The hook
A few blocks off the chaos of the Venice boardwalk is a silent neighborhood of real canals, with footbridges and ducks and no cars, that almost got paved over for good.
01Why it's worth it
In 1905 a developer named Abbot Kinney tried to build a little Venice, Italy on the marshy edge of Los Angeles, digging canals, importing gondolas and gondoliers, the whole fantasy. Cars killed most of it; the bulk of the canals were filled and paved in 1929. But six of them survived, and after a 1990s restoration they're now one of the most charming corners of the city: a grid of narrow waterways lined with houses, crossed by nine little arched footbridges, walked on sidewalks with no roads, reflections and gardens and paddleboats and quiet. The tourists are all a quarter mile away on the boardwalk. Here it's just the water, the light, and whoever lives here walking their dog.
02How to experience it
The canals are just south of Venice Boulevard, inland from the beach, about six hours from the Bay. Free; you walk the public paths and bridges, though the houses are private, so keep it respectful. Come at golden hour for the light on the water, or in December for the decorated boat parade. Park once, since the streets are tight, and pair it with Abbot Kinney Boulevard nearby.