The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

46 Reviews4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 46 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Los Angeles, USA
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3 hours (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

If you want to truly understand LA, you need to visit downtown. This is where it all began! Over 3 hours, you'll learn so much about LA and the downtown area. We'll discuss history, architecture, food, city planning, shopping, art, and more! Guests frequently walk away from the tour amazed by how much they underestimated downtown LA.

This tour focuses on a few major parts of DTLA. We will cover the Historic Core, Little Tokyo, the Civic Center, and Bunker Hill. These areas will give you a deeper understanding of how much variety there is in downtown. Every block in downtown has its own unique feel.

In Little Tokyo, you'll get to try traditional Japanese sweets from a family owned confectioner that has been around since 1903! This is the only tour in LA that visits this legendary institution.

See LA in a Day offers the best walking tours in LA, heavily researched and delivered by guides with a passion for sharing the city they call home. See you on the tour!

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

341 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA

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We meet at the BOTTOM of the Angels Flight trolley. This is right across from Grand Central Market. Your guide will be standing off to the side, near the stairs.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Description

Stop At: Angels Flight Railway, 356 S Olive St, Los Angeles, California 90013

Start the tour by learning about the shortest train in the world! We will discuss Angels Flight and its connection to Bunker Hill. The tour will end by riding Angels Flight down to our meeting point.

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Pershing Square, Boundaries are South Hill St, South Olive St, West Sixth St, and West Fifth St, Los Angeles, California 90015

The architecture deep dive begins at Pershing Square. The historic core in DTLA is home to some of the best art deco, beaux arts, and modern architecture in the world!

Stop At: The Last Bookstore, 453 S Spring St _ Ground Floor, Los Angeles, California 90013

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'll head upstairs and discover that the building used to be a bank for the wealthy in downtown.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Bradbury Building, 304 S Broadway, Downtown, Los Angeles, California 90013

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

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Little Tokyo, Downtown, Southeast of the Civic Center; bounded by 1st, Los Angeles, California

The Japanese communities have shaped California in an incredible way, and LA especially. One of the oldest bakeries still open today is a Japanese candy store from 1903! The tour includes mochi from this one of a kind stop. The tour will break here for about 20 minutes for the bathrooms and snacks.

Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: City Hall, 200 N. Spring St. between First and Temple, Los Angeles, California 90012

Back to architecture and civic history! The tour is beginning to wind down with a visit to 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.

Pass By: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Inglewood Can Day Has Was Year Day Was, Los Angeles, California 90012

Discover some of LA's incredible modern architecture and the struggles to develop one of LA's most striking buildings.

Stop At: Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90013

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!

Duration: 10 minutes

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What To Expect

  • Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
  • Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
  • Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
  • Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
  • Return Details: Returns to original departure point

What's Included

  • Every guest will get a Japanese treat in Little Tokyo.
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup not offered

What To Bring

  • Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
  • Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
  • A Smile!

Additional Info

  • 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

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-295253P6

Reviews

4.98
46 reviews

Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 46 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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