Venice Canals
DETAILS:
Location: Venice, California.
The Venice Canals spread across multiple blocks and can be accessed via numerous entry points. The canals are bordered by the following streets: Venice Blvd (north end), Sherman Canal/Court A (south end), Strong Dr. (west end), Eastern Ct (east end).
Hours of Operation: Daily - Sunrise to Sunset
Please remember that this is a residential area, so please respect everyone’s privacy and monitor your noise level while in the neighborhood.
Parking:
Free street parking is available in the area. Please observe posted parking signs. Parking will be limited during peak days/hours.
Metered street parking is available in the area. Parking will be limited during peak days/hours.
Paid parking lots available near Venice Beach. Various rates apply.
Cost: Free!
Time Commitment: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
There are few things more postcard-worthy in all of Los Angeles than the Venice Canals. Contrastingly nestled in a sleepy residential district just east of the more boisterous Venice beach, these man-made canals were first built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney in an attempt to emulate its Italian namesake. Currently spanning three blocks, the original canals actually covered much more territory but eventually fell into disrepair or were paved over completely to make room for more roadways. But thanks to a major renovation that was completed in 1993, the Venice Canals were restored to the idyllic environment we know it as today. After strolling around the canals and daydreaming about living in any one of the picturesque houses that border the water, it’s no surprise that the residential area surrounding the canals is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amongst the variations in architecture, greenery, charming footbridges, and flotation devices of choice, each canal offers something slightly different. And when you think it couldn’t get any more bucolic, try visiting during the holiday season when the canals are lined with festive lights and ornamentation.
Map of the entire Venice Canals system
