Venice is pretty crazy! Some homeless people, fun art, random shops, and marijuana. Santa Monica Pier is close I believe and you can just keep walking around that area to get to Muscle Beach.

The Venice outdoor courts are ranked #3 in the nation according to Hoops Magazine. This is one sure fire place to find a pick-up basketball game while the sun is shining. The first court, lined by bleachers is reserved for full-court games and the action is intense, theatrical and definitely entertaining. The facility also has four half-courts featuring non-stop 3-on-3 games.
If you’re in the mood to shoot some hoop and make the scene at the same time, you can’t do any better. The courts are on a first-come-first-served call-it when you get there system, so bring some friends and be prepared to take on teams ranging from local playground legends to beach bums.

definitely the right place for pick up hoops! plus it’s great people watching.

not sure where there are other locations in the area…maybe you could ask someone who’s waiting around for a game when you’re in venice?

good luck!