Canals were created in the early 1900’s to mimic the famous canals in Venice, Italy. The remaining canals (Sherman, Howland, Linnie, and Carroll) are a small subset of a much larger canal system that was created originally. Most were filled in an paved over to create streets for driving and parking on. In 1992 the canals were renovated to make them more attractive, safer, and a better habitat for the birds and other animals that use them. If you are in Los Angeles, Venice, Santa Monica, or Marina Del Rey it would be easy to visit these unique and scenic urban canals. Its a short walk to the Venice Canals from both Venice City Beach and Venice Pier.