If you’ve grown tired of the frenzied Boardwalk (or the idea of those crowds just flat make you break out in hives), consider taking a much more sedate walk along the paths of the Venice Canals (btwn. Washington Blvd., Strongs Dr., S. Venice Blvd., and Ocean Ave.). Venice locals seek out the canals when they want to take a stroll or walk their dogs (Venice is a very dog-oriented town), and enjoy the serenity and peace of the quiet waterways.

The home gardens and city-maintained landscaping add a lush layer of greenery to the narrow canals. Taking these paths gets you deep into the neighborhood and close to the impressive 20th-century Southern California architecture of Venice.

Many of the people who own homes on the canals launch small boats, and put on an annual boat parade for the holidays.

As you wander this area, marvel at the history of the canals, modeled after those in this beach town’s European namesake city. Also, admire the tenacity with which the city saved these last few from the landfill that removed their brethren from the landscape.