UNESCO, You Know!

Los Angeles Urban Architecture Walk

It's hard to be #1 when you live in LA. But Hollyhock House—a Frank Lloyd Wright building—has achieved that status, as the first LA landmark designated a World Heritage Site. See it on an urban tour of LA’s architecture and public art scene, including a Frank Lloyd Wright–themed walk through Barnsdall Art Park.

The park, Wright’s first commission in Los Angeles for Aline Barnsdall, features the Hollyhock House. Start by entering the park on the Hollywood Boulevard side, where there’s a parking area. Take the two flights of stairs up the hill to reach Barnsdall Art Park and Hollyhock House.

Two hikers wandering in Barnsdall Art Park

Two people taking a docent led tour of the outer grounds of Hollyhock House a Frank Lloyd Wright creation in Los Angeles

Next, head to the Ennis House in nearby Los Feliz. Take a 40-minute, 1.7-mile (one-way) walk from the Barnsdall parking lot up Vermont Avenue to Glendower Avenue, the steep and winding road flanked by grand Hollywood Hills mansions, up to the Ennis House. You can also drive from the Hollyhock House and park near the intersection of N. Vermont Avenue and Glendower Avenue to then take the 0.6-mile winding road to the house.

You can only view this house from the outside, with its expansive view of downtown LA and the Mayan-influenced architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Two young women enjoying an iced tea at a cafe in Los Angeles

BONUS: After enjoying two Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces, drive 1 mile to the Silver Lake area to enjoy the Silver Lake Saturday/Sunday market along Sunset Boulevard. Treat yourself to the cool and delicious Taiwanese-Chinese restaurant Pine and Crane at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Griffith Park Boulevard. Find really good coffee and dessert at nearby La Colombe on Sunset Boulevard and Hyperion Avenue.

Dog-friendly, except indoors. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View
  4. Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

    Historically Serene

    Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

    View
  2. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  3. Woman kneeling by the creek at Chino Creek Wetlands

    Wetland Wander-Fall

    Chino Creek Wetlands is proof you don’t always have to go far to find an escape in nature. Located in the heart of Chino in part of the Santa Ana River watershed, the Chino Creek Wetlands has 1.7 miles of trails, but really this is a place to explore without a lot of fuss.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View