Heres your best way to explore LA. Discover LAs hidden streets, architectural masterpieces, Hollywood romance, lost canyons, and diverse culture. In this expanded and updated edition of the award-winning guide, LA insiders Erin Mahoney Harris and Zach Behrens lead you on 38 unique walking tours through LAs colorful history and natural beauty. Each self-guided tour includes a detailed map, original photograph, and public transportation information. Plus, route summaries make each walk easy to follow, and a Points of Interest section summarizes the walks highlights. On every urban trek, youll soak up the LA vibe, from quirky art to world-class museums to of-the-moment shops and restaurants. And brand-new trips to Palos Verdes Peninsula, Manhattan Beach, Highland Park, Mar Vista, and Downtown's Art District lead to amazing sights and experiences that even lifelong Angelenos probably never knew existed. So whether youre looking for a 2-hour stroll along a gorgeous waterfront in an iconic beach community or a full days experience through historic neighborhoods with secret stairways and homes of Golden Age movie stars, put shoe to sidewalk and walk Los Angeles! Erin Mahoney Harris is also the author of Visit California Farms and has written for LA Parent Magazine. She lives with her family in Santa Monica, CA. Zach Behrens currently works as a Senior Communications Fellow for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. 4: VENICE BEACH BOUNDARIES: Abbot Kinney Blvd., Pacific Ave., Washington Blvd. DISTANCE: About 2.25 miles DIFFICULTY: Easy PARKING: Free street parking is available on Ocean Avenue Venice Beach may be the most distinctive beach town in all of Southern California thanks to its charming canals, which were built by real estate magnate Abbot Kinney in 1904 as an homage to the Venice in Italy. Unlike some other Westside neighborhoods, Venice Beach is more funky than fussy. That’s not to say that the people who live here, particularly in the areas that line the canals and the oceanfront, aren’t affluent, but it’s more affordable than Santa Monica next door, and one might argue that it has a good deal more personality as well. All that said, the neighborhood is just as susceptible to gentrification as any other: home prices have soared in recent years, and high-priced retailers have moved into the shopping districts. Nonetheless, the boho vibe is still very much alive and well. Note: This walk can be particularly fun for both you and your pooch, provided it doesn’t get overexcited at the sight of ducks. If you do bring a dog, resist the temptation to remove its leash during the canal portion of the walk. Toward the end of the route, you’ll come to the Westminster Off-Leash Dog Park, where Rover can get footloose and fancy-free with his canine pals. Walk Description This excursion begins in the South Venice neighborhood, at the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Ocean Avenue. Begin by walking south on Ocean Avenue toward Linnie Avenue. Notice that the homes along this stretch of Ocean are all relatively modest in size and style, although one can’t help but wonder how long until these small dwellings are torn down and replaced with boxy mini-mansions, as seems to be happening in so many other Westside neighborhoods. Turn right on Linnie Avenue. Cross the bridge arching over the Eastern Canal, pausing on top to admire the interesting mix of homes lining the waterway. The houses here are decidedly grander than those on Ocean Avenue, ranging in architectural style from American Colonial Revival to modern to Tudor Revival. On the other side of the bridge, make an immediate left to follow the sidewalk along the canal. Follow the sidewalk as it turns right, taking you along Howland Canal. Ducks are everywhere, quackily going about their business, and small boats and canoes are docked in front of some houses. The homes along this waterway are all beautifully maintained, and each is distinct. Notable architectural styles here include Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Cape Cod, and modern stucco beach homes with huge picture windows. Cross Dell Avenue and then pause in the shade of a giant pine tree adorned with hanging glass lanterns to bask in the tranquil, salt-tinged air of this remarkable neighborhood. It’s an interesting mélange, this blend of old-world Italy and funky SoCal beach-culture lifestyle. Follow the sidewalk as it turns right at the corner of Grand Canal. Turn right to follow the sidewalk alongside Linnie Canal. Shortly after turning the corner, cross the pedestrian bridge on your left to the other side of the waterway, and then turn right to continue walking next to Linnie Canal. After crossing Dell Avenue, on your left you’ll see Linnie Canal Park, a small playground complete with a dedicated duck habitat. Residents manage to do quite a lot with their relatively small amount of lot space. You’ll see edible gardens, majestic shade trees, and notable sculptures