Angelino Heights is the living, beating heart of Victorian Los Angeles, a nearly perfect late 19th century neighborhood where time seems to stand still.

But the historic district—including every location scout’s favorite Carroll Avenue—is actually the happy result of decades of carefully planned house moving, vintage streetlight sourcing, power line burial, design guideline crafting and passionate advocacy by local preservationists. They did such a terrific job that it looks as if it’s always been this way.

Esotouric invites you to take an immersive trip back in time into Angelino Heights, on a walk that tells the stories of the early Los Angeles neighborhood, its notable characters, landscape and landmarks, and the visionary Angelenos who invented new tools to protect and improve the district.

Starting from the foot of Angelino Heights on Sunset Boulevard, where the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul operated the city’s first hospital, we’ll set out to discover Angelino Heights’ rich and compelling cultural, architectural, historic preservation and true crime history. You’ll see fascinating bits of Victorian infrastructure both original and salvaged, get to know colorful locals like the artist Leo Politi, discover the architects who shaped this early streetcar suburb, see where little Marion Parker was held in the kidnapping case that captivated the nation, and enjoy a stroll among some of the most beautiful and eclectic residences in town.

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

MEETING INSTRUCTIONS

Tour begins at 10:30am sharp, with check-in time 10am outside of Guisados restaurant at 1261 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Please arrive on time to get signed in and logged in to the smartphone slideshow. Scroll down for tour rules and recommendations.

BRUNCH / SNACK OPTIONS

Guisados opens at 9am, and offers Mexican breakfast and lunch options, with indoor and outdoor patio seating. The menu can be reviewed here. If you plan to eat, please plan to arrive early, as the tour will begin promptly at 10:30am.

TOUR RULES & RECOMMENDATIONS:

BE PREPARED: This is a walking hour lasting 2 1/2 to 3 hours, over a mix of level ground and occasional hills moving at a casual pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Bring your smartphone so you can view the tour slide show. We will have a cooler with cold water, and you’re encouraged to bring a full water bottle. A restroom will be available at the start and end of the tour. If you need more information about what to expect, please email us.

COVID SAFETY: At this time, we no longer require that masks be worn on walking tours.

CAMERA POLICY: No video- or audio-taping unless it has been pre-cleared with us, please. Still cameras and sketchbooks are fine.

PARKING & PUBLIC TRANSIT:

There is ample unmetered street parking with no time restrictions throughout the neighborhood. Please read any posted signs before parking. If using public transit, this link can help you plan your trip.

CONTACTING US ON OR BEFORE TOUR DAY:

Emailing is the best way to communicate with us, but after 8am on tour day you can call or text Richard on his mobile phone, 213-915-8687.

CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY:

If you feel like you’re getting sick, if you test positive for Covid-19, or if you have knowingly been in contact with a positive case of Covid-19 in the last 7 days, please do not attend the tour. Let us know not to expect you. If notified at least 72 hours before tour departure, we can refund or reschedule your booking. If notified at least 24 hours before departure, we can honor the booking on a future date. You may also gift your ticket to someone else—we will need their name, email address and phone number to make this switch.