The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

Overview

My name is Chris, and I'll be your guide to Downtown. I've led tours for KTLA, Spectrum News1, and NHK Japan. There's a chance you've come across my other 5 star experiences, like the Sunset Strip True Crime tour. When you book with me, you're guaranteed to get the tour creator as your guide - not a person reading from a script. This isn't your average walking tour. Over 3 hours, you will dive deep into the history, architecture, and landmarks of Downtown Los Angeles! Our tour starts with a ride on historic Angels Flight. Your ticket for this 1901 train from La La Land and Bosch is included as a part of the experience! You'll see famous LA buildings, like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Bradbury Building, and City Hall. We will discuss their film history, architects, and styles. From Art Deco to postmodern, there's amazing variety along our walk. We will also visit Little Tokyo for sample from LA's oldest candy store and explore the history of this fascinating part of Los Angeles.

Itinerary

1. Angels Flight Railway

   Start the tour by learning about the shortest train ride in the world! We will discuss Angels Flight and its connection to the Victorian community of Bunker Hill. The tour will start with a ride on Angels Flight! (Cost of Angels Flight is included with the tour.)

   · 10 min· Admission included

2. California Plaza

   Learn what happened to the Victorian homes of old Los Angeles and how the modern financial district was established. See famous LA skyscrapers from movies like Independence Day!

   · Non-stop passage

3. The Museum of Contemporary Art

   Bunker Hill is home to two amazing free art museums. The first of the museums we will see is the Museum of Contemporary Art. We will discuss the Pritzker prize winning architect behind this building and his early architectural struggles.

   · 5 min

4. The Broad

   The second free museum is the Broad (take the tour to learn the correct pronunciation!) The stunning architecture of the museum is only surpassed by the quality of the Pop Art collection in the gallery. There are big plans for the Broad, you'll hear all about them and the ambitious additions.

   · 5 min

5. Walt Disney Concert Hall

   The Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural wonder from a master starchitect at the top of his game. Frank Gehry has been called the "most important architect of our age" and buildings like the WDCH are proof of his abilities. The story behind the making of the Concert Hall is just as fascinating as the building itself!

   · 15 min

6. City Hall

   More architecture and civic history! The tour is now getting into the political heart of LA. You'll walk right through Grand Park and discover how LA morphed from a town of just 44 into a city of millions.

   · 10 min

7. Little Tokyo

   The Japanese communities have shaped California in an incredible way, and LA is no exception. I will point out the legacy businesses, best restaurants, historic markers, and make sure that you leave Little Tokyo impressed by this vibrant section of downtown.

   · 30 min· Admission included

8. Fugetsu-Do

   Running a small business can be hard. Running a small business through 2 world wars, the Great Depression, and 120+ years of life's ups and downs is nearly impossible. Yet, that is exactly what the Kito family in LA have been doing since opening their family business in 1903. Our tour will stop by this legendary establishment and sample their incredible mochi!

   · 10 min

9. The oldest building along our tour route is St. Vibiana's Cathedral from 1876. This cathedral was built at a time when nearly 1/5th on LA's entire population could fit in the building!

   · 5 min

10. Million Dollar Theater

    Broadway in Downtown LA is home to the largest collection of historic "Movie Palaces" left in the United States. The grand theatres of Broadway hosted the premieres of Hollywood legends, like Charlie Chaplin. The Million Dollar Theatre is one of the most grandiose of the still standing theatres.

    · 5 min

11. Bradbury Building

    The Bradbury is one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Discover the incredible story behind this 1893 masterpiece!

    · 10 min

12. The architecture of LA's old bank district reflects the vast wealth and ambition of LA at the start of the 20th century. As we progress down Spring St., our buildings progress in styles and materials. Iron, steel, Beaux Arts to Art Deco, walking along Spring St. is an architectural timeline of what was once "The Wall Street of the West."

    · Non-stop passage

13. The Last Bookstore

    Go inside one of LA's coolest hangouts! The Last Bookstore is a readers paradise, but it is also full of great spots to take an amazing photo. You will learn about the original bank building and learn the secrets of the original vault.

    · 10 min

14. Grand Central Market

    This foodie destination is a treat for locals and visitors alike. This historic food hall has been operating for over 100 years now and shows no signs of slowing down!

    · 10 min

How to use your ticket

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 295253P6

Activity offered by See LA in a Day via Viator.