Why visit
The Watts Towers are a once-in-a-lifetime sight: a monumental, decades-long act of solo artistry that has inspired generations and earned landmark status. Beyond their visual wonder, they offer a meaningful encounter with Los Angeles's immigrant history and the cultural life of the Watts community, especially when paired with the adjacent arts center's programming.
Rising unexpectedly from a residential corner of the Watts neighborhood, the Watts Towers are a cluster of intricate, lacy spires reaching nearly 100 feet into the sky. Built entirely by hand, the structures are encrusted with a mosaic of broken pottery, tile, glass, seashells, and other salvaged materials that catch the light in thousands of colors. They stand as a singular monument to one person's vision, patience, and creativity.
Today the towers are protected as a cultural treasure and surrounded by the adjacent Watts Towers Arts Center, which presents exhibitions and programs rooted in the surrounding community. Visitors can view the towers from outside the fenced enclosure at any time, while guided tours offer a closer look at the craftsmanship and the remarkable story behind them. The site is both an art pilgrimage and a powerful piece of Los Angeles history.
History
The Watts Towers were built by Sabato 'Simon' Rodia, an Italian immigrant and construction worker who labored on the project largely alone from about 1921 to 1954, without machine equipment, bolts, welds, or a formal plan. Using steel rods and pipes wrapped in wire mesh and mortar, then decorated with broken tiles, glass, and shells, Rodia created the spires before leaving the site; the towers were later preserved and recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Insider Tips
- ✦Take Metro Rail to the 103rd Street/Watts Towers station to skip parking hassles.
- ✦Time your visit around a tour to learn the full story of Simon Rodia's work.
- ✦Check the arts center calendar for cultural events and exhibitions.
Photo Tips
- 📸Shoot upward against a blue sky to emphasize the towers' lacy, openwork silhouettes.
- 📸Move in close on the mosaic details of pottery, glass, and shells for abstract color studies.
- 📸Use strong midday light to bring out the glint in the embedded fragments.
Before You Go
- ✓Check tour days and times in advance, as access can be limited by conservation work.
- ✓Combine the visit with the adjacent Watts Towers Arts Center for context and exhibitions.
- ✓Bring water and sun protection, since viewing is outdoors with little shade.
Visiting with family
Kids are often amazed by the idea that one person built something so tall by hand from broken bits and salvage. Use the visit as a simple, vivid lesson in creativity and recycling.
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Watts Towers FAQ
Who built the Watts Towers?
They were built by Sabato 'Simon' Rodia, an Italian immigrant construction worker, who worked on them largely alone from roughly 1921 to 1954 using salvaged materials and no heavy machinery.
Can you go inside the Watts Towers enclosure?
You can view the towers from outside the fence for free during the day. Closer access is only through guided tours, which run on a limited schedule, so confirm before visiting.
How much do Watts Towers tours cost?
Guided tours carry a small fee and operate on limited days. Because schedules and pricing can change with conservation work, confirm details before visiting.
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