Venice owes its name to the canals that entrepreneur Abbot Kinney had built here in the early 20C, creating a theme park-like "American Venice" with authentic gondolas and gondoliers imported from Italy. Today, only 3mi/5km of canals remain, lined with picturesque houses, making this a pleasant place for a stroll. The boats moored along its banks and the small bridges and ducks on its canals all contribute to the restful atmosphere of the setting.