The Venice Canals.... in L.A.?

It is finally beginning to feel like "spring" in L.A.

At home in Portland the onset of spring weather would consist of blooming flowers, April rain, and breaking the 60 degree mark. However, since I moved to Los Angeles almost four years ago I have fond memories of doing homework on the grass in 80 degree weather and weekend beach trips...starting at the beginning of March. This week's perfectly warm weather (a mild 77 degrees) is making me yearn for one of my favorite outdoor spots (warm or cold): Venice Beach.

I can't even count how many times I have been there at this point; strolling on the Boardwalk to people watch, wandering through the funky neighborhoods for the next graffiti art find, and hitting up one of my favorite streets in L.A., Abbott Kinney, for funky finds and pizza. Although I had heard of the Venice Canals I had never actually been to them, that is until about a month ago. While attempting to track down our car in the dark, which was hidden somewhere in an anonymous Venice neighborhood, my friends and I stumbled upon an entrance to the canals.

I have since been back during daylight hours, and can say that the canals are one of the most interesting finds in L.A. They are literally canals (like the ones in Venice, Italy) in the middle of the city, forming its own little neighborhood of unique houses and archetypal Venice bungalows connected by walkways, arching bridges and row boat transportation.

Considering that a stroll through the area doesn't cost more than the gas money to get there, I can say it is a shame that I had never been there before, and it's a shame if you live here and haven't been too, especially when the warm weather is calling....

Classic is Fantastic - Santa Monica Pier

So if it wasn't already apparent I will fill you in on the fact that I shy away from ultra-touristy L.A. spots about as much tourists flock to them. After living in Los Angeles for almost four years I feel that these crowded places are some strange facade of a city that has a surprising amount of hidden authenticity. I have spent so much time defending the fact that L.A. isn't just about kitschy Hollywood lights, movie stars, and bikinis that I forgot that some of these, at times annoying, stereotypes hold some actual importance.

Whenever friends from town come to visit I do my best to satisfy their need for campy L.A. while attempting to show them a little of what I consider the "real L.A." But after an extremely satisfying trip to the iconic Santa Monica Pier I have begun to reconsider my notions of avoiding such spots. Perhaps it isn't about avoiding these spots all together, because these spots, however touristy, are an essential part of the Los Angeles culture. I think that maybe it is about the balance between the touristy and hidden, the campy and kitschy, the iconic and the avant-garde.

My latest visit to the Santa Monica Pier with two of my best friends from home was one of the most fulfilling trips into L.A. I have in the last few months. I mean really when you think about what's not to love about an old-school arcade, a sunset ferris wheel ride, and a cheesey roller coaster ride all set over the California coast?

So I say here's to the little bit of tourist in us all: A little bit of classic tourist mixed in with the truly native can totally fantastic... I guess it comes down to all things in moderation, even travel.

"Feed Big Bertha" at Playland Arcade

Old-school photo booth reels

"West Coaster" Roller Coaster at Pacific Park Rides

View of the "Pacific Wheel" ferris wheel

(suggestion-hop on at sunset, the view of the coast can't be beat)