was originally called the Chiat/Day Building, after the original tenants. Construction began in 1985 and dragged on for several years due to some sitch with toxic contamination on the site. If the giant binocs remind you of a Claes Oldenburg sculpture, that's because Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen helped with the design. Remarkably, the binoculars provide the entrance to the building's parking garage! I always wanted to drive into those binoculars and someday I will, haha. Hopefully it will be planned......

    Christine A.

    This has been on a list that my friend and I wrote up and have spent the last month of weekends visiting. For this roadside Americana pilgrim, I can tell you visiting the Binocular Building was no religious experience. Parking in the area, not to mention the majority of people's driving, is horrendous and it's tough to get a good look while driving by it on Main. Ended up going down South Main where we were able to have a moment of pause and snap a picture (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jS1m2DpMgekycG4eWLHcAw?select=DfvQutTh5yOf1rmTseD4pA) before someone turned down the street. I hate to act jaded and unimpressed, especially when it comes to feats of architecture, but once you see it, you're done. I felt like I'd driven into a hurricane to see a giant doughnut sign, but without the promise of lard and sugar. The confused, cross-dressing clown on top of the CVS, not a block away, was more worth the drive and hassle with traffic and jaywalkers with a death wish.

    Google!
    Raul A.

    You've seen the binoculars... Google Venice HQ. If you have ever been inside, its awesome! Free food, micro kitchens everywhere, their own Googlebucks (starbucks type), video games, pool table. What else can I say, you can sleep, train, shower, and go back to work. sick place!!

    Binoculars!
    Murali V.

    As a Googler who works in the Ann Arbor, MI office, I can confidently say that this office is spectacular. From the outside, an otherwise nondescript office building becomes a focal point with the massive binoculars. Moreover, the 'googleyness' that makes these offices so special is alive and well, with exciting 'LA-twists.' If you know any Googlers, I'd highly recommend asking them if you can visit for a few hours. The experience is worthwhile, and gives you a taste of what it's like to work in such a fun and unique setting!

    Great example of Novelty architecture, which LA was once upon a time known for. Currently, it is the headquarters of YouTube and Google Venice. Public art but private building.

    Lunch at the chef's table.

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    Review Highlights - Binocular Building

    The man who was our guide said that Google takes up the entire city block, and I believe it.

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    The Hobbit's House

    The Hobbit's House

    3.9(33 reviews)
    4.8 miPalms

    The Hobbit's House is just a cute house to see if you are in the area. It is not a must stop. The…read morehouse actually has an owner and there is an apartment there. It was built by a former artist for Disney Studios and the builder, Lawrence Joseph worked on all of it for decades. There are adorable cottages and a view from the street is super. I think some of it may be occupied, I am not sure, so I did not venture far, just the front and back yard and stopped when I saw what looked like an apartment building. It is an LA Historical Landmark and just so cute. It is near Sony pictures. It almost looks like you are walking into a movie set. There is a great garden and a pond and it really does look like a Hobbit house. We were not there long, maybe 15 minutes and did not need to be. So, if you have 15 minutes and want to see a super cool house go take a peek.

    When in LA on a rainy bank holiday (dramatically less traffic) do what Angelenos do! See the…read moresights!! These are people's homes aka the Lawrence and Martha Joseph Residence and Apartments, commonly known as the "Hobbit Houses," located in Culver City, California. The structures were designed and built by Lawrence Joseph, a former artist for Walt Disney Studios, starting in the 1940s and continuing construction for decades. Now surrounded by high rises it is difficult to land a parking spot but worth it to get a closer look. For a moment imagine yourself on a walk through emerald green grass & fields of wildflowers. And then look up & see these enchanting cottages.

    Photos
    The Hobbit's House
    The Hobbit's House
    The Hobbit's House

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    Venice Canals - Beautiful scenery!

    Venice Canals

    4.5(499 reviews)
    0.9 miVenice

    Recently: February 23, 2026 | Venice Beach | The Venice Canals are dreamy, peaceful & filled with…read moregorgeous scenery at every turn or over every bridge taken! It's always fun walking around and exploring the wonderful creativity, as well as vibrant nature simply existing, all around! Fragrant Flowers | Each time I wander around the Venice Canals, I always seem to discover a colorful, new flower, often times quite fragrant, which catches my eye! The Birds of Paradise always makes my day, as it's one of my favorites, standing proudly, in its exotic glory! Connected | It's always fun, walking over the different bridges and taking in the scenery & sights along the way! You may spot people going for a walk, others walking their dogs, some taking photos and are simply enjoying the moment while walking! Personality Plus | It's exciting seeing a variety of colorful homes, with each having a personality of their own! Whether big or small, the details seems to tell a different story, reflective of the owner/renter and how they naturally stand out on their own! Sightings | While out & about, I often see cute little dogs walking around alongside their friendly owners! On some occasions, it makes my day to spot a stroller and the excitement of seeing that there are actually dogs inside! Haha! You may see ducks walking around together along the walkways, or swimming around, peacefully! While the walkways are for pedestrians only, you might even see cars driving over the vehicular bridges! Festive | The Venice Canals definitely know how to ring in the holidays! I'm grateful to experience the festivities inside of some of the homes with friends, as well as attending fun holiday boat parades(open to the public!), and events on the canals! Holiday cheer and neighborly camaraderie seems to flow with good vibes from beginning to end! Flutter By | It always makes my day whenever I see a pretty colorful butterfly flying by during my walk! Note | I usually walk through the canals during the morning/daytime and if at night, during a celebration where there are many people out and about! Overall | I absolutely love walking through Canals! I'm in incredibly grateful that they are nearby, walking distance, and a hop, skip & a jump away! I highly recommend and of course, be respectful of the people living there! Good vibes throughout as well as beautiful scenery keeps me coming back for more!

    I returned to the canals after a very long time, well over a decade. It had been so long that I…read moreforgot what it looked like. I was also curious about what Venice is looking like lately after huge companies like Google have moved into the area with presumably a lot of of their staff. I also thought that during the holidays there would be a lot of cute holiday decorations. It was actually refreshing to see that the place had not changed much at all. It was very low-key and homiey. In fact, it looked like time had not changed at all. It is a very peaceful spot to enjoy a little walk, and there are quite a few runners and bikers that are doing the same thing.

    Photos
    Venice Canals - Sign showing where the Venice Canals Walkway is located

    Sign showing where the Venice Canals Walkway is located

    Venice Canals - June 5, 2025 | Love seeing the beautiful flowers while walking through the Canals!!

    June 5, 2025 | Love seeing the beautiful flowers while walking through the Canals!!

    Venice Canals - Akiko Liu Photos

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    Akiko Liu Photos

    Santa Monica Boardwalk

    Santa Monica Boardwalk

    4.2(93 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    I visited the Santa Monica Pier and Boardwalk with my boyfriend and had a really fun time. It is…read moredefinitely a classic tourist spot, but the ocean views are beautiful and the pier has over a century of history. There is a lot to do, especially for families and kids. The Ferris wheel is iconic and gives great views of the coastline, and there are plenty of fun shops and snack spots to explore. The whole area has that classic Southern California beach vibe. We enjoyed walking around, taking in the ocean breeze, and people watching. The only downside for me was seeing the large homeless population in the area. It made me a little sad because you can tell some people are really struggling. It did not ruin the visit, but it is something you notice. Overall, I would still recommend visiting if you are in Santa Monica. It is a fun place to spend a couple of hours and enjoy the beach atmosphere.

    My husband and I decided to go to the Santa Monica Boardwalk while in California. We took a Waymo…read morethere so we didn't have to worry about parking. When we got there we walked around and saw so many different things. There was an amusement park with rides, shops, restaurants, and people performing. It was really crowded. It can be overstimulating with all of the sounds and smells but the view of the ocean and beach is nice. Overall it was a positive experience. I loved the view of the water and being immersed in this lively place.

    Photos
    Santa Monica Boardwalk - Santa Monica Scenery

    Santa Monica Scenery

    Santa Monica Boardwalk - Family time

    Family time

    Santa Monica Boardwalk - Amusement Park

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    Amusement Park

    Third Street Promenade - Giant game boards you can play with

    Third Street Promenade

    4.1(996 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$

    Third Street Promenade is an open-air, car-free mall that is home to more than 80 retailers. It is…read morethree blocks long. This mall opened in the 1960s and has been renovated many times since then. This is a nice place to go for a stroll and wander in and out of stores. Up and down the street are topiary sculptures called "The Dinosaurs of Santa Monica". Some of these dinosaur topiaries shoot streams of water from their mouths. At the south end of Third Street Promenade is a enclosed shopping center called Santa Monica Place. I used to visit Third Street Promenade a lot back in my younger days. We would grab a bite to eat and then hit a few stores after a long day at the beach. I was here recently and there was hardly anyone here. The vibe just wasn't the same. The Jacaranda Trees are pretty when they are blooming. I like coming here in the evenings when the lights are on. Some popular stores here at Third Street Promenade are Patagonia, Lululemon, Anthropologie, H&M and Urban Outfitters. On occasional evenings, you can catch live music and street performers. Third Street Promenade has a farmers market every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am to 1pm.

    It's shocking how this place turned from being everyone's shopping destination into a literal ghost…read moretown. All businesses which used to flourish back in the day are now closed. There's nothing here anymore aside from occasional popup events. That's the only reason why I still come here. It's sad but it's the reality these days. People prefer shopping online for things they need instead of going out to physically be in a store. I wonder what this place would become. Another condo/apartment buildings? Who knows?

    Photos
    Third Street Promenade - Absolutely Gorgeous!

    Absolutely Gorgeous!

    Third Street Promenade
    Third Street Promenade

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    Critical Mass

    Critical Mass

    5.0(4 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Some of my friends love to do this ride and they talked me into going. I'm glad I did but it was…read morenot any easy sell for my friends. Ride a bike on the streets of LA/Santa Monica; (no offense to Santa Monica but unless you see a sign how do you really know what city you are in?). Were they nuts? I imagined us being road, kill done in by distracted, cell phone toten, soccer moms & finished off by yuppies hurrying to happy hour; (they do, do it on a Friday afternoon, prime happy hour time). Actually, it turns out there is safety in numbers and the most folks on the road just seemed bemused by the temporary flood of urban bikers. Where did we go? I don't know for sure, I was having such a good time I just followed the crowd and my friends. Afterwards we went to a well deserved but belated happy hour. But that's another story. If you have never been it's one of those greater Los Angeles moments that you should experience. Oh, and you don't have to be a hard core biker to enjoy the ride. I certinly wasn't.

    If you live any where in or near the west side and you own a bike you need to be coming to Santa…read moreMonica Critical Mass. Why? Because it's the most fun you'll have on the first friday of EVERY month. Because it is the most inclusive/diverse group of people all out to have a good time. Because it's free. Meet at the Santa Monica Pier at 6:30 on the first Friday of every month and join hundreds of fellow cyclists in a casual ride through the streets of Santa Monica and West LA. The ride is usually accompanied by several patrons blasting classic tracks such as MJ's "Billy Jean," Hall & Oates "Man Eater," Tupac's "2 Live & Die in LA" and many more. A really fun/free thing to do on the West side that ends with drinks and dining for those so inclined. You need to come out, for sure.

    Louis Vuitton Time Capsule: Travel from 1854 to today

    Louis Vuitton Time Capsule: Travel from 1854 to today

    4.9(8 reviews)
    5.5 miCentury City

    This was a super fun pop up experience…read more It was so informative about the history of Louis Vuitton. The iconic photos were amazing and so cool to see. To see the photos, stories and one of a kind items was such a unique experience Loved it!!

    I am at a loss for words with regards to this exhibit. It was so mind blowingly awesome, unique,…read moreoutstanding, fantastic and superb! I just couldn't take it exclamation literally I went to the LV exhibit in Hollywood 3 years ago and that was amazing they outdid themselves this time! It was an incredible experience. I loved how there was just so many different exhibits there was also like the artisan part of the handcrafting of the handbags we learned about you know how it started and went through all of the iconic Louis Vuitton handbags custom made pieces, trunks, shoes, belts, scarves, it was just an amazing experience I will never forget I am so glad I went and if you have not gone you need to go! It is a MUST! A lot of people tend to think that buying an expensive handbag is about money. And yes you do have to have money to buy these pieces, however the reason why you're spending so much money is because of the process that is required to go through to get such an amazing handbag one that will last you 20+ years so it's awesome! Make sure you go and have a fully charged phone so that you can take a lot of pictures if Yelp would let me post more pictures I would have more to post...I had to pick the best out of 50 and I have about 400! bottom line is go see this!

    Photos
    Louis Vuitton Time Capsule: Travel from 1854 to today
    Louis Vuitton Time Capsule: Travel from 1854 to today
    Louis Vuitton Time Capsule: Travel from 1854 to today

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    Binocular Building - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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