Venice Abbott Kinney Memorial Branch Library
501 South Venice Blvd.
Just a few short blocks from the beach, this branch of the L.A. Public Library offers a Summer Reading Program for all ages and weekly activities ranging from story times to crafts.
Hours:
Mon., Wed. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Tues.–Thur. 12 noon–8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sun.–closed
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Venice's northern neighbor is an equally popular tourist destination and the last of what were once many "pleasure piers" dotting the LA County coastline. Today, the pier is home to enough attractions to fill an entire day, including an amusement park (complete with roller coaster and Ferris wheel), a miniature golf course, carnival games, an aquarium, a huge arcade, food options, and an antique carousel.
Venice Canals
South of Venice Boulevard and West of Ocean Avenue
Just a couple blocks from the boardwalk, the last remaining two miles of canals crisscross a lovely residential neighborhood. Gondolas no longer pierce these waters, but strolling along the canal walking paths, taking in the view from the many pedestrian bridges, and watching canoeists, boaters, and ducks float by is a wonderful reminder of Abbott Kinney's dream to construct a "Venice of America."
Abbott Kinney Boulevard
Between Venice Boulevard and Main Street
The commercial heart of Venice, with a hip, funky collection of shops and restaurants that line both sides of the street and provide a quaint pedestrian excursion away from the hustle of the boardwalk. Every September, the street hosts one of the Westside's largest celebrations during the annual Abbott Kinney Street Festival.
