Venice is a desired destination for travelers from all over the world. It’s unlike any place on Earth. Well known for its artists, street performers and funky atmosphere, Venice is a virtual carnival running year round with free admission. The climate is mild year around. Summer days are rarely over 80 degrees; winter days are in the 50s and 60s. Evenings are always cool and there is usually a pleasant onshore breeze. The average annual rainfall is only 12”, most of which occurs in the winter.

Because of the great climate, most recreational activities are outdoor-oriented. Biking and rollerblading on the beachside path that runs from north of Santa Monica to Redondo Beach is a popular pursuit. Others may prefer sailing, kayaking and deep sea fishing out of the Marina del Rey harbor (the largest small craft harbor in the world). Of course, beach sports such as surfing, volleyball or even just laying in the sun taking in the scenery are also available.

Venice is a gathering spot for artists and craftsmen. Many have studios in Venice as do those in the advertising, entertainment and high tech fields. There are many small shops, theaters and business in the city featuring local talent. Restaurants tend to be somewhat trendy. Most are casual with little fanfare and attract regular local clientele. Patio dining is very popular. Nearby, Santa Monica and Marina del Rey offer a full range of shopping from malls to designer boutiques.

Venice was considered the "Coney Island of the Pacific" during the first half of the 20th Century. It was a town built to resemble Venice, Italy with its network of canals, a business district built in Venetian architectural style and its two huge amusement piers, it became the finest amusement resort on the America's West Coast.

The history of Venice is one of many ups and downs. The vision of Abbot Kinney, a wealthy tobacco mogul, world traveler and co-owner of the Ocean Park Casino and Resort, was to turn the land south of Ocean Park through the Del Rey peninsula into a "Venice of America."

In 1904, contracts were signed to dig up the half-mile long, seventy-foot wide Grand Canal and build the 900-foot long, 30-foot wide amusement pier at Windward Avenue. Construction began shortly thereafter. Kinney then hired architects to design all the town buildings in "Venetian Renaissance" style. By the year's end, construction of the Ship Cafe and Auditorium, located on the Abbot Kinney Pier, the Venice Canals, and the St. Mark's Hotel on Windward were well under way.

In the late ‘70s and early 80s, Venice saw the likes of mural art. Buildings all around town were brilliantly livened up with scenes depicting landscapes, everyday life and tributes to Venice artists such as Jim Morrison of the legendary band, The Doors. With an onslaught of street artists, vendors, musicians, body builders, palm readers and live television coverage during the 1984 Summer Olympics, Venice began receiving visitors from around the world on a daily basis. Venice history is still being written. Today, Venice is keeping with its colorful tradition as being the number one seaside destination on the West Coast.