You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

158 Reviews 4.99 out of 5 stars Based on 158 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Los Angeles, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (13.4) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

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.

What's Included

  • Snacks Every guest will get a Japanese treat in Little Tokyo.
  • We will ride on Angels Flight as a part of our tour! (Sometimes Angels Flight has mechanical errors and may be closed.)

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    341 South Hill Street
    Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    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.)
    Read more

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    California Plaza (pass by)

    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!
    Read more

    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.
    Read more

    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
    Read more

    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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!
    Read more

    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
    Read more

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
    Read more

    30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    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!
    Read more

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Vibiana

    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!
    Read more

    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
    Read more

    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Bradbury Building

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

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Old Bank District (pass by)

    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."
    Read more

    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.
    Read more

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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!
    Read more

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Show 13 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

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

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-295253P6

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.99
    158 reviews

    Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 158 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    156
    4 stars
    2
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 25 (13.4) days in advance.

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Private Los Angeles Layover Tour with Pickup

    Discover Los Angeles, its iconic landmarks, and favorite tourist destinations on this private full day tour. Your local guide will pick you up at your …More

    Discover Los Angeles, its iconic landmarks, and favorite tourist destinations on this private full day tour. Your local guide will pick you up at your...

    4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
    5.0 (1)
    from
    $1,199

    The Ultimate Hollywood Tour

    The Ultimate Hollywood Tour is our most popular private tour in the city. Relax in comfort, luxury, and style as we escort you throughout the …More

    The Ultimate Hollywood Tour is our most popular private tour in the city. Relax in comfort, luxury, and style as we escort you throughout the...

    4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
    5.0 (6)
    from
    $269

    Hollywood Food Tour with To Live and Dine in LA Food Tours

    Hollywood can feel like a maze of tourist traps and mediocre food—so let us take the guesswork out of your visit! Experience one of LA’s …More

    Hollywood can feel like a maze of tourist traps and mediocre food—so let us take the guesswork out of your visit! Experience one of LA’s...

    3 hours Free Cancellation
    4.5 (4)
    from
    $104

    Private Runyon Canyon Hiking Tour

    Escape the confines of urban Los Angeles life by enjoying the arboreal environment with a guided hike at Runyon Canyon Park. This 160 acre park …More

    Escape the confines of urban Los Angeles life by enjoying the arboreal environment with a guided hike at Runyon Canyon Park. This 160 acre park...

    2 hours Free Cancellation
    4.0 (1)
    from
    $149

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour

    • See Hollywood, West Hollywood & Beverly Hills on our Open Air Buses.  • Experience The World Famous Hollywood Sign, Famous Landmarks, Celebrity Homes & …More

    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    • See Hollywood, West Hollywood & Beverly Hills on our Open Air Buses.  • Experience The World Famous Hollywood Sign, Famous Landmarks, Celebrity Homes &...

    2 hours Free Cancellation
    4.6 (2,381)
    from
    $31

    Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

    This 7.5 hour guided tour - by LA-natives - is perfect for families, couples and all ages! Our routes are carefully curated to visit the …More

    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    This 7.5 hour guided tour - by LA-natives - is perfect for families, couples and all ages! Our routes are carefully curated to visit the...

    7 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
    4.9 (6,571)
    from
    $69

    Hollywood Open Bus Tours

    Get the most out of your time in Los Angeles with this comprehensive tour that passes famous landmarks and celebrity homes. Travel between sites on …More

    4.6 (1,770)

    Hollywood Open Bus Tours

    4.6 (1,770)

    Get the most out of your time in Los Angeles with this comprehensive tour that passes famous landmarks and celebrity homes. Travel between sites on...

    2 hours Free Cancellation
    4.6 (1,770)
    from
    $39

    Los Angeles 3-Hour City Tour with 3 Stops

    Experience Los Angeles on a personalized sightseeing tour unlike the typical scripted experience. Your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating stories about the city's history, …More

    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    Experience Los Angeles on a personalized sightseeing tour unlike the typical scripted experience. Your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating stories about the city's history,...

    3 hours Free Cancellation
    4.8 (1,739)
    from
    $45

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • SnacksEvery guest will get a Japanese treat in Little Tokyo.
    • We will ride on Angels Flight as a part of our tour! (Sometimes Angels Flight has mechanical errors and may be closed.)

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name