Venice Canals, and not the Italian ones

In my experience, a walk around the Venice Canals can soften even the most hardened of visiting LA skeptics. Bordered by S. Venice Blvd. to the north and Washington Blvd. to the south, the canals lie just a few blocks east of the ocean, but seem worlds away from the Venice Beach throngs.

The upscale homes bordering the canals – both the quaint cottages and the tacky, mini-McMansions - are worth checking out in and of themselves. There’s something to satisfy almost anyone’s architectural taste, but that’s not really the point. What is important is that none of these high-priced homes is gated or gives the impression that it’s protected by CIA-designed security. Heck, they’re so open I’ve glimpsed people changing on more than one occasion, and voyeurism’s definitely not my thing.

Unlike the Hollywood Hills or Bel-Air, this is a walkable ‘hood. So when your out-of-town guests taunt you with those infamous “Nobody walks in LA" lyrics, you now have something to throw back at them. Hopefully, they won’t turn on you with that ‘the exception proves the rule’ bit.

More notable than even the architecture is the canals’ natural beauty. It’s easy to spot egrets, hummingbirds, and congregating ducks. Small, arched white bridges are a picturesque way of traversing the canals. An alternative means of transport, at least for area residents, is hopping in one of the kayaks or paddle boats tranquilly docked at their doorstep. If you can, try to go in the late afternoon when the light makes the sometimes murky-looking water sparkle.

If you or your visitors are history buffs, know that the Venice canals were first dug in 1904-05 by Abbott Kinney. In the 1960s, beatniks and hippies moved into the area, including Jim Morrison of The Doors. By the 1970s, real estate prices skyrocketed, turning the real estate around the canals into some of the priciest land on the Westside.

Hungry after your walking adventure? Head to Kim’s Market at 600 Mildred Ave. (Cross Street: Venice Way). This swanky corner market carries more wine than sandwiches. The tiny outdoor patio in back gives you a place to swill your wine and enjoy your nibbles in relative tranquility. Don’t forget to check out the mural – an idealized version of the canals – on your way out!