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Venice Historical Marker: A Tribute to "Venice of America"

Discover the history of Venice, CA, at the Venice Historical Marker. Explore Abbot Kinney's vision and the evolution of this iconic beachside community.

The Venice Historical Marker commemorates the vision of Abbot Kinney, who founded Venice, California, in 1905 as a seaside resort modeled after Venice, Italy. The marker highlights the history and evolution of this unique community, blending European charm with American innovation.

A brief summary to Venice Historical Marker

  • 577 Venice Way, Venice, Venice, California, 90291, US

Local tips

  • Explore the Venice Canals: Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals, admiring the unique architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
  • Visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk: Experience the vibrant energy of the boardwalk, with its street performers, artists, and eclectic shops.
  • Stroll along Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Discover trendy boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants on this vibrant commercial street.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Venice Beach Boardwalk, walk east towards the residential area. Venice Way is a short walk inland from the heart of the boardwalk action. Look for the intersection of Venice Way and Dell Avenue; the historical marker is located in this vicinity. Orientation is easy due to the grid-like street layout of the canals area.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving via public transport, the closest major bus stops are along Venice Boulevard. From Venice Boulevard, walk south towards the canals. Depending on the specific stop, this may involve a walk of several blocks. Use nearby landmarks like the Venice Canals or Abbot Kinney Boulevard to orient yourself. A single ride on the Metro bus is $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Request a ride to 577 Venice Way, Venice, CA 90291. Be aware that traffic in Venice, especially during peak season, can be heavy. From a drop-off point near the Venice Canals, it's a short walk to the historical marker. Expect to pay around $10-15 for a short ride within Venice.

  • Driving

    Driving directly to the Venice Historical Marker can be challenging due to limited parking. Street parking is available but often requires patience to find a spot. Several parking lots are located near Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Parking costs range from $5-$15 per hour, with daily rates potentially reaching $20-$30 during peak season. The South City Parking Lot at 2100 Ocean Front Walk is a good option near the Venice Canals.

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Discover more about Venice Historical Marker

The Venice Historical Marker stands as a tribute to the captivating history of Venice, California, a district within Los Angeles. Founded in 1905 by Abbot Kinney, Venice was envisioned as "Venice of America," an attempt to recreate the romantic ambiance of Venice, Italy. Kinney's inspiration came from his travels in Europe, where he was enchanted by the city of Venice. Kinney dredged the marshland to create canals and built Venice-Of-America along the perimeter. The town featured canals, a grand amusement pier, and a vibrant commercial district. Gondoliers, imported from Italy, serenaded visitors as they traversed the canals, while amusement park rides and attractions provided entertainment. The rise of the automobile led to the filling in of many canals in the 1920s to make way for roads. Despite these changes, a portion of the original canal system was preserved and restored in the early 1990s, becoming a historic district. The Venice Historical Marker serves as a focal point for understanding this transformation. It invites visitors to delve into the history of Abbot Kinney's Venice, exploring the rise and fall of his ambitious vision. Today, Venice is known for its blend of art, culture, and beachside living. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a world-famous promenade. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a vibrant commercial street with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Visiting the Venice Historical Marker provides an opportunity to reflect on the ever-changing nature of urban landscapes and the enduring power of vision and innovation.

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