Venice Beach has long been known for its namesake canals, incense-burning hippies and Art Deco architecture. Oh yeah, and the long list of Hollywood A-listers who call it home (Nicolas Cage, Frank Gehry and John Frusciante included). But, one of our favorite Venice Beach fixtures remains actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis– the Paul Bunyan-esque bearded brunette currently gracing the silver screen in Sean Penn’s new film, Into the Wild.

While the Comedy Central mainstay has accumulated quite the cult following, thanks to celebrated stand-up shows and countless television appearances, his creative reach extends much further. Not only is the North Carolina-native an arguable arbiter of comedic genius, he can lip-synch like nobody’s business - a talent demonstrated in fellow Venice Beach resident Fiona Apple’s music video for "Not About Love" and, more recently, in Kanye West’s "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (which was filmed at Galifianakis’ second residence – a 60-acre farm in the foothills of North Carolina).

So, figuring him for the perfect Venice Beach tour guide (ideally outfitted in Wellies, a safari vest and binoculars), we enlisted Galifianakis’ help in navigating the tricky terrain. Herewith, tattoos, Subarus and tripping balls at the Getty, in his own words:

What inspired you to settle in Venice Beach in the first place?
At the time it was cheap. Now it is infected with Hollywood types with their Axe Body Spray and "who gives a shit" conversations. When I first moved to Venice you could buy heroine out of car parked in front of your house. Now there is a Pinkberry there. I am not sure which is worse.

Best thing about living in Venice Beach:
Walk to everything. Or skip.

Worst thing about living in Venice Beach:
New skipping laws.

Favorite fellow Venice Beach resident:
My neighbor Phyllis. She is an old resident - been in the neighborhood a long time. She has a chicken in her yard and plays the flute at 2 in the morning. She also yells at people who are ruining the hood.

Surf or Boogie Board? Hawaiian print trunks or short shorts?
Boogie Board. Cut-off jeans. Classy. Very classy.

Do you spend much time on the boardwalk? Any prizes won to speak of?
I try to ride my bike down there at least 3 times a week. The only prize I got was a henna tattoo that said, "always."

Were you to have to plan a date for a woman you’d really like to impress, where would you take her?
The back seat of my Subaru Outback.

Best place to see a live show?
In Venice? I don't know. In Hollywood, Largo.

Any great cultural institutions – museums, tattoo parlors, comedy clubs…
I like The Getty. I went their once on mushrooms with my brother. There was a sign by one of the marble statues that read: "Why shouldn't you touch marble?" And I thought, "Yes! Why shouldn't I touch marble?" But, in fact, it read, "Why you shouldn't touch marble." Having a security guard blow a whistle in your ear while on mushrooms does wonders for the senses. Yeah, I like The Getty.

Where do you go to shop (and was the jumpsuit you’re sporting in the Can’t Tell Me Nothin’ video purchased locally)?
I got that in NC. I don't really shop. Things just show up at my place somehow.

Best late-night grease trap?
Tommy's.

Favorite watering hole?
My living room.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and where would you find the closest approximation in Venice?
I really like the Caesar salad at Hal's. It's on Abbot Kinney.

What would it take to get you to swim in the canal?
I have done it. I think that is how I developed asthma. And old-lady fingers.

~Alisa Gould-Simon
Second photo by Ben Chilada via Flickr
Fourth photo by J Road via Flickr
Fifth photo by Sometimessong via Flickr
Seventh photo by Culture Sponge via Flickr
Ninth photo by Green LA Girl via Flickr
Tenth photo by Karbon via Flickr