Santa Monica
Updated on Apr 26 2024 8:49am
Built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his “Venice of America” plan, these man-made canals were inspired by the canals of Venice, Italy and originally featured gondola rides. Today, visitors can stroll along the four canals, each about a quarter-mile long, and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding houses, bridges, and sidewalks. The canals are located off 25th street in Venice Beach, and while they may be easy to miss, they are definitely worth a visit.
Most of the canals were filled in 1929 to make room for paved roads, but the remaining canals fell into disrepair for decades until a multimillion-dollar restoration in 1993. The residential district surrounding the canals was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and many of the old houses have since been renovated or replaced with large, modern homes. Today, the Venice Beach Canals are a desirable and expensive residential section of the city, and the water enters the canals through sea gates in the Marina Del Rey breakwater via the Ballona Lagoon. So, the next time you’re in Venice Beach, take a stroll along the canals and step into a little piece of Venice, Italy right here in Los Angeles County.
Venice, CA 90292