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The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

53 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 53 reviews collected by City Boat Tours 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

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3 hours (approx.)
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Instant confirmation

Overview

If you want to truly understand LA, you need to visit downtown. This is where it all began! Over 3 hours, you'll learn so much about LA and the downtown area. We'll discuss history, architecture, food, city planning, shopping, art, and more! Guests frequently walk away from the tour amazed by how much they underestimated downtown LA.

This tour focuses on a few major parts of DTLA. We will cover the Historic Core, Little Tokyo, the Civic Center, and Bunker Hill. These areas will give you a deeper understanding of how much variety there is in downtown. Every block in downtown has its own unique feel.

In Little Tokyo, you'll get to try traditional Japanese sweets from a family owned confectioner that has been around since 1903! This is the only tour in LA that visits this legendary institution.

See LA in a Day offers the best walking tours in LA, heavily researched and delivered by guides with a passion for sharing the city they call home. See you on the tour!

What's Included

  • Snacks Every guest will get a Japanese treat in Little Tokyo.

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    South Hill Street
    Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA

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    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

    Angels Flight Railway

    Start the tour by learning about the shortest train in the world! We will discuss Angels Flight and its connection to Bunker Hill. The tour will end by riding Angels Flight down to our meeting point.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Pershing Square (Pass By)

    The architecture deep dive begins at Pershing Square. The historic core in DTLA is home to some of the best art deco, beaux arts, and modern architecture in the world!
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    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'll head upstairs and discover that the building used to be a bank for the wealthy in downtown.
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    15 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!
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Little Tokyo

    The Japanese communities have shaped California in an incredible way, and LA especially. One of the oldest bakeries still open today is a Japanese candy store from 1903! The tour includes mochi from this one of a kind stop. The tour will break here for about 20 minutes for the bathrooms and snacks.
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    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    City Hall (Pass By)

    Back to architecture and civic history! The tour is beginning to wind down with a visit to 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.
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    Walt Disney Concert Hall (Pass By)

    Discover some of LA's incredible modern architecture and the struggles to develop one of LA's most striking buildings.
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    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!
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 6 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 20 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    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 (PDT).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

    4.98
    53 reviews

    Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 53 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    52
    4 stars
    1
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

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    What's Included

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • SnacksEvery guest will get a Japanese treat in Little Tokyo.

    Additional Info

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • 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 20 travelers

    Report Product Issue

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Free Cancellation

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    100% refund
    No refund

    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 (PDT).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • 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.

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    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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