Chances are that you’ve seen Venice Beach CA in a movie, commercial, or a live cam showing LA for a sports event. It is, rightly or wrongly, what many people think of when they picture Southern CA. But there’s lots more than meets the eye. Scroll down to learn more about living here and view listings.
Venice homes for sale showing the most recent listings first.
About Venice
As soon as you mention Venice CA, the world famous canals come to many people’s mind. And, yes, inspired by Venice Italy.
The canals were built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney (yes, the man, not the street) as part of his Venice of America plan to bring the feel of Venice, Italy, to Southern California.
The canals are roughly bounded by Eastern Court on the east, Court A on the south, Strong’s Drive on the west, and Court E on the north. There are four east-west canals (Carroll Canal, Linnie Canal, Howland Canal, and Sherman Canal) and two north-south canals (Eastern Canal and Grand Canal). At the time, he lit canals with gondoliers and arched bridges drew widespread publicity and helped sell lots.
As the automobiles became more popular, the canals were viewed by many as outdated, and the many were filled in by 1929 to create roads. By 1940, the remaining canals had fallen into disrepair, and the sidewalks were condemned by the city. The canal district remained in poor condition for more than 40 years, as numerous proposals to renovate the canals failed. Finally, by 1992 they were drained and new sidewalks were built. The canals re-opened in 1993 and have become a desirable and expensive residential neighborhood.
The residential district surrounding the remaining canals was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 but that hasn’t prevented many of the old houses being torn down to be replaced by large, modern homes.
Things to Do and See in Venice CA
Abbott Kinney Blvd has been described as the “coolest block in America”, Quite possibly, but always open to debate. What I can tell you is that it is a mile long strip of the latest fashion, art and food you will find anywhere with very few (if any) chain stores and lots of great local merchants.
A few of my favorite restaurants are on Abbott Kinney, make sure you check out Gjelina. Don’t be fooled by the rustic vibe. This is worled class food.
You also don’t want to miss Rose Cafe (on Rose Ave) any time of the day. I once heard it described as “boho-chic” whatever that means. It has 2 patios, a bar and a bakery and great food.
You’ve most likely already seen it on screen but check out “Muscle Beach”. When the original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica went bye bye in the ’60s, this spot in Venice filled the void. Over the years it has changed into a voyeuristic gym for chiseled bodybuilders, where curious onlookers or tourists can watch from outside the fence of the postmodern, dumb bell shaped building or from the stands.