Exploring the Underground Tunnels of Los AngelesDid you know there’s underground tunnels in Los Angeles? There’s over 11 miles of tunnels underneath the city. During the Prohibition era these tunnels were used to run illegal drinking spaces. These spaces were nicknamed speakeasies because the owners did not want to attract law enforcement’s attention and asked the customers to whisper or “speak easy”. And if the speakeasies were raided everyone had access to the tunnels to make their getaway. There’s a bunch of modern day speakeasies all over Los Angeles and Orange counties that are fun to check out but did you know you can actually step down into the abandoned underground tunnels? Here’s how I got access: 1. Cartwheel Underground Tours Cartwheel Art Tour conducts the “Underground LA” tour. This is a 2&1/2 hour walking tour. The tour guide talks about famous prohibition era crimes, murders and haunts that occurred in LA. They also have exclusive access to these closed off areas. We were able to enter the abandoned speakeasies and the tunnels. Here's a glimpse... Within the same building, we were guided down some more stairs that led to the tunnel entrance. It was pitch black when we reached the end of this tunnel. The tunnels are haunted and feels very eerie. The sounds alone had me a little freaked out. After this tunnel we walked a few blocks over to a bar. It seemed like an ordinary modern day bar until they took us to the secret stairs in the back of the bar. Hidden underneath was another abandoned Prohibition era speakeasy. I learned so much on this tour and highly recommend it. You should definitely wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to get spooked. 2. Mob Bar LA Mob Bar LA is a fun modern day speakeasy located in downtown Los Angeles. The bar just opened up in February 2020. It has a fun photo line up backdrop for pictures, prohibition drinks, live performances from jazz singers and burlesque dancers. The best part of this bar is their underground tunnel tour they do every hour. When it was my turn to experience the tour I was guided to the secret stairs that led to the basement. The tour guide gave the history of the hidden speakeasy and tunnel hidden underneath the building. This is definitely a fun bar to check out once it opens again. I would definitely recommend to pay the extra fee to take the underground tour. Also, please wear comfy shoes; the stairs are narrow and spiral down.
**The underground tunnels are closed off to the public and the last open entrance has been sealed off. The only way into these tunnels are if you know someone that may guide you in. Venture with caution. Comment if you know of any other underground tunnel tours.
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AuthorHello, I'm Brenda-Follow me through my Serendipity Adventures IG: www.instagram.com/brenda.in.wanderlust ArchivesCategories |