Located just south of Santa Monica, Venice is technically part of Los Angeles, but has a culture all its own. While it has a checkered past of city neglect, rundown beach bungalows and gang activity, Venice has cleaned up its act. It still retains that beachy, artsy bohemian vibe, but in a more moneyed (and safe) way. The Venice Canals are no exception. Created in 1905 to drain the marshes, the poor construction led to quick deterioration and it wasn't until 1993 that they were fully re-constructed. Now it's a quiet place to stroll while feeding the ducks and peering into the windows of charming million dollar homes. Reminiscent of its namesake in Italy, the Venice Canals have narrow walkways and wooden bridges, perfect for photo opps. It's a far cry from the craziness of the Venice boardwalk.
Parking and public transportation at the Venice Canals
The canals are between Venice Blvd. and Washington Blvd., so you can access via either side and park for free in the surrounding residential area. As with many areas in L.A., however, parking can be scarce. Meters are also available along Washington Blvd, or you can use one of the pay lots near the beach at Venice & Canal or Venice & Pacific. Alternatively the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Route 1 will take you to Windward Circle and you can walk south from there.
Best and worst time go to the Venice Canals
The best time for house viewing is during the Christmas season when lights twinkle everywhere. Weekends are most crowded, especially in the summer when parking is near impossible due to the close proximity to the beach. If a tranquil experience is what you're after, go on a weekday, preferably in the morning. Just be prepared for furry friends out on their morning walk.
Admission to the Venice Canals
They're free! Just be respectful of the residents. People DO live here.
Must see/do at the Venice Canals
You can walk through the canals in less than an hour, so don't plan a whole day for a visit. It can easily be combined with a trip to the Venice boardwalk and/or the shops and restaurants on Abbot Kinney- both within walking distance although in opposite directions. If you're a fan of the movie Valentine's Day, visit Reed Bennett's blue Victorian house (Reed was played by Ashton Kutcher) at 2604 Grand Canal. His kiss with Jennifer Garner was filmed on the bridge near the house.
Other places to visit near the Venice Canals
The famous Venice boardwalk is about a five-minute walk from the Canals where you can grab a casual bite and beer at Venice Ale House, buy a Venice Beach t-shirt at Morado Fashion, or just walk down to the beach. Abbot Kinney is also a short walk and serves as the upscale, artsy strip of Venice. Shop for art, antiques and vintage clothing or snag a pair of TOMS shoes at their flagship store. For dinner, check out Gjelina or The Tasting Kitchen, reservations recommended. Hal's Bar and Grill is also a good spot for live jazz on Sunday and Monday nights.
Insider tip for visitors to the Venice Canals
Abbot Kinney First Fridays is held the first Friday of every month. Visit the canals in the morning, the boardwalk during the day and Abbot Kinney at night for their First Friday festivities which run from 6pm-10pm. Food trucks abound while shops and galleries stay open late, many serving wine. It's a great way to sample the best of Venice- including the eclectic L.A. food truck scene. Parking can be insane, so start early and secure your spot near the canals.
Author's bio: Shelley Graner is a Los Angeles native, food lover and travel writer who has visited more than 30 countries. She writes for various travel blogs, including her own.
Ask any Spokanite what to see in their city, and Riverfront Park will likely be at the top of their list. It's one of many sites in this town with the word "River" in its name, but you'll know you're in the right place because of the SkyRide Over the Falls, IMAX theater, Looff Carousel, clock tower, giant red wagon play area, and of course, the garbage-eating goat. On top of the attractions (many originally from the Expo '74 World's Fair event), there are gorgeous views of the Spokane River and Spokane Falls from throughout the park, as well as a number of pieces of local art on display year-round.
How to get to Riverfront Park
If you're staying downtown, you can easily get here on foot by heading north toward the Spokane River. For those coming from outside the city, you can cycle on the scenic Centennial Trail if you're feeling active (it runs straight through the park from both directions). Or, if driving's your preference, there's plenty of parking available in lots and on many bordering streets.
Best and worst time go to Riverfront Park
Like most parks, it's better to go during the day than at night. If you're someone who doesn't like crowds, you'll want to plan around holidays and Spokane's major events like Hoopfest and Bloomsday. Spring and summer offer more attractions, including rides, outdoor dining, and a splash pad. In the late fall and winter there are ice skating and holiday lights on display, so there is never a bad time to go. Just make sure to bundle up, Spokane winters can be frigid.
Admission to Riverfront Park
The park itself is free, but keep in mind some of the best attractions, like the SkyRide, IMAX, carousel, and the ice rink, have separate charges.
Must see/do at Riverfront Park
Be sure to check out Spokane Falls. The SkyRide offers fantastic views when it's running but it does keep limited hours, so don't worry if you miss it; there are plenty of other great vantage points from around the park. You won't want to miss the garbage-eating goat either, especially if you have kids with you. A Spokane original, it's a one of a kind novelty that's part vacuum-cleaner, part work of art.
Other places to visit near Riverfront Park
Nearby River Park Square mall is prime shopping, with the best collection of national retailers in the area, and favorite local restaurants like Rock City Grill and Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar. A few blocks away from that is Auntie's Bookstore, a huge independent bookstore definitely worth a visit. On the south side of the river, consider checking out the Flour Mill, an older building with an eclectic handful of businesses, including the Chocolate Apothecary and Clinkerdagger restaurant.
Insider tip
Spokanites are passionate about the outdoors, and this park caters to that love. Since it's walking distance from downtown, locals are often here for runs, walks, or for downtime during lunch breaks. For a true Spokane experience, pick up lunch or coffee from a nearby cafe and secure a secluded bench to enjoy views of the river. You'll get a taste of the city's slogan, "Near nature, near perfect" without technically leaving downtown.
Author's bio: Dena Ogden is a freelance writer who can be found online at denaogden.com and @DenaOgden.
Winding throughout downtown San Antonio, the lively, colorful River Walk is a must-see attraction when visiting The Alamo City. The River Walk is a path of walkways alongside the five-mile San Antonio River flanked by bars with massive margaritas, bustling restaurants, trendy hotels, cute shops, live music, and other sights. Whether you're traveling with your family, as a couple, or with friends, everyone will love strolling down the festive River Walk.
How to get to The San Antonio River Walk
If you're staying at a downtown hotel, you can walk directly to The River Walk without needing any transportation. If you're staying outside of downtown, you can take a public bus (called VIA) or a taxi to the River Walk. Those who prefer to drive their own car to the River Walk will find many convenient parking lots and garages nearby, but expect to pay $5-10 for the luxury.
Best and worst time to go to The River Walk
The River Walk gets very crowded on weekend evenings due to the plethora of bars and restaurants that attract both tourists and locals. The area can also get packed during special events, such as Fiesta or following a big Spurs basketball win. You'll find the least crowds during the daytime, especially on weekdays.
Admission to The River Walk
It's completely free to walk along The River Walk and explore this landmark-there is no admission price. You can take a narrated boat tour along the river to explore more of the area and learn about The River Walk's history, though tickets cost a few dollars per person.
Must do at The River Walk
The narrated boat tour should be done at least once, and kids especially love cruising down the river and watching all of the excitement on the shores beside them. Visitors should also be sure to sip a margarita at a restaurant on the shores of The River Walk, or at least dine on some of the Tex-Mex cuisine San Antonio is known for. Most importantly, be sure to spend some time walking up and down both sides of the river to observe one of San Antonio's most lively spots (it's great for people watching, too).
Other places to visit near The River Walk
Visitors to The River Walk are just a few blocks from The Alamo, one of San Antonio's other most famous attractions. The Majestic Theatre is also very close to The River Walk, featuring world-class live entertainment. Ripley's Believe It or Not!, a museum of oddities, is also a short stroll from The River Walk and especially fun for kids.
Insider tip for visitors to The San Antonio River Walk
Many of the bars and restaurants on The River Walk are popular with tourists, but San Antonio locals won't dare set foot on them. Some of the only River Walk-facing establishments locals love and actually frequent are Boudro's, The Esquire Tavern and Lüke.
Author's bio: Emily Starbuck Crone is a native Texan and freelance writer based in San Antonio.