#6 Venice Canals

Another hidden gem! Almost everyone I've told about this has said, "I had no idea that was even there!"

Venice, California. Just south of Santa Monica. Most people visit Venice because of the boardwalk - widely known for crazy street performers. I wanted to go for the canals. Yes, canals!

Because, again, I am cheap fiscally aware, we drove around trying to find free parking. We ended up in a pretty good spot, and only two blocks from the canals. You literally walk around a corner and BAM! There's water.
I love everything about this little area - the houses, the bridges, the trees, the kayaks and canoes!, and the people. The denizens of this little neighborhood were so nice to us.
Someday, I want to live here. Specifically one of these two places:

or

Cheryl decided she wanted this one:

We all agreed that we were afraid of this lady: (click on the pic for a good luck at why)


After the canals, we headed for the boardwalk. I was unimpressed. Too many stoners, bad performance artists, and this hard-working woman:

The best part of the boardwalk was this recreation of Van Gogh's Starry Night:


All in all, it was so worth it to go up there. I am definitely going back, but just for canals.

And, you know, someday ... to live :-)

Miles: 58.8
Cost: FREE!!

Miles to Date: 161.6
Cost to Date: $112.56