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ESOTOURIC PRESENTS"KNOW YOUR DOWNTOWN LA: TUNNELS TO TOWERS TO THE DUTCH CHOCOLATE SHOP WALKING TOUR"

October 5, 2024

Join Esotouric for an immersive time travel trip that aims to give you the tools you need to actually understand how Downtown got this way and anticipate where it might go next, as you explore Victorian time capsule interiors, Prohibition-era speakeasy tunnels, and modernist redevelopment towers, ride a funicular and explore the ruins of an elevated people mover system that never was, all on a three hour tour like no other.

Starting from Grand Central Market, a culinary destination for more than a century, we’ll set out to explore the original Jewelry District, seek out remnants of the streetcar system, admire prominent Broadway Theater District and fashion industry landmarks, make a rare interior visit to Arts & Crafts tile master Ernest Batchelder’s Dutch Chocolate Shop and pay tribute to architect John Parkinson in his namesake square and at the hardscape Pershing Square where his beloved 1910 park design is still all anyone wants to talk about.

MEETING INSTRUCTIONS:

Tour begins at 10:30am sharp, with check-in time 10am at the patio outside Grand Central Market in front of Maple Block BBQ at 324 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Please arrive on time and proceed to the check in table to get signed in and logged in to the smartphone slideshow. Scroll down for tour rules and recommendations.

Parking & Public Transit:

There are numerous paid public parking lots around Grand Central Market, including GCM’s multi-level lot at 308 South Hill Street Los Angeles, California 90013.  The nearest Metro stations are Civic Center/Grand Park and Pershing Square. If using public transit, this link can help you plan your trip:

TOUR RULES & RECOMMENDATIONS:

BE PREPARED: This is a walking hour lasting 3 hours, over a mix of level ground and occasional hills and stairs moving at a casual pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Bring your smartphone so you can view the tour slide show. We will have a cooler with cold water, and you’re encouraged to bring a full water bottle. A restroom will be available at the start, the middle, and at the end of the tour. If you need more information about what to expect, please email us.

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