Top California Architecture Tours

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.

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 in panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz Island, and sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, on a relaxing San Francisco Bay cruise. Sit indoors or savor cool bay breezes from an outdoor deck and experience San Francisco in a new way. This ticket allows you to skip the line and go straight to the gate. Access an audio guide via your smartphone or other device.

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

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.

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.

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.

Drag & Fly Tours is a one-of-a-kind mobile theater experience created by Miss Anita Doll, blending Palm Springs’ history, culture, comedy, music, and dazzling drag artistry. Our luxury 13-seat touring coach features stadium seating and an expansive picture window for perfect views of iconic sites like Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate, Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway, and the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. With immersive storytelling, live narration, and vibrant video vignettes, this tour is equal parts glamorous, entertaining, and educational—a must-see for visitors and locals alike!

Discover the history and charm of Coronado Island on this self-guided audio walking tour. As you explore at your own pace, you’ll learn about the island’s origins, visit iconic landmarks, and hear stories about the people who helped shape this coastal gem. Featuring a blend of local insights, hidden details, and historical storytelling, we think you'll learning something new whether you're a visitor or a local San Diegan.

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 on a private day tour with your own guide. 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.

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!

Step into Santa Monica’s adventurous side on a 2-hour, 4-mile urban walk that takes you up secret stairways, through canyon paths, and into historic neighborhoods. Along the way, discover unusual coastal trees, striking homes from Craftsman to modern, and hear colorful stories of Hollywood icons and local history. This small-group urban adventure blends movement, discovery, and culture — the perfect way to see Santa Monica from a new perspective. Activity Level: Moderate, includes stair climbs and some elevation Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water Age: Suitable for most guests ages 12+

PLEASE NOTE: This is a self-guided audio tour Discover the seaside charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea—and enjoy an independent way to explore—with this self-led, smartphone audio tour. Upon booking, download the tour and set off at a time that works best for you. Your GPS-assisted tour works offline, and will guide you directly to the town’s top attractions, from local landmarks and art galleries to public parks and more. As you go, learn more about the town’s rich history.

Peek behind the scenes at the California Academy of Sciences with VIP tickets to the Thursday NightLife—an adults-only event that proves museums aren’t just for kids. Sip cocktails and nibble hors d'oeuvres at a private reception, then go inside “The Vault” to see glittering gemstones and prehistoric treasures not on view to the general public. You’ll also take a walk on the wild side with express entry to the Osher Rainforest dome and get starry-eyed during a planetarium show.

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.

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.

Are you looking for a way to see Stanford University without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Get to know the university’s hidden corners and little-known stories including the custom where university band members carry a wooden casket across campus • Hear from producer Move and Listen, an independent production studio in sunny California • 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 VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Seeing celebrity homes is the highlight of many visitors' trips to Los Angeles, but you need to know where to find them. Rather than traveling around by crowded tour bus, take this private self-guided driving tour and explore at your own pace, from Sunset Strip to Bel Air, Rodeo Drive, and the Hollywood Hills. Enjoy lifetime access with no expiry, so you can use the tour anytime on any trip.

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.

If you’d like to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Scenic Road but don’t want to be stuck in a group tour, try this Carmel-by-the-Sea Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour. This tour allows you to download the VoiceMap app on your smartphone and listen to the tour as you walk along the road at your own pace. Highlights include the Clinton Walker House - Frank Lloyd Wright, Carmel Beach Overlook, and La Playa Carmel Hotel.

Balboa Park is a must-do for most San Diego visitors, but many don't appreciate the long and rich history of this treasured cultural center. Go deeper into the park's many museums, gardens, and attractions on a guided walking tour that will help you plan where you want to go and appreciate how Balboa Park came to be. Plus, stay energized with an included coffee drink along the way.