GROUP WALKING TOURS
For over 25 years, the Los Angeles Conservancy has been sharing Los Angeles' unique architectural treasures with the public through the Walking Tour Program.
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Angelino Heights. Photo by LAC staff. |
These tours are an excellent group activity, suitable for social club outings, schools, corporate team-building activities, conference field sessions, even birthday parties and family reunions.
Groups of 10 or more can request a private docent on a regularly scheduled Saturday morning tour (subject to availability; regular fees apply). For groups of 15 or more, tours can be specially arranged on Sundays or weekdays (subject to availability; $150 minimum).
Below, we offer answers to frequently asked questions, as well as suggestions of tours that are best-suited to groups.
For more information, and to book a group tour, contact Annie Laskey, Program Manager,
at
213-430-4209 or alaskey@laconservancy.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a group can I bring?
Tours can accommodate 15-20 people per docent, depending upon the tour. Subject to availability, on any given day we can provide up to three docents. The Union Station tour is the only tour that can accommodate groups larger than 60. The Biltmore Hotel tour is limited to one group of no more than 15 people.
How long in advance do I need to schedule?
Tours are subject to availability, so booking at least four weeks in advance is recommended.
What days are the tours offered?
The Conservancy’s regularly scheduled tour day is Saturday (except for the Biltmore Hotel, which is Sunday). Groups of 10 or more can request a private docent for our regularly scheduled tours. For 15 people or more (or at a minimum of $150), tours can be arranged on a weekday or a Sunday, subject to availability.
Please note that the following tours are available only at their regularly scheduled times: Angelino Heights, Biltmore Hotel, and Broadway Historic Theatre District.
What time are the tours?
Regularly scheduled tours start at 10 a.m. For specially arranged tours, we recommend a start time between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. so that the tour finishes before lunchtime. Afternoon and early evening tours can also be arranged subject to certain restrictions.
How long are the tours?
Tours as given to the public are 2-1/2 hours long. Most tours can be shortened to 1-1/2 hours if requested.
How much walking is involved?
The tours are designed as walking tours; they generally cover a total distance of about 1-1/2 miles. The tours have varying degrees of walking difficulty, and several of the tours can be shortened if requested. Many of the tours are wheelchair accessible.
Can I customize my tour?
The Conservancy’s docents are trained on specific tour routes and information. While we have some flexibility in focusing a tour on your group’s specific interests, we regret that we cannot put together specialized tours.
What do group tours cost?
For groups of 10 or more with a private docent on a regularly scheduled Saturday tour, regular fees apply ($10 for the general public; $5 for Conservancy members and children 12 and under).
For weekday and Sunday tours (except for the Biltmore Hotel), we charge $150 for the first 15 people and $10 for each additional guest.
For specially scheduled tours for school groups (high school and younger), we charge $5 per person.
Conservancy t our docents do not accept tips.
What about parking?
Parking downtown on the weekends costs around $5 per car; parking on weekdays may be significantly higher. As an alternative to parking downtown, several of the tours are easily accessible by Metro.
If you have other questions about Conservancy group tours, please contact Program Manager Annie Laskey at alaskey@laconservancy.org or (213) 430-4209.
May We Suggest...
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Conservancy docent Stewart Rupp at the Bradbury Building with a student group. Photo from LAC archives. |
The following tours are well suited to larger groups with special scheduling requirements. These tours are generally 2-1/2 hours long, but can be shortened if needed.
Historic Core
A great introduction to the architecture and history of Los Angeles, featuring some of L.A.’s best-loved landmarks such as the Biltmore Hotel, Central Market, and Bradbury Building.
- Moderate walking: About twelve blocks; can be shortened to about six blocks
- Can accommodate up to three groups of 18 at one time
- Near a range of restaurants, from cafeteria to upscale
Union Station
An entertaining mix of architectural, cultural, and transportation history, exploring the last great train station built in America. The tour also covers the extensive public art of the 1993 East Portal area and MTA Building.
- Easy walking: Ample places to sit; station is wheelchair accessible
- Can accommodate up to four groups of 20-25 people at one time
- Indoors
- Across from historic Olvera Street, for after-tour lunch and shopping
Art Deco
An up-close look at the architecture and style of the 1920s and 1930s, full of wonderful geometric designs and distinctive artwork
- Moderate walking: About twelve blocks with minimal rest stops; can be shortened
- Can accommodate up to three groups of 18 at one time
- Near a range of restaurants, from cafeteria to upscale
Evolving Skyline
An exploration of Los Angeles’ Central Business District, which focuses on the evolution of contemporary corporate architecture and how historic architecture fits into a “new” downtown.
- Moderate to heavy walking: About 14 blocks; includes steps and hills
- Can accommodate up to two groups of 18 at one time
- Includes a great variety of public art
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