Join Esotouric for an immersive excursion all around Wilshire and Fairfax, the western terminus of the Miracle Mile. We’re on the trail of a layered history that leads from Columbian mammoths foraging in the last Ice Age to today’s construction cranes, with some fascinating detours along the way. We’ll explore the La Brea Tar Pits as a zone of pre-colonial commerce and Victorian scientific discovery, revealing the fossil hoard’s role in east coast theatrical spiritualism and a deathless romance. Then on to Wilshire Boulevard, where bean fields turned almost overnight to an ultramodern Jazz Age canyon of car culture commerce, including the magnificent Art Deco May Company (and yes, it’s a crime scene). And as the county’s art museum struggles to remake itself with a controversial new building and curatorial vision, we’ll honor the institution that was, and sneaky artists who got their work displayed without curatorial review, all seen through the candid lens of your guides’ advocacy for preserving the 1965 William Pereira campus. Plus, a stroll through the immediate neighborhood on an architectural treasure hunt, including some sweet echoes of the lost LACMA.

This walking tour is illustrated with rare photos you can view on your smartphone. And next time some silly person tries to tell you Los Angeles doesn’t have any history, having taken this tour will give you everything you need to set them straight.

TOUR RULES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Our priority is to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for our guests and guides on these outdoor walking tours. Because guides will not be masked when telling stories, and because different people have different levels of risk tolerance, we have strict mask policies for attendees. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. These simple rules are being implemented for the benefit of all attending. Anybody not abiding by these rules will be given one chance to shape up, then asked to leave the tour if it happens again. There are no refunds or exchanges for anyone removed from a tour for violating the rules.

BE PREPARED: This is a walking hour lasting 2 1/2 to 3 hours, over level ground moving at a casual pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat and a medical-grade mask. 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.

MASKS: Attendees must wear a medical-grade mask (i.e. N95, KN95, KF94) at all times, unless eating or drinking, when we ask that you physically distance from anyone not from your household. Masks must be worn properly, covering mouth and nose completely, and not have any exhalation valves, vents or holes of any kind. Bring your own mask and put it on before tour check in.

SOCIAL DISTANCING: Please maintain physical space from anyone not from your household when walking with the group or at tour stops.

VACCINATION: We do not require proof of vaccination for outdoor walking tours.