Where busy Western Avenue crosses Interstate 10, Esotouric invites you to slow down for a side street stroll back in time, on a cultural and architectural history walking tour of West Adams, to explore some of the city’s oldest streetcar suburbs.

On this walk through West Adams Heights, Western Heights, Jefferson Park and Adams-Normandie neighborhoods, and into Angelus Rosedale Cemetery (est. 1884), you’ll see relics of early infrastructure, transit and commerce, secret shortcuts, adorable bungalows and fabulous mansions, and the mournful shadows where landmarks used to be.

You’ll ascend to the most exclusive section of Angelus Rosedale Cemetery to meet some fascinating eternal residents, lament the tragic death of soul star Marvin Gaye, hear how the national integration battle played out in the homes of Sugar Hill and Norman O. Houston’s Golden State Mutual Insurance Company offices, and why designating historic districts is the key to saving affordable multi-family housing.

And you’ll have a chance to explore the stunning Mediterranean / Moorish Revival Linda Scott Residence (Frank Tyler, 1906), Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #963, and to visit the Rinzai-ji Zen Center in its historic Spanish Colonial Revival compound.

With a mix of tales dark and light, this tour brings some lesser known chapters of Los Angeles history into focus.

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 at the private residence at 1910 S Harvard. Please arrive on time and proceed down the driveway to the check-in table in the back garden, to get signed in and logged in to the smartphone slideshow. Scroll down for tour rules and recommendations.

TOUR RULES & RECOMMENDATIONS:

BE PREPARED: This is a walking hour lasting 3 hours, over a mix of level ground and hills, moving at a casual pace. The total distance of the walk is just over 4 miles. 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 at the 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 side street parking around the neighborhood with a time limit of 10 hours. Check signs before parking. If parking on a main road like Washington Boulevard, be aware that there are more restrictions. If using public transit, this link can help you plan your trip.

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.

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.