Community Spotlight — Our Venice Pardee Picks

This creative bohemian destination, once known as the Coney Island of the Pacific, is the ultimate in Southern California living with miles of coastline. From the peaceful canals to the bustling pier, renowned skate plaza, and 2-mile boardwalk, we love Venice because it’s so walkable!

Community Highlights + Fun Facts

Venice Beach: Venice Beach was named after Venice, Italy for the carnivals and lively atmosphere. It was founded in 1905 by tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney and was independent from Los Angeles until 1926.
Abbot Kinney Blvd: GQ Magazine named Abbot Kinney Blvd the “coolest block in America” in 2012 for all the trendy, fun, and eclectic shops, galleries, and restaurants. Undoubtedly one of Venice Beach’s most popular destinations, we could spend all day here exploring.
Muscle Beach Gym: Muscle Beach Gym, located steps from the sand on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, is a “go-to” for people watching. Famous body builders who broke a sweat here were Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno from the original Incredible Hulk.
The Doors: Venice Beach was the birthplace of the popular Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band The Doors. Their early shows were at the Cheetah on the Ocean Park Pier!
Drum Circle: Looking for some funky beats? There is a drum circle at the beach every Saturday and Sunday where people from around the world play all types of percussion instruments.
Grease: The 1978 movie Grease was filmed at Venice High School as the set for Rydell High. The school was also used in other films such as Nightmare on Elm Street, American History X, and several music videos like Britney Spears’ hit “Baby One More Time”.
Venice Beach Recreation Center: Featured in the 1992 film, White Men Can’t Jump, these iconic courts have also been the playing and recruiting ground of many NBA players. An outdoor stage is the site of multiple holiday bodybuilding contests held on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Venice High School: Venice High School and Venice Beach were the locations for many films such as Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971), Speed (1994), Dogtown and Z-Boys (2002), Million Dollar Baby (2004), and Lords of Dogtown (2005).
Venice Canals: The Venice Canals are manmade canals running along residences that were built in 1905 by Abbot Kinney. They offer peaceful, beautiful pathways to see some historic renovated homes and, if you’re lucky, perhaps a celebrity. Angelica Huston as well as many other Hollywood stars lived in the canals for years. A trip to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without a celebrity run-in!
Automobile Popularity: As automobiles gained popularity, the Venice Canals were filled in 1929 to create more roads. The remaining canals lost funding and the district remained in poor condition for more than 40 years. The canals were renovated in 1992 and are now a highly desirable community.
Ince Field: Ince Field, on the corner of what is now Venice Blvd and Abbot Kinney Blvd, was the first official airport of California! In 1923 it was then closed to make room for residential and commercial buildings.
Venice Amusement Pier: Opened in 1905, this pier was referred to as the West Coast’s finest amusement park before closing at midnight April 20, 1946.
The Beach: The beach has 2 miles of coastline and, some say, the best surfing. The incredible Breakwater Beach is a local favorite. In fact, it is the only place on the beach where the waves break on both sides of an artificial barrier originally built to protect the amusement pier.