When people talk about Victorian Los Angeles, they usually bring up Carroll Avenue in Angelino Heights and the lost neighborhood of Bunker Hill above Downtown—and we offer tours of both those neighborhoods. But there are other time capsule residential districts that are just as beautiful and compelling, hiding in plain sight just off Pico and Olympic in the heart of the city.

Esotouric invites you to take an immersive trip back in time exploring the layers of history to be found in Westlake / Pico-Union, on a walk that includes two stunning National Register Districts: Alvarado Terrace and the South Bonnie Brae Tract, as well as the handsome homes and apartment hotels that are their near neighbors.

Starting from the tropical garden courtyard of the elegant William Penn Hotel—now called The Sinclair LA—just south of MacArthur Park, we’ll set out to discover the rich and compelling cultural, architectural and true crime history of these historic residential neighborhoods, and the commercial corridors that connect them.

On this walk, you’ll see gorgeous homes reflecting the eclectic range of styles in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras—Queen Anne, Gothic, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, Mission Revival, Chateauesque, Shingle, Chalet and Tudor—and get to know the interesting original residents and the curious characters drawn to their white elephant mansions in later decades. Featured players include a colorful cast of self-dealing politicians, crooked cops, gay physique photographers, cult leaders, civil rights activists, wild teens, do-gooders and lost souls whose stories will stick with you.

This walking tour is illustrated with rare photos you can view on your smartphone.