In 1904, a man named Abbott Kinney came from the east in search of a better climate to help his health. He found Venice California, fell in-love, and decided to build 20 miles of canals. These canals have gone through many changes over the years including being a slum but thanks to a $6 million dollar renovation in the 90’s, combined with famous Hollywood types and architects moving in, the 2 miles of canals left are once again beautiful.

Although I’d known about them since moving to Santa Monica five years ago, I’d never been. It took having out of town guests and trying to find something local and easy to do to get me there. And once there, I, too, fell in-love with the area (and tried to figure out how to justify a one bedroom cottage for $3K a month for rent!).

What I loved was how unique every home was and how they all maintained a sense of privacy despite the fact you were walking right by their homes, often right by their windows. It was a relaxed area, definitely upscale but completely casual at the same time. Most lots are small (30′ wide by 80′ to 95′ deep) so there’s a lot of different homes to look at. Highly recommend this easy and beautiful walk if you’re in the LA area where dogs are OK but bikes are not.