About Santa Monica Conservancy

Established: 2009

Reservations/Appointments: Recommended

Staff Size: 2–10 people

Average Duration of Services: 2–4 hours

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and a hat. We are walking on city streets.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Parking: Parking garage

Recommended Age Group: All Ages

Q&A with the Walking Tour Coordinator

What special training do you or your staff have?

_ We were all trained by the Santa Monica Conservancy over a three-month period in 2009. We learned the lively history of Santa Monica, became acquainted with the historical and architecturally significant buildings and heard stories about the colorful characters who built Santa Monica: miners, railroad barons, cowboys, sailors, movie actors and directors, body builders and gangsters._

I'm a first-timer. How do you get me ready for the experience?

_We meet at 1436 Second Street in Santa Monica, the location of the oldest structure in Santa Monica: an 1875 saloon. We greet people and tell them where the restroom is located. While waiting to begin, we point out the "ghost signage" on the side wall of the Rapp Saloon. This old building has seen a lot of activity. There are hand-painted fragments on the wall indicating that it used to be Salvation Army Hall, Police Station, City Hall, a produce market, automotive parts store and the headquarters of Vitagraph films.

Since we are walking through downtown Santa Monica, we are concerned about pedestrian safety and emphasize obeying all traffic signals. We ask people to please silence their cell phones._

What is the one feature of your business that you're most proud of?

We call our tour "A Walk Through History". We are also an architectural tour as there are are some fine buildings in Santa Monica. Personally, I am most proud when, at the end of the tour, someone says "You really brought the past alive".

Is there anything else you want to add that we didn't cover?

_ There are some surprises along the way, but if we put them in the ad then they will no longer be a surprise._