Venice. Famous for its boardwalk, pier, street performers, oceanfront bike path and artist's colony Venice is in a world of its own. Originally named "Rancho la Ballona" by Mexican Governor Juan Alvarado in 1839, it wasn't until 1900 that real estate entrepreneur Abbot Kinney founded and named Venice. Kinney's dream was to turn the area into a "Venice of America" complete with canals, gondolas, amusement piers, hotels and Venetian-styled structures.