Only six of the original 16 miles of canals—designed in 1906 by Abbot Kinney in his attempt to replicate Venice, Italy—remain. They've become a quaint LA oddity, but not an eyesore.

Located at the town's southern border, the Venice canals are lined by architecturally diverse residences. The walkways are well-landscaped and pleasant; on a sunny day, it's a charming place for a stroll or a jog, and local residents use the canals for all forms of non-motorized boating. And as is the case with Italy's real deal, we don't advise hopping in for a swim on a hot day. They're too polluted.