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Venice Beach

What place in California could you go to and feel as though you were in Italy, see a giant mural of Jim Morrison, and possibly bump into a famous celebrity? Venice Beach California is known and loved by many for its amazing weather, beaches and for its people. It is a district found in western Los Angeles and with all of its crazy day to day activity; it has been described as a free daily carnival. On the streets of Venice Beach, you’ll find artists, street performers, and plenty of people lapping up the unique atmosphere. It also attracts many visitors who enjoy the wonderful walking and cycling which is to be had in the area.

The name of the area is so because of its many canals, which makes it resemble Venice in Italy. The canal areas are actually now very upper class with prime spots of real estate. The original 16 miles of canal were built in 1904 and the big opening of Venice of America was in 1905. Few of the original canals remain today because the project was started in the days of horse and carriage. Soon after, the days of automobile entered for which the canals served little purpose. Unfortunately, the original canals were filled in to create roads.

When visiting Venice Beach, take a walk along Ocean Front Walk where you will see street artists, painters, performers and even tarot card readers. On one of the alleys near 17th place, you will be able to see a huge mural of Jim Morrison of The Doors, who played their first shows in the district. Other famous residents who have passed through or continue to reside there include Julia Roberts, Kate Beckinsale, Anjelica Huston, Fiona Apple, Robert Downey Junior, Elijah Wood, and Nicolas Cage.

Venice Beach is a perfect place to enjoy amazing weather, meet interesting people, soak up the sun on the beaches, explore the interesting canals and infrastructure, and eventually, hopefully, meet one of the many famous stars living in the district.