On Saturdays at 10 am, history buffs can explore downtown Santa Monica's architectural gems with a crack team of docents from The Santa Monica Conservancy. From Art Deco to Romanesque Revival, you'll explore the diverse styles that fill the streets of our city. Learn about the beginnings of the modern movie industry, and see where Jim Morrison played his first show.
Tours begin at the circa 1875 Rapp Saloon, which once served as City Hall, and include sections of the Promenade, Ocean Avenue and the Pier, wrapping up at the opulent Georgian Hotel, which once housed a speakeasy during Prohibition.
You'll cover about six blocks in two hours and the cost is just $10 (members are free). Since the tours are limited to ten guests, do register early: Downtown Walking Tour.
Still want more? The Conservancy offers free digital downloads of their excellent brochures and maps here.