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Civic Center, Los Angeles

Civic Center, Los Angeles: Our most recommended tours and activities

Los Angeles: Small Group Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Pickup

1. Los Angeles: Small Group Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Pickup

Welcome to the most comprehensive city tour in Los Angeles! Begin your exciting adventure in the heart of Downtown. The first stop will be at the historic Olvera Street where one of the oldest churches in Los Angeles “The Plaza Church” is located. From there you will be transported back in time to explore the world famous Union Train Station which is known as the "Last of the Great Railway Stations." The route will continue through downtown, passing by Chinatown, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, the Civic Center, Broadway, and the city skyline. You will see the fashion district (which consists of over 1,000 stores), some film locations from famous Hollywood productions, and the Staples Center Arena before heading northwest toward Griffith Park. Griffith Park offers the best view of the city as well as the world famous Hollywood Sign; the views are simply breathtaking. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is the third major stop on this tour and is among the most popular stops in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Walk of Fame will give you the opportunity to walk among the “stars” that have made significant contributions to film, radio, television, theater, and the recording industries. The legendary Chinese theater located alongside the Hollywood Walk of Fame hosts movie premieres as well as other special events. You never know, you may be able to witness a red carpet premiere while there. After many attractions, you deserve a break. Next, you will stop at the historic Farmer's Market, which is one of the greatest places in Los Angeles to enjoy a variety of foods and beverages. "The Grove” which is located next to the Farmer's Market will not go unnoticed. You can take a ride on a historic 1950’s trolley and enjoy the features of a large center garden that includes an animated fountain with many shopping opportunities. Now that you've had time to relax and eat, you will be whisked off in the early afternoon to another world! From the Sunset Strip, you'll pass by iconic locations such as the Whisky a Go Go and the Chateau Marmont, before reaching Beverley Hills. While in Beverly Hills you will experience the charm of Rodeo Drive and may even feel like a star yourself. You'll soon see how varied and diverse this metropolis really is as you get an insight into what life is like once you've been discovered by the Hollywood Studios. Back on Sunset Boulevard heading west will bring you past the Getty Center. From there you will finally feel the breeze of the ocean. The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark of the city and has served for many backdrops in countless Hollywood films. Finally, round off a fascinating day with a nice walk along Venice Beach where you will be entertained by many different artists and showmen. “See and be seen” is the motto here. You will not be disappointed! With countless attractions in the most exciting city in the world, you will finally be brought back to your hotel or to a prearranged drop-off location by late afternoon. You won't sit on a big sightseeing bus on this tour. Capped at a maximum of 14 people, a familial atmosphere always develops during the tour. The tour makes frequent stops, allowing you to discover everything at a relaxed pace.

Downtown Los Angeles: Food, Arts and Culture Walking Tour

2. Downtown Los Angeles: Food, Arts and Culture Walking Tour

Your tour will begin by learning about Los Angele’s public transportation. Most people picture just one thing when driving in Los Angeles, traffic jams. Few realize, however, that LA is home to a world class metro system which you’ll learn about on this tour. Come hear about the struggle between mass transit and car culture and learn about the demise of the original Red Line, and experience it for yourself later in the tour when you hop on the world famous Angels Flight. Your next few stops will take you to several unique and fascinating locations: The Last Bookstore, The Bradbury Building and the Grand Central Market which are all distinctly LA and shouldn’t be missed. Next up, you will see where locals and travelers visit to experience world renowned symphonies and art in the notable institutions that line Grand Street such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Pavilion, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Broad Museum. Next you’ll go to the Civic Center of LA, where you will see and learn about all of the administrative functions that help bring order to this large and sprawling city. You will also hear about local legends such as former Mayor Tom Bradley and retired police chief William Parker. Following this is the cultural hub of Downtown LA, and the oldest street in Los Angeles, Olvera. Immerse yourself in the local flavor and experience first hand what pueblo life was like in LA. Learn about the namesake of this great city and come to understand how the Spanish Empire helped shape this city. For your last stop, marvel at the incredible mission revival and Art Deco infused building that is Union Station. Learn about the history of this transit hub officially known as the Grand Central of the west. After this tour you will be able to impress the locals with your insider knowledge of the subway and never get stuck on the freeway again.

Los Angeles: Downtown Historic Highlights Bike Tour

3. Los Angeles: Downtown Historic Highlights Bike Tour

Embark on a round trip, easy, bike tour from Grand Central Market, LA's iconic food hall, and downtown's #1 visitor destination. Begin your bike tour learning about Angel's Flight, a functioning, iconic 1901 Victorian era funicular. Before we head out, we'll adjust and test out your 8-speed bike, then roll out on a historic tour of downtown Los Angeles. First, ride through the Historic Core's vintage Vaudeville theater and former banking district. Learn about the loft conversions and history of "Hollywood"-spoiler alert, most of it happened in downtown. Stop at the eerie Cecil Hotel of horrors and hear the mysterious goings on. Cruise through the Civic Center, LA's municipal center, to Olvera Street. We take an off bike break in the city's oldest neighborhood; now full of quaint shops and food kiosks. Next head to Union Station and its 1939 Mission Revival splendor that was the backdrop to the 2021 Oscars Ceremony. Stop at City Hall, you'll recognize it from TV and movies. Ride through Grand Park up to Grand Avenue with its cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Broad Museum. See local gems, architectural highlights, hidden passage ways, film sets, nightlife and restaurant recommendations, you would never find from a car, bus, or a walking tour. Your guide is First Aid certified, and amplified. No straining to hear, or shouting. After a mild bike ride of about 10K, half of which is on flat, protected bike lanes, finish up at Grand Central Market, just in time for lunch at one of over 40 food kiosks.

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What people are saying about Civic Center, Los Angeles

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 276 reviews

Excellent walking tour with a very helpful and friendly guide (sorry cannot recall his name but he was from Michigan) . The inside of the Bradbury building (which you would miss if it were not for this tour) and the Angels Flight being the highlights. Overshadowed by Hollywood and the coast Downtown LA may not the first place one would consider to visit but there are some hidden gems here and seeing them on a tour such as this is highly recommended.

great to join a small walking tour of downtown LA with a knowleagable guide. 2 hours was just right to get some great insigghts into the history of the downtown area & then wasy to go back to spots after the tour as well - id definately recommend it!

Matt did a swell job as our DTLA guide. He even provided a sublime weather day, great stories with wry humor along the way. Plus good eating tips for the Grand Central Market. Job well done Matt from Michigan!

I had a personal tour as the other guest pulled out - very knowledgeable guide -& I got a great overview of the historic downtown area

Excellent tour,guide was friendly and knowledgeable