I live in Santa Barbara and I am interested in photography. Where are some historic places to take photos in Los Angeles? I'm interested in old movie palaces, cinema and the T.V show historic locations, houses and buildings, World War II–related sites and airplane museums. —William Lemons
Looking for things to do in Los Angeles? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share very specific recommendations.
This is what we suggest:
It's great to hear that you're interested in capturing the beauty and history of Los Angeles through the lens of your camera, William. Since you will be traveling from out of town, I recommend places you can visit in a single day, if you wish. They are mainly in and around downtown Los Angeles.
First of all, if you don't feel like driving and paying for parking all over the city, I suggest taking Amtrak from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. You can take photos of the beautiful view along the way, and once you get off the train, you're already at the first historic site on the list: the true wonder that is Union Station.
Opened since 1939, it is one of the last major train stations in the country and is considered the largest passenger rail terminal on the West Coast. Designed by father and son architectural team, John and Donald Parkinson, it combines Art Deco, Spanish Colonial and Streamline Moderne styles. Travel writer Christopher Reynolds, also known as the newsroom go-to guy for travel advice, tells me, “With its clock tower, grand arches, and high ceilings, Union Station looks like a secular church.” Note that security guards will often shoo you away if you use a tripod without prior approval, so it's best to bring a handheld camera.
Then, cross the street to Olvera Street, one of the oldest streets in Los Angeles. It is part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument that has been struggling to stay open since the pandemic. As you stroll around the area and take photos, check out the Mexican market, capture the pottery, clothing and art along the way, and try some authentic cuisine. Times food editor Daniel Hernandez swears by Cielito Lindo, a taqueria that's been around since 1934 and still makes the “perfectly rolled taquitos.” (The family restaurant is currently fundraising to stay open due to financial difficulties.)
Next, hop on an electric scooter or take a quick bus ride to the historic Broadway Theater District, which features 12 impressive movie theaters, all built between 1910 and 1931. The Los Angeles Conservancy even hosts walking tours of the famous district. You can register online for the next June 6, 13, 20 and 27.
You'll probably be hungry after the tour, so you might also want to visit the Grand Central Market, the largest and oldest public market in the city. Open since 1917, the market features more than 40 food stalls, including China Cafe (open since 1959), Villa's Tacos, Egg Slut, and more. Then, take a quick walk to the most beautiful library in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Central Library, which turns 100 years old this year. Grab your camera and marvel at the exterior of the Art Deco-style building, which draws inspiration from Egyptian and Mediterranean Renaissance architecture. Then head inside to the second-floor rotunda to see the wonderful mural of California history and the stunning globe-shaped chandelier.
Now, some quick suggestions in Los Angeles: There's Frank Lloyd Wright's 1920s Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood. (If you go here, I suggest stopping by Ululani's nearby Hawaiian Shave Ice for a delicious treat.) Or visit any of Los Angeles' most iconic TV homes, including “The Brady Bunch” house in Studio City, “The Golden Girls” residence in Brentwood, and “Seinfield” apartment building in Koreatown. (These are private residences, so you won't be able to go inside, but you can take a photo of the outside.) If architecture is your thing, peruse this guide to iconic Los Angeles homes you can tour in real life, including the Adamson House in Malibu, the Eames House in Pacific Palisades, and the Lummis House (El Alisal) near Mount Washington. Finally, if you're willing to join a group of fellow photographers, I suggest following Instagram pages for collectives like LA Photo Club and 85 Mil Photo Walk Series, which host regular meetups and walking tours.
Los Angeles is filled with so many beautiful historical sites, so I hope these tips help you get started and, most importantly, that you continue taking amazing photos. Have a great time!
