West Adams Boulevard runs through some of the most sought-after neighborhoods of 20th century Los Angeles.

Doctors, successful entrepreneurs, lawyers, and well-off widows commissioned houses here in styles ranging from Italian Gothic to Alpine Craftsman to Georgian Revival. The neighborhoods have, like the rest of the city, seen highs and lows, but many grand homes have survived and are still standing on the boulevard.

Here we've selected 13 city-designated Historic-Cultural Monuments and other important historic homes along or slightly off West Adams that show not only a range of architectural styles, but also an array of reuses—private residence, a Six Feet Under set, meditation space and labyrinth.

Keep in mind that, unless noted otherwise, the mansions listed here are mostly closed to the public, so gawking from the sidewalk will have to do. The complete route amounts to a modest 2 miles so you can take all the houses in in one pleasant stroll.