The Most Wonderful Historic Home Tours in Los Angeles
Although younger than many of the world’s famous cities, Los Angeles boasts a rich and distinctive architectural history! In fact, its relatively short past has allowed it to evolve into a melting pot of diverse styles and innovative designs, best showcased through its historic homes. Luckily, a wide range of historic home tours, from Spanish Colonial Revival estates to Mid-Century Modern masterpieces, provide visitors a chance to explore LA’s one-of-a-kind architecture up close! So, if you’re hoping to discover some of these historic dwellings, I’m sharing The Most Wonderful Historic Home Tours in Los Angeles below:
Hollyhock House
Hollyhock House is one of eight Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2019. Each were collectively recognized as UNESCO’s first modern architecture designation in the United States.
The inscription recognizes the universal value of Frank Lloyd Wright’s works and his influence on contemporary design. Specifically, Hollyhock House is recognized for seamlessly blending a multitude of architectural styles including Mayan Revival, Modern, Art Deco and more.
If you’re yearning for Mayan or Egyptian Temple vibes close to home, Hollyhock House is definitely a spot to add to your list. To see more from my trip, check out my other blog post: 5 Reasons Why You Need To Visit LA’s Hollyhock House.
General Admission: $7*
Neighborhood: Los Feliz
Stahl House
Built in the mid-late 1950s, the Stahl House is a wonderful modernist style home set in the West Hollywood hills.
The Stahl House’s unique views and architecture has made it a popular filming location for movies and tv shows. It’s perhaps most notable as Tim Allen’s home in Galaxy Quest or as the location where pilot episode of Columbo ends.
Single Guest Ticket: $70*
Multi Guest Ticket: $35* per person
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Heritage Square Museum
Founded in 1969, Heritage Square Museum is a captivating living history museum that offers visitors a glimpse into 19th century Los Angeles architecture. The museum’s outdoor collection includes eight Victorian-era buildings that were relocated here from various parts of the city. Wander through the museum’s delightful main street, I felt transported back in time, immersed into the vintage charm and captivating stories of a bygone era.
From the elegant details of the Perry Mansion to the quaint simplicity of the Hale House, Heritage Square Museum is a must-visit spot for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking to be transported to the enchanting past of this vibrant city.
General Admission: $7*
Neighborhood: Montecito Heights
Schindler House
A lovely off-the-beaten-path landmark, Schindler House was built in 1922 by R.M. Schindler, the architect working under Frank Lloyd Wright in the construction of the Hollyhock House.
The house was created as an experimental “cooperative dwelling for two young couples” that aimed to redefine the notions of what makes up public and private as well as indoor and outdoor spaces. I love how the house combined traditional Japanese, Pueblo and Modernist design to create something so entirely new for its time!
General Admission: $10*
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Wrigley Mansion
Looking to tour a unique historic home that’s not all about its architecture? Pasadena’s Wrigley Mansion may be the perfect choice for you.
Located on S Orange Grove Blvd, the mansion was once home to William Wrigley Jr., the founder of Wrigley Chewing Gum and former owner of the Chicago Cubs, of whom Wrigley Field is named after. Today, it is the working house and headquarters of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Tours will take you through the history of and memorabilia from the city’s annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.
General Admission: Free*
Neighborhood: Pasadena
Angelino Heights
Explore unique Victorian-era architecture in L.A.’s first suburb: Angelino Heights. Originally built for upper-middle-class families in the late 19th-century, Angelino Heights features some of the best remaining examples of Victorian homes in LA. The homes here are so wonderfully unique that many have been used in classic film and television productions over the years. My personal favorites in the neighborhood are the Charmed House and the Michael Jackson “Thriller!” house on Carroll Avenue.
While you can view the exteriors of these homes on a self-guided tour at any time, guests of LA Conservancy’s Walking Tour can also view one private home’s interior, subject to availability.
General Admission: $15*
Neighborhood: Angelino Heights
Gamble House
The Gamble House in Pasadena achieved cinematic fame as the exterior of Doc Brown’s eccentric and iconic Hill Valley lab in Back to the Future. But before it became one of the most recognizable homes in cinematic history, this Charles and Henry Greene-designed architectural gem served as a summer residence for the Gamble family of Procter & Gamble.
With its distinctive wooden detailing and picturesque setting, Its striking Arts and Crafts design provided a harmonious integration of nature and architecture.
To this day, you can tour the Gamble House, reliving the magic of the movie and witnessing early Pasadena history, and visit the gift shop, perusing a wide variety of themed mementos.
General Admission: $15* for a One-Hour Docent Led Tour.
Prices for other tour types vary.
Neighborhood: Pasadena
Fényes Mansion
If you’re a fan of architecture and Beyoncé, one home you won’t want to miss is the Fényes Mansion. Originally built in 1906, Fényes is a Beaux Arts-style historic mansion located in Pasadena, California.
Today, visitors can visit the historic property which is named after Eva Fényes, a modern woman for her time. During her lifetime, Eva owned her own property, managed a successful divorce, profited from real estate holdings and event went on a long tour through Europe, Egypt and the Middle East.
And Eva wasn’t the only woman who left her mark on the property. The mansion also became a significant part of pop culture after Beyoncé filmed her “Formation” music video there. See the rooms that became part of her NOLA-inspired set on a docent-led tour with the Pasadena Museum of History.
General Admission: $17*
Neighborhood: Pasadena
Doheny Mansion
Built in 1899, the Doheny Mansion was once a Romantic Revival style home. Today it is part of Mount Saint Mary’s University and acts as a popular filming location.
You may best recognize it as the Genovian Embassy from The Princess Diaries! I loved seeing all the rooms that Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway filmed here, but was especially impressed with the Doheny Mansion’s Pompeian room. The Pompeian room acted as the location of the film’s Genovian ball and has the most spectacular Tiffany glass dome and Tuscan marble floor!
General Admission: $25*
Neighborhood: University Park
Greystone Mansion
Finally, the Los Angeles historic home that should be at the top of your list to tour is the Greystone Mansion. Nestled high above Beverly Hills, the Greystone offers a glimpse into LA’s opulent past as well as a behind the scenes look into films and shows like Spider-Man, The Big Lebowski and Gilmore Girls. Built in 1928 as a private residence for the Doheny family, this large estate has sprawling gardens, grand staircases, and elegant rooms waiting to be explored.
Today, the mansion’s grounds are open to the public almost daily. Seasonal events and programs are also available for visitors who are keen to explore the inside of the estate. I thoroughly enjoyed the mansion’s Greystone In The Movies program where I not only got to watch The Holiday in their recently restored theatre, but also got to see the room where part of the movie was filmed!
General Admission: Free To Explore The Grounds*, Costs for Seasonal Events and Programs vary.*
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills
*Prices at time of writing. Timed entry must be reserved online in advance.
