LA's Art Deco & Beaux Art Architecture: Private Walking Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Immerse yourself in the largely unknown architectural splendour of downtown Los Angeles, and explore some of the most incredible buildings of geometric patterns, brilliant colours, and luxurious materials that characterised Art Deco and its predecessor, Beaux Art.
On your private tour, you will see glimmering marble columns, an art-deco library saved from demolition, Greek temples, and buildings designed to emulate the Paris exposition of 1925. You’ll wander through the jewellery district and see one of LA’s old movie theatre companies, which still evokes the feelings of ‘Old Hollywood’. Your tour will end in Santee Alley, where your guide will take you through a bit of the market before parting with you.
Your guide will be the best source of food advice for downtown, so be sure not to miss out on all the spots where you can go on a culinary adventure.
Available options
LA's Art Deco & Beaux Art Architecture: Private Walking Tour
What's included
Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group
Detailed itinerary
1
Begin your tour at the Los Angeles City Hall, an iconic building in the city used in the films industry many times due to its eclectic style. Then, head towards the LA Courthouse, an Art Moderne architecture example.
2
Stop 2
Admire the Bradbury Building, a recognised landmark in LA and one of the oldest surviving Beau-Arts architecture buildings downtown.
3
Walk to Title Guarantee Building from 1930, a former office building now loft-style apartments which showcase the verticality of Art Deco style.
4
Explore Pershing Square where your tour guide will tell you about Art Deco and Beaux Art that precedes that period and show an example of a Beaux-Arts building which is the 1925 Biltmore hotel.
5
Discover the CalEdison building from 1931 on a prominent corner where you might be able to enter to see spectacular types of marble on the floor and columns.
6
See Los Angeles Central Library from 1926, an example of an early Art Deco style saved from demolition in 1978 by Los Angeles Conservatory.
7
Admire the Oviatt Building, with parts built in the Romanesque Revival style and others changed to resemble the Art Deco style after the owner visited the Paris exposition in 1925, and pass by PacMutual original from 1908 that resembles a Greek temple which was remodelled in the 1930s to give it an Art Deco look.
8
End your tour at the spectacular Eastern Columbia Building with its iconic clock tower and the spectacular greenish terra cotta originally built as a department store, now luxury condominiums one still owned by Johnny Depp.
What's not included
Gratuities (optional)
No tickets required
Food & drink
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Transportation on the day (if required)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Your guide will meet you under the arches of Los Angeles City Hall main entrance, located at 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States.
About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its Hollywood glamour, sunny beaches, and diverse cultural attractions. From iconic landmarks to world-class dining and entertainment, LA offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Hollywood Walk of Fame
A must-visit for film and entertainment enthusiasts, the Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring celebrities in the entertainment industry.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Santa Monica Pier
An iconic beachfront amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and numerous rides, the Santa Monica Pier offers fun for all ages.
Entertainment
Half day
Free entry, rides cost extra
Griffith Observatory
A public observatory offering stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign, as well as educational exhibits about space and astronomy.
Nature
2-3 hours
Free (some exhibits and shows have fees)
The Getty Center
A world-renowned art museum featuring European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photographs.
Museum
Half day
Free (parking fee applies)
Venice Beach
A vibrant beach community known for its boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic shops, as well as its beautiful sandy beaches.
Beach
Half day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish Tacos
A popular street food item featuring grilled or fried fish in a tortilla, topped with salsa and crema.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with various types of fish, vegetarian options available.
Korean BBQ
A staple of LA's Korean food scene, featuring marinated meats grilled at the table and served with side dishes.
Dinner
Contains meat, vegetarian options available at some restaurants.
Avocado Toast
A trendy dish featuring toasted bread topped with mashed avocado, often garnished with eggs, tomatoes, or other toppings.
Breakfast/Brunch
Vegetarian, vegan options available.
Tacos al Pastor
A traditional Mexican taco featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains pork, vegetarian options available at some restaurants.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Griffith Park
Rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
Surfing in Malibu
Beach day in Santa Monica
Spa day in Beverly Hills
Yoga in Venice Beach
Visiting museums in Downtown LA
Exploring historic sites in Olvera Street
Best Time to Visit
April to May, September to November
The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. This is the best time to visit for comfortable sightseeing and exploring the city's attractions.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT), GMT-8 (Standard Time), GMT-7 (Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
LA is generally safe for tourists, but some areas can be risky, especially at night. Stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious at night and in less touristy areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
Getting there
By air
- Los Angeles International Airport • 20 km from city center
- Bob Hope Airport • 30 km from city center
By train
Union Station
By bus
Union Station, Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Metro Rail system includes several subway and light rail lines that cover most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Hollywood
Santa Monica
Downtown LA
Venice
Beverly Hills
Day trips
Santa Barbara
150 km from LA • Full day
A charming coastal city known for its Spanish architecture, wineries, and beautiful beaches.
Disneyland Resort
50 km from LA • Full day
A world-famous theme park featuring Disney characters, rides, and attractions for all ages.
Joshua Tree National Park
200 km from LA • Full day or overnight
A unique desert landscape featuring iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and hiking trails.
Festivals
Hollywood Bowl Summer Concert Series • June to September
LA Pride • June
LA County Fair • September to October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation or walk whenever possible to avoid traffic and parking issues
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions and events
- Explore beyond the tourist hotspots for a more local experience
- Be prepared for traffic and congestion, especially during peak hours
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as LA can be hot and sunny year-round
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
