The Old West, from colonial Alta California to cinematic singing cowboys, is alive and kicking in Los Angeles. Your group just needs to know where to look!
Day 1
Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana – Between the hustle and bustle of two major freeways is a sanctuary of historical significance. Founded in 1797, the Mission is one of the 21 Spanish missions built along El Camino Real and is the largest. Named for a king rather than a saint suggesting its importance to the Spanish crown, your self-guided tour will introduce you to the various gardens the museum, the church and other buildings and give you a feed for 18th century life in California.- Madonna Room – Containing one of the world’s largest collections of statues and images of the Virgin Mary, this small room was probably once a prison cell. You will find a myriad of Madonna statuettes and other small dedications.
Day 2
- Autry National Center – Named for the famous singing cowboy, Gene Autry, the is one of the nation’s leading research and museum facilities dedicated to chronicling the myth and reality of the American West. Divided into two floor and two general categories, the Museum portrays how the West was interpreted (fictional) and how the West really was (historical). Your group will want to explore both sides of the story including the beautiful paintings in the Romance Gallery and the Colt Firearms Collection.
Day 3
- El Pueblo Historic Monument – Tucked beneath skyscrapers and between Chinatown and Union Station are 27 historic buildings comprising the 1781 birthplace of Los Angeles. The festive atmosphere of a Mexican marketplace compliments an array of historic sites including: The Avila Adobe (oldest residential building in LA), the city’s oldest fire station, the world famous 1932 mural American Tropical by Mexican muralist David Alfara Siquelros and many other architectural features.