Discover a side of Santa Monica that many visitors miss. Beyond the bustling pier and sandy shores, the city’s residential avenues are a living museum of landscape design and architectural history. This curated walking tour invites you to slow down and wander through quiet, elegant neighborhoods where Mediterranean palms and rare pines frame some of Southern California's most significant homes.
Led by local experts with deep roots in horticulture and preservation, the Garden Paths & Architectural Gems safari is more than just a stroll; it is an immersive exploration of the city's "urban forest" and domestic heritage. You will navigate level, sun-dappled streets where the interplay of light, greenery, and structure tells the story of Santa Monica’s evolution.
This tour is perfectly suited for:
Our journey begins at the northern edge of the iconic Palisades Park. Nestled near the historic 1912 Craftsman Pergola, the Rose Garden offers a fragrant introduction to the city’s botanical character and expansive views of the Pacific coastline.
As we move inland into the quiet residential tracts, your guide will point out the defining features of local architecture. You’ll see the exposed rafter tails and wide front porches of the Craftsman style, the red-tiled roofs and arched doorways of Spanish Colonial Revival, and the seamless indoor-outdoor integration of Midcentury Modern design.
We conclude our trek at a "secret" local destination—a favorite retreat for residents to dine and unwind. While the exact location remains a surprise until your confirmation email, it provides the perfect atmosphere to reflect on the morning’s discoveries.
We offer intimate experiences to ensure every guest can engage with the guide and the landscape.
To make the most of your walking safari, please come prepared with the following:
Is this tour strenuous? No. This particular route is designed as a steady hike on level ground. While we cover approximately four miles, the pace is moderate and comfortable for most fitness levels.
Where exactly does the tour end? The tour concludes at a hidden local gem in Santa Monica. To keep the experience exclusive and quiet for the neighborhood, the final destination is revealed in your booking confirmation.
Are dogs allowed on the tour? Because we walk through narrow garden paths and residential areas, we recommend leaving pets at home to ensure a peaceful experience for all guests and homeowners.