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The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary For Your First Trip To Washington D.C.

The Creative Adventurer — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 17:16:04 +0000

When I visited D.C. last fall, I had not only never been before, but outside seeing it in the movies, I didn’t even know what to expect. I knew there was a big White House, but other than that I didn’t have a clue what I needed to see. As a Canadian, I never went here as a kid on a school trip as many of my American counterparts had, or even studied up on the state’s history in school. My opportunity to visit came when my husband was covering the America election down in D.C.

I couldn’t pass up the chance to fly down to join him over a long weekend and enjoy the free hotel room along with a weekend of sightseeing. I was blown away by just how easy it was to spend a weekend in D.C. and see so many things without ever doing any advanced planning. There are a few distinct neighbourhoods you can just wander around and stumble upon sight after sight without even knowing it.

Table Of Contents

When to Visit DC?

We were so lucky to have lovely crisp, fall weather the entire weekend we were there. Washington is one of those cities though that lends itself to every season. If it’s too cold, too hot or too rainy simply head inside a museum! If, on the other hand, the weather is perfect and you want to enjoy the sunshine, there are so many things to see that you could spend the entire day just walking around outside. No matter what time of year you decide to visit you’ll have an absolutely fantastic time. This two-day guide can easily be adapted to different seasons throughout the year but I think works best over the weekend since many of the local activities are scheduled outside the work week.

Day 1 – The Landmarks

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States of America. It’s here where laws are passed, protests are united, and some of the greatest moments in U.S. history have happened. Washington, DC is located between Virginia and Maryland along the scenic Potomac River. On your first day, you’ll be anxious to see all those amazing sight and buildings which make this city famous!

Founding Farmers Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and to start your day off right you should definitely head over to Founding Farmers. The name itself, a riff on THE Founding Fathers, makes it such a apt starting point for your trip in this historic political township. Founding Farmers prides itself on maintaining the traditional values of the American family farmer, and all their food is sustainably grown. This results in some incredibly fresh and delicious food! This place is famous for a reason, so getting reservations are recommended if you know when you’re going to be visiting. The menu is a modern take on traditional American cuisine. Be sure to try Uncle Buck’s Beignets with raspberry, chocolate & caramel sauces as well as the cast iron baked cornbread.

National Mall

Once all filled up on breakfast, the best place to start your day in Washington is at the National Mall. The National Mall is a large public park, and in fact, it is American’s most visited national park. Here is where you’ll find some of the most incredible monuments dedicated to the American ancestors and heroes who shaped the history and face of this country. The National Mall is HUGE, and you don’t want to miss out seeing all there is to see so warms clothes (or cool ones, depending on the time of year) and comfy walking shoes are essential for making it through the entire day without getting sore feet!

Lincoln Memorial

Start your tour of the National Mall in front of the Lincoln Memorial. This incredible Grecian style building is dedicated to America’s beloved 16th president, Abraham Lincoln and the race relations he helped mend. The structure was made to look like a Greek temple with 36 fluted Doric columns around the perimeter — one for each of the 36 states in the union at the time of Lincolns death.

As you walk up the steps towards the entrance, at the top facing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting pool are the words, “I Have a Dream” etched into the stone. On these stones is where Martin Luther King Jr. gave this famous speech, and now they are embedded into the foundation of the building forever.

As you step into the building, you’ll be struck immediately with the image of Abraham Lincoln himself, seated upon a chair, draped in the American flag. An inscription above him says,

In this temple
as in the hearts of the people
for whom he saved the Union
the memory of Abraham Lincoln
is enshrined forever.

Vietnam Memorial

Continue your tour of the Mall by heading off the left to visit the Vietnam Memorial. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial pays tribute to the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought in the Vietnam War and were killed or missing in action. The first thing you’ll see upon approach is the Three Soldiers statue, which depicts the disparate groups that had to come together during the War. It is a powerful and evocative sculpture, the eyes of the soldiers are starring off towrd the Vietnam memorial wall and beckoning you to go towards it.

The Wall That Heals, as it is so named, is 246 feet long and lists over 58,000 names in chronological order based on the date of casualty. At the start of the wall, there is a book containing all the names if you’re interested in finding someone you knew who fought in the war. I found it interesting to search for any members who had my same last name, and I ended up seeing three. Even though I did not know these people, I felt an immediate connection to even just the name and couldn’t help but imagine the pain which this war would have brought upon that family.

Maya Lin’s Design

One of the most potent aspects of the wall is the marble’s reflection as you look at the names. It reflects your face back at you as you gaze at the memorial, making you all too self aware of your privilege to be standing here and not be yourself a name along the wall. The design of this memorial was highly contested when it was first announced. The 21-year-old Asian American Maya Lin who won the design contest wanted to have the marble resemble a black scar on the ground — an unrelenting memory of the war that will last forever. Despite many people’s objections, when they finally saw the power which this sculpture had over those who viewed it, the design became one of the most highly regarding war memorials all over the world.

Vietnam Women’s Memorial

To the south of the wall is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which commemorates the 265,000 women that served in the Vietnam War. This compelling sculpture is roughly carved, like it was made in haste. It depicts three female nurses attending a wounded soldier. The rush in which the statue was made, reflect the fast paced nature of the work these women had to do during the war to save as many lives as they could, together.

Lincoln Reflecting Pool

From here, head towards the Lincoln Reflecting Pool. Across the still waters you can get both a stunning picture of the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument set across a blue sky. This is perhaps one of the most iconic images from D.C. The pools overwhelming size seems to draw visitors from all over towards the mirror like surface, to contemplate how they themselves can aim to change the world in even the smallest way, much like the man for whom the pool is named after.

World War II Memorial

At the end of the pool is the World War II Memorial. Despite it’s classical appearance, this memorial was only completed in 2004. The memorial is made up of 56 granite pillar surrounding the semicircular plaza with the triumphal arches on either side. The northern arch represents the Pacific wars, and the Southern archways represents the Atlantic wars. The rainbow fountain is so named because, during certain times of the day, the spray from the fountain creates a rainbow across the skyline in the sunlight.

Behind the fountain is the Freedom Wall. 4,048 golden stars glimmer in the sunlight, each one representing 100 American soldiers who died during the war. Below the stars are the words “The Price of Freedom” written out in large letters, so large the message is unavoidable and clear as day. When we visited, there was a group of veterans of the Korean war there to pay their respects. It was a moving moment to see them all together, still grieving for their fallen comrades even after all this time. The price of freedom, a debt forever unpayable.

Bas Reliefs

As you continue to the east, towards the Washington Monument, take a moment to study the bas-reliefs which are embedded on either side of the walkway. These magnificent carvings represent different scenes of war. The expressions carved into the people’s faces are so emotive despite their diminutive size that they bring to life these scenes frozen in time.

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is one of those places you see on TV or in pictures, but until you are face to face, you really can’t imagine how large it is. This obelisk was built to commemorate George Washington, and the construction began in 1848. The finished pillar wouldn’t be completed until 1888. You can see the different periods of development in the various construction materials as your eyes go up the monument. The entire structure is 500 feet tall, capped with a 55-foot pyramidion.

Today the memorial is surrounded by a circle of American flags. At one point you could even go up to the top of the obelisk, but it has been closed since 2018 which they modernise the elevator and constructs a permanent screening facility for visitors entering the landmark. They claim this might be completed by 2019, but be sure to check the website if you’re interested in going up since renovations are often significantly delayed.

The Ellipse

Before heading off for some lunch, walk north towards the Ellipse. The Ellipse is a 52-acre park which surrounds the White House. From here you have a great view of the exterior of the White House. This site is often a place for protesters, so it’s always interesting to see what’s going on here. I was amazed by the sheer size of the White House, for some reason on TV it looks so small but seeing it in person it really is more impressive!

Old Ebbit Grill

The Old Ebbit Grill is the oldest tavern in D.C. and it simply oozes that political ambience. Hushed conversations are happening all over the restaurant and it feels like deals are being made left, right and centre! Covered from head to toe, this restaurant is decorated in Victorian treasures making it seems almost like a museum. Their seafood platter is decadent for sure, but one of the most iconic dishes you can order! Perfect to share with friends over a discerning conversation.

The White House

After lunch, you’ll be right near the front of the White House, so it’s worth just popping over there to see this iconic building front and back! This view of the White House can be found on Pennsylvania Avenue and backs out onto Lafayette Square. Lafayette Square is a seven-acre public park and includes several majestic statues of early 19th century U.S. Presidents. This public area is home to many political protests and a great place to come and people watch!

Pennsylvania Avenue

We are heading back down to the National Mall, but on our way, stop along Pennsylvania Avenue for one of the best views of the Capitol Building you’ll find anywhere in the city.

Choose a Museums in the Mall

Now that you’ve had a nice break and are full of food, it’s time to walk off that lunch with a tour of the museums along the Mall. Washington has one of the largest collections of museums in one place. There is indeed something for everyone, and they’re almost all completely free! This is great for those who might want to pop in and out of a few throughout the afternoon to see something specific and then head on to the next destination. For lots of people, the joy of visiting these incredible structures doesn’t just lie in the exhibitions but rather in the design of the buildings themselves. If you plan on touring the entire place I recommend you choose just one museum for your afternoon visit. While every person will be interested in a different museum for different reasons here are my recommendations…

Museum of American History

If you’re visiting D.C., it seems a shame not to visit the American History Museum to admire their collection of American pop-culture memorabilia. They have Dorothy’s ruby slippers, the first Star Spangled Banner which inspired the anthem, a selection of Michelle Obama‘s gowns and even Thomas Jefferson’s writing desk.

Air and Space Museum

The Air and Space Museum contains a vast collection of historical objects which took flight into space and sky! You’ll find real NASA spaceships, Russian spacesuits, rockets, airplanes hung from the ceiling and even one of the Wright Brothers first models. This is a great place to bring anyone interested in space exploration!

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History was first opened in 1910 and aimed to bring the wonders from across the world to the people of Washington, D.C. The museum seeks to amaze it’s viewers, purely by featuring items from the world around us. Wander your way through the over 140 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. The Hall of Geology, contains the cursed Hope Diamond along with a rainbow of other incredible earthly delights. My favourite area was the Animals and Ecosystems hall on the second floor where you’ll find some of the most dynamic taxidermy animals who seem to come to life inside their exhibits. It’s a beautiful way to see different animals from all over the world as well as some which have since become extinct.

Dinner at Succotash

For dinner, header to Succotash in Penn Quarter. Succotash serves up comfort food at its bets inside a historical building which was once one of the largest banks in the city. This interesting interior gives the ambiance inside the restaurant a unique sense of gravitas. Despite the opulent setting, the food here is not only well priced but also incredibly delicious! Start with a fried green tomato salad, followed up with bourbon maple chicken and waffles or crispy blue catfish! Lastly, for dessert, be sure to order a plate of red velvet cookies to share!

Night Caps at Free State

To finish your evening off, and after all that walking, you certainly deserve a nightcap! D.C. is full of hip bars as the politico crowds love to chat late into the evening over delicious drinks. Free State is an awesome bar filled with character. They have an amazing selection of craft beers and beautifully made cocktails. But let’s face it, it’s all about the decor and this place aims to impress. It feels like a speakeasy mixed inside the bow of a ship. The perfect place to while the night away.

Day 2 – Georgetown and the Arts

Start the morning of your second day in Washington off in Georgetown. Georgetown feels so different to the area we were in yesterday. This part of the city is one of the oldest areas of D.C. and feels very academic due it’s proximity to the University. The crowds in this area of town are filled with students and teachers, aiming to inspire and educate the next round of Washington government employees. A large portion of the buildings here are protected by the historical society and preserved in an almost perfect way. Walking down the streets feels like stepping back in time.

Julia Child’s House

Start the tour along Rock Creek at 2706 Olive St NW. This butter yellow house was once the residence of Julia Child and her husband when they lived in D.C. Julia Child was one of the most influential American cooks who brought her love for French cuisine to the U.S. The buttery colour of the house seems almost too appropriate for the woman who loved to cook with it! The house is currently undergoing a huge renovation, which you can actually follow online!

Oldest Stone House in Washington

Continue down from Olive street and make your way along Main Street. At 3051 M St, you’ll find the Oldest Stone House in Washington. This is one of the only remaining pre-Revolutionary Colonial style houses still standing today.

Baked & Wired

Down from the oldest stone house, south on Thomas Jefferson St. is one of the most famous bakeries and cafes in Georgetown, Baked & Wired. This adorable little hole in the wall is divided into two areas, one where you can grab your morning brew and on the other side, a wall of cupcakes! Their cupcakes are known across the city as being some of the best and a lineup forms almost every day. It moves quickly, so don’t get discouraged. Be sure to ask if they have any seasonal options which are always extra special! Be warned, this cupcakes are HUGE, so either come hungry or bring a friend to share it with. Baked and Wired always has one flavour which is gluten free but it’s usually just the vanilla.

Georgetown Cupcake

If you’re anxious to jump into the Washington D.C. cupcake rivalry, then you must also try Georgetown Cupcake. This place is recognized across the country. Their chocolate ganache cupcake, with Valrhona chocolate, is the one to try but they also have daily specials which are always too temping to pass up! This place also has gluten-free options daily and if you are eating gluten free they have the more interesting options. Which ever place you decide to visit, be sure to grab a coffee, tea or drink to go and enjoy on our Georgetown walk.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Cross back over the canal, and take your time, sipping your coffee, while walking through the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This scenic walkway is a quiet escape from busy city life. While the historic streets might be beautiful, they have recently been packed with expensive name brands and have lost some of their more unique storefronts. Especially on the weekends, the street is PACKED to the gills with shoppers while the canal is as peaceful as can be.

The canal also called the “Grand Old Ditch” was once the main waterway into the city where cargo and coal would be brought in. On either side of the canal, you’ll see old industrial structures, most of which have been renovated into trendy restaurants and apartment buildings but whose exterior architecture retains that antique appearance.

Exorcist Stairs

At the end of Main street, you’ll turn and head up a steep staircase to get to the upper part of Georgetown. If these stairs look familiar, that’s because they were not only used in the poster for ‘The Exorcist‘ but also were used in the itself movie. The entire film took place around Georgetown, so there are other places which were used in the movie to check out if you’re a die-hard fan, but these stairs are the most iconic place to visit.

Georgetown University

Up from the stairs, along some of the most beautiful looking row houses, you’ll find the giant stone towers of Georgetown University. Because the main building of the university is located in one of the most elevated areas of the city, Georgetown University is often referred to as “The Hilltop“. Healy Hall, the largest of the buildings on campus, was designed by Paul J. Pelz in a Neo-Medieval style and built in 1877. It looks more like a cathedral than a college, almost like the Hogwarts of Washington D.C.

Wandering the streets north of the campus is such a joy. We loved to pretend to be house hunting as we went, picking out our favourite house designs and garden landscapes. These houses are all from around the 1900s and pristinely preserved. While each of these houses no doubt has a story to tell, it’s just as fun to be none the wiser and imagine for yourself what living here during the early parts of the 19th century was like.

GreenWorks Flowers

Walking up to this shop was like walking into a dream. This cotton candy pink florist shop is always decked out for the season. At Christmas it is dripping with fairy lights and baubles, Halloween is a surprisingly spooky affair and the rest of the year the entire exterior is always looking like a secret garden exploding out of from the window boxes. I was bummed to see that the interior is pretty much just like any other florist shop and not some wild ‘Alice in Wonderland‘ but the exterior is what you’ll come to see anyways.

Books Hill Park

Book Hill Park is a quaint little park along Wisconsin Avenue. It’s a great spot to take a break, read a book, or post some pics to the gram. Up the stairs, you have a charming view across the Georgetown skyline. In the springtime, summer and fall the foliage is breathtaking, a little microcosm of the D.C. flora and fauna.

Georgetown Flea

Every Sunday, the Georgetown Flea, opens its tent and tables up to the public from 8 am till 4 pm. This market began in 1972 and has been open to the community even since with sellers peddling antiques, collectables, art, furniture, rugs, pottery, china, jewellery, silver, stained glass, books, photographs and more! This really is a great place to come to as a tourist and pick up a few pieces of historical memorabilia from Washington DC.

Cafe Bonaparte

For lunch head over to Cafe Bonaparte, located along the most darling block of shops and restaurants under a dark red awning which is usually filled with happy customers enjoying their lunchtime delights. The cosy little restaurant serves up French comfort food and both sweet and savoury crepes! If you get the chance to sit out on the patio, grab the opportunity as people watching is half the fun of this location!

Library of Congress

Now, it’s time to jump into an Uber or take the metro across the city to visit the The Library of Congress. This place is, in my opinion, the most beautiful building in D.C. The inside is breathtaking and a perfect spot for some fantastic photos. The incredible and grandiose design of the library, now named the Thomas Jefferson Building, was inspired by the Paris Opera House. And it’s artistic and theatrical inspiration can be seen throughout. Inside the grey facade, you’ll be wowed by the multitude of colours painted on the ceiling frescoes and the fascinating sculptures peeking out from behind ornate marble columns.

Botanical Gardens

Across from the library, if you have time, try to visit The U.S. Botanic Garden. This is the place to come to feel like you’re in the tropics even if it’s blistering cold outside. The U.S. Botanic Garden is constantly changing, there is always something blooming or growing depending on the seasons so there’s always something incredible to see. The gardens are divided into various sections based on their temperature, region or what the plants are used for.

There is a room dedicated entirely to medicinal plants and its so interesting to see how plants are still used to this very day to help heal people despite all the advances in modern medicine. My favourite room for photos is ‘The Tropics‘ where huge Swiss cheese looking leaves hang from giant trees and the air tastes almost taste sweet from the constantly growing flora. The glass windows of the greenhouse make for some incredible shots, not to be missed.

Hill Country Barbecue Market

About this time you’re probably getting a bit hungry so it’s time to head towards Hill Country Barbecue Market. Hill Country honours the barbecue traditions of Texas and offers some of the best live music and excellent hospitality I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Unlike some BBQ restaurants which only serve huge portions and set menus, this place allows you to get as much or as little of whatever you want!

You bring your order form up to the different counters and ask for whatever amount of meat you’d like. You can go back and forth as much as you want so if you’re going to start small and test out the different cuts and kinds of meat you’re free to do so and then head back for seconds, or even thirds! The sides are almost as delicious as the main course here. Their smoky chipotle deviled eggs are to die for, and skillet cornbread is absolute perfection. As for the meat, it’s moist, tender and FULL of FLAVOUR!

National Theatre

If you’re looking for a way to spend your last night in D.C. try to see if there is anything on at the National Theatre. Often plays which are on their way to Broadway will perform here before setting off to NYC. This means you have the chance to see a show in its late development stage, which means you might see a version of the show never seen again! We saw the pre-broadway run of ‘Beetlejuice’, and it was fantastic but also a great show to see to discuss what we thought might be cut when it finally makes its way to Broadway!

This brings us to the end of this 2-day itinerary! I think these sights and attractions along the way tell the story of D.C. superbly. While there is plenty more to see, Washington makes for the perfect weekend destination. You can easily hop on over and spend a whirlwind 48 hours wandering your way through one of the most historic cities in America. If you’ve ever been to D.C. let me know what your favourite thing to do was or if you’re planning a trip let me know if you have any questions!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

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Free Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour of the Amazing Art Deco Streets

The Creative Adventurer — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 15:42:08 +0000

So many people only think of California as a state of beautiful beaches and equally as beautiful people. People rarely associate architecture with Los Angeles, but L.A.’s historic downtown district is full of some of the most incredible buildings in the U.S. Compared to cities like Rome or even New York, L.A.’s historic core is one of the least frequented parts of the city. And perhaps that is because so few people even know it is here. After the economic decline in the 1960s, downtown suffered a sizeable financial recession that lasted for decades, and it is now seeing a new cultural renaissance.

Table Of Contents

Angel's Flight
Grand Central Market
- Eggslut
Bradbury Building
Alexandria Hotel
Broadway-Spring Arcade Building
Ninth and Broadway Building
The Jewelry District
PacMutual
Los Angeles Library
Fine Arts Building
Theatre District
The Los Angeles Theatre
The Palace Theatre
Tower Theatre
Eastern Columbia Lofts
Ace Hotel

Angel’s Flight

Start your walking tour at the ‘Angel’s Flight’ steps on Bunker Hill. This funicular railway brings travellers up the hill to one of the most iconic landmarks in L.A., Most notable for the many scenes filmed for the movie 500 Days of Summer.

The funicular was nicknamed “the shortest railway in the world” when it was built in 1901, and ever since, it has brought passengers a mere few meters up the steep hill from Pershing Square Metro Station to the top of Bunker Hill. From there, you have the perfect vantage point to see the tops of all the famous buildings that decorate the Los Angeles skyline.

Grand Central Market

After a short walk down from the top of Bunker Hill, stop at the Grand Central Market. The original building was a Beaux Arts beauty, but over the years, modern renovations have since changed its appearance. When you visit the market, make a point to study the 1960s tile façade and the original large, rounded archways at the entrance.

Eggslut

This little market, full of smells, sights and sounds, has been open since 1917. The market was once a meeting place for the city’s rich and the poor, and you could find everything from clothes to cabbage to goods for the home. Today, it is filled with delicious food for the everyman. As you step down the stairs in the thick of things, your senses are engulfed in the smell of slow-roasting pork, crispy tortillas and hot spices. Stop in at G&B Coffee for a dark brew, or try one of their fizzy hoppy teas for something different. Chow down on gorditas and drool-worthy tacos at Ana Maria’s. And if you’re looking for a trendy Sunday morning brunch spot, try Eggslut for their signature Eggslut sandwich, a jar-poached “coddled” egg atop potato purée.

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Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building is one of the most important architectural landmarks of the city. And while its exterior is gorgeous, it’s the interior you’ll want to ensure you see! Built in 1893, this office building is best known for the incredible skylit atrium, surrounded by gilded, ornate ironwork walkways, stairs and elevators. The building was made for gold-mining millionaire Lewis L. Bradbury and, as such, feels like it has been kissed by King Midas himself.

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Alexandria Hotel

Wind your way toward the famous Alexandria Hotel. In the heyday of cinema-making of the 1900s, this monolith of Beaux-Arts architecture and glamour was built. It cost $2 million to bring the lavish designs and finishing that the New York elite was used to across the country to sunny L.A. The building’s signature griffins still stand today, looming over the street, watching passersby going about their business.

Over the years, it saw visitors from all walks of fame. From President Theodore Roosevelt to Charlie Chaplin and even Mary Pickford. But as the celebs moved out of the downtown core, the hotel lost its lustre and soon was nothing more than squatting quarters for vagrants. Now, it has a new owner, and with fresh businesses coming back downtown, it might even see a new renaissance. Its illustrious Palm Court, built in the 1960s, is still one of the most awe-inspiring interiors in L.A. The ceiling is an enormous mass of intricately designed stained glass and walking in the room, you completely feel embraced by the beautiful coloured scene painted with glass above you.

Broadway-Spring Arcade Building

As you walk down South Spring Street, you come upon a giant slate-coloured building with tiny, uniform windows that cover its facade. Looking like a massive brick honeycomb. This is, of course, the Broadway-Spring Arcade Building. The building is connected by a stunning skylit and a three-storey arcade.

Walking through the arches, you’re met with a splendid gallery of little, independent shops gathered below retro lights that line the gallery like little soldiers. Later on, after its initial construction, two Venetian-style bridges were added to connect the lower levels of the two buildings, creating a very European feel to space.

Ninth and Broadway Building

Just down the street, you find the Ninth and Broadway Building. Built in the 1930s, this sturdy building is a dramatic design and architecture. The most iconic detail is the two-storey tall terra cotta grapevine filigree that crawls up the front of the building. The art deco lettering that addresses the building is a charming nod to a time gone by.

But the ornamentation doesn’t stop at the front of the building. As you look up at the myriad of floors above, you’ll notice the filigree grapevine designs continuing between all the perfectly placed windows, each stamped with an abstract art deco geometric design.

The Jewelry District

The Jewelry District is a section of downtown Los Angeles where gold, diamonds and anything sparkly can be seen on display in highly curated window boxes. As you walk down the street, it seems like every other shop is a jewelry store with identical window displays and signage. Annually this district brings in just under $3 billion in jewelry alone!

The most famous of these Jewellery retail outlets is the International Jewelry Centre. This building reminds me of the train station in Melbourne, with its enormous domed roof and French Renaissance-inspired ornamentation that climbs along the columns and frames the windows.

PacMutual

Head over to the financial district and visit the PacMutual building. A set of three different buildings have been connected over the years and now make up the place we call the PacMutual building. Each structure represents a different period of architecture, yet they all seem to flow together cohesively. The first building erected in 1906 was on the corner of Sixth and Olive Street. It was designed in the Beaux Arts style with decorative arches and flowery details.

In 1921, a taller building was constructed the same way as the previous one. With more money in their pockets this time, they added Italian marble throughout the lobby and more terra cotta embellishments. The final building in this triad is a seemingly simple two-story parking garage. Where the addition of a parking lot might have been an eye sore, this architect took it upon himself to disguise it in Beaux Arts flourishes and a glamorous tiled roof.

Los Angeles Library

The last stop on tour was at the impressive Los Angeles Library. A stop-off at the library might seem like an anti-climactic visit, but it is not the case here in L.A. The library was officially named a Historic-Cultural Monument, and its importance as a place for the community is firmly evident as you walk around and watch people interact with the public space. People wander the gardens and sit quietly reading or talking on the phone on all the different benches and seating areas in the courtyard. It seems almost like a modern-day town square.

The library’s design is not of the Art Deco period or the Beaux Arts. This time, the architect went far back to get his inspiration. All the way to ancient Egypt. Egyptians were some of the finest architects. But they were a culture that respected and sought to preserve their language and historical stories.

Although not in a typical “library”, they preserved their stores right in the walls of their home in hieroglyphs. So it is no surprise that this is where the architect drew his inspiration for the library. The central part of the library looks like a squared-off pyramid with brightly coloured tiled mosaics on the roof. The suns on either side of the roof reference the “light of learning.” Along the facade are carved notable men of history. We have represented men from the arts, Science, Philosophy and more here.

Fine Arts Building

The Fine Arts Building on West 7th Street was built in 1926 and is a love story of architecture. The Romanesque Revival face featured a two-storey arch over the main entrance, intricately decorated with griffons, gargoyles and birds. The entire building is replete with ornamentation and carved figures, to the point where it feels almost more like a church than an office building. On either side of the entry arch are two reclining figures, representing Architecture and Sculpture as human beings. Be sure to step inside and admire the two-storey terracotta and tile-tiered ceiling.

Theatre District

As you finish with the business district, you turn a corner, and suddenly every other building you come across is an opulent theatre. This, of course, is the Theatre District. These gaudy and gorgeous edifices are aged to pure perfection. Their slightly tarnished and dirty facade only adds to the magical historical quality they preserve within their bones.

The Los Angeles Theatre

The Los Angeles Theatre is no doubt the most extravagant of them all. Designed by legendary theatre architect S. Charles Lee in 1931, this building stretches into the skies with European-inspired designs that make you feel like you have been transported into Paris, France. The baroque columns and sculptures that pour off the building reek of French finery. Even a sunburst motif is used throughout, inspired by Louis XIV’s castle of Versailles.

The Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre is one of the oldest on the strip. It opened in 1911 and is one of the remaining original Orpheum theatres in the U.S. This building seems as though any minute, swarms of youthful flappers in sequined gowns might emerge from its doors. Perfectly preserved in time, you can even read the old painted advertisements still etched onto the side of the building. One can imagine that these ads would entice customers to attend the shows featuring such acts as Harry Houdini, Fred Astaire, and a young Rita Hayworth.

The mixture of Florentine architecture and retro 70’s typography, and colourful flare are wonderfully combined on the front of this theatre. Multicoloured terracotta flowers are stamped on the sides of the window frames, while gothic fairy sculptures hang off the building like whimsical gargoyles. Even the old lamps still glow and are reflected on the wet streets.

Tower Theatre

Built in 1927, the Tower Theatre is a testament to the evocative Baroque Revival style. The theatre’s exterior was even modelled after the famed Paris Opera House. Tiny star-shaped geometric designs are carved into the building’s walls, making the whole thing seem like it is floating in space. One of the Tower Theatre’s most iconic features is its giant Art Nouveau clock tower that reaches into the sky, flanked by gilded columns and framing the neon sign that flashes its name to curious passersby.

Eastern Columbia Lofts

Probably the piece-de-resistance of the entirety of downtown L.A. is the Eastern Columbia Lofts. From all the way down the street, you can see the bright, turquoise copper gleaming in the distance. On top, a giant clock and the word ‘EASTERN’ all in neon beacons you towards it. The Eastern Columbia Lofts is one of the best examples of true Art Deco architecture in the United States. Featuring all the keystones of Art Deco design, this building seems cohesive while incorporating various elements from that period. From sunburst patterns to zigzags and chevrons to simple geometric shapes and turquoise copper panels flanked in gold, every piece feels like it complements the other.

Although the building has been standing for years, its appeal is timeless. The developer, Kor Realty Group, optioned this property for condo development in 2006 and has since turned empty retail and business spaces into chic, modern condos while retaining their original appearance. One of the more curious features is the four modernized flying buttresses that flank the clock tower on the top of the building. This style, once only found in gothic architecture, was appropriated to great effect.

Ace Hotel

If you’re looking for true gothic architecture, go beyond the Ace Hotel. Originally known as the United Artists building, at 13 stories tall, it was the tallest building in Los Angeles after its completion in 1927. The building houses residential apartments and a theatre on the first floor. The terra cotta and plaster-fronted structure were dripping with Gothic influences from Spain and were inspired by the Segovia Cathedral. Its delicate tracery windows pointed arches, and highly detailed carved capitals make this building look more like a church than a commercial space. The stone spandrels that line the facade give the building the appearance of being taller than it really is, lifting its grandeur right up into the sky.

Taking a free walking tour of the Art Deco streets of downtown Los Angeles is a must-do experience for anyone who loves architecture and history. From the stunning facades to the intricate details, these buildings are a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

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