THE HISTORIC VENICE CANALS DISTRICT- in Venice Beach
The Venice Canals is a historical district in the Venice section of Los Angeles, California. Nestled between Abbot Kinney Blvd and the Beach, this area is the location of the last remaining canals which once were the heart of Venice Beach, California.
To find The Historic Venice Canals District
Start at the Venice Pier. Walk down Washington Blvd, 1 block past Pacific to the north side bridge, just before Baja Cantina. You’l find entrances to the walk paths on both sides of the canal.

The Venice Canals began as a dream of one man, tobacco millionaire, Abbot Kinney. Kinney had done a walking tour of Italy and was absolutely overcome by the beauty of the canals of Venice. That experience lead Kinney to the grand idea, to take part of the Coastal Wetlands of Los Angeles, and turn them into what he called “Venice of America,” a luxurious seaside resort that brought a taste of Italy to L. A.

In 1905 the canals opened to the public and at first, these canals were all the rage, a cultural mecca and massive playground complete Amusements, train rides and every kind of distraction. Beautiful walkways were lined with flowers. Gondoliers took lovers on romantic adventures through the canals and beneath the beautifully lit bridges. But invention of the automobile, and the discovery of oil along the coast, quickly led the City of Los Angeles to fill in most of the canals and build city streets. Although a few of the canals were spared, Abbot Kinney’s dream soon deteriorated and began attracting crime.

Finally, after more than 40 years of unsavory residents, and environmental concerns, in 1992, the City restored the canals to their original spender, and since, Venice has become a safe haven of artists of all kinds and everyone and anyone was welcome, Anyone who could afford it, that is. Average home sales are now in the 3-10 million dollar range.
Although, much of Venice is gone, much still remains. You just need to know where to look.
For additional information, visit the website @
visitveniceca.com
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