As you depart, you will see MacArthur Park.

Once called Westlake Park, the
General Douglas MacArthur Park (2230 W. 6th St.) is the centerpiece to the Los Angeles community of Westlake. In 1942, Westlake Park was renamed to honor the World War II commander, General Douglas MacArthur. As you wonder through the park, take a moment to enjoy the fountain that blasts from the center of the lake. Continue to wonder and notice the many public art installations: Pyramids by Judy Simonian; Clock Tower: A Monument to the Unknown, dedicated to the men that use to play chess in the park by George Herms; and a statue of General Douglas MacArthur by Roger Noble Burnham.

Across the street from the park along Alvarado Street, notice the huge neon sign atop the Westlake Theater (636 S. Alvarado St.). Now a swapmeet filled with toys, clothing and various trinkets, you may notice some of the remaining details of the original movie palace.

At the northwest corner of the park (S. Park View and Sixth streets) stands an Art Deco masterpiece, the Parkview Hotel. Constructed in 1925, the vaulted entrance is set into a magnificent front façade that gives a sense of elegance.

From Wilshire Boulevard and Alvarado Street, walk one block south on Alvarado to 7th Street. Turn right on 7th Street.

Alive with commerce and constant hustle and bustle, the community surrounding MacArthur Park is filled with unique restaurants and shops. Grab a bite at Mama’s Hot Tamales Café (2124 Wilshire Blvd.; 213/487-7474) and try the various assortments of tamales from Central America and Mexico.

Re-board the Wilshire Rapid bus at Alvarado Street and Wilshire Boulevard. Depart at Wilshire and Vermont Avenue.

Wilshire/Vermont bus stop (Metro Rapid Wilshire)

From the Wilshire Boulevard/Vermont bus stop, walk one block east on Wilshire Boulevard.

Designed by John and Donald Parkinson in 1929, the Bullock’s Wilshire building (3050 Wilshire Blvd.) has been termed "the American version of Parisian Moderne." Currently home to the Southwest School of Law, the design makes use of buff terra cotta, green copper and glass.

Re-board the Wilshire Rapid bus at Vermont Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard. Depart at Wilshire and Normandie Avenue.