Wow! Venice canals

[Laura]

Venice, Italy, isn’t the only one with canals. I recently discovered the canals of Venice, California, and they are almost as magical as their European namesake!

I highly recommend taking a walk around the neighborhood when you’re in Los Angeles. The canal system is a little pocket of tranquility just a stone’s throw from some busy roads and Venice’s bizarre boardwalk scene. You can stroll the canal’s quiet walkways and bridges while admiring fascinating architecture and beautiful, lush gardens. Keep an eye – and ear – out for ducks and songbirds, as they seem to like this area.

The Venice canals are located between Washington Ave. and Venice Blvd., a few blocks east of the ocean. Washington Ave. has plenty of restaurants and cafes if you want to make a day of it. And the neighborhood is close to LAX if you just want to stretch your legs during a layover!

[Laura]

An update: I went back to the Venice canals in mid-May and the gardens were just exploding with color! (Too bad I did not have my camera.) The flowers are really fantastic this time of year. My most recent visit was on a Sunday afternoon, and a few residents were out tending their gardens, feeding the ducks, etc. Folks were really friendly and it was fun to hear about what it's like to live on the canals.

[HalfDomeRick]

Interesting...I never knew about them. All I ever see at Venice Beach is the beach ...with the weightlifting area, the rollerbladers, basketball courts and of course the non-stop people parade on their "boardwalk".