Highlights
Join an expert-led tour to uncover downtown Santa Monica's historical and architectural gems while soaking in the local culture
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About This Deal
Experience an unforgettable journey through Santa Monica's rich history with our guided walking tour. Why settle for ordinary when you can immerse yourself in stories of yesteryears? Discover hidden gems, learn intriguing facts, and connect with the past in ways you never imagined.
What we offer
The deal offers two options: a two-hour walking tour for either two or four people. Participants will enjoy exploring historical sites throughout downtown Santa Monica. Each option provides an engaging experience filled with fascinating insights into the city's heritage.- $10.00 for Two Hour Walking Tour of Santa Monica for Two: A comprehensive tour exploring historical sites in downtown Santa Monica
- $20.00 for Two Hour Walking Tour of Santa Monica for Four: Ideal for families or groups wanting to delve into local history together
Why you should grab the offer
This walking tour offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Santa Monica from a fresh perspective. The historic Shotgun House Experience allows visitors to step back in time and see one of the last intact shotgun houses in town. Engaging with local arts through initiatives like MOSAIC provides cultural depth beyond typical tourist attractions. The collaboration with Great Wall of Los Angeles highlights significant artworks that inspire cultural understanding. Plus, by joining this tour, you'll be supporting preservation advocacy efforts that protect vital cultural sites like the iconic Civic Auditorium. It's not just about seeing places; it's about experiencing the heart and soul of Santa Monica.Fine Print
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._