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Downtown Los Angeles Tour
Photo tour of Downtown Los Angeles

From Betsy Malloy, About.com

Downtown Los Angeles may be the most underappreciated destination in all Los Angeles. When I started planning this Downtown Los Angeles tour, I thought it would take less than a day, but by the time it was done, it took more than two, and I had to skip shopping in the downtown Los Angeles Garment District just to fit it all in.

Nowhere else in the metro area encompasses so many aspects of the city's colorful history as downtown Los Angeles does. Touring it is like zipping around in a time machine. One minute, you're at the city's beginnings and five minutes later, you behold the downtown Los Angeles of future in the making, past snuggled up against present in a melange that typifies L. A. at its chaotic best.

As nice as it seems to visit these downtown sights in chronological order, it isn't practical. Our tour of Downtown Los Angeles starts at Grand Avenue and 3rd Street. It's a loop that goes north to Chinatown, so you can start and end anywhere that's convenient for you.

Images 1-12 of 18
Like a dream...Los Angeles SkylineI don't get it. Neither does he. How about you?Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)Great music, outstanding architecture.Disney Hall and Music CenterBig changes are underway.Grand Avenue Project
Pretty outside - but you should see the inside.Our Lady of the AngelsOur opinion of this sightseeing standby may surprise you.Chinatown Los AngelesAre the lines always this long?Philippe the OriginalThe last great train station.Los Angeles Union Station
There's more to the Old Pueblo than just shopping.Olvera Street - El Pueblo de Los AngelesWhat fictional characters had their offices here?City HallThree in one: a temple, a unique museum and the Go for Broke Monument.Little TokyoFeeling hungry?Grand Central Market
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