The city is so diverse and multifaceted that every Los Angeles resident or tourist can see something new and exciting. I-los-angeles will share options for walking tours for which you don’t have to pay.
Angelino Heights
City dwellers can explore the best Los Angeles first suburb. The talk is of a late 19th century neighborhood developed for upper and middle-class families. You can recognize some houses from famous movies, television shows, or commercials, for example, Charmed.
In the neighborhood, you can see excellent examples of Victorian houses that have survived to the present day. Almost all of them were able to be restored, preserving their uniqueness.
Angelino Heights is the first historic preservation area in Los Angeles, with the adjacent 1300 block of Carroll Avenue listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The following buildings should be seen:
- It’s worth starting with Innes House, also known locally as the Charmed House. It was built in the late 1880s. In the well known TV series, viewers saw every corner of it, including the famous attic.
- The Heim House was built during the initial development of the Los Angeles neighborhood.
- The Phillips House, which was built in 1887, is exquisite. It has an extravagant finish on all sides.
- The last Victorian house in the neighborhood is the Haskins House, a shining example of late Victorian affluence.
The route covers about six blocks, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours. There is an opportunity to sign up for a paid tour or a free walk through the historical sites.
Historic Downtown
This route will cover about twelve blocks, including the following favorite Los Angeles landmarks: the Los Angeles Central Library, the Bradbury Building, the U.S. Bank Tower, plus many other places of interest. The walk will take about 2 to 2.5 hours. However, you will be able to explore the history and architecture of the city from the 18th century to the present day.
The heart of Downtown is Pershing Square, which has quite a fascinating history of growth and marvelous architecture, which you would also want to enjoy.
Art Deco walking tours
Are you familiar with the glamour of Old Hollywood? It can be felt on the streets of the downtown area. The elegant Jazz Age is well illustrated by Art Deco. For example, in the ’20s and ’30s, it was evident in the flat lines and the presence of geometric patterns. Each building is strikingly detailed and bright in color and features the presence of luxurious material.
If you go on a self-guided walking tour (without a group and a tour guide), take the time to learn beforehand about how Art Deco came to Los Angeles. You will also be interested in how the style became a defining feature of the city’s architecture.
The Biltmore Hotel
It is one of the most luxurious hotels, which is located in the central part of Los Angeles. A walk through its territory will leave you with only pleasant memories behind. Here is what is known about the establishment:
It is the largest hotel west of Chicago. It officially opened in 1923.
The hotel’s architecture, Beaux Arts with Renaissance touches, has become a magnet for not just tourists but also famous personalities and officials. For example, the Prince of Wales, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rudolph Valentino, J. Paul Getty and many others stayed at the Biltmore.
The hotel was featured in such loved by many movies such as Ghostbusters, Pretty in Pink, Fight Club and other film work.
An interesting historical fact is that members of the LGBTQ community often gathered in the hotel bar.
Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District
Walking through the entertainment epicenter of Los Angeles will leave nothing but a pleasant experience. For decades, Broadway thrived, while the movie theaters and enormous department stores only attracted more young people.
The district has retained its title as a bustling shopping street, with more office buildings, restaurants, retail, and nightlife options. Taking a walk through the National Historic District will be a great experience. Before you begin your walking tour, it’s worth learning about the evolution and history of Broadway.
This route will take an average of 2 to 3.5 hours, covering about ten blocks.
Modern-style walking tour
What is modern Los Angeles like? It is fascinating and informative to trace how the city has evolved over the past century so that the familiar horizon opens up in a new light.
For example, the story of the evolution of Bunker Hill will interest you, as well as the new landmarks in the city. It’s a prime example of how old and new architecture coexists. The exquisite high-rises feature examples of public art with details that may not have been discernible before.
Historic Places of the Past
How does the past meet the present, shaping the city’s future? The following walking tour would be a good answer. By taking a walk through the downtown area, you will see with your own eyes what architectural treasures of the past have influenced the development of Los Angeles.
For example, it is worth a walk through the National Register Historic District to size up the transformation of the “Wall Street of the West” and a former bank building that has become The Last Bookstore. The previously abandoned streetcar terminal, which managed to turn into a luxury residential complex, will also be of interest.
Along the route, you will also come across other office buildings dating back to the 1930s, which later became popular bars, clubs and restaurants.
Union Station
It is one of the city’s most notorious gems, namely the last railroad station built during the golden age of rail travel. This Spanish Colonial Revival landmark is an example of Art Deco. The station continues to serve passengers daily.
The walking tour will cover most of Union Station, including the Waiting Room, the place featured in many famous movies, as well as, Tunnel, Fred Harvey Restaurant and other locations.
You will be interested not only in the architecture of Union Station but also in how one of Los Angeles’ favorite attractions continues to develop.
A walk through the city’s landmarks
- Hollywood Walk of Fame. The idea belongs to the Hollywood Hotel. In fact, it was there that they first started decorating the ceiling with gold stars with the names of celebrities.
- Dolores Del Rio mural. She is considered one of Hollywood’s first Latin American stars, the most legendary woman who burst into silent movies (1920s) and then into conventional movies (1930s).
- The Hollywood Wax Museum. It is the first establishment of its kind in Hollywood. The museum was founded by Indian-Canadian former sawmill operator Spoony Singh.
- The Magic Castle on Franklin Avenue. The beautiful 1909 Chateau-style building used to be the residence of such Hollywood stars as Rollin B. Lane (banker and real estate investor, philanthropist) and Katherine Lane (writer, teacher and philanthropist).
Hollywood Hills Walking Tour
Finally, we would like to conclude the selection with this particular walk. Hollywood Sign is a magnet for all tourists as well as those who adore the City of Angels. To get a better view of the landmark, you need to climb the Hollywood Hills. Most people choose to drive to the sign, though some truly excellent walking tours are available that will take you to one of the best viewing spots. In total, the hike will last about 2 to 3 hours, which is a good workout. Walking up, you can turn on the audio guide. In other words, you can learn more about the history of the place and its worldwide fame.
