Los Angeles , United States

LA: Food + History + Design Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

What makes the LA: Food + History + Design tour different? There are no cupcakes or amuse bouches – just "real" food that's authentic to Los Angeles and California, and real history.

Food: We start with a true LA dish – the French Dip sandwich. From there we'll take you to one of the best spots on Olvera Street for some great street tacos. Tour finishes at Grand Central Market, one of the top food destinations in the U.S.

History: Many of LA's oldest buildings are still standing and you’ll even go inside one them on this tour. Thought LA was just movie stars, beaches and Beverly Hills? Think again, we have a rich history going back to 1781.

Design: DTLA has some iconic and beautiful buildings – Union Station, City Hall and the Bradbury Building to name just three. On this tour you’ll experience and learn about them, as well as viewing some great public murals.

Join us on our LA food tour and TRULY experience the best of Los Angeles.

* Tour starts 12 noon, Sunday
* Food included

Available options

LA: Food + History + Design Tour

What's included

There are 3-4 food tastings included, each for about 20 minutes, for the equivalent of a normal 3 course meal.

We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.

Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Tour starts at the historic Union Station, the US's last great station (opened 1939).

Have the famous French Dip sandwich, which was invented here.

Stop 3

Walk down the oldest street in Los Angeles and eat some lovely Mexican food in spiritual home of the Mexican community in LA.

Go inside the oldest house in Los Angeles, from 1818. See how Angelenos lived before anyone had ever heard of LA

See this icon of Art Deco design (don't believe us look up 'Art Deco' on Wikipedia).

Experience this historic neighborhood, where Los Angeles was founded. It's full of beautiful buildings and great restaurants

Stop 7

Experience one of Los Angeles' most beautiful interior spaces.

See this famous movie palace, on downtown's Broadway, which was built for Sid Grauman (who also built the Chinese Theatre).

Stop 9

Foodie Heaven. Rated by Bon Apetit Magazine as one of the Top 10 food destinations in the U.S.

What's not included

Drinks are not included.

Gratuitiy for guide not included. Please allow 15-20%.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you may miss the tour.

By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by The Real Los Angeles Tours terms of service.

Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking.

This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace. If you have mobility issues please book a private tour via our website.

Meeting point

The guide will be checking-in guests from 15 minutes before the tour begins at at the SIDE entrance to Union Station, on Alameda Street (near the taxi rank). Be sure to allow extra time for traffic and finding parking. We CANNOT wait for latecomers, there are other guests.

Important notes

Thanks for making a booking with THE REAL LOS ANGELES TOURS.

This ticket has ALL the information that you'll need - PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY!

PREPARATION

Allow PLENTY of time to get to the meeting point. Remember that YOU'RE responsible for getting to the meeting point on time - not us.

TRANSPORT / PARKING

There's parking in the area, but it can be hard-to-find and expensive, so please consider taking public transport. Union Station is a major transport hub.

MEETING THE GUIDE

The guide will be checking-in guests from 15 minutes before the tour at the SIDE entrance to Union Station on Alameda Street (near the taxi rank).

Don't worry about us, we've been doing this 10 years - all you need to do is make sure you're there and we'll take care of the rest.

It's very likely there will be other guests on this tour, so we CANNOT hold for latecomers and there is NO phone or email help center, there's no point - you have all the info you need right here.

Please bring a paper or electronic copy of your ticket.

TIPS / GRATUITIES

Cashless payments for gratuities are available, please allow 15-20%.

FINALLY!

We're looking forward to creating an amazing experience for you.

About Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its Hollywood glamour, sunny beaches, and diverse cultural attractions. From iconic landmarks to world-class dining and entertainment, LA offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Hollywood Walk of Fame

A must-visit for film and entertainment enthusiasts, the Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring celebrities in the entertainment industry.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Santa Monica Pier

An iconic beachfront amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and numerous rides, the Santa Monica Pier offers fun for all ages.

Entertainment Half day Free entry, rides cost extra

Griffith Observatory

A public observatory offering stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign, as well as educational exhibits about space and astronomy.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (some exhibits and shows have fees)

The Getty Center

A world-renowned art museum featuring European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photographs.

Museum Half day Free (parking fee applies)

Venice Beach

A vibrant beach community known for its boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic shops, as well as its beautiful sandy beaches.

Beach Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish Tacos

A popular street food item featuring grilled or fried fish in a tortilla, topped with salsa and crema.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with various types of fish, vegetarian options available.

Korean BBQ

A staple of LA's Korean food scene, featuring marinated meats grilled at the table and served with side dishes.

Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian options available at some restaurants.

Avocado Toast

A trendy dish featuring toasted bread topped with mashed avocado, often garnished with eggs, tomatoes, or other toppings.

Breakfast/Brunch Vegetarian, vegan options available.

Tacos al Pastor

A traditional Mexican taco featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork, vegetarian options available at some restaurants.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Griffith Park Rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park Surfing in Malibu Beach day in Santa Monica Spa day in Beverly Hills Yoga in Venice Beach Visiting museums in Downtown LA Exploring historic sites in Olvera Street

Best Time to Visit

April to May, September to November

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. This is the best time to visit for comfortable sightseeing and exploring the city's attractions.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT), GMT-8 (Standard Time), GMT-7 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

LA is generally safe for tourists, but some areas can be risky, especially at night. Stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious at night and in less touristy areas
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Los Angeles International Airport • 20 km from city center
Bob Hope Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Union Station

By bus

Union Station, Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Metro Rail system includes several subway and light rail lines that cover most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hollywood Santa Monica Downtown LA Venice Beverly Hills

Day trips

Santa Barbara

150 km from LA • Full day

A charming coastal city known for its Spanish architecture, wineries, and beautiful beaches.

Disneyland Resort

50 km from LA • Full day

A world-famous theme park featuring Disney characters, rides, and attractions for all ages.

Joshua Tree National Park

200 km from LA • Full day or overnight

A unique desert landscape featuring iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and hiking trails.

Festivals

Hollywood Bowl Summer Concert Series • June to September LA Pride • June LA County Fair • September to October

Pro tips

Use public transportation or walk whenever possible to avoid traffic and parking issues
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions and events
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots for a more local experience
Be prepared for traffic and congestion, especially during peak hours
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as LA can be hot and sunny year-round