Los Angeles: Arts District Bike Tour & Urban Adventure

Highlights

• Learn about the street artists and crews behind stunning murals
• Discover an underground, alternative side to L.A. many locals don't know about
• Bike through secret alleys with stunning works of art hidden in them
• Enjoy a small group bike tour for an intimate and immersive experience
• Refreshingly different than most L.A. tours.

Description

This easy bike tour is round trip from Grand Central Market. We pedal through Little Tokyo to reach the Arts District; an industrial neighborhood dotted with new loft apartments, movie studios, breweries, high end restaurants and large format murals. You'll learn about the history of the neighborhood that grew around the train station and served as cold food storage to the vast farms and ranches that once dominated Los Angeles.
Transitioning in the early 80's to an underground artist neighborhood, you'll hear about (and maybe see) some of the street/graffiti artists who put this neighborhood on the map, and some who crossed over to fine artists showing in galleries. The neighborhood is changing fast with celebrity chefs, entertainment experiences and tech companies moving in and transforming the industrial riverside landscape you've definitely seen in movies.
Take all the pictures your phone can hold as street art and murals are the stars here. Explore the warehouse walls that international mural artists flock to. We'll ride the iconic 6th Street Bridge with it's dramatic arches, and dip into East Los Angeles for some exciting street art the "influencers" will never find!
On this 6-mile, ride you'll learn about the history of the Arts District neighborhood, future development, and about the "crews" who claim alley walls with their colorful, multidimensional street art.
We take an off-bike break at Hauser and Wirth's museum-caliber gallery. You can browse works of fine art in this converted former flour mill, enjoy a drink at Manuela, or visit near by cafes for an ice cream or coffee.
Heading back through Little Tokyo via First Street, known for its Ramen and Noodles houses. The delicious smells will hit hungry cyclist as we make our way back to Grand Central Market with over 40 eateries inside.
Operated by Handlebar Bike Tours, we originated the Arts District Bike Tour in 2017. Many have tried to copy, but none come close because we are true art lovers and are constantly exploring the alleys and secret passages known to artists, after parties and night crawlers.

After a 2.5 hour bike ride we arrive back at the Grand Central Market. Your guide will provide you with a printed list of local recommendations visited on the tour.