The Canals of Los Angeles California

I wonder how many tourists strolling the boardwalk in Venice Beach, Los Angeles realize that the area is named for the canals built by a tobacco magnate at the turn of the last century?

Less than a five minute walk from the counter culture malcontents, tourists, surfers, street performers and homeless along the beach and boardwalk the pedestrian paths of the Venice Canals make for a nice stroll. They provide ample opportunity to appreciate the eclectic architecture of the homes that line them. It’s not uncommon to wonder what it would be like to live here. To start, you’ll need a few million dollars to purchase a home.

Abbot Kinney and his partner as part of a resort town they founded complete with amusement park, known as Venice of America, built the man made canals. Venice, its namesake of course the original in Italy, fell on hard times in the 1920s in part due to prohibition and politics. Its decline continued through the 1970s when urban blight was at its height. In the 1980s Venice began its ascent and was reborn again as a tourist mecca aided by its pedestrian friendly nature, a rarity in LA, and was touted as a unique attraction during the 1984 Summer Olympics. 

If you find yourself in Venice brunch along the aptly named Abbot Kinney Boulevard at Hals Bar and Grill. Or if you prefer a ringside view along the boardwalk check out Figtree’s Café and Grill. I can recommend the huevos rancheros and the coffee is good.