Welcome to Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park in Los Angeles, California. This is a unique monument of folk art. It represents community spirit and rises proudly in the heart of Watts.
What Makes This Park Unique
This California State Historic Park preserves the monumental Watts Towers. It is an extraordinary folk-art creation built entirely by one man, Sabato “Simon” Rodia. Over 33 years (1921–1954), Rodia crafted 17 sculptural spires up to 99½ feet tall using steel, mortar, glass, tile, pottery, shells, and rocks. It’s a rare blend of architectural ingenuity and personal vision, now designated a National Historic Landmark and a beacon of resilience and creative expression. Set within a vibrant urban landscape, it stands as both an artistic marvel and a cultural landmark for the Watts community.
Top Activities and Amenities
State Park
This is a protected site that spans a few city blocks. It offers public access to one of America’s most iconic folk-art environments. The preservation is managed by California State Parks and local bodies.
Guided Tours
The only way to enter the fenced area surrounding the Towers is through a 30-minute guided tour led by knowledgeable docents. These tours delve into Rodia’s life, his building techniques, the neighborhood’s history, and the Towers’ lasting legacy. Tours are available Thursdays through Sundays and are first-come, first-served—no reservations required.
Self-Guided Tours
While going inside the Towers requires a guide, visitors are free to view and appreciate the exterior at any time. Daylight hours are best for unhurried observation.
Picnic Area
There isn’t a formal picnic area on site, but the surrounding Arts Center campus and nearby public spaces offer opportunities for a casual break.
Restrooms
Basic restroom facilities are located within the Watts Towers Arts Center campus, near the tour ticket office and galleries.
Gift Shop
A modest onsite option may be available through the Arts Center, particularly during exhibitions and events—often featuring art and crafts rooted in community creativity.
Educational Programs
The Watts Towers Arts Center hosts a range of programs, including summer camps, music mentorship, visual arts workshops, media arts, and classes for youth and adults—anchoring the site’s role as a living cultural hub.
Art Exhibits
Rotating exhibitions of contemporary work by Los Angeles artists are displayed within the Arts Center, complementing the historical site with fresh creative voices.
Cultural Events
The site periodically hosts music performances, lectures, workshops, and community-driven cultural gatherings—making it much more than a static monument.
Photography & Filming
Photography of the exterior is encouraged, though the fence prevents close framing. Interior shots are permitted only during tours, which offer unique angles and insight—but note that food, drinks, and large equipment may be restricted.
Music & Dance Performances
While not regularly featured, the Arts Center hosts occasional live music and dance events, often tied to exhibitions, cultural celebrations, or tours.
Lectures & Workshops
The Arts Center’s educational mission includes hands-on workshops and talks about art, preservation, and the Watts community, available throughout the year.
Research Opportunities
Scholars of folk art, urban history, or cultural resilience may pursue research through collaborations with California State Parks or the Arts Center, though formal access may require advance coordination.
Accessibility Features
The grounds are accessible, though the towers’ interior and surrounding paths may include uneven surfaces. Visitors with mobility concerns may wish to call ahead to confirm arrangements.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Admission: Viewing the Towers from outside is free. Guided tours are typically around $7 for adults, about $3 for youth (13–17) and seniors; children under 12 are often free.
- Schedule: Tours run Thursday through Sunday—Thursday and Friday from ~11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with a lunch break) and weekends with adjusted hours; check current days before visiting—Mondays/Tuesdays are generally closed.
- Tickets: Purchased in cash or check only at the Watts Towers Arts Center office; no digital payments accepted.
- Parking & Transit: Free onsite parking is available at the Arts Center (10624 Graham Ave.). It’s also accessible via Metro Blue Line (103rd Street/Watts Towers station) with a short walk.
- Pets: Dogs must remain outside the fenced perimeter. Only licensed support animals are allowed inside tour areas.
- Weather & Closures: Tours are canceled on rainy days. Afternoon heat in summer can be intense—late morning visits are the most comfortable and reliable.
- Safety: Neighborhood is best navigated during daytime. Keep valuables secure, and explore with respect for the local environment.
- Photography: Exterior shots are free; interior views only during tours—avoid bringing food or drinks inside.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
For a richer visit, arrive early for a Thursday morning tour. Then browse the nearby Arts Center exhibits. Alternatively, grab a bite from local vendors. If you time your visit around cultural workshops or events, you’ll experience the Towers not just as art, but as a living symbol of creative community energy. And if you’re comfortable exploring further, wander a few blocks to catch the neighborhood’s vibrant murals and local spirit—Watts itself is a hidden gem waiting to inspire.