Discover the architectural gems and rich history of Downtown Santa Monica on our highly-rated guided tour.
Hostelling International, 1436 Second Street, Santa Monica
First and third Saturday of the month at 10 am. Please select your preferred date.
Docent Rita Schneir leading a tour in 2018. Photo: Stephanie Plomarity courtesy of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Our Downtown Walking Tours are back! Discover downtown Santa Monica’s architectural gems, history and culture with our team of highly-rated docents. From Art Deco to Victorian and Romanesque Revival, you’ll explore the various styles that fill the streets of our city.
See where Jim Morrison played his first show and where the once-secret special commandos trained on the Santa Monica Beach, and hear about the start of the modern movie industry. The walking tour is open to all ages and covers about 6 blocks in 2 hours. Each tour is limited to 10 guests.
Explore downtown’s diverse architectural heritage, including:
- Bay Cities Guaranty Building
- El Miro Theater
- Georgian Hotel
- Gussie Moran House
- Keller Block
- and more!
Check-in: A docent will greet you at Hostelling International,1436 Second Street. Check-in on the day of tour opens at 9:45 am and the tour will start promptly at 10 am. If you are using a certificate or Groupon, please present it to the docent when you check in.
What to bring: Please bring a mask. Walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water are recommended.
Parking: Convenient paid parking is available directly across the street in Garage #6 at 1433 2nd Street. To access the parking structure, please approach from the south heading north on 2nd Street as only right turns are permitted into Garage #6.
Feel free to take photos on the tour. Tag us on Instagram and Facebook (@smconservancy), or help spread the word with a review on TripAdvisor!
We look forward to having you on the tour!
