Summer of Architecture: Signal Hill Historic Walking Tour

This guided tour focuses on the top of Signal Hill, with its rich history over the past century.
About this Event

Black Gold, Millionaires & Speed Demons: Discover Signal Hill Like Never Before!

Before the oil derricks, before the skyline, before Signal Hill became one of Southern California's most iconic landmarks, it was a windswept hilltop overlooking a growing city by the sea.

Join Long Beach Heritage and local historian Joe Holliday for a fascinating journey through one of the most remarkable chapters in Long Beach history.

Explore the stories of grand hilltop estates built by oil barons and visionaries.

Learn how the discovery of oil transformed Signal Hill into one of the richest oil fields in the world almost overnight.

Hear the incredible tales of daring Model T hill climbs and early speed competitions that drew crowds from across California.

Discover the people, places, and events that shaped a city and changed the future of the region forever.

This easy-paced guided tour offers stunning views, surprising stories, and a fresh perspective on a place many Long Beach residents drive past every day without realizing its extraordinary past.

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM
📍 Meet at Hilltop Park Picnic Tables (Skyline & Dawson)
🚶 Approximately 90 minutes
💲 $15 per person

Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.

Whether you're a history lover, architecture enthusiast, longtime resident, or simply curious about the stories hidden in our own backyard, this tour offers a memorable morning of discovery.

✨ Part of Long Beach Heritage's Summer of Architecture 2026
Discover. Wander. Wonder.

Tickets and information available at LBHeritage.org.