Everyone comes to Los Angeles hoping to see the iconic sights, from the Hollywood Sign to the sprawling celebrity mansions. But the best trips are the ones where you also discover something unexpected—a hidden garden, a piece of unique architecture, or a story you’ve never heard before. A truly great tour offers the best of both worlds. It ensures you see the famous landmarks while also showing you a more authentic side of the city. This guide is designed to help you find that perfect balance, leading you to a Hollywood and Beverly Hills tour that feels both comprehensive and personal.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a Tour That Fits Your Vibe: Decide if you’re more interested in classic Hollywood history, the luxury of Beverly Hills, or current celebrity culture. Matching the tour’s focus to your personal interests is the best way to ensure you have a great time.
- Prioritize the Iconic Sights: A great tour should cover the essentials. Look for an itinerary that includes the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, and a clear view of the Hollywood Sign to get the full Tinseltown experience.
- Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Day: Book your tour in advance, dress in layers for LA’s weather, and have your phone fully charged. A little preparation ensures you can relax and enjoy the experience, from finding parking to knowing what to do after the tour ends.
Your Guide to the Best Hollywood & Beverly Hills Tours
Picking the right tour in a place as iconic as Hollywood can feel like a big decision. You want to see the famous sights, maybe catch a glimpse of a celebrity home, and really soak in the atmosphere. The great news is there’s a tour for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for a classic sightseeing trip or something a little more off the beaten path. To help you find your perfect match, here are some of the best tour options that cover the glitz of Hollywood and the glamour of Beverly Hills.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive experience that blends history with modern celebrity culture, our Ultimate Hollywood Tour is a fantastic choice. We designed it to take you through the most significant areas in both Hollywood and Beverly Hills in comfort and style, giving you a complete picture of what makes this part of LA so legendary. For a true classic, you can’t go wrong with Starline Tours. They’ve been showing people around since 1935, so they know a thing or two about hitting all the must-see spots.
For those who love celebrity news and want the inside scoop, the TMZ Celebrity Tour delivers a fun, high-energy experience with behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Prefer a more relaxed pace? A walking tour can be a wonderful way to explore. The Beverly Hills Hidden Gems Walking Tour lets you discover secret gardens and cultural spots that many bus tours miss. And for unbeatable photo opportunities, Hollywood City Tours offers rides on open-air buses, giving you clear views of famous landmarks and sprawling celebrity estates. Each of these tours offers a unique way to experience the heart of Los Angeles, so you can find the one that truly fits your vacation style.
What to Expect on a Hollywood Tour
A Hollywood tour is the best way to experience the culture, history, and star power of Los Angeles. It’s more than just a ride on a bus; it’s your ticket to feeling the energy of Tinseltown. You can expect a mix of celebrity glamour, movie magic, and iconic photo ops that will make your trip unforgettable. Here’s what that looks like.
See Celebrity Homes and Hangouts
A major highlight is peeking into the lives of the rich and famous. You’ll cruise through glamorous neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, spotting the sprawling estates of your favorite stars. A great guide shares stories about the legends who lived there and points out trendy spots where you might see a celebrity today. Our celebrity homes tour is designed to give you an authentic look at this exclusive world, taking you right past iconic residences and famous hangouts.
Visit Iconic Film and TV Locations
Hollywood is the world’s biggest backlot, and a tour lets you step right onto the set. You’ll see the real-life places you’ve watched on screen for years, from famous landmarks to ordinary street corners that played a role in cinematic history. It’s a surreal experience that connects you to the magic of Hollywood. You can explore a list of famous filming locations to get excited about the spots you might see on your adventure.
Find the Best Photo Opportunities
If you didn’t get a great photo, did you even go? A Hollywood tour is packed with chances to capture incredible memories. Your guide knows all the best spots for that perfect shot, whether it’s a clear view of the Hollywood Sign or a selfie on Rodeo Drive. They can help you find the right angles and even point out less-crowded vantage points for a more unique picture. You’ll come away with a camera roll full of amazing photos for your Instagram feed to remember your trip.
Explore Popular Tour Options
With so many ways to see the city, it helps to know what kind of experience you’re looking for. Do you want the classic, star-studded tour that hits all the major landmarks? Or are you more interested in the luxurious side of Beverly Hills? Maybe you want a little bit of everything. Understanding the main types of tours will help you find the perfect fit for your L.A. adventure.
The Classic Hollywood Experience
If you’re dreaming of seeing the iconic sights you’ve grown up watching on screen, a classic Hollywood tour is your best bet. These tours are designed to give you a fantastic overview of the area’s most famous locations. You’ll typically cruise through Hollywood and West Hollywood, spotting legendary landmarks and getting a real feel for the heart of the entertainment industry. For first-time visitors, an experience like the Original Hollywood Tour is a great way to cover a lot of ground and see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed. It’s the perfect introduction to the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown.
Beverly Hills Luxury Tours
For those who want a peek into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, a luxury tour focused on Beverly Hills is the way to go. These tours guide you through the pristine, palm-lined streets to see the incredible mansions of your favorite stars. You can find several Celebrity Homes Tours that offer a front-row seat to the opulence of this world-famous neighborhood. Some companies even offer more immersive experiences that combine sightseeing with the area’s best food and fashion. It’s a fun way to indulge your curiosity and see how Hollywood’s elite live.
Combination Tours for the Best of Both Worlds
Can’t decide between Hollywood history and Beverly Hills mansions? You don’t have to. Combination tours are perfect for visitors who want to see it all. These tours blend the best of different areas, giving you a comprehensive look at Los Angeles. Some offer an insider look at celebrity hot spots across Hollywood and the Sunset Strip, while others create a grander loop that includes everything from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the Santa Monica Pier. If you’re short on time but have a long list of must-sees, a combination tour is an efficient and exciting way to experience the city.
Must-See Hollywood & Beverly Hills Attractions
No trip to LA is complete without hitting the legendary spots you’ve seen on screen. While we love showing you the city’s hidden corners, these world-famous attractions are popular for a reason. They are the heart of Hollywood’s history and Beverly Hills’ glamour. A great tour will not only take you there but also give you the stories behind the landmarks, turning a simple photo op into a memorable experience. Here are the essential stops you’ll want to make sure are on your itinerary.
Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
This is where you can literally walk among the stars. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an absolute must-see, with more than 2,600 brass stars celebrating entertainment legends along Hollywood Boulevard. Right in the middle of the action is the TCL Chinese Theatre, famous for the celebrity handprints and footprints immortalized in its forecourt. It’s a fun, hands-on piece of movie history. Most classic Hollywood city tours make these landmarks a centerpiece, giving you a perfect introduction to the neighborhood’s star-studded past and present.
Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip
Get ready for a dose of glamour and rock ‘n’ roll. In Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is the iconic three-block stretch of luxury shopping where you can window-shop at designer boutiques and feel like a star. A short drive away is the legendary Sunset Strip, the heart of LA’s music and nightlife scene for decades. It’s home to historic venues like The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go. Many grand LA tours combine these famous streets, offering a fantastic look at both the high-fashion culture of Beverly Hills and the edgy history of Hollywood’s music scene.
Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign
For the best views in the city, you have to head up to Griffith Observatory. Perched in the hills, it offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the entire Los Angeles basin and, of course, the most iconic photo op of the Hollywood Sign. Beyond the view, the observatory itself is a beautiful Art Deco building with fascinating space and science exhibits. It’s the perfect spot to get a sense of the city’s scale and snap that frame-worthy picture. A visit here is often a highlight of comprehensive city tours, providing a stunning end to a day of exploration.
Top-Rated Tour Companies to Consider
With so many tour operators in Los Angeles, picking the right one can feel like a big decision. You want to make sure you’re investing your time and money in an experience that truly delivers. To help you out, I’ve put together a list of some of the most highly-rated and popular tour companies in the Hollywood and Beverly Hills area. Each one offers a slightly different flavor, so you can find the perfect match for your travel style.
Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into celebrity culture, a quick and classic sightseeing trip, or a more unique adventure that shows you a different side of the city, there’s a tour here for you. We’ll look at what makes each company stand out, from the types of vehicles they use to the specific focus of their routes. Think of this as your starting point for finding a memorable and fun-filled tour that will become a highlight of your LA trip.
Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours
If you’re looking for an experience that combines sightseeing with a touch of class, this is the company for you. Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours is known for providing authentic and fun adventures that go beyond the typical tourist path. Their acclaimed Ultimate Hollywood Tour is a perfect example, taking you through the iconic sights of Hollywood and Beverly Hills in style and comfort. It’s a fantastic option for visitors who want a high-quality, memorable tour that feels both comprehensive and personal. They really focus on showing you, well, another side of LA.
Starline Tours
As one of the oldest and most recognized names in the business, Starline Tours has been guiding visitors through LA since 1935. Their long-standing reputation makes them a reliable and popular choice, especially for first-time visitors. They offer a wide variety of Hollywood celebrity bus tours that cover all the major highlights and celebrity home hotspots. If you’re looking for a classic, no-fuss tour from a company with decades of experience, Starline is a solid bet. Their bright red double-decker buses are an iconic sight around the city.
Hollywood City Tours
Hollywood City Tours is a TripAdvisor award winner that gives you clear, straightforward options for exploring the area. They are known for being the #1 Hollywood bus tour and offer two main choices to fit your schedule. You can opt for ‘The Original Hollywood Tour,’ a concise two-hour trip that covers the essentials, or go for the more comprehensive seven-hour ‘Grand LA Tour.’ This flexibility makes it easy to plan your day whether you have just a morning to spare or want to dedicate a full day to sightseeing.
TMZ Celebrity Tour
For those who love celebrity news and pop culture, the TMZ Celebrity Bus Tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience. This tour gives you an insider’s look at Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Sunset Strip through the lens of the famous entertainment news outlet. You’ll see where major celebrity stories have unfolded and get the scoop on where the stars work, shop, and play. It’s less of a historical tour and more of a fun, dish-filled ride through the heart of celebrity culture, making it perfect for fans who want to feel like they’re in on the action.
LA City Tours
Focusing squarely on the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, LA City Tours is another great option for movie buffs. Their minibus tours are designed to give you a thorough overview of the key celebrity hotspots across Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. This is an ideal choice if your main goal is to see as many movie star homes and famous locations as possible. The smaller vehicle size can also offer a more intimate feel than a large double-decker bus, allowing for a focused and comprehensive city tour.
Beverly Hills Trolley Tours
If you want to explore Beverly Hills beyond the big-name attractions, the Beverly Hills Trolley Tour offers a charming and unique perspective. This tour invites you to discover the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ but also points out cool art galleries, secret gardens, and other lesser-known cultural spots. It’s a wonderful way to see the luxurious lifestyle of the area while also uncovering some of its hidden gems. This walking tour alternative provides a more relaxed pace and a focus on the beautiful details that make Beverly Hills so special.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
With so many incredible tours available, picking the right one can feel like a big decision. The best way to narrow it down is to think about what you want to get out of your experience. Are you hoping for a whirlwind tour of the biggest sights, or a deep dive into a specific neighborhood? Do you have a whole day to explore, or just a couple of hours? Answering these questions will help you find a tour that feels like it was made just for you, ensuring your time in Hollywood and Beverly Hills is everything you hoped for and more.
Match the Tour to Your Interests
First, think about what you’re most excited to see. Los Angeles has a tour for every type of fan. If you’re a film history buff who loves the golden age of cinema, you might enjoy a classic Hollywood tour that covers historical landmarks. Companies like Starline Tours have been around since 1935 and offer a variety of celebrity-focused experiences. If you’re more interested in current pop culture and the latest celebrity hot spots, a tour like the TMZ Celebrity Tour will give you an insider’s look at where the stars eat, shop, and play. Consider what sparks your curiosity the most—movies, architecture, celebrity lifestyles, or a mix of everything—and look for a tour that aligns with that passion.
Consider Your Time and Budget
Next, let’s talk logistics. Hollywood tours can range from a quick one-hour trip to a full-day adventure, with prices to match. You can find a classic two-hour celebrity homes tour for around $30-$45 per person, which is perfect if you’re trying to see a lot in a short amount of time. If you have more flexibility, you might opt for a longer, more comprehensive tour that covers multiple areas. When looking at prices, check what’s included. Does the cost cover transportation, or will you need to meet at a specific location? Knowing your budget and how much time you can dedicate will help you filter your options and find the perfect fit without any surprises.
Find the Right Group Size and Style
Finally, think about the kind of vibe you’re looking for. Do you enjoy the energy of a larger group on a double-decker bus, or would you prefer a more personal experience? Many companies offer tours in smaller vans, which allows for more interaction with your guide. If you want a truly unique experience, you can even book a private tour that can be completely customized to your interests. The tour guide’s personality also plays a huge role. Some guides are full of fascinating trivia and historical facts, while others bring a lot of humor and energy. Reading reviews can give you a sense of a guide’s style and help you find a tour that matches the experience you want to have.
Discover Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Spots
While the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive are absolute must-sees, the real magic of Los Angeles often lies just around the corner, away from the biggest crowds. If you’re looking to experience something truly memorable, I always recommend you go beyond the Golden Triangle or the iconic “Beverly Hills” sign in Beverly Gardens Park. When you explore the side streets and lesser-known landmarks, you get a much more authentic feel for the city’s unique character and layered history. These are the places that tell a different story, one that’s not always on a postcard but is deeply ingrained in the local culture.
This is where a great tour guide becomes your best friend. A knowledgeable guide can lead you through cool galleries, secret gardens, and lesser-known cultural havens that you might otherwise miss. On our Beverly Hills tours, this is exactly what we aim to do—show you another side of a world-famous destination. It’s about connecting with the city on a deeper level and creating memories that feel personal and unique. To give you a taste of what’s out there, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems in the area.
Greystone Mansion and Gardens
Tucked away in Beverly Hills, Greystone Mansion and Gardens is a breathtaking Tudor-style estate that feels like a step back in time. This historic landmark offers a stunning glimpse into the opulence of early 20th-century California. You can take a leisurely stroll through the immaculate gardens, which are free to the public and offer a peaceful escape from the city buzz. The mansion itself is a popular filming location, so you might recognize its grand halls and terraces from movies like The Big Lebowski and There Will Be Blood. It’s a fantastic spot for history buffs, film fans, and anyone who appreciates beautiful architecture.
The Spadena House (Witch’s House)
For something completely different, you have to see the Spadena House, better known as the Witch’s House. This whimsical, storybook home looks like it was pulled directly from a fairytale, with its pointy, lopsided roof, tiny windows, and overgrown garden. Originally built in the 1920s for a film studio, it was later moved to its current location in Beverly Hills. It’s a private residence, so you can only admire it from the sidewalk, but it’s one of the most unique and charming photo ops in the city. It’s the kind of quirky landmark that frequently comes up when people discuss the best hidden gems in LA.
LACMA’s Urban Light Installation
While the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is hardly a secret, its famous Urban Light installation has become an iconic landmark in its own right. This breathtaking piece of public art consists of 202 restored cast-iron street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s, arranged in a grid that glows beautifully at dusk. It’s more than just a perfect photo opportunity; it represents the intersection of history, art, and urban life in Los Angeles. Located on Wilshire Boulevard, it’s accessible 24/7 and is a key stop on many walking tours for a reason. It’s a must-see, especially as the sun begins to set.
Insider Tips for a Great Tour
To make sure your Hollywood and Beverly Hills adventure is as amazing as possible, a little preparation goes a long way. These simple tips will help you have a smooth, fun, and totally memorable experience from start to finish. Think of it as your insider checklist for an incredible day exploring the city of stars.
Know the Best Time to Visit and What to Bring
Los Angeles weather is famous for being beautiful, but it can also be unpredictable. Dressing in layers is your best strategy—a light jacket or sweater will come in handy as coastal breezes pick up in the afternoon. Before you leave, always double-check your tour’s departure details, including the meeting point and any parking advice. Packing a small bag with essentials like sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a portable charger is a great idea. You’ll be snapping photos all day, and you don’t want a dead battery to cut your Instagram story short right as you get the perfect view of the Hollywood Sign.
Engage with Your Guide and Fellow Tourists
Your tour guide is your key to unlocking the city’s best-kept secrets. They are filled with fascinating stories, local history, and fun trivia you won’t find online. Don’t be shy—ask them questions! Whether you’re curious about a specific film location or need a recommendation for a great lunch spot, they are your go-to resource. Chatting with your fellow travelers can also make the day more enjoyable. You’re all sharing a unique adventure, and connecting with others can lead to fun conversations. Our guides on the Hollywood Fun Tour absolutely love sharing their insider knowledge with curious visitors.
Photography Tips and Etiquette
Always have your camera or phone ready, because you never know when a perfect photo opportunity will appear. While celebrity sightings are rare and never guaranteed, you’ll want to be prepared for that lucky moment. For the best shots of landmarks, play with different angles and pay attention to the light. A simple trick for better smartphone photography is to clean your lens and tap your screen to focus before taking the picture. Just remember to be considerate. Avoid blocking others’ views, be mindful of private homes, and always follow your guide’s instructions. The goal is to capture incredible memories without disrupting anyone else’s experience.
How to Book Your Tour
Once you’ve found a tour that sparks your interest, the final step is locking it in. Thankfully, most companies make this part simple and stress-free. Booking your spot is usually just a few clicks away, so you can spend less time planning and more time getting excited about your LA adventure. Think of this as the final checkpoint before your Hollywood and Beverly Hills experience officially begins. We’ll walk through the key things to look for during the booking process to ensure everything goes smoothly from the moment you reserve your spot to the day of the tour itself.
The Reservation Process
Booking your tour should be a straightforward and secure process. The best tour companies offer convenient online booking systems that provide instant confirmation, giving you immediate peace of mind. As you go through the steps, look for clear communication about what’s included and what to expect. A great sign of a customer-focused company is a flexible cancellation policy. For example, some companies offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is perfect for travelers, as it allows you to plan your itinerary without worrying about losing money if your plans happen to change.
Understand Pricing, Duration, and Policies
Before you finalize your booking, take a moment to review the essential details. Check the price per person—for example, a classic two-hour tour might cost around $45 for adults and $35 for children. Also, confirm the tour’s duration to make sure it fits comfortably into your schedule. Most standard tours last about two hours, which is a great way to see the highlights without taking up your whole day. Finally, double-check the company’s policies on cancellations or rescheduling. Knowing the rules ahead of time can save you a headache if you need to make a last-minute adjustment to your plans.
Check Transportation and Pick-up Details
Figuring out the logistics of getting to your tour is a crucial step. Many companies offer complimentary hotel pickups and drop-offs from major hotels in Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills, which makes the experience incredibly convenient. If this is an option, confirm that your hotel is on their list. If you plan on driving to the departure point, look for information about parking. Some tour operators provide details on nearby lots, with some lots offering all-day parking for a flat fee. Checking these transportation details in advance ensures your day starts off smoothly and without any stressful surprises.
Get the Most Out of Your Tour
A great tour is more than just what you see; it’s about the entire experience. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure your Hollywood and Beverly Hills adventure is smooth, fun, and everything you hoped for. Think of it as setting the stage for a memorable day. From knowing where to park to having a game plan for after the tour wraps, these simple tips will help you enjoy every moment of your time exploring the city of stars.
Prepare Before You Go
A little prep work goes a long way in a city like Los Angeles. Before you head out, double-check your tour’s specific departure location and arrival time. Traffic can be unpredictable, so giving yourself a buffer is always a smart move. It’s also a good idea to look into parking ahead of time. Many tour operators will recommend nearby lots or structures, some of which offer flat all-day rates, which can be a lifesaver. Don’t forget to pack the essentials: sunscreen, a bottle of water, sunglasses, and a fully charged phone for all the photos you’re about to take.
Manage Your Expectations (About Celebrity Sightings and More)
Part of the magic of Hollywood is the chance you might spot a celebrity. While it’s a definite thrill and happens more than you might think, it’s best to view it as a fun possibility rather than a guarantee. The excitement is in the not-knowing! Keep your eyes peeled, but remember the tour is about seeing the iconic homes, hangouts, and history that make this area so famous. Also, keep in mind that LA is a living, breathing city. Tour routes can sometimes be adjusted due to film shoots, special events, or the city’s notorious traffic. A flexible attitude will ensure you have a fantastic time no matter what the day brings.
What to Do After Your Tour
Don’t let the fun stop when the tour ends! Your adventure will likely leave you in an area brimming with things to see and do. Instead of heading straight back to your hotel, use the opportunity to explore like a local. After a Beverly Hills tour, you could wander through some of the beautiful, lesser-known secret gardens or check out a local art gallery. If your tour ends in Hollywood, grab a bite at a classic diner or find a cool spot for a post-tour drink on a rooftop bar. Asking your guide for a personal recommendation is a great way to find a hidden gem you won’t see on a typical travel blog.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these tours typically last, and how much should I expect to pay? You can find a tour to fit almost any schedule. Many classic sightseeing tours that cover the main highlights of Hollywood and Beverly Hills last about two hours. If you want a more in-depth experience that covers more ground, you can find options that last a half-day or even a full day. For a standard two-hour tour, you can generally expect to pay between $45 and $65 per person, while longer or more specialized private tours will have a higher price point.
What are the real chances of seeing a celebrity on one of these tours? This is the million-dollar question! While it’s absolutely possible and a huge thrill when it happens, it’s best to think of a celebrity sighting as a lucky bonus rather than a guarantee. The main goal of these tours is to show you the incredible homes, iconic landmarks, and famous hangouts where stars live and play. The real fun is in seeing these legendary places up close, and if you happen to spot a famous face, it just makes a great story even better.
With so many options, what’s the best type of tour for a first-time visitor? If it’s your first time in Los Angeles, I always recommend a combination tour that covers both Hollywood and Beverly Hills. These tours are designed to give you a fantastic overview of the most famous sights, from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the mansions of Beverly Hills. It’s the most efficient way to see the big-ticket items on your list, get a feel for the city’s layout, and hear the essential stories that bring it all to life.
Should I book my tour in advance, or can I just show up? I strongly suggest booking your tour in advance, especially if you’re visiting during a busy season like summer or the holidays. Popular tours can sell out quickly, and booking ahead secures your spot and helps you plan your day without any stress. Most companies have easy-to-use online booking systems, so you can lock in your adventure in just a few minutes and avoid any potential disappointment.
Are these tours suitable for children and families? For the most part, yes. A classic Hollywood and Beverly Hills sightseeing tour can be a lot of fun for all ages, as kids often get excited to see places they recognize from movies and TV shows. However, some tours, like the TMZ tour, are geared more toward pop culture news that might be better suited for teens and adults. It’s always a good idea to read the tour description or check with the company directly to make sure the tone and content are a good fit for your family.
