Turn right on Dell Avenue. When you reach South Venice Boulevard, you’ll spot a colorful mural depicting canal community life on the southwest corner.
Turn right on South Venice Boulevard and follow the sycamore-shaded sidewalk for a little under 0.5 mile to Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The
Turn left on Abbot Kinney. This street has become a foodie’s dream in recent years with an influx of farm-to-table establishments like
Back Story: Venice of America Amusement Park
The area now known as Venice was originally founded as Venice of America by Abbot Kinney in the fledgling years of the 20th century. This themed resort town was built on reclaimed marshland and featured an amusement park, a heated indoor saltwater “plunge,” a miniature railroad, and more than 16 miles of canals, complete with Venetian gondolas and gondoliers. Unfortunately, expensive upkeep and the rise of the automobile meant that most of the canals were paved over by 1929, and the remaining six eventually fell into disrepair. Fortunately, those six were restored in the early 1990s, and today the neighborhood built around the canals is affluent and idyllic.
Continue along Abbot Kinney for 0.75 mile. This trendy shopping district pretty much exemplifies gentrification. While Abbot Kinney used to be decidedly quirky—some might even have called it gritty—the street’s bungalow storefronts now specialize in upscale casual-chic clothing, furnishings, and decor. In other words, if you’re looking for a crocheted bikini or a $100 hoodie, you’ve come to the right place.
Just before you reach Westminster Avenue, notice the low brick structure on the left with a faded metal sign that reads IRV’S FAMILY MARKET. The distinguished old building now houses art galleries and shops.
On the final block of Abbot Kinney, between Westminster Avenue and Main Street, you’ll come across
Turn left on Main Street. This leg of the walk is a little drab compared with the thriving consumer mecca you left behind on Abbot Kinney but is punctuated with colorful murals. As you approach the corner of Westminster Avenue, you’ll see the
Cross Westminster and continue on Main Street about two blocks to the Windward Circle roundabout, which was a picturesque lagoon back in Kinney’s day, when more than 16 miles of canals snaked through the Venice of America.
At this point, you may choose to turn right on Windward Avenue, which will take you the few short blocks to the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Also known as Ocean Front Walk, this is a popular destination for tourists, skaters, and cyclists who like to cruise the waterfront. Sidewalk vendors hawk incense, T-shirts, and various tourist-targeted wares of questionable value. If you do take this detour, return the way you came to the corner of Main Street and Windward.
Walk south along the west side of the rotary to remain on Main Street.
Turn left on Venice Way and walk about a third of a mile.
Venice Way curves and becomes Ocean Avenue. Continue on Ocean Avenue to reach your starting point near the intersection of Linnie Avenue.
Venice Beach
Points of Interest
5 Mar Vista
Spirit of Santa Monica DC-3 at the Museum of Flying
BOUNDARIES: National Blvd., Bundy Dr./Centinela Ave., Palms Blvd., McLaughlin Ave./Barrington Ave. (Note: Certain streets change names along the route.)
DISTANCE: About 2.5 miles
DIFFICULTY: Moderate (includes stairway and hills)
PARKING: Free parking is available at Airport Park.
This walk begins in the southeast corner of Santa Monica at Airport Park before crossing the border into the neighborhood of Mar Vista to travel up and down the stairs and hills of this pleasant enclave, which is fast becoming another Westside hot spot for both prospective home buyers and interesting new retailers and restaurants.
Walk
