LOS ANGELES — The well-worn adage, “Nobody walks in L.A.,” which speaks to the population’s dependence on cars, isn’t exactly true.
It turns out that lots of people walk in L.A. — especially during one of the L.A. Conservancy’s downtown walking tours.
The conservancy offers several fascinating ways to explore the city’s rich history and architecture through several tours, including its downtown walking tours.
The popular guided tours, which prove Los Angeles is a walking metropolis, provide a unique perspective on the city’s development, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving metropolitan area.
The tours, presented in story formats, enable participants to explore the city, step into world-class monuments, share stories, and experience the architecture of the city of Angels.
“Whether you are a long-time resident or first-time visitor to Los Angeles, a conservancy downtown walking tour will provide a primer on the various architectural styles found in the city as well as some history you might not have known,” said Steven McCall, Los Angeles Conservancy’s outgoing board chair. “If you love history, architecture and learning, these tours are for you.”
The historic downtown walking tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers approximately 1.5 miles, including stairs and hills, while also exploring landmarks like the Central Library, an example of modern architecture with a beautiful atrium: and Maguire Gardens.
There is also the U.S. Bank Tower, with iconic views of the city, and the Bradbury Building, a National Historic Landmark known for its Victorian-era architecture and ornate interior. Pershing Square, considered the heart of downtown L.A., has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.
Additional highlights include the Art Deco Tour, which explores the glamorous world of Old Hollywood. Participants can discover the intricate details of L.A.’s art deco style buildings.
The Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District Walking Tour allows participants to step into the lavish movie palaces of downtown L.A. and learn about the history of Hollywood.
During the Union Station Tour, attendees will learn about the backstory of L.A.’s iconic Union Station, a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco architecture.
“Historic Downtown, Broadway Theatre District, Art Deco, Angelino Heights, Union Station, and the Millennium Biltmore tours make up the mainstay of the conservancy walking tours, along with other seasonal and special tours,” said McCall, who is also a long-time volunteer tour guide.
By joining a downtown walking tour, participants gain a deeper understanding of L.A.’s history and cultural significance.
The tours are led by knowledgeable guides passionate about sharing their love for L.A.’s historic places.
“Our wonderful volunteer tour guides lead the conservancy’s downtown walking tours,” said an L.A. Conservancy representative. “Our volunteers are passionate about Los Angeles and its rich history and share their knowledge in an engaging and captivating way, making every tour a one-of-a-kind experience.”
The representative said that if someone is unable to make it to one of its guided weekend walking tours or wants to continue exploring L.A. on their own, there are self-guided tours and resources available on the website, laconservancy.org.
Participation in the walking tours supports the L.A. Conservancy’s mission to preserve and protect L.A’s cultural and architectural heritage.
“There is no better way to get a handle on what L.A. is about than taking a conservancy downtown walking tour,” McCall said.
Various tours are offered weekly or monthly, with specific dates and times. The cost is $18 for L.A. Conservancy members and youth 17 and under; $25 for the general public.
The L.A. Conservancy offers private group tours for $240 minimum (12 people), with discounted rates for larger groups. Meeting points vary depending on the tour; additional location information is provided upon registration.
Advanced registration is required, and tours typically take place rain or shine. No pets are allowed, and caregivers accompanying people with disabilities are free.
For more information and to register for tours, visit the LA Conservancy website at .www.laconservancy.org
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
