Los Angeles is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, known for its sunny weather, stunning coastline, and rich entertainment history. From famous landmarks like Hollywood to beautiful beaches, there is so much to explore. One of the best ways to see the city is through organized city tours. These tours offer a unique opportunity to experience the best of LA without the stress of navigating through traffic or planning your itinerary. This guide covers the top city tours in Los Angeles, helping you choose the right one for your adventure.
Hollywood Sightseeing Tours
Experience the Glitz and Glamour of Hollywood
Hollywood is synonymous with fame, fortune, and the entertainment industry. A Hollywood sightseeing tour is a must for first-time visitors to Los Angeles. These tours take you through the heart of Hollywood, where you can see famous spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre, and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. You’ll also pass by iconic studios that have produced legendary films.
Discover Celebrity Homes
Many Hollywood tours include visits to celebrity neighborhoods. On these tours, you’ll get the chance to see the lavish homes of some of the biggest stars in the world. While the houses are often tucked behind gates or trees, these tours give you a sense of the grandeur that defines the Hollywood lifestyle.
Learn About Hollywood History
Hollywood isn’t just about movies and celebrities; it’s also rich in history. Many tours provide an in-depth look at the area’s history, including how it became the entertainment capital of the world. You’ll hear fascinating stories about the early days of Hollywood, as well as behind-the-scenes insights into famous films.
Beach City Tours: Explore LA’s Coastline
Santa Monica Pier: A Coastal Icon
One of the best beach city tours in Los Angeles takes you to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Known for its lively atmosphere, amusement park, and beautiful views, the pier is a staple of the LA coastline. Many tours offer a stop here, where you can enjoy the sights, grab a snack, and even take a ride on the famous Ferris wheel.
Venice Beach: Bohemian Vibes
Venice Beach is one of the most eclectic and lively places in Los Angeles. City tours often include a stop at Venice Beach, where you can witness the skateboarding culture, street performers, and colorful murals that make this area so unique. Whether you’re interested in people-watching or soaking in the artsy vibe, Venice Beach is a must-see.
Malibu: Luxury by the Sea
For those looking to explore the upscale side of Los Angeles, a tour to Malibu is the perfect choice. Malibu is known for its luxury homes, pristine beaches, and celebrity residents. Many city tours offer a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, giving you stunning views of the ocean and the opportunity to experience the laid-back luxury that defines Malibu.
Downtown Los Angeles Tours
Discover LA’s Historic Core
Downtown Los Angeles is a blend of old and new. A city tour through downtown will take you past historic landmarks like the Bradbury Building and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. You’ll learn about LA’s origins as a Spanish colony and its transformation into a modern metropolis.
Explore the Arts District
The Arts District is one of the trendiest areas in downtown Los Angeles. Many city tours include a stop here to explore the murals, galleries, and creative spaces that define this neighborhood. The Arts District is a haven for street art, with colorful and bold murals around almost every corner.
Little Tokyo: A Cultural Gem
No downtown LA tour is complete without a visit to Little Tokyo. This neighborhood is a center for Japanese-American culture and offers a unique look into LA’s diverse population. You can visit traditional shops, sample delicious Japanese food, and explore cultural museums.
Celebrity-Themed Tours
Get Up Close to Famous Film Locations
For movie buffs, celebrity-themed city tours are a dream come true. These tours take you to famous film locations around the city, including spots where iconic scenes were filmed. You’ll get to relive moments from your favorite films and TV shows, from the beaches of “Baywatch” to the streets of “La La Land.”
See Famous Nightclubs and Theaters
Los Angeles is known for its nightlife, and many celebrity-themed tours will take you past famous nightclubs and theaters where the stars go to party and perform. Venues like The Viper Room, The Roxy, and the Hollywood Bowl are often part of these tours, giving you a peek into LA’s glitzy entertainment world.
Visit Iconic Hotels
Several of the city’s most famous hotels are included in celebrity-themed tours. From the Beverly Hills Hotel to Chateau Marmont, these luxurious locations are often where stars stay, dine, and socialize. These tours offer a glimpse into the luxurious side of Los Angeles.
Helicopter Tours: See LA from Above
Fly Over LA’s Iconic Landmarks
If you want a bird’s eye view of Los Angeles, a helicopter tour is the way to go. These tours offer stunning aerial views of LA’s famous landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the Getty Center. From the sky, you can truly appreciate the vastness of the city.
Experience LA’s Stunning Coastline
Helicopter tours also take you over the breathtaking coastline, from Santa Monica to Malibu. The views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal cliffs are unmatched. Whether you’re flying over the beaches or the bustling city, helicopter tours offer a unique perspective of Los Angeles.
Enjoy a VIP Experience
Many helicopter tours offer VIP packages that include extras like champagne, private flights, and sunset views. If you’re looking for a luxurious and unforgettable experience, a VIP helicopter tour is an excellent choice.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Explore LA at Your Own Pace
One of the most convenient ways to see Los Angeles is through a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. These tours allow you to explore the city at your own pace, hopping off at attractions that interest you and hopping back on when you’re ready to move to the next destination.
Visit Iconic Landmarks
Hop-on, hop-off tours cover many of LA’s most iconic landmarks, including Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip, and Rodeo Drive. The buses have designated stops near major attractions, so you can easily get off, explore, and continue your journey.
Learn from Local Guides
Many hop-on, hop-off tours include live or recorded commentary from local guides. You’ll learn interesting facts and history about each location, making your tour both educational and entertaining.
Private City Tours
Personalized Itineraries
If you prefer a more tailored experience, private city tours offer personalized itineraries based on your interests. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a movie lover, your tour guide can create a custom experience for you. This flexibility allows you to see the parts of LA that matter most to you.
Luxury Transportation Options
Private tours often offer luxury transportation options, such as limousines or SUVs. This adds a touch of comfort and class to your city tour, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Whether you want to travel in style or have specific needs, private tours offer the most flexible options.
Expert Local Guides
With a private tour, you’ll have an expert local guide dedicated solely to your group. This means you’ll get more in-depth insights into the city and its history, making your experience even more enriching.
Movie Studio Tours
Explore Real Film Sets
Los Angeles is home to some of the biggest movie studios in the world, including Universal Studios, Warner Bros., and Paramount Pictures. Studio tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, taking you through real film sets, sound stages, and production offices.
Learn About Film Production
In addition to seeing famous sets, studio tours also teach you about the movie-making process. You’ll learn how movies are produced, from scriptwriting to special effects. Some tours even offer interactive experiences where you can see how visual effects are created.
Meet Your Favorite Characters
Some movie studio tours offer live experiences where you can meet characters from popular films and TV shows. Whether it’s a superhero, a wizard, or a beloved cartoon character, these tours make the magic of the movies come to life.
Cultural and Historical Tours
Explore LA’s Diverse Neighborhoods
Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, and cultural tours offer a deep dive into the city’s diverse neighborhoods. From the vibrant Mexican culture in East LA to the rich African-American history in Leimert Park, these tours showcase the city’s incredible diversity.
Visit Historical Landmarks
Cultural and historical tours take you to some of LA’s oldest and most significant landmarks. These tours often include stops at places like Olvera Street, LA’s birthplace, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which has hosted numerous iconic events.
Learn About LA’s Role in American History
Los Angeles has played a crucial role in shaping American history, particularly in areas like entertainment, civil rights, and immigration. Cultural tours give you an in-depth understanding of LA’s impact on the broader cultural landscape of the country.
Adventure and Outdoor Tours
Explore Griffith Park and the Hollywood Sign
For nature lovers, adventure tours are a great way to experience LA’s outdoor beauty. Many tours include a hike through Griffith Park to the iconic Hollywood Sign, offering panoramic views of the city. These tours combine exercise with sightseeing, making for a fun and active way to explore LA.
Visit the Los Angeles Mountains
Beyond the city, Los Angeles is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Adventure tours often include trips to the Santa Monica Mountains or the San Gabriel Mountains, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, and even horseback riding.
Enjoy Water Sports Along the Coast
Adventure tours can also include water activities along the coast, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or surfing lessons. If you’re looking to combine outdoor adventure with sightseeing, these tours are perfect for you.