Founded by Abbot Kinney in 1905 as an elaborate beach front resort originally called Ocean Park, the area, which included a series of canals and amusement park rides that made it a major tourist attraction, was officially renamed Venice in 1911. For its first years, the area thrived, but after Kinney’s death in 1920, Venice became difficult to govern and its infrastructure fell into disrepair, prompting a successful vote for annexation to the City of Los Angeles in 1925. Having been revived from its once-disrepaired state, today, Venice is one of the most eclectic and vibrant areas in Southern California. Home to some 37,000 residents, this coastal community contains a mixture of residential and commercial properties, but is most famous for its beachside attractions, including Muscle Beach.
Key Information
Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library
(310) 821-1769
Public Safety
LAFD Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Battalion 4, Division 2 Group D
11505 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(818) 756-9674
Public Schools
Venice High School
13000 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 577-4200
https://www.laparks.org/aquatic/year-round/venice-high-school-indoor-pool
Places of Worship
Venice United Methodist Church
1020 Victoria Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 391-2314
https://www.yelp.com/biz/venice-united-methodist-church-venice
Parks & Recreation
Neighborhood Organizations
North of Rose Homeowners Association
Penmar Homeowners Association
President’s Row Association
Venice Town Council
venicetowncouncil.org
Venice Walk Streets Neighborhood Association
Venice Canals Association
East Venice Neighborhood Association