Walking Tour Of Downtown LA
When people first come to LA they're drawn to the bright lights of the infamous boulevards and trendy nightlife. They're enamored by beautiful faces and magnificent sunsets. But there's more to this city than what first meets the eye. Hollywood is filled with industry landmarks, history and celebrated culture. Most of these treasures can be found in the Downtown area, and thanks to the efforts of the city to gentrify Downtown LA, it's now safe to explore. But the only way to really experience Downtown is on foot. You could go it alone, but there are many walking tours that will take you to the good stuff without wasting time. And to make sure you don't waste your time on a lame tour, these are 5 of the best walking tours of Downtown LA.
Downtown LA Walking Tours
600 W. 9th St., Suite 603
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 399-3820
www.dtlawalkingtours.com
Downtown LA Walking Tours is one of the most convenient tour groups, as it has multiple meeting times and a variety of tours. Get up close and personal with cathedrals, landmark restaurants, railway stations, Chinatown, the theater district and many historical buildings. Learn the history of downtown and what the future holds for it. The price is $15 per head with children 13 and under free with packages available. Tours lasts about two hours. You can also arrange a private tour and structure it to see locations when you want.
Six Taste
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 798-4749
www.sixtaste.com
If you're a foodie, then the Six Taste walking tour is right up your alley. Take a 12 block walk through Downtown LA and stop at a number of restaurants, cafes and stands that serve authentic cuisine. Work up an appetite taking in the local culture and architecture and indulge in Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian and some Texas BBQ along the way. Downtown is a big place, so tours are broken up into districts like Chinatown, Little Osaka, The Arts District and more. Those with dietary restrictions will be discounted if given a 72 hour notice.
LA Conservancy Historic Downtown Tour
523 W. 6th St., Suite 826
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 623-2489
www.laconservancy.org
The LA Conservancy Historic Downtown Tours are led by knowledgeable volunteer docents who will point out iconic details most people overlook. With a focus on architecture, there is an array of walking tours to choose from. Explore Angeleno Heights, Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District, Downtown Renaissance, Historic Downtown, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, modern skyline and Union Station. Also take an in-depth look at the Art Deco architecture of the 1920s and 1930s. Tours cost $5 for LAC members and children twelve and under; $10 for the general public.
Metro Art Rail Tours
Los Angeles, CA 90189
(323) 466-3876
www.metro.net
Walk a little, ride a little on the Metro Art Rail Tours. For those new to the city, LA really does have a subway system and it's beautiful. Get acquainted with the rail line and stops, activate a tap card and visit each station to see contemporary artwork, murals, sculptures and architectural designs. Special guests often accompany, like the Independent Shakespeare who perform Shakespearean scenes at each stop. The tour is led by docents and artists and you'll get to see the Metro as far more than just a way to get from point A to point B. Best of all, this tour is free.
Free LA Tour
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 316-8687
www.freelatour.com
Free LA Tour is a great way to get to know Downtown LA and some history about how it was and how it came to be the way it is now. Take the Empire to Now tour and visit City Hall, the Bradbury building and Union Station (among others). The Historic Core will take you to the historic theater district and down Broadway, the IT spot of the 20's & 30's. Join the City Lights tour and experience Downtown architecture at night like the spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall. Coming soon is the Bar Walk which is expected to become quite popular.
Related: Best Hollywood Tours In LA
