Los Angeles: Arts District Street Art, Graffiti Walking Tour

If you’re into street art, LA’s Arts District is one of those neighborhoods that just buzzes with creativity. This walking tour promises to show you the best murals, graffiti, and hidden gems created by both local and international artists. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what we’ve gathered, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a close-up look at LA’s urban art scene—especially if you love hearing directly from artists themselves.

What really caught our eye about this tour? First, the fact that it’s led by actual local street artists who know the district inside out. Second, the chance to see over 100 different works of art, from massive murals to tiny tags—there’s a lot to take in. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that if you’re expecting a tour packed with iconic, picture-perfect murals, sometimes you’ll find more tags and smaller pieces than you might hope for. But overall, this tour seems ideal for art lovers and those curious about LA’s creative pulse.

This experience is probably best suited for travelers who want a deeper understanding of street art culture rather than just snapping photos. If you’re into urban art, enjoy learning from artists themselves, and want an authentic LA neighborhood experience, you’ll likely get a lot out of this tour.

Key Points

• Led by local street artists who share insider knowledge and personal stories
• Over 100 works of art including murals, tags, yarn bombs, and hidden treasures
• Visits to iconic spots like ArtShare, The Container Yard, and The American Hotel
• Two-hour manageable walk in a vibrant, colorful neighborhood
• Affordable price point of $20 per person offers good value for art enthusiasts
• Optional Sunday workshop for spray can and stencil painting if you want to get hands-on

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Arts District Street Art Tour

If you’re craving a glimpse into LA’s street art scene, this tour offers an accessible way to explore one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. It’s not just a sightseeing jaunt; it’s a chance to understand the stories behind the murals and graffiti painted on LA’s walls. What makes this tour especially appealing is the guides—all are local street artists who are passionate about their craft and eager to share their knowledge.

Who is this tour for?

Travelers who love urban art, enjoy learning from artists, or simply want a different perspective on LA’s creative side. It’s also suitable for those who don’t mind walking and want a short, engaging experience that packs a punch in just two hours.

The experience begins: Meeting the local artist guides

The tour kicks off at a designated meeting point at the corner of Colyton and Palmetto. This spot is easy to find if you pay attention to the instructions and avoid bothering the tenants in the building. The guides, being local artists, are familiar with every corner of the neighborhood, and their love for the district shines through as they share stories of how the art has evolved over the decades.

What you’ll see: Murals, tags, and hidden treasures

The highlight is, of course, the visual feast of over 100 individual pieces of art. From expansive murals by renowned artists to clever tags and yarn bombs, the diversity is impressive. The guides share insights into the techniques used, the meanings behind the pieces, and how the community has shaped this vibrant street art scene.

One reviewer notes, “Kevin, the guide, was very knowledgeable about the style, history, and other artists,” highlighting how meaningful the storytelling can be on this tour. Another mentions how the guide’s background as a graffiti artist helps decode the art, making it more accessible and engaging.

More Great Tours Nearby

Iconic spots and hidden gems

Throughout the walk, you’ll visit key locations like ArtShare—a hub for LA’s arts community—and The Container Yard, a space filled with murals, galleries, and creative businesses. The American Hotel, another stop, adds some historical charm to the artistic surroundings.

These spots not only showcase impressive murals but also serve as gathering points for LA’s creative community. They are perfectly suited for snapping photos, but more importantly, they add context to the street art scene.

What about the art? Is it all murals?

Not exactly. The tour features a wide variety of works, from building-sized murals to tiny tags. One reviewer mentions, “Most of the art is graffiti-style lettering, which was interesting, but I was hoping for more large murals,” so expectations should be tailored accordingly. The tour isn’t solely about seeing the biggest, most iconic murals but also appreciating smaller, often overlooked pieces that contribute to the neighborhood’s character.

The optional Sunday workshop

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you have the chance to add the Spray Can and Stencil Painting Workshop. It’s a hands-on experience where you get to try spray painting and stencil cutting under the guidance of a skilled artist. This is great for those wanting to get a feel for the craft or create a personal souvenir. Just remember to bring clothing you don’t mind getting paint on!

Tour logistics and value

The entire experience lasts about two hours, which is perfect for fitting into a busy LA itinerary. The cost is $20 per person, making it an excellent value considering the quality of guides and the breadth of art you see. No transportation is included, so plan to walk or arrange your own way to the meeting point, but the neighborhood’s compact size makes it manageable.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a considerate touch, and it runs primarily in the morning—great for cooler weather and fresh streets.

What do travelers say?

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.9/5 rating from 19 people. Comments highlight the knowledgeable guides and the impressive art. For example, “Kevin was an excellent guide,” and “Very immersive tour with an actual graf artist,” reflect how much people appreciate guides who are artists themselves.

Some reviews mention that the art mostly consists of tags and graffiti lettering, and that sometimes murals are limited. This suggests if you’re expecting lots of massive murals, you might find more variety in larger, dedicated mural tours elsewhere. Still, the authenticity and local insight seem to be what makes this tour shine.

Final thoughts

In essence, this street art tour offers a window into LA’s creative heart through the eyes of its artists. It’s a well-priced, engaging experience that combines visual art with storytelling. If you’re interested in street art, enjoy learning from those who create it, or want a glimpse into the LA arts scene beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour is worth considering.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who like interactive, cultural experiences over passive sightseeing. The two-hour duration keeps things manageable, but the wealth of stories and art make it quite a rich experience. Plus, the optional workshop could be a fun addition if you want to get a little creative yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it’s best for those comfortable with walking and exploring urban neighborhoods. It’s not specifically designed for children, but older kids interested in street art could enjoy it.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended. If you’re doing the workshop, bring clothing you’re okay with getting paint on.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about two hours, making it a great short activity to include in your day.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the corner of Colyton and Palmetto—look for the green benches. The address is for mapping but don’t bother the tenants.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What kinds of art will I see?
Expect to see murals, tags, yarn bombs, and hidden treasures—over 100 pieces in total.

Are meals or transportation included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. Transportation to the meeting point is on your own.

How much does it cost?
The tour is $20 per person, offering good value considering the guide’s expertise and the art seen.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, if you’re curious about street art and want to experience a neighborhood full of color and stories, this LA Arts District tour is a smart choice. It provides a genuine look at urban art culture, led by artists who are passionate about their craft. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just a traveler looking for something different, you’ll leave with a better understanding of LA’s creative spirit—and perhaps some new inspiration yourself.

You can check availability for your dates here: