Just south of Santa Monica in Los Angeles is the colorful and eclectic Venice Beach.

Named after the canals that originally made the city look like Venice, Italy, the beach front promenade is now filled with markets, stalls while the parks along the beach are popular with roller bladders, skaters and musicians.

Almost anything goes in Venice and the people wear colorful and crazy clothes but the atmosphere is of liberal freedom. Venice’s most famous recreation areas are Muscle Beach and basketball courts while Venice Beach is a constant in American movies, television shows and computer games (American History X, Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion, Baywatch, Million Dollar Baby and Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2 to name but a few).

Although you don’t have the opportunity to visit Venice Beach on tour, it’s a great place to check out if you’re travelling to LA or have some time to spare before or after your tour.