Venice Beach Canals: What to Know Before You Visit

Looking for a quieter spot to explore in Los Angeles? The Venice Canals in Venice Beach might surprise you.

When most people hear “Venice Canals,” they think of Italy—and that makes sense. But Los Angeles has its own version, inspired by the original, with a charm all its own. Located right in Venice Beach, the Venice Canals Historic District was developed in 1905 by Abbot Kinney as a California take on “The City of Canals.” These days, it’s a quiet, residential area filled with arched bridges, docked rowboats, and flower-lined walkways.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.

It’s one of our favorite spots to step away from the chaos of the Venice Boardwalk. A quick walk through the neighborhood, and you forget you’re still in LA. Make time for a short visit if you’re exploring Venice Beach—or passing through Santa Monica or the South Bay. It’s only 30 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles on a good traffic day.

Venice Canal Historic District: A Brief History

Abbot Kinney, the founder of Venice, California, was a world traveler with big ideas. Inspired by Venice, Italy, he set out to build his own “Venice of America.” In 1905, the manmade canals were constructed as part of that vision—designed initially as a means of transportation for residents and businesses. Picture gondoliers guiding boats through narrow waterways lined with homes.

Kinney aimed to create a sophisticated beachside resort filled with art and culture. He didn’t stop at canals—he also built a seaside hotel shaped like a ship, a dance hall, a casino, and other attractions to draw in visitors. At the time, Venice was its own city. That changed in 1926 when Los Angeles annexed it.

While the canals drew attention for a while, Kinney eventually gave in to what people really wanted—more entertainment. By 1909, his vision had shifted into a full-blown amusement park with rides and commercial businesses. The popular pier and its attractions lasted until 1946, when the city chose not to renew the lease.

Today, the Venice Canals are a quiet contrast to the energy of the Venice Boardwalk. The homes here are a mix of European-inspired architecture, California Craftsman, and modern beach styles.

You can’t help but wonder what Abbot Kinney would think of what Venice Beach has become.

Only Six of the Original Thirteen Canals Remain

Back in the early 1900s, there were 13 canals, making the area 3 times larger than it is In the early 1900s, there were 13 canals in Venice, making the original layout about three times larger than what exists today. As cars became more common, many of the canals were filled in and paved over by 1929 to make room for roads. Today, only six canals remain—four running east to west (Carroll, Linnie, Howland, and Sherman) and two running north to south (Eastern and Grand).

The former canals are now streets you might walk down without realizing their history: Main Street, Canal Street, Cabrillo Avenue, San Juan Avenue, Windward Avenue, Altair Street, Market Street, and Grand Boulevard.

After years of neglect, the remaining canals fell into disrepair and were sometimes closed off. It wasn’t until 1993 that they were fully renovated and reopened to the public. The gondolas are long gone, but the canals’ charm lives on. In 2009, the Venice Canals Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Getting to the Venice Beach Canals

The Venice Canals are located within a quadrant bordered by S Venice Blvd, Pacific Avenue, Ocean Avenue, and W Washington Blvd.
Here’s a revised and cleaner version of your “How to Get to the Venice Beach Canals” section. I merged where it made sense, tightened up the language, and bolded key details:

2. 🚗 By Car
You can drive through the center of the Venice Canals Historic District via Dell Avenue, a one-way street heading north from W Washington Blvd.

3. 🚲 By Bike
Biking along Dell Avenue is a fun and easy way to pass through and enjoy views of the canals.

Parking at the Canals

Here are your main parking options when visiting the Venice Beach Canals.

Paid Parking Lots: If street parking is full, head to a nearby lot at the end of W Washington Blvd (by Venice Pier) or along S Venice Blvd. These are a short walk from the canals and usually have more availability.

Free Street Parking:: Look for spots along Pacific Avenue or Ocean Avenue, especially near the canal entrances. If you find an open space, these are the most convenient, but they can fill up quickly on weekends or busy afternoons.

Walking is the Best Way to Explore the Venice Canals

The best way to experience the Venice Canals is simply by walking. The Venice Canals Walkway is open to the public 24/7 and completely free—no reservations or entrance fees are needed. You can explore at your own pace, crossing over nine pedestrian bridges that connect the canals and give you a full loop to wander.

Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful gardens, succulents, and the occasional mosaic lamppost or creative corner of yard art. Some homes are simple, others bold or artistic—there’s always something unexpected to notice.

You can make your visit as short or long as you’d like. Dogs are welcome too, as long as they’re leashed and you clean up after them.

If you’d prefer a more structured experience, occasionally guided tours include the canals and nearby Venice highlights.

🏡 The Venice Canals are open 24/7, but remember that this neighborhood is residential. While you’re welcome to visit any time, respect the homes and people who live there.

Vehicle Access is Limited to Dell Avenue

The only street open to vehicle traffic within the Venice Beach Canals is Dell Avenue, which runs one way through the neighborhood. Aside from that, the area is designed for pedestrians only, with the rest of the walkways only accessible by foot. The waterways themselves are private and mainly used by residents with small boats or kayaks.

Swimming in the Venice Canals Isn’t Allowed

No, you can’t swim in the Venice Canals. It’s not permitted, and honestly, the water isn’t the kind you’d want to swim in anyway. While the area is scenic, the canals are murky and not meant for recreation. Good news—you’re just a short walk from Venice Beach, where the Pacific Ocean is much better suited for a dip.

The Venice Canals are a quiet reminder of LA’s past and are worth a short detour when you need a break from the beach crowds.