Enjoying the Cool Ocean Breezes During a Summer Heatwave

The ocean with it’s cooler temperatures was the obvious choice for weekend wandering with the summer heatwave blanketing Southern California.

Instead of the actual beach which I am not a huge fan off, I decided to venture into the Venice Canal district via a brief stopover at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook that I had been wanting to visit. I thought I would round off my day by visiting the skate park to watch the skaters perform.

So how did it all turn out? Baldwin Hills Overlook: Check; Venice Canal District: Check; Skate Park: will need to plan another day. Sapped off energy after walking along the canals I decided to find a restaurant overlooking the water to enjoy a refreshing beverage and a small snack.

The Venice Canals were built by developer Albert Kinney in 1905 as a part of his Venice in America project. Subsequently a second set of canals were built by Sherman, Howland and Clark. While the project had been kicked off with great fan fare and gondolas etc. the advent of cars and the need for roads caused this area to fall into disrepair.

Restored in 1993 with a variety of architectural styles dominating the landscape this has now become a desirable and expensive area of Los Angeles to live in.

There are concerns about the nearby homeless population but for the most part other than some tourists and a few homeowners walking their dogs I did’t see any signs of homeless people in the neighborhood.

As I was walking towards my car, I saw a pedicab driving some people around the neighborhood. Something I didn’t know about but if you want to visit and walking is a bit of a challenge that might be a good option to explore this area and the nearby beach and marina.

First stop is Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook near Culver City. This a a popular area for people to come and workout in because of the 282 stairs that take you from Jefferson all the way to the top of the overlook. In addition there are many easy to climb meandering trails and a near by bike path that cuts across all the way to the marina.

No elevators here to get to the summit but there is a city shuttle that takes you up for free or you can drive up to an upper level paid parking lot. With the heat and my capabilities I drove up the hill and parked in the parking lot even as I admire the few folks who braved the heat and made the climb.

The 360 views of the city from the top are incredible. You can see views from Santa Monica to Down town LA and even glimpse the Hollywood sign. I am resolved to come back here at sunset and watch the sun setting across the city and the lights starting to come on.

You can see the Hollywood sign way to the distance. The sun was right in my eyes and I could barely see what I was pointing and shooting at through the lens of my camera.

While the temperature at the overlook was considerably cooler than my home with a nice breeze blowing I was happy to arrive at my destination and bask in the coolness. Also fortunately I was able to get a parking spot fairly quickly when I saw a couple heading out.

The homes are delightfully different from modern glass exteriors to gothic and everything in between. It makes for an interesting walk to admire the differences.

Many homes had tiny docks with rowing boats moored; some even had chairs out here for people to sit and enjoy the view and tranquility.

Despite the myriad of boats moored outside the homes, the only boat I saw wending it’s way through the canals was this one. Not sure if this is for tourists or it’s a homeowner. I know you can’t rent a boat here but there is a spot where you can bring a boat and launch it if you want to ride along the waterways.

While I missed the skatepark I saw a young skater practicing launching his skate board off the lip off one of the bridges. Alas! I did not shoot a picture but I did find the time to sit and admire and practice my selfie skills.

Graffiti art on a wall right across from where I parked my car. I have so many pictures of beautiful graffiti from around Los Angeles but also many parts of the world. Perhaps one of these days I’ll compile and share these with you as a post.

I ended my day at a café on the waterfront enjoying a drink and a small bite and watching people enjoy the sun, sand and water.

I also got to enjoy the drama of a little girl; she couldn’t have been more than 2; wandering along by herself on the beach right below where we were sitting. Fortunately a young couple stopped, took her in tow and set off to find her parents. I couldn’t help but hope and pray that she was re-united with her parents without much delay. This story like others that we see on our journey remains incomplete and I can only keep my fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

A great satisfying way to explore more of my home city, clock some steps and enjoy the refreshing ocean breezes while doing my part to conserve energy during this heatwave.