In approximately two hours and six blocks, the walk traverses more than 130 years of Santa Monica history, from its Wild West frontier beginnings to the sophisticated metropolis of today. You'll learn about the civic leaders whose vision built the growing city, and experience downtown's diverse architectural heritage, including:

- The 1875 Rapp Saloon, opened the year the city was founded, later served as the first city hall. Having passed through many adaptive reuses in its long life, today it is incorporated into the Hostelling International facility.
- The Majestic Theatre, later the Mayfair, the city's first theater built to showcase the nascent film industry, which used the city for film locations.
- The Keller Block, a splendid example of Romanesque Revival architecture.
- The Builders Exchange, a restored Churrigueresque/Spanish Revival building, with intact decorative interiors.
- The Bay Cities Guaranty Building, the city's first skyscraper, a soaring Art Deco landmark with its signature clock tower.
- The El Miro theater, an exuberant Art Deco/Streamline Moderne creation that became the centerpiece for the revitalization of the old mall into the Third Street Promenade.

THREE WAYS TO TOUR DOWNTOWN

Docent-guided walking tours at 10AM every Saturday morning.
Reservations are suggested.

Walking tour gift certificates are now available. See our Downtown Walking Tour gift certificate page for details.

Self-guided Tour Booklets providing a map and detailed information on the city's history and the historic buildings featured on the tour, are available for $3 at the
Visitors Center, 1920 Main Street and the Hostelling International Travel Store, 1434 Second Street.

Group Tours may be booked by special appointment. Call 310-496-3146 or send email to dwt@smconservancy.org.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS ONLINE, BY PHONE OR EMAIL.