Walking Tours
Experience L.A. architecture, art, and history, with the Conservancy’s award-winning walking tours!
The Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, recognizing, and revitalizing cultural and architecturally significant historic places in Los Angeles. Through our tours, we bring people closer to the places important to the history of Los Angeles.
Consider becoming a Conservancy member to enjoy discounts and presales on programs and events. Learn more.
It’s Member September! Our valued Conservancy members enjoy our Union Station and Historic Downtown walking tours all month long for just $5! Half-off to experience and enjoy the history of L.A.
Recurring Walking Tours
-
Historic Downtown
Saturdays at 9:45 a.m.
See Available Tour DatesMember September! Members enjoy this tour for only $5. Get a great overview of downtown L.A. history and architecture, from the eighteenth century to the present on this Saturday walking tour.
-
Union Station
Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
See Available Tour DatesMember September! Members enjoy this tour for only $5. Learn the backstory of L.A.’s iconic Union Station. This extraordinary Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco monument was built to serve as the gateway to Los Angeles – a role which, in many ways, it continues to play today. It continues to serve tens of thousands of commuters daily.
-
Angelino Heights
Every first Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
See Available Tour DatesExplore this hidden Victorian neighborhood east of Echo Park, L.A.’s oldest suburb.
-
Art Deco
Saturdays at 10:15 a.m.
See Available Tour DatesEveryone knows that L.A. is a glamorous city. But few know that true Old Hollywood glamour lies in the streets of downtown L.A.!
-
The Biltmore Hotel
Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (Currently unavailable)
Known in its early days as “The Host of the Coast, the Biltmore Hotel has a glittering history to tell.
Unfortunately, the Biltmore Hotel tour is unavailable at this time. We hope to bring it back in October.
-
Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District Walking Tour
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
See Available Tour DatesStep inside a lavish movie palace and learn how Hollywood history began on downtown L.A.’s Broadway.
-
Modern Skyline
Second Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m.
See Available Tour DatesThink skyscrapers aren’t historic? Think again! After seeing how downtown L.A. has evolved over the past century, you’ll see our beloved skyline in a whole new way.
-
Past Meets Present
Fourth Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m.
See Available Tour DatesStroll down L.A.’s Spring Street, one of the oldest in the city, and see a vibrant neighborhood thriving against the backdrop of this historic downtown corridor.
-
Group Tours (Virtual/In-Person)
Rates start at $180 for 12 people
Learn moreArrange a private in-person or virtual walking tour for your group.
-
Student Walking Tour Field Trips
Rates start at $10 per student/One chaperone free per 10 students
Learn moreConservancy student field trips are great choices for students, Scouts, youth groups, homeschoolers, and more!
Walking Tours FAQs
Learn more about our Walking Tour Program, including important policies and information.
Who Gives the Walking Tours?
Los Angeles Conservancy-trained volunteer tour guides primarily lead tours.
Who are the Los Angeles Conservancy Tour Guides?
Los Angeles Conservancy tour guides are highly trained individuals, passionate about sharing their love of Los Angeles, history, architecture, and preservation with others. They come to the Conservancy with unique backgrounds and experiences, but they all have the same goal—to share the story of Los Angeles’ places with others and to inspire a love for its historic buildings.
Tour Guide Training
All tour guides are volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and knowledge to serve as the face of the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Walking Tour Program. Each guide undergoes a rigorous six-week training course that consists of in-class and on-the-street training. They learn about architectural styles, the history of downtown and its diverse communities, and about preservation and the work of the Los Angeles Conservancy. They learn one to two different walking tours using scripts created by Conservancy staff and train under fellow Conservancy tour guides. Educational and safety workshops are held throughout the year that enable guides to continue their training and meet Conservancy walking tours’ high standards.
Please visit our volunteers page for information about becoming a Los Angeles Conservancy volunteer tour guide.
Reservations Required
Advanced registration is required for walking tours. At this time, we are not accepting walk-ups.
Prices and Policies
Tours cost $10 for Los Angeles Conservancy members and youth seventeen and under; $15 for the general public.
Conservancy members can make four adult reservations at the member rate per tour.
All sales are final — no refunds. You may change your reservation date if you contact us at least 24 hours before the tour date on your original reservation.
Please, no pets. Strollers are not recommended.
Please see our information about group tours for groups of twelve or more people.
Registration typically closes 2 hours before the tour.
Responsibility and Release
All participants in the Los Angeles Conservancy-sponsored Walking Tours knowingly and freely accept and assume all risks, both known and unknown, and AGREE TO RELEASE, DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, NOT SUE, AND HOLD HARMLESS the Los Angeles Conservancy, its principals, officers, employees, volunteers, sponsors, agents and other participants from any and all claims, damages (including medical expenses and attorneys’ fees), injuries and expenses arising out of, or resulting from your voluntary attendance/participation in Walking Tours.
Major funding for the Los Angeles Conservancy’s educational programs is provided by the LaFetra Foundation and the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation.
