Built at the turn of the last century, as a part of a pleasure town that was LA's answer to Atlantic City, the Venice canals used to be part of a much larger network that was filled in during the depression. Luckily for us, one four block by four block segment survived to become one of the gems of our city and a perfect place to stroll and enjoy the one of a kind atmosphere.

While we can't claim you'll feel like you're in Italy, exploring the canals does feel like you've stepped outside of Los Angeles into a faraway place with sweet footbridges, ducks and rowboats. The houses along the canal are an interesting mish mash of quaint and modern, as though the residents are engaging in an architectural dialogue about what a canal house really should be. Painted in bright colors with well cared for lush, flower brimming lawns, they are as much of an attraction as the canals themselves. Though the area the canals cover is small, there is plenty of meandering room to wind through until you are ready to re-enter Los Angeles. No passport required.

Tip: You'll find the canals inside the square made by Venice and 28th Blvds, Pacific and Ocean. The address below is right in the center; you won't be able to park there, so park on one of the outermost streets and walk in. You'll want to get there during daylight hours, there's not a lot to see in the dark.