Google Sightseeing takes you on tour of the world as seen from satellite, using the free Google Earth program, or Google Maps in your web browser. Each weekday your guides James and Alex present new weird and wonderful sights as suggested by readers.

The editors: James & Alex

Suburban Venices

Posted by Alex, Wednesday, 3rd August 2005

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This is Venice of America, in California. Originally intended to be a copy of its namesake, the rapid development of the the motor-vehicle industry sadly meant that in 1929, barely 24 years since its inception, most of the canals were filled in.

Jumping all the way to the other side of the globe now (you lucky Google Earth people!), this is Gold Coast City, Australia. With more than 200km of waterways this looks like a cool place to live. The canal system is pretty huge, and as it was built in the 1960s, cars have been well catered for. Every house is beside a canal and a road. Google appears to have had a bit of an issue trying to match the whole thing up though!

Thanks to Miku Araman and Sean.

13 Responses to 'Suburban Venices'

  1. 1. . says:

    Australian Nazis?

  2. 2. rb says:

    lol

  3. 3. fortin says:

    We also have one in France and we also can put some boats in.
    Placemark: Google Maps / Google Earth

  4. 4. Sean says:

    My grandparents stay in Cape Coral, FL for the winter. There are canals all over the place.
    Placemark: Google Maps / Google Earth

  5. 5. gIMpSTa says:

    Check out this Placemark: image glitch / Google Earth on the coast near this spot.

  6. 6. Rg says:

    These are probably pretty common in Florida. This entry reminded me of Marco Island where I vacationed years ago.

    Zoom in here:
    25.942301,-81.724720
    for front-door streets and back-door canals.

  7. 7. . says:

    gIMpSTa:

    Boy, when the tide comes in there, it really comes in.

  8. 8. Mitch says:

    Woo! Venice, CA resident here (Hi Kev)
    Veince also just celebrated it’s 100-year anniversary a couple months ago.
    Great place to visit when you go to LA, great beach and GREAT restaurants. I gained a “freshman 15″ when I first moved there.

  9. 9. claude parker says:

    Just looking at my neighbohood

  10. 10. Parker says:

    I was going to mention Cape Coral — I am currently living there and have to navigate around those ridiculous canals every day. Many of the roads in this town are interrupted by these waterways and continue on the other side, with no way to get over there than to drive around the end of the canal or find a bridge. You’ll think you’re headed right toward your destination, but the water always manages to screw up your plans.

    Also worth mentioning is another Venice: Venice, FL (link below). It’s not nearly as exciting to look at, but does share the common name. The entire city is on an island, which is pretty cool. I grew up there, so I had to give it props. This Venice is more commonly known as the sharks tooth capital of the world, and is also supposedly the best surf spot on the Gulf Coast — there are regular competitions held here.

    Placemark: Google Maps / Google Earth

  11. 11. The Govinator says:

    Not all of them have water and roads in Gold Coast City, Australia

  12. 12. Brian Beegle says:

    Just 30 miles south is Naples, a section of Long Beach in the middle of the bay, it was built about the same time. Notice the old RedLine (light rail) left its foot print down one side and goes across the navel station and down the coast, through Seal Beach.

  13. 13. Sinych says:

    This one in New Jersey is cool.
    There are a few more around

    Placemark: Google Maps / Google Earth

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