Participants can discover stories behind iconic buildings, famous figures and Santa Monica’s evolving neighborhoods.
The Santa Monica Conservancy is offering two guided walking tours in July that explore the city’s architectural heritage, cultural history and notable landmarks through the stories of artists, architects and historical figures.
The first tour, the Main Street Walk, will take place Saturday, July 11, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Led by Street Seen historian Mark Gorman, the tour traces the evolution of Ocean Park’s commercial district through the experiences of local artists, entrepreneurs and architects, including Frank Gehry. Participants will view historic photographs while Gorman shares stories gathered through years of historical research. The tour is free for Conservancy members.
A week later, on Saturday, July 18, the Conservancy will host its Downtown Walking Tour from 10 a.m. to noon. The guided tour begins at Hostelling International, 1436 Second St., and explores six blocks of downtown Santa Monica, highlighting the area’s architecture, history and connections to popular culture.
Participants will visit sites including where musician Jim Morrison performed his first show, learn about the once-secret military commandos who trained on Santa Monica Beach during World War II, and hear stories about the early days of the motion picture industry.
The tour also features examples of Art Deco, Victorian and Romanesque Revival architecture, with stops at landmarks including the Bay Cities Guaranty Building, El Miro Theater, the Georgian Hotel, the Gussie Moran House and Keller Block.
The Downtown Walking Tour is open to all ages, lasts approximately two hours and is limited to 10 participants per tour. Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
