Understand

Venice, California, was the vision of Abbott Kinney, an investor who aimed to recreate the charm of Venice, Italy. In 1905, he built a grand entertainment complex and an elaborate system of canals, which became hugely popular. While most of the canals have been converted into streets, a few remain, lined with unique and architecturally diverse urban homes. Taking a stroll along these streets is a fascinating lesson in architectural diversity. Although Kinney's entertainment complex faded away due to competition, the spirit of Venice lives on in its captivating boardwalk. In the 1950s and '60s, Venice became a hub for the Beat generation, with poets and artists flocking to the area. Notably, Jim Morrison of The Doors resided in Venice, drawing inspiration for his poetry and song lyrics. Over the years, Venice has been a hotbed of activism, with various movements opposing urban renewal plans. Today, Venice maintains a strong identity and progressive political stance, making it a truly unique and vibrant community worth exploring.

Get in

To get to Venice Beach from Los Angeles International Airport, start by driving north on Lincoln Boulevard (CA-1) and then turning left on Venice Boulevard. If you prefer to take public transportation, you can hop on a free shuttle from LAX to the LAX Transit Center and then catch the #3 Santa Monica Blue Bus heading north. Don't forget to ask for an interagency transfer. Get off at Washington Blvd. and at the northwest corner of Lincoln and Washington, you can catch the Culver City Bus #1 heading west. Finally, get off at Pacific and Windward, and now you are right in the heart of Venice Beach and Ocean Front Walk. It's easy and convenient to reach this vibrant destination!

Map & Climate