venice canal tours california

Private tours and rentals on the Venice Canals in Los Angeles, California.

Explore a Hidden Gem in Los Angeles by boat

See the beautiful and hidden venice canals on a private tour.

We offer a picturesque experience cruising through the Venice’s historic canal district .

Whether you book a guided tour, boat rental or photography session, you’ll get to enjoy a hidden gem in Los Angeles. Adventure by boat.

Relax with a lover, friend or family member. Learn about the rich history of the Venice of America. Discover nature and feed some ducks!

• Great for couples, small groups and solo travelers
• 60 minutes, flexible date
• Includes equipment
• Moderate Exercise
• language-line Hosted in English, Chinese, French, or Spanish

Come visit the Venice Canals

Private Boat Tour

Join our guided excursion by boat on the canals. Have an adventure. Learn to paddle. Discover some local history. Chat with a local, And feed the ducks! 

Private Boat Rental

Just want a boat and some paddles? Book an hour or two on your own to explore the canals. Explore. Take a canoe and roam. Relax. Share a moment with the a loved one amongst the ducks. 

Rentals: $100 per boat *

* Our rental boats can accommodate 2 large adults, 3 medium-sized adults or a couple with small children. Contact us for larger group sizes or special needs .

What our guests are saying

Where to find us

Our tours and rentals start at the intersection of Eastern and Linnie Canal [ view on google maps ], just steps away from Ocean Avenue and South Venice Blvd. Exact meeting location and parking options shared after booking . 

Special Events

Want to come with a larger group, multiple boats or a special company or team event? We’ve hosted family gatherings, team building activities and activities for corporate off-sites. Contact us to discuss your needs and get a group rate . We love making special moments.

Gift Certificates

Want to gift a tour or boat rental to a friend or loved one? Check out our Venice Canals Boat Rental Gift Certificate or Venice Canals Boat Tour Gift Certificate .

Come explore Venice water with us.

Venice Canals in Los Angeles: The Complete Guide

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Visiting Today

Things to do, best time to visit, where to eat, where to stay nearby, venice canals.

Chances are, if you find yourself in Los Angeles ' Venice Beach, you were likely lured there by the promise of first-rate people watching along the boardwalk , cheap sunglasses, a sunny day on the sand, or a good meal at any number of its trendy restaurants. All worthy adventures, but there’s also an off-the-beaten path attraction worth a detour between slurping gourmet ice cream and marveling at the sculpted bodybuilders at the open-air gym. The Venice Canals are one of the city’s quirkiest neighborhoods as well as a picturesque reminder of the grandiose beginnings of Southern California as a tourist destination. 

More than 100 years ago, Venice of America was the brainchild of Abbot Kinney, a New Jersey transplant who came to California with big dreams and deep pockets lined with tobacco money. 

According to legend and a KCET documentary , Kinney wound up in Los Angeles on his way back from a business trip to Asia and had the best sleep of his life in a local hotel. This convinced him to move west. He purchased a large plot of saltwater marshlands, and in 1904, began excavating and dredging what was to become his pedestrian-friendly, Italy -inspired coastal playground, complete with seven canals, four islands, a large saltwater lagoon, miniature railroad, Italianate buildings with colonnades and a roller coaster. The development opened to much fanfare on July 4, 1905. Red Cars (trolleys) transported people from downtown to the beach. (The concrete bridge they crossed over still stands on present-day Venice Boulevard and the old station was converted into the Windward Hotel.) Gondolas with imported gondoliers ferried folks around the canals and to vacation cabins. 

Connected to the Grand Canal, a second set of canals appeared south of the originals, apparently built to capitalize on the Kinney’s success. By 1910, realtors Strong & Dickinson and Robert Marsh & Co were selling lots in the new watery Short Line subdivision. These channels are the only ones that remain liquid today.

By 1920, more visitors were arriving by car, parking was scarce, and the area had been constructed for walkers not wheels. Business owners and the city teamed up and proposed filling in the canals, which also suffered from poor circulation and ensuing pollution, converting them to streets and paying for it by levying a special assessment on residential holdings. Homeowners fought back and litigation lasted for four years. In the end, the California Supreme Court sided with Venice, which had by then consolidated with the city of LA. LA went ahead with the plan and the canals became paved roads (now known as Market, Main, San Juan, Grand and Windward) and the lagoon became a traffic circle by the end of 1929. The under-populated Short Line was spared only because they couldn’t raise enough funds via property assessments. 

Today, the canals are comprised of six waterways: Carroll, Linnie, Howland, Sherman, Eastern, and Grand. Approximately one and a half miles in length and 50 feet in width, they form a grid and three residential islands now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cars can access homes via Dell Avenue’s four bridges, and pedestrians can use nine footbridges.

By 1940, the deteriorated sidewalks were closed to the public. Thankfully a major ‘90s restoration project replaced them, deepened the canals, added a saltbush barrier and rebuilt the sides of the channels. It's now a perfect place to amble as pathways meander over quaint bridges and past a duck pond, a children’s play area, landscaped yards, a monarch butterfly garden, and an extremely wide variety of architecture from multi-story concrete boxes, and vintage bungalows to castles with turrets. The neighborhood's designation as a wildlife preserve has once again made it popular with herons, egrets, coots, pelicans, and subsequently, birders. The water quality is now maintained through twice-weekly natural tidal flushing cycles. Occasionally, seals and leopard sharks venture in through open tidal gates.

Venice Beach Walking Tours offers organized strolls, but the area is easily self-guided. A good starting point is at the corner of Washington and Strongs Drive, where a sign marks the enclave’s entrance. There are no official boat rentals, but there is a public boat launch open from 9 am to 6 pm for non-motorized watercraft.

Tourists can see what remains of Kinney’s Italianate facades and arcades near Pacific and Windward avenues as well as the replica of the hanging letters that spell out Venice as they did back in the day. Most are now bars, cafes, juice joints, tattoo parlors, eateries, and markets.

Skate or bike the boardwalk , watch iron pumping at Muscle Beach, or take a Hornblower cruise in the bay. If you love shopping, serious damage can be done at the indie boutiques that line Abbot Kinney Boulevard , including Burro , Gorjana and Heist .

The Venice Canals can be visited year-round thanks to LA’s mostly mild weather. Even in the dead of summer, the proximity to the ocean and the marine layer overhead help keep the beach community several degrees cooler than its inland neighbors. Spring is the optimal time to visit as plants are in full bloom and baby ducks are plentiful. The July 4 th weekend is often celebrated with a rubber duck race and wind-powered “boat” regatta.

Residents, many of which are creatives and artists, go all out in December, with house and bridge-decorating contests and an almost 40-year-old annual holiday boat parade where costumed captains navigate the waterways in tricked-out canoes, paddleboards, rafts, kayaks, and dinghies, and bands perform from floating decks.

This neighborhood is a foodie's paradise. Culinary fans and locals alike head to Abbott Kinney Boulevard to get a taste of the wide varieties of cuisines, including Japanese, Italian, Mexican, and of course, plenty of great seafood spots. Here are the establishments that should be on your list:

• Gjelina : An Abbott Kinney all-timer, a reservation at Gjelina is hard to come by, but its incredible pizzas and locally-sourced veggies are worth trying.
• Blue Star Donuts : The L.A. outpost of the Portland classic is just as popular with locals in this neighborhood.
• Felix : Home to incredible pasta, we guarantee the rigatoni and sfincione at this establishment will change your life.
• The Tasting Kitchen : This unpretentious Italian gem is a standout that is always worth a visit.

Your best option in this neighborhood is the centrally located Hotel Erwin . With its funky décor, rooftop lounge and ocean views, this property puts you right in the thick of it all and is within walking distance of the canals. You can also score a package with surf lessons. 

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Take A Boat Tour Of The Forgotten Venice Canals Of Los Angeles

Next time visiting Venice Beach in LA, take the time to explore the charming forgotten piece of Venice in Los Angeles.

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History of the venetian canals of los angeles, take a boat ride on the venice canals in los angeles, take a walking tour of the los angeles venice canals.

It's often forgotten about now, but there was once an attempt to create a little Venice in Los Angeles. The Venice Canal Historic District is located in the residential Venice suburb of LA and is a place to explore the Venice of California . It is peaceful and relaxing. While there is nothing like the experience of visiting the canals of the real Venice in Italy, seeing the Venice canals near Venice Beach is one of the more peaceful and contemplative things to do in Los Angeles.

They are arguably some of the most stunning wetland man-made canals to explore on a Sunday afternoon on the West Coast. Discovering the Venice Canals of Venice Beach is one of the most rewarding and unusual things to do when visiting the famous Los Angeles beach. After a day of sunbathing on the beach, enjoy an hour in the late afternoon, leisurely exploring the forgotten canals of Los Angeles.

In 1905, just before the dawn of the automobile, a developer decided to build a number of canals in his property development, initially called "Venice of America." This wasn't the only time developers have sought to increase the appeal of their developments - one famous example is the developer who purchased the London Bridge and reconstructed it in Arizona .

The developer wanted the new district to have the appearance and feel of Venice (after all, Venice is certainly one of the most romantic cities in Europe ). The canals were complete with arched bridges reminiscent of the arched bridges of Venice.

The developer is a story in himself. He was Abbott Kinney - an eccentric, asthmatic, entrepreneurial dreamer who won the land in a coin toss.

• Built: In 1905

In the beginning, there were six canals, namely Aldebaran Canal, Altair Canal, Cabrillo Canal, Coral Canal, Grand Canal, Lion Canal, and Venus Canal. Another set of canals was also built called the New Amsterdam Canals ( the canals of Amsterdam in The Netherlands are also very much worth exploring ). The canals had gondoliers and arched bridges, and they really helped to sell the lots.

But things soon changed with the spread of cars as the main mode of transportation. Over the years, a number of canals were filled in and converted to paved roads, and the remaining canals fell into neglect. Finally, they were drained, renovated, and restored with new sidewalks in the 1990s.

In more recent years, there has also been work on restoring some of the old houses while other large modern houses have also been built. The neighborhood has once again become a desirable part of the city.

Related: This Holland Village Is Also Known As The 'Dutch Venice'

Perhaps the best way to see and experience the canals is by boat. Canal Pals is a local company offering guided boat tours and boat rentals for those wanting to explore the historic canals. Additionally, they offer a photography session for anyone interested in capturing some magical pics.

Discover the hidden gem of Los Angeles by boat and relax with friendly guides or just with friends and family. It is a great experience for couples, small groups, and even solo travelers alike.

Private Boat Tour Of The Canals In Venice

Enjoy some moderate exercise and paddle around the peaceful canals while learning about the local history of the district. Chat with the knowledgeable local guide and feed ducks along the way.

• Cost: $190 For 2 people and up
• Duration: 60 Minutes

Rental A Canoe Privately

Those who would like to just paddle around and explore the canals by themselves can instead opt to just rent a canoe and roam. They can choose to book the boat for an hour or two and be alone with the ducks. The boats can accommodate two large adults, three medium-sized adults, or a family with small children.

• Cost: $100 per boat

Plan on exploring and paddling the canals for at least an hour.

Related: Things You Didn't Know About Visiting The Famed Panama Canal

Venice Beach Walking Tours is a local website offering walking tours of the famous Venice Beach offered by Jeffrey Solomon. They also offer Venice walking tours with a particular emphasis on the Venice Canals. On these walking tours, guests learn from their knowledgeable guide all about the canals and the eccentric entrepreneur Abbot Kinney behind them.

The tours can be booked online and require at least two participants. The cost of a tour is from $40 per person.

Those who don't want to have a guided tour of the Venice Canals of Los Angeles can easily go on their own self-guided walking tour of the canals. They are free to visit, and anyone can visit at any time. There's more to Venice Beach than the beach!

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Venice Canals

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Time Out says

Tucked between the grimy Venice Boardwalk and the posh Abbot Kinney , the Venice Canals offer a completely different side of the famed beachfront neighborhood. Take a stroll through these three canal-lined blocks—hence the name, Venice—and you'll discover an idyllic scene: arching pedestrian bridges, charming beach houses, bunches of ducklings and the occasional paddle boarding bulldog. Though you won't find boat rentals anywhere along the canals, you can bring your own non-motorized vessel to tour the neighborhood at water level (enter via the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard).

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Venice Canal Historic District

Carroll Ct & Eastern Canal Ct, Los Angeles , California 90293 USA

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Historic Treasure

The Venice Canals feel totally different from the rest of LA… they feel different from the rest of Venice, even. It’s fun to explore the sidewalks and bridges alongside and over the channels and wonder about the people who live in the adorable houses on the water. It’s such a strange neighborhood that it will definitely have you wondering what it's doing in Los Angeles.

“even the Venice in California has Canals”

The Venice Canal Historic District is a district in the Venice section of Los Angeles, California. The district is noteworthy for its man-made canals built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his Venice of America plan. Kinney sought to recreate the appearance and feel of Venice, Italy in Southern California. The canals are roughly bounded by Eastern Court on the east, Court A on the south, Strongs Drive on the west, and Court E on the north. There are four east-west canals: Carroll Canal, Linnie Canal, Howland Canal, and Sherman Canal, and two north-south canals: Eastern Canal and Grand Canal. The beautifully lit canals with gondoliers and arched bridges drew widespread publicity and helped sell lots in the development. However, as the automobile gained in popularity, the canals were viewed by many as outdated, and the bulk of the canals were filled in 1929 to create roads. By 1940, the remaining canals had fallen into disrepair, and the sidewalks were condemned by the city. The canal district remained in poor condition for more than 40 years, as numerous proposals to renovate the canals failed due to lack of funding, environmental concerns and disputes as to who should bear the financial responsibility. The canals were finally renovated in 1992, with the canals being drained and new sidewalks and walls being built. The canals re-opened in 1993 and have become a desirable and expensive residential section of the city. The residential district surrounding the remaining canals was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. However, in recent years, there has been extensive renovation work on many of the old houses, and many large, modern houses have been built.

Reviewed by AJ Frustaci

• Road Warrior

The perfect date spot. Spend an hour walking on the paths among the flowers and crossing bridges over the canals. Just be respectful of the backyards you will pass by.

Reviewed by ampierpont

Very relaxing walk. Interesting blend of many different architectures and landscaping

Reviewed by msoyer

Something you can stop by. Keep the expectation low.

Reviewed by Greek_nomad

• 401 Reviews
• 296 Helpful

What if Venice seems far away to go for the night while in USA? Just visit Venice Canals and fulfill your dreams quickly and inexpensive.

This small "village", full of small cottage houses will make you feel you are in another world. Rent a boat and take the trip through the canals, it will surely relax you.

If you stay until the sun goes down you will love how this place is lit up!!

Be the first to add a review to the Venice Canal Historic District.

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California's Hidden Gems: The Venice Canals

Venice, California may be best known for its vibrant beach, but its historic Venice Canals are equally worth visiting. Here's why.

February 28, 2024

If you’ve only been to the Venice Beach Boardwalk , you probably wonder how this neighborhood in Los Angeles has any association with the famous tourist destination in Italy. Venice, Italy, has miles of canals sweeping through the heart of the city, romantic gondola rides, and pedestrian walkways. That was the inspiration for Abbot Kinney's Venice of America. 

After traveling from the East Coast to San Francisco , Kinney found his way to what is now known as Venice Beach, California. Inspired to bring the Mediterranean’s Venice to California, Kinney changed the city's landscape forever. On July 4, 1905, the seven original canals stretched across two miles and attracted some 40 to 50,000 visitors on the opening day.

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History of the Venice Canals

Development and design.

The Venice Canals were built in 1905 by Abbot Kinney, a developer who wanted to create a replica of Venice, Italy, in California. Kinney's vision was to create a network of canals, complete with gondolas, bridges, and beautiful houses. They were designed to drain the marshes and wetlands that existed in the area.

The canals were a huge success, attracting visitors from all over the world. Kinney's Venice of America was a popular tourist destination, and the canals were and still are a major attraction. But Kinney’s dream for the city didn’t end there.

He is also responsible for the giant roller coaster that once adorned the shores, the columned Italian façades near the Pacific Ocean, and the idea to hang letters spelling out Venice. Because of the popularity of the Venice Beach canals, copycats soon sprang up south of Kinney’s development. Called the Short Line canals, these six structures connected to the original Vince of America through the Grand Canal, and by 1910, homes were for sale along these man-made rivers.

Decline and Restoration

Though the Venice Canals in Los Angeles were beloved in their hayday, as cars became more popular, Venice of America became less practical. By 1929, Venice was absorbed into Los Angeles, and the California Supreme Court ruled to fill in Kinney’s canals to create roadways. This change was to be funded by a levied property assessment, and since the six canals south of Kinney’s did not have a high enough population to finance paved roads, they are the only ones that remain today. 

By the 1950s, Venice had become known as the "slum by the sea." The canals were in a state of disrepair, and the area was considered undesirable. It wasn't until the 1990s that the city funded a restoration project. In 1993, the canals underwent a $6 million renovation that drained them to remove "80 years of muck" from the waters and restored sidewalks and pedestrian bridges. Today, the Venice Canals are a popular tourist attraction. They are a prime example of California's hidden gems .

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Venice Canals: Walk Europe in Southern California

The Venice Canals in Los Angeles County are one of the most unique things you can do during a day at the beach. The canals are located right off 25th street in Venice Beach, and if you didn’t know they were there, you would easily walk right by them. The area is primarily a neighborhood of houses that line four canals about a quarter-mile long each. Along these channels are sidewalks and bridges you can walk to take in the views of this beautiful area. Read all about the canals below so you can check them out for yourself.

• Parking nearby in the lot at the end of Venice Boulevard

Here is a video I made on the canals.

Venice of America was founded by tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney in 1905 as a beach resort town. When Venice of America opened on July 4, 1905, Kinney had dug several miles of canals to drain the marshes for his residential area and bring a taste of Venice to America.   In 1924 the city decided it needed more roads and most of the canals were filled in to pave them. After lots of court hearings from the residents about whether or not it was legal to fill them in, the Supreme Court ruled it was in 1928. By the end of the year, almost all of the canals were gone, save the ones that are still here to this day.

It was said that the remaining canals were saved by the Depression and the contractor’s bankruptcy. But in truth, the area, which was only half-developed, wouldn’t have supported much housing, and the lack of need for more roads saved the remaining canals.

How To Get There

This Google Maps image shows where the canals are located in Venice Beach in relation to the boardwalk; you can see them in blue.

I found it easier to park in the lot at the end of Venice Blvd and walk south on the boardwalk to 25th Avenue, then cut into the canals. At 25th Avenue you can see a sign for the canals, as well as a walkway that leads you directly into the area.

The canals themselves go for about as long as you would like to walk. We walked for about 45 minutes, and there was still a lot to see. It is a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll and to take in the serene area that seems almost out of place in the chaos of Venice Beach.

Almost every house on the canals has a dock, and half of them have some form of boat that they can take on the water. It seems like it would be a pretty cool life to simply walk outside your door, get in your gondola, and travel down the waterway to the neighbor’s house.

The Bridges

Each canal seems to have at least two or three bridges that connect the two sides. While walking the area, you will not have a hard time cutting across to adjacent sides, as there are enough bridges to make walking easy, but not enough to detract from the view.

Another cool thing about the bridges is that no two appear to be the same. They have similar appearances, but they seem to be unique.

The bridges provide excellent vantage points of the waterways for photography as well. The below picture was taken from a bridge right at sunset.

The other standout for this area is the lavish houses that line the canals, and before you ask, they start at around a million dollars. So, unfortunately, they are about $900,000 out of my price range. Oh well, it was still a lot of fun to walk along and check them all out.

As you would expect, most of the houses have been extensively kept up, with the plants never coming onto the walking path. Through the time I was there, I only saw one house that was rundown, and for sale, everything else looked like it had exceptional attention to detail in keeping the house in tip-top shape.

I would highly suggest you add the Venice Canals to your list and experience them for yourself. It is an excellent place for a stroll with your significant other, or a great free excursion if you are spending a family day at the beach. Get directions below and let me know what you think in the comments.

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Venice Canals

Many of the streets in Venice were once canals.  What is left is just a fraction of once abundant waterways, which were laid out by the City’s founder Abbot Kinney to be a miniature version of Venice, Italy.

• Stroll the canals with your loved one(s)
• Take a brisk walk or jog along the canals.
• Take a picture on the bridge with the canals in the background.  Don’t forget to hash tag #VeniceCAFun
• Take the Detour tour, and learn the story of Venice’s Founder, Abbot Kinney and the early history of the V!  Abbot Kinney’s Impossible Dream tour led by Venice Paparazzi ‘s  and VisitVeniceCA ‘s Edizen Stowell

Insert from Wikipedia!     “The Venice Canal Historic District is a district in the Venice section of Los Angeles, California. The district is noteworthy for its man-made canals built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his Venice of America plan. Kinney sought to recreate the appearance and feel of Venice, Italy, inSouthern California. The canals are roughly bounded by Eastern Court on the east, Court A on the south, Strongs Drive on the west, and Court E on the north. There are four east-west canals (Carroll Canal, Linnie Canal, Howland Canal, and Sherman Canal) and two north-south canals (Eastern Canal and Grand Canal). The beautifully lit canals with gondoliers and arched bridges drew widespread publicity and helped sell lots in the development. However, as the automobile gained in popularity, the canals were viewed by many as outdated, and the bulk of the canals were filled in 1929 to create roads. By 1940, the remaining canals had fallen into disrepair, and the sidewalks were condemned by the city. The canal district remained in poor condition for more than 40 years, as numerous proposals to renovate the canals failed due to lack of funding, environmental concerns, and disputes as to who should bear the financial responsibility. The canals were finally renovated in 1992, with the canals being drained and new sidewalks and walls being built. The canals re-opened in 1993 and have become a desirable and expensive residential section of the city. ”

VENICE CANALS EVENTS:

• Fourth of July Rubber Ducky Contest
• Venice Bridge Lighting
• Venice Canal’s Boat Parade

For more info on the Venice Canals, visit www.venicecanalsassociation.org

PARKING LOTS:   

• South City Parking Lot :    2100 Ocean Front Walk. Venice, Ca 90291.  (End of Venice Blvd. approximately 4 miles from the 405 freeway)
• Washington Blvd. Lot:    3100 Washington Boulevard, Venice, Ca 90291 (By the Venice Pier)
• PRIVATE AND STREET PARKING AVAILABLE There are also private parking lots near the beach near Windward Ave. These private lots can cost anywhere between $5-$15 per day. Parking on the beach fills up quickly, so start your day early. COME EARLY TO FIND STREET PARKING.  Read the signs to avoid parking tickets

Also, check out the Ballona Lagoon in Marina del Rey!   Great for hiking, exploring or jogging!

Ballona Lagoon is a tidal channel situated in the City of Los Angeles on the Silver Strand Peninsula, adjacent to Marina del Ray Harbor.   Click here  for more info!

Venice Canals: Venice Beach’s Charming Hidden Gem

Looking for something unique to do in Los Angeles? Do you know of the Los Angeles Venice Canals?

Probably when you hear Venice Canals, the first destination that pops in your head is the one in Italy. I can’t blame you for that as it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. While the Los Angeles Venice Canals was inspired by “the City of Canals” it’s not exactly it, at least not what it is today.

What are the Venice Canals in Los Angeles? Venice Beach Canals is a small Venice, Los Angeles, California suburb now known as the Venice Canal Historic District. Originally laid out as a Venice-style (yes, that Venice in Italy) suburb of Los Angeles in 1905, Abbot Kinney developed the area as a commercial district and amusement park.

The Venice Canals is a charming hidden gem in the heart of Venice Beach, Los Angeles. Seeing and walking around this peaceful, picturesque part of LA is a sight.

The moment you step into it, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a European town with its beautiful houses and manicured flowered gardens. Delightful arched bridges, small boats, and dinghies tied up along the waterways.

It’s a fresh breath of air.

The canals of Venice Beach are one of the top places to visit in Los Angeles . This idyllic historic Venice Beach landmark is not only a tourist destination but also loved by locals and the community.

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When visiting Venice Beach, the Venice Canals are the perfect little escape from the crowds and bustle of the Venice Boardwalk. It’s one of our top favorite spots in Los Angeles, and we tend to forget we are in the city for a short stroll around the canals.

You’ll want to plan your visit here when visiting Los Angeles in Southern California. If you’re nearby Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, or especially when exploring Venice beach, make a short stop to see the Venice Beach Canals and what makes them so special.

They are also only a 30-minute ride (on a good traffic day) from Downtown Los Angeles .

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Venice Canal Historic District

History of Venice Canals in Los Angeles

Abbot Kinney, the founder of Venice, California, was a world traveler and a dreamer. He was charmed and influenced by Venice, Italy, and had the idea of developing his own “Venice of America”. The Venice Canals were first constructed in 1905 – they were manmade canals.

The Venice Canals were originally built as a means of transportation for the residents and businesses in the area. Imagine the area filled with gondoliers transporting you through canals.

You have to dig into the history of Venice, California, to picture the whole thing. Venice was once an independent city until 1926, when it became part of Los Angeles.

Abbot Kinney sought to turn Venice into a sophisticated beachside resort town with art and culture, like Venice, Italy. The Venice Canals were part of his larger plans. He built a seaside hotel that looked like a ship, a dance hall, and a casino, amongst a few other things.

While the Venice Canals was a success for a short time, his plans for his “Venice of America” sort of failed. He gave in and turned it into an amusement park with rides and commercial businesses in 1909. It seems that’s what people were attracted to more than the vision he originally had.

What happened to Amusement Pier and all the rides? It eventually closed in 1946 when the city didn’t want to renew its lease.

What would Abbot Kinney say about the Venice Beach of today?

Things to do in Venice Beach, California

Looking for things to do in Venice Beach, California? There’s no shortage of activities and attractions when visiting Venice Beach. From exploring the lively Venice Beach boardwalk to seeing the historic Venice canals, these are some of the top exciting things you won’t want to miss.

How many canals are in Venice, California?

Back in the early 1900s, there were 13 canals, making the area 3 times larger than it is today. Only six canals remain today, while the other seven canals were covered and are now street names you’ll find yourself walking through as you explore Venice.

Remaining Canals:

Four East-West Canals

• Carroll Canal
• Linnie Canal
• Howland Canal
• Sherman Canal

Two North-South Canal

• Eastern Canal
• Grand Canal

Current street names of the paved canals:

• Main Street
• Canal Street
• Cabrillo Avenue
• San Juan Avenue
• Windward Avenue
• Altair Street
• Market Street
• Grand Boulevard

With vehicles becoming a popular form of transportation, the canals were actually filled in 1929 and turned into paved roads. The remaining canals fell into disrepair throughout the years causing even closures to the area.

In 1993, the canals were finally renovated and re-opened. Making the Venice Beach Canals a popular spot for people to visit once again… minus the gondoliers.

The Venice Canals Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 9, 2009.

How to get to the Venice Beach Canals?

The Canals of Venice Beach are located in a quadrant between the streets of S Venice Blvd, Pacific Avenue, Ocean Blvd, and W Washington Blvd.

1. You can access the Venice Beach canals by foot just steps away from Oceanfront Walk and Pacific Avenue or Ocean Avenue and Eastern Ct.

• From Ocean Front Walk and Pacific Avenue, you’ll find public access to the canals from 25th Ave, 27th Ave, and 29th Ave. Here are paths that lead down into the Canals of Venice Beach. The 25th Ave and 27th Ave access is the most directly into the heart of the canals. If you take the access from 29th Ave, you’ll be farther south on Grand Canal. Just head north on the Venice Canal Walkway towards the other canals.
• From Ocean Ave and Eastern Court, you’ll find public access from Howland Ave, Linnie Canal, and Court D.

2. You can quickly drive through the Venice Canals Historic District center via Dell Avenue. Dell Ave is a one-way street that you can start and go north on from W Washington Blvd. 3. Riding a bike along Dell Ave to see canals is another option.

Parking at the Canals

• Only visiting the area to see the Venice Canals? Find a parking spot along Pacific Ave or Ocean Ave near the public access entrances for free parking. Note, on a busy day, this may be a difficult find.
• Alternatively, you can pay for parking at one of the Venice Beach parking lots at the end of W Washington Boulevard (near Venice Pier) or S Venice Boulevard.

How to Spend One Day in Los Angeles, California

There are so many things to do in Los Angeles that it can be tough to know where to start. This one day in Los Angeles itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Southern California’s biggest city. From tourist traps to local spots, these are the best places to go in Los Angeles in a day.

What’s the best way to see Venice Canals walkway?

The best way to explore the Venice Canals is on foot via the Venice Canals walkway. You’ll get the best experience if you take the time to walk around the canals. You can connect from one canal to another via 9 pedestrian bridges that lead you around the Venice Canal Walkway.

You can make it a short walk or a long one. That’s up to you. You can also bring your furry friend, leashed and ready with poop bags to pick up after them.

What days are Venice Canals open?

The Venice Canals are open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. That said, please be mindful and respectful of the community. This is a residential area.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Venice Canals Walkway?

No. You do not need to book anything to visit and see the Venice Beach Canals as it is open to the public for FREE.

However, if you’d like to book a paid guided tour of the Venice Canals, here is an option:

• Private Tour on Venice Canals (ride a boat) [ book tour ]

Are cars allowed in the Venice Canals?

The only street that allows a vehicle inside the Venice Beach Canals is Dell Ave, a one-way street. Otherwise, it is all foot traffic or by boat via the waterways, which residents mostly use.

Can you swim in the Venice Canals in LA?

No, you can’t swim in the Venice Canals. It is not allowed. Also, you have Venice beach a walk away. Better off saving your energy for the Pacific Ocean.

And while the area is pretty to look at, the muddy water in the canals does not look pretty to swim in.

There it is, all you need to know about the canals of Venice Beach. The Venice Beach Canals are one of the most charming hidden gems in Los Angeles. It’s a unique part of LA that should be part of your LA itinerary.

Have you visited Venice Canals in Los Angeles? What did you think?

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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I didn’t know about this spot either! I’d love to see the Venice of California. Well, the canals part since I have been to Venice. I don’t remember going to this spot. One day I will have to get back to Cali! Loved learning about this spot, the history and seeing all the pics. Maybe now it’s how Abbot Kinney intended it to be? Although with less canals but I’m sure he’d be happy to know it’s not an amusement park anymore. Funny what our different tastes are through the years. Although google tells me that soon after this one closed Disneyland was starting to get designed. We do still love our amusement parks!

I didn’t know that about Disneyland. Interesting. Well, I think the amusement park in Venice was more like Santa Monica Pier and Coney Island than Disneyland.

Here’s a page about the historic canals I created on the Historical Marker Database website: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=178246

Appreciate the valuable information.

• United States

Venice Canals

Los Angeles, California

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Description

Added by Lucas Pols

The Venice Canals are a hidden gem of Los Angeles that are definitely worth a stroll.

The canals are a fun and quiet place to relax away from the hectic Venice boardwalk. Take a stroll through the canals or even get in a run! The reflections in the water are the main attraction and are great for photography. Spring, after some rain, is the best time to go as the water levels are going to be the highest!

If driving, remember not to leave anything valuable in your car. 

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Venice Canals Reviews

A Magical Spot

Had to subtract one star because the parking around the area is a pain. Wonderful to see a little Venice in Southern California. Fun to roam around and daydream about the houses and the little boats you see in the area.

Unique place

Cool place to explore or take a walk. Don't know if I'd come here specifically for this though

Surprisingly beautiful

The Venice canals are surprisingly beautiful.

Marlena Steiner

Favorite LA Spot!

The canals are one of my favorite LA spots. There are usually very few people (if at all) there and it can be such a wonderful stroll amidst a crazy city. It feels like a little escape! Great place to stroll on a date, or grab some lunch and enjoy the view while you eat!

A Great Morning Walk

Hit Menotti's Coffee Shop beforehand! A nice stroll through the canals + some coffee = the best way to wake up.

Bianca Isidro

The canals are pretty cool considering their location in SoCal. The water levels can get pretty low, especially during the dry parts of the year, so time your visit accordingly! Otherwise it's a great place to take a casual stroll.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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