Venice is a beach neighborhood built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as 'Venice of America,' known today for its Ocean Front Walk boardwalk, historic canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Discover Los Angeles notes that most of the original canals were filled in 1929, but a Venice Canal Historic District remains. Choose it for beach people-watching and shopping; do not expect quiet.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best for | Boardwalk people-watching, beach activities, canals walk, boutique shopping |
| Trade-offs | Crowded on weekends; parking and traffic are hard around the beach (our assessment) |
| Getting around | No Metro rail station verified in Venice; many visitors take the E Line to Santa Monica then bus, bike or rideshare (check Metro) |
| Key places | Ocean Front Walk, Venice Canal Historic District, Abbot Kinney Blvd, Muscle Beach |
| Nearby | Santa Monica, Marina del Rey |
What to see and do
Discover Los Angeles describes the Venice Ocean Front Walk as one of the best places in LA for people watching, the Venice Breakwater as a favorite surf spot with lessons offered, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard as a shopping street once named 'the coolest block in America' by GQ. Visitors can walk along the canals in the area bounded by South Venice Boulevard, Pacific Avenue, Ocean Avenue and Washington Boulevard, and the site asks visitors to respect residents' privacy.
History
The Venice Chamber of Commerce says Venice of America was founded as a seaside resort in 1904 by Abbot Kinney and officially opened on July 4, 1905. Discover Los Angeles says Kinney imported gondolas and gondoliers and that the canals were built in 1905.
Our assessment
Venice is best as a half-day from Santa Monica. Walk the canals quietly and early.