Top California Architecture Tours

Check out the Painted Ladies on this private tour in San Francisco. These popular homes aren’t open all the time, so grab your chance to view them on this tour. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the interiors and the families who lived inside the homes. Tour for around an hour, and then you are free to continue exploring San Francisco.

Discover the art, architecture, and history of downtown San Francisco on this small-group guided walking tour. Skip hours of research and let a guide show you around the central business district, highlight architectural gems such as the London Paris National Bank and JP Morgan Chase, along with public art and public spaces such as Salesforce Park.

Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this small-group tour by vintage Volkswagen bus, decorated with long eyelashes so you can't miss your tour vehicle. You'll pass by neighborhoods like Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Marina, and Hayes Valley, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, and more.

See San Francisco’s most famous waterfront landmarks from the water on a bay cruise that combines iconic views with onboard flexibility. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline while listening to stories and insights through an app-based audio guide. With skip-the-line boarding and indoor and outdoor viewing areas, it’s an easy way to experience the bay from a different perspective.

An active way to explore the highlights of Los Angeles, you can enjoy an immersive experience during this walking tour. Explore the Historic Core, Little Tokyo, the Civic Center, and Bunker Hill, uncovering the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of each unique block. Led by local guides, this tour goes beyond the surface to reveal the true essence of downtown LA.

Have you ever wondered what makes Downtown Los Angeles a captivating blend of culture, history, and architecture? On this walking tour, I’ll guide you through hidden gems and iconic landmarks, sharing stories of the past, insights about the present, and questions about the city’s future. Whether you’re an international visitor, a local Angeleno, or a “Usonian” (as I like to say), you’ll gain a fresh perspective on DTLA. What to expect? - See DTLA Through Fresh Eyes: Explore with a Belgian guide offering a European perspective, honed by a decade in China and years in DTLA. - Dive Into Film and Architecture: Marvel at LA’s blend of Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and Modernist design - Engage in Real Conversations: Discuss urban design, politics, and how cities shape our lives - Capture Instagram Gold: From the Bradbury Building to the Last Bookstore - Walk in Iconic Footsteps: Hear stories of Chaplin, JFK, Michael Jackson, Johnny Depp, Taylor Swift, and Jisoo

Sophisticated and glamorous, Carmel-By-The-Sea sits on the Pacific just two hours south of San Francisco. The town isn’t all ritz, though—11 fairytale cottages line the hilly streets like something from a children’s book. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll escape the crowds and explore the houses at your pace, led by a knowledgeable guide right in your pocket.

See the glamorous parts of Los Angeles in style with a Ferrari and bus tour. Visit neighborhoods including Hollywood, WEHO, Beverly Hills, and more as you see celebrity homes and learn about famous filming locations. The smaller sized vehicles let you access areas larger tours can’t, including a secret spot to take clear, unobstructed photos of the Hollywood Sign.

Are you looking for a way to discover Old Sacramento's Historic District and Waterfront without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour. • Find out how Sacramento was finally saved from yearly floods by raising the town 22 feet in the 1860s • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse a local who's created over 20 VoiceMap tours under her belt • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the Voice Map app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, pop in your headphones, and just tap start. Voice Map has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Why spend several hours looking at hedges and gates of homes in the Hollywood Hills, when you can get up close to many of LA's most beautiful and historic homes on this walking tour of Echo Park? If you like major movies like Fast and Furious or shows like Charmed, this tour will show you some of the most filmed homes in all of LA! You'll take a trek through one of LA's most stunning parks, with views of Downtown and Dodger Stadium. Fans of movies, architecture, history, nature, baseball, and more will all find something to love along our tour route.

Explore Avalon on a GPS-guided audio walking tour that plays automatically as you walk. No groups, no schedules—just put in your headphones and go. Starting along the waterfront, you’ll follow a walkable route along the harbor, up to hillside viewpoints, and past key landmarks. Along the way, you'll visit places like the Green Pleasure Pier, the Tuna Club, and the iconic Catalina Casino, while hearing the stories behind Avalon’s rise as a seaside destination. Explore at your own pace—pause for a drink, take a detour, or linger at viewpoints. The audio resumes whenever you’re ready, so you can move freely without keeping up with a group. This is a self-guided experience (no in-person guide). Download the tour in advance and use it anytime—it works offline and follows your location along the route.

Led by LA's #1-rated tour operator on TripAdvisor — ranked #1 of 816 tours and activities in Los Angeles, with 15+ years guiding visitors through the city. Available as a daily small-group tour at 9:30 AM, or as a fully private experience with your choice of start time — ideal for families, couples, and groups who want the tour on their own schedule.

Enjoy easy skip-the-line access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid ticket. Walk right in to explore the museum's 4-story rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium, plus the new Tiny Chef, Big Impact exhibit celebrating small actions for the planet.

Experience the best of Los Angeles, and make the most of your time, on a private day tour with your own guide and vehicle. Tailor the itinerary to your interests, skipping any stops you're not interested in. Get an insider’s glimpse of Tinseltown as you stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame, watch for celebrities as you tour Rodeo Drive and the city's exclusive neighborhoods, then take in views of the Hollywood sign and towering downtown skyscrapers.

Pack seeing three South Palm Spring neighborhoods into just one morning with this South Palm Springs Architecture, History, and Bike Tour. Although your bike rental isn't included, you can bring your own bike for ultimate comfort along the way or get a discount to rent a bike nearby. You'll explore Deepwell Estates, Twin Palms, and Indian Canyons while your guide tells you the history of the area.

Explore the stunning architecture and rich history of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco's premier Gothic structure, on a Guided Highlights tour. Marvel at intricate stained-glass windows and renowned artworks, including Ghiberti’s "Gates of Paradise" and Keith Haring's alter piece. Delve into the cathedral's significant role in social justice and reflect on the city's resilience following the 1906 earthquake. Complete your tour with a serene walk through one of the cathedral's labyrinths, offering a moment of contemplation amidst the historic beauty. - Discover the architectural splendor of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco - View iconic artworks, including Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise - Learn about the cathedral's history and social justice initiatives - Enjoy a peaceful walk through one of the labyrinths at the end of the tour

Step into the heart of Balboa Park and discover El Prado like never before. This self-guided walking tour invites you to look beyond the beauty and explore the stories, styles, and surprises behind San Diego’s most beloved promenade. You’ll uncover how architecture, ambition, and artistry transformed a temporary exposition into a timeless cultural icon at every stop. As you stroll past ornate facades, hidden courtyards, and dramatic colonnades, you’ll learn how theatrical design and clever engineering helped shape not just the park and San Diego’s identity. GPS-triggered audio brings each structure to life with rich history and unexpected insights along the way. This tour offers a thoughtful, immersive experience at your own pace, whether you're a first-time visitor or a local seeing the park with fresh eyes. Come for the beauty—stay for the stories hidden in the walls.

Explore Downtown Los Angeles on a guided arts and architecture walking tour led by an artist. The experience includes guided access to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and The Broad, with explanations of key works, exhibitions, and architectural design. Along the route, learn how music venues, public spaces, and landmark buildings have shaped DTLA’s creative identity and cultural influence.

Immerse yourself in the world-class art collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum on a private, expertly guided tour tailored to your group’s interests. Skip the guesswork as your guide leads you to the museum’s greatest masterpieces—whether you want an overview of renowned highlights or a focused exploration of a specific period such as Renaissance, Baroque, Decorative Arts, or Impressionism. Enjoy in-depth commentary and learn the fascinating stories behind the works.

The architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright has inspired generations of architects, many of whom went on to become legends in their own right. Los Feliz is a fascinating neighborhood, filled with homes designed by some of the most significant architects of the mid-century modern movement. Over 2 hours, you'll hike from one Frank Lloyd Wright house to another and end at the famous Griffith Observatory! My name is Chris, and I have been an LA guide for over a decade. You may recognize my name from the reviews of my other 5-star tours, like The History and Architecture of Downtown LA. My goal is to create authentic experiences that show people what really makes LA a fascinating city. When you book this tour, you are getting the person that wrote the tour, not just a guide for hire. If you love Frank Lloyd Wright, mid-century modern design, exploring local communities, visiting film locations, or just going for a nice walk, this tour is for you!

Experience the heart of Los Angeles in true vintage style with a guided tour in a classic '64 Impala lowrider! We will start in Beverly Hills, where you’ll cruise past some of the city's most iconic architectural structures and snap photos along the way. Ride through the bustling Downtown LA revitalization area, where historic buildings meet modern innovation, and feel the pulse of the city’s transformation. Next, roll into the Melrose Arts District, known for its vibrant murals, unique shops, and eclectic atmosphere. We’ll visit legendary filming locations where some of Hollywood’s most famous movies were shot, adding a touch of cinematic history to your journey. This tour combines LA's iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and a few of the best spots for photo ops, giving you an insider’s view of Los Angeles from a true classic lowrider. We offer private tours tailored just for you! Reach out to us to discuss your vision, and we’ll help craft an unforgettable Los Angeles tour.

See a side of San Francisco that many visitors overlook—and soak up the city’s local feel—on this small-group walking tour. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, and meet your guide in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. Over the course of 2 miles (3 kilometers), you’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll as you ascend hidden staircases, explore secret gardens, and soak up the city’s picturesque views well off the tourist track.

Take this private tour with a historian guide of the Getty and get all of your questions answered. This will take around one hour, and you’ll cover a lot of ground in the museum. This is for your private group of up to six guests. Don’t wander aimlessly, but have a purpose and get to the bottom of some of the pieces while your guide aims to demystify the collections.