Hollywood pulls in millions of visitors every year, but not every tour delivers on its promises. Some rush you past landmarks without context. Others pack buses so full you can barely see the Hollywood Sign through someone else’s phone. Finding the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles takes a bit of research, especially when options range from $30 hop-on-hop-off rides to private guided experiences that run well over $1,000.
We built Another Side Tours around the idea that LA deserves more than a drive-by. Our local expert guides have led over a million tours through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and beyond, so we know firsthand what separates a forgettable bus loop from a tour that actually sticks with you. That perspective shaped this list, and yes, we included competitors we genuinely respect alongside our own offerings.
Below, you’ll find 12 Hollywood tours worth your time and money, organized to help you compare what each one offers, how much it costs, and who it’s best suited for. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or planning a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, there’s something here that fits.
1. Another Side of Los Angeles Tours
Another Side of Los Angeles Tours builds private and small-group experiences around the idea that context matters more than speed. Rather than rushing through a checklist of landmarks, our local guides take time to give you the stories behind the places you’re visiting. That approach has earned us over a million completed tours and consistent recognition from TripAdvisor and Viator.
What you’ll do and see
Tours cover Hollywood’s most iconic spots, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Dolby Theatre where the Oscars are held. Depending on the package you pick, you can also cruise through Beverly Hills to see celebrity homes, explore Venice Beach on an e-bike, or cover more ground in a private vehicle with a guide narrating the whole way.
- Hollywood Sign viewpoints and photo stops
- Celebrity homes in Beverly Hills and Bel Air
- Venice Beach boardwalk and canals
- Haunted Hollywood locations (specialty tour option)
- Studio lot combinations available on select packages
Best for
This tour works best for visitors who want a personalized, guided experience rather than a packed bus. Families, couples, and small groups benefit the most since the private format means your guide can adjust stops based on what interests you. Anyone searching for the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles who values depth over discount will find the trade-off worthwhile.
Typical price range and length
| Tour Type | Starting Price | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Walking tours | $75 per person | 90 minutes |
| Private vehicle tours | From $149 per person | 2 to 4 hours |
| Limousine packages | Up to $1,996 | 4 to 7 hours |
Group discounts apply for parties of three or more, which helps offset the cost for families and travel groups.
Private tours include hotel pickup, which saves you from navigating LA traffic on your own before the experience even starts.
Pros and trade-offs
The biggest advantages are flexibility and focused attention. Your guide is entirely dedicated to your group, answers questions in real time, and shapes the experience around your interests. The main trade-off is cost: private tours run higher than shared bus options, so if budget is your first filter, look further down this list before deciding.
Tips before you book
Book at least a few days ahead, particularly during summer and major holidays when availability fills fast. Mention any specific interests upfront, such as film history, architecture, or Instagram photo locations, so your guide can build the route around what matters to you. Reviewing the full list of available tour packages on the website before reaching out also helps you land on the right experience faster.
2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood gives you genuine access to an active working studio lot in Burbank, just a short drive from Hollywood. Unlike street-level sightseeing, this tour takes you behind the gates where actual film and television production happens, making it one of the more immersive options for anyone serious about entertainment history.
What you’ll do and see
Your guided experience covers working backlot streets, soundstages, and prop warehouses that have been used across decades of film and TV production. Highlights include the Central Perk set from Friends, the DC Universe exhibit featuring the Batmobile, and costume and prop collections from major Warner Bros. productions.
- Backlot sets including iconic New York street facades
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter exhibit
- DC Comics superhero displays and vehicles
- Production-used costumes and props up close
Best for
This tour suits film and television fans who want more than a photo at a landmark. It works especially well for families with older kids and adults who grew up watching Warner Bros. productions. If you’re searching for the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles that connect directly to the craft of filmmaking, this one delivers a strong experience.
Typical price range and length
Standard tickets run around $75 per person, with premium options like the after-dark or specialty tours priced higher. The base tour runs approximately three hours, which gives enough time to cover the main exhibits without feeling rushed.
Book tickets directly through the official Warner Bros. website to avoid third-party markups and secure your preferred time slot.
Pros and trade-offs
The tour offers genuine behind-the-scenes access that outdoor sightseeing simply cannot match. The main limitation is that the experience follows a fixed group format, so you move at a set pace with other visitors rather than at your own speed.
Tips before you book
Arrive 15 minutes early to clear security and check in without stress. Wear comfortable shoes since the tour involves a fair amount of walking across the lot. Weekday slots tend to be less crowded than weekends, so if your schedule allows flexibility, a midweek visit improves the overall experience.
3. Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour
Universal Studios Hollywood blends theme park entertainment with a real working studio, giving you a two-in-one experience that few other Hollywood attractions can match. The Studio Tour is the centerpiece of the park, and it remains one of the most popular ways for visitors to get a ground-level look at how major film productions come together.
What you’ll do and see
The tour loads you onto a large tram that rolls through the active backlot and production areas of one of the most storied studios in entertainment history. A live guide narrates throughout, pointing out filming locations, set pieces, and behind-the-scenes infrastructure used across decades of Hollywood productions.
- King Kong 360 3-D immersive experience
- Jaws lake and set remnants
- Desperate Housewives lane and other recognizable street sets
- Fast and Furious live special effects sequence
- Working backlot areas that may be active during filming
Best for
Universal’s Studio Tour works well for first-time visitors and families who want to combine theme park rides with a genuine studio experience in a single day. It’s a strong pick if you want the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles that come packaged within a full day of entertainment rather than a standalone guided outing.
Typical price range and length
General park admission starts around $109 per person, though prices vary by date and package. The Studio Tour itself runs approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is included with park entry.
Booking tickets in advance online almost always saves you money compared to purchasing at the gate on the day of your visit.
Pros and trade-offs
The main advantage is value for a full day, since park admission covers both the Studio Tour and all rides. The trade-off is that the tram format means no flexibility on pace or stops, and the experience moves quickly with a large group.
Tips before you book
Board the Studio Tour early in the morning right when the park opens, before lines build up for the tram loading area. Check the park calendar for special event dates that may affect crowd levels or temporarily close certain backlot areas.
4. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
Paramount Pictures is the only major Hollywood studio still located within the city limits of Los Angeles, and their walking tour gives you direct access to a facility with over a century of production history. Unlike the larger theme park options, this experience keeps groups small and puts a knowledgeable guide in front of you for the entire visit.
What you’ll do and see
Your guide walks your group through active production streets, standing sets, and historic backlot areas that have appeared in some of the most recognizable films and television shows ever made. The tour moves at a comfortable pace and includes stops inside actual soundstages when production schedules allow.
- The famous Paramount arch entrance and studio gate
- Backlot streets used across decades of film and TV production
- Costume and prop storage areas
- The Sherry Lansing Theatre and studio executive offices exterior
Best for
This tour fits film history enthusiasts and adults who want a focused, walkable studio experience with a strong narrative from their guide. It also works well for anyone comparing the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles who wants a more intimate group size than the larger tram-based options offer.
Typical price range and length
Standard tickets run around $78 per person, with specialty tours like the Paramount after-dark experience priced higher. The standard walking tour runs approximately two hours.
Paramount limits group sizes on each tour, which means you get more direct access to your guide compared to the larger studio tours.
Pros and trade-offs
The small group format and walkable pace let you ask questions and get genuine answers rather than watching a pre-recorded presentation from a tram seat. The main trade-off is that soundstage access varies by day depending on active filming schedules, so certain areas may be off-limits during your visit.
Tips before you book
Check the official Paramount website for updated tour availability and any temporary closures tied to production schedules. Booking at least a week out during peak summer months helps secure your preferred time slot before they fill.
5. Hollywood Bus Tours LA
Hollywood Bus Tours LA runs open-air double-decker bus tours through Hollywood and surrounding neighborhoods, giving you an elevated view of the city’s most famous streets and landmarks. The format keeps things casual and accessible, making it a practical option for visitors who want broad coverage without committing to a fixed itinerary.
What you’ll do and see
Your tour rolls through Hollywood Boulevard, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and other key areas while a live guide narrates the route. The open-air upper deck gives you a clear view above street-level traffic, which makes it easier to spot landmarks and take photos without obstacles.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
- Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills mansions
- Sunset Strip bars and music venues
- Celebrity homes neighborhood pass-throughs
Best for
Hollywood Bus Tours LA works well for solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors who want a broad overview of the city in a short amount of time. It also suits people comparing the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles who prefer a low-commitment sightseeing format before deciding which neighborhoods to revisit on their own.
The open-air upper deck is weather-dependent, so check the forecast before you head out, especially in cooler months.
Typical price range and length
Tickets typically start around $40 to $55 per person, and tours run approximately two hours depending on traffic and route conditions.
Pros and trade-offs
The affordable price point and wide geographic coverage make this a solid introductory tour. The trade-off is that large group sizes mean less personal interaction with the guide, and the bus cannot stop at every location for an extended photo opportunity.
Tips before you book
Sit on the upper deck toward the front to get the clearest sightlines and the best photography angles throughout the route.
6. Starline Tours
Starline Tours has operated in Los Angeles for decades and remains one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood sightseeing. They run a range of bus-based tours that cover the city’s major landmarks, making them a practical option for visitors who want structured, narrated coverage of Hollywood and the surrounding neighborhoods without arranging private transportation.
What you’ll do and see
Starline’s core offering moves through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and celebrity home neighborhoods aboard comfortable coaches with live narration throughout. Depending on the package you select, you’ll pass the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Rodeo Drive, with longer routes extending further into the city.
- Celebrity homes in Bel Air and Beverly Hills
- Hollywood Boulevard landmarks
- Sunset Strip drive-through
- Santa Monica and Venice Beach on extended routes
Best for
Starline fits first-time LA visitors who want a broad overview of the city without spending much time planning logistics. If you’re comparing the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles on a tighter budget, Starline’s pricing puts it among the more accessible shared-bus options available.
Typical price range and length
| Tour Type | Starting Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood and celebrity homes | Around $49 per person | 2 hours |
| Grand city tour | Around $69 per person | 4 to 5 hours |
Summer dates book quickly, so securing your tickets a few days ahead prevents running into sold-out departure times.
Pros and trade-offs
The wide route coverage and competitive pricing make Starline a reasonable starting point for LA sightseeing. The main trade-off is the large group bus format, which limits time at individual stops and reduces direct interaction with your guide compared to smaller private options.
Tips before you book
Confirm that your preferred departure time and specific route are available before completing your purchase, since Starline runs multiple formats that shift by season. Arriving at the pickup location early gives you better seat selection and a smoother boarding experience.
7. A Day in LA Tours
A Day in LA Tours runs small-group van tours through Hollywood and the broader Los Angeles area, keeping group sizes capped so every passenger gets a more personal experience than a full-size motorcoach provides. The format sits somewhere between a large bus tour and a fully private experience, which gives it a practical middle-ground appeal for travelers comparing the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles.
What you’ll do and see
Tours roll through Hollywood’s signature stops and extend into Beverly Hills and other neighborhoods depending on the package. Your guide narrates throughout, covering the stories behind the landmarks you pass rather than just naming them.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
- Celebrity homes in Beverly Hills and Bel Air
- Rodeo Drive drive-through
- Griffith Observatory viewpoints on select routes
Best for
This tour works well for small travel groups and solo travelers who find large bus tours impersonal but aren’t ready to pay for a fully private experience. It also suits visitors who want guided narration and neighborhood coverage without managing their own transportation across the city.
Smaller van groups mean your guide can answer questions directly during the tour rather than relying on a microphone announcement to the entire bus.
Typical price range and length
Tickets typically run around $59 to $79 per person, and most tours last approximately two to three hours depending on the route selected.
Pros and trade-offs
The capped group size is the clearest advantage here since it creates a noticeably more comfortable experience than buses carrying 40 or more passengers. The trade-off is limited schedule availability compared to larger operators, so your preferred departure time may not always be open.
Tips before you book
Check the departure schedule early in your trip planning since morning slots tend to fill first, especially during summer. Confirming your pickup location details ahead of time also prevents any last-minute confusion on the day of your tour.
8. Big Bus Los Angeles Hop-On Hop-Off
Big Bus Los Angeles runs a hop-on hop-off sightseeing network across multiple routes that connect Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and other major areas. The format gives you full control over your pace, letting you spend more time at the stops that interest you and skip the ones that don’t. If you’re comparing the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles based on flexibility alone, Big Bus stands out from fixed-route competitors.
What you’ll do and see
Your ticket covers access to all Big Bus routes for the duration of your pass, so you can mix and match stops across Hollywood and the broader city. Buses run frequently enough that waiting at a stop rarely takes long.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
- Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
- Santa Monica Pier
- Griffith Observatory stop on select routes
- Venice Beach boardwalk access
Best for
Big Bus suits independent travelers who want coverage across multiple neighborhoods without locking into a single fixed route. It also works well for visitors who want to revisit certain areas at their own pace rather than following a group schedule.
A multi-day pass gives you significantly more value than a single-day ticket if you plan to explore different neighborhoods on separate days.
Typical price range and length
Tickets start around $49 per person for a 24-hour pass, with 48-hour options available at a higher price. Your access is valid from the time of first use, not from midnight, so you can maximize coverage across two calendar days with the right timing.
Pros and trade-offs
The route flexibility and frequent bus intervals make this one of the easiest ways to cover large distances across the city. The main trade-off is that narration quality varies by route, and the experience lacks the personal guide interaction you get with smaller private or van-based tours.
Tips before you book
Download the Big Bus app before your trip so you can track live bus locations and plan your stops without standing around guessing arrival times.
9. Hollywood City Tours
Hollywood City Tours runs narrated bus tours through Hollywood and the surrounding neighborhoods, giving you a structured overview of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and celebrity home districts. The format appeals to visitors who want a guided experience with consistent departure times and straightforward pricing without the complexity of planning a custom itinerary.
What you’ll do and see
Tours move through Hollywood’s signature landmarks and push further into celebrity home neighborhoods in Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Your guide narrates throughout, connecting the locations to the entertainment industry figures and productions that made them famous.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
- Celebrity homes in Beverly Hills and Bel Air
- Sunset Strip and Hollywood Boulevard
- Rodeo Drive drive-through
Best for
Hollywood City Tours fits budget-conscious travelers and first-time visitors who want a reliable narrated overview of the city’s highlights without spending a lot of time researching alternatives. It also suits anyone comparing the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles who wants a comfortable bus experience at a competitive price point.
Typical price range and length
Tickets generally start around $45 to $60 per person, with tours running approximately two to three hours depending on the route and traffic conditions.
Booking your ticket online in advance locks in your preferred departure time and often saves you a few dollars compared to walk-up pricing.
Pros and trade-offs
The competitive pricing and regular schedule make Hollywood City Tours an accessible option for most visitors. The trade-off is a larger group format that limits personal interaction with the guide and keeps stop durations short across the route.
Tips before you book
Confirm your pickup location and departure time directly on the booking page before completing your purchase. Choosing a morning departure helps you avoid peak midday traffic, which can otherwise shorten the time your guide spends narrating at key stops along the route.
10. Legends of Hollywood Tours
Legends of Hollywood Tours focuses on celebrity homes and entertainment industry landmarks, running guided van tours that prioritize the stories behind the famous names tied to each location. The company has built a reputation among visitors comparing the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles who want a tour centered specifically on the celebrity angle rather than a broad city overview.
What you’ll do and see
Tours take you through Beverly Hills and Bel Air neighborhoods where current and past celebrities live, with your guide pointing out residences tied to major entertainment figures. Routes also cover Hollywood Boulevard highlights and other recognizable locations connected to film and television history.
- Celebrity homes in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and the Hollywood Hills
- Hollywood Walk of Fame area
- Sunset Strip drive-through
- Iconic filming locations tied to well-known productions
Best for
This tour fits celebrity-focused visitors who want their guide’s full attention directed at the entertainment industry rather than general Los Angeles history. It works particularly well for visitors who follow current entertainment news and want real-time updates on who lives where.
Typical price range and length
Tickets run approximately $40 to $60 per person, with tours lasting around two hours depending on traffic and route conditions.
Confirming current pricing directly with the operator before booking helps you avoid surprises, since rates can shift by season.
Pros and trade-offs
The celebrity-focused narrative keeps the content tightly relevant for visitors who care specifically about entertainment culture. The main trade-off is that the experience covers less geographic variety than broader city tours, so it works better as a complement to other sightseeing rather than your only outing in LA.
Tips before you book
Request a morning departure time when booking, since Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills neighborhoods see lighter traffic early in the day, which lets your guide cover more ground within the same timeframe.
11. Ultimate Hollywood Tours
Ultimate Hollywood Tours runs narrated van tours through Hollywood and Beverly Hills, keeping group sizes manageable to create a more comfortable experience than a full-size bus provides. The company draws consistent positive reviews from visitors comparing the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles who want reliable coverage of the city’s celebrity and entertainment landmarks at a reasonable price.
What you’ll do and see
Your tour moves through Hollywood’s core landmarks and celebrity home neighborhoods, with a guide narrating the entertainment history and current stories tied to each location. Routes cover both the well-known stops and residential streets that rarely appear on larger bus itineraries.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
- Celebrity homes in Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills
- Sunset Strip and Hollywood Boulevard
- Rodeo Drive drive-through on select routes
Best for
Ultimate Hollywood Tours works well for small groups and couples who want guided coverage of Hollywood’s highlights without committing to the price of a fully private tour. It also suits visitors who prefer van-based transport over open-air buses, especially during warmer months.
Typical price range and length
Tickets generally run around $45 to $65 per person, with tours lasting approximately two to three hours depending on the selected route and traffic.
Checking the official booking page directly gives you the most accurate current pricing before you commit.
Pros and trade-offs
The van format and moderate group size create a noticeably more personal atmosphere than large motorcoach tours. The main trade-off is that departure times are limited compared to bigger operators, so your scheduling flexibility narrows if you have a tight itinerary.
Tips before you book
Choose a morning departure when possible, since lighter traffic lets your guide spend more time narrating at key stops rather than navigating congestion.
12. Hollywood Sign Guided Hike Tours
Hollywood Sign guided hike tours give you something no bus can deliver: a close-up view of one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks from the trails above it. Several local guide companies lead small groups up the Griffith Park trails that approach the sign, turning what most visitors experience only through a car window into an active, rewarding outing.
What you’ll do and see
Your guide leads your group along one of the established hiking routes in Griffith Park, with the Hollywood Sign as the main destination. The trails offer progressively better vantage points as you climb, and your guide covers the history of the sign along the way, including its origins as a real estate advertisement in the 1920s and its transformation into a cultural icon.
- Close-range views of the Hollywood Sign from above and alongside
- Panoramic views of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley
- Griffith Park wildlife and native vegetation
- Photo opportunities at multiple points along the trail
Best for
This experience fits active travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who want a memorable physical activity built around one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. It works well for anyone searching for the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles that go beyond sightseeing from a seat.
Typical price range and length
Guided hike tours typically run $30 to $65 per person, with most outings lasting two to three hours depending on the trail and group pace.
Bring water and wear sturdy shoes since the terrain involves uneven ground and moderate elevation gain throughout the route.
Pros and trade-offs
The physical access and views are unmatched by any other tour format. The trade-off is that fitness level matters, so this option suits active visitors more than those looking for a relaxed sightseeing experience.
Tips before you book
Book a morning departure to avoid midday heat and secure the clearest views before afternoon haze settles over the city.
Next steps
You now have a clear picture of what the best Hollywood tours in Los Angeles actually offer across every price point and format. The right choice comes down to what you want out of the day: broad city coverage, a behind-the-scenes studio experience, an active hike, or a private guided tour that shapes itself around your interests.
If you want something more personal than a bus seat and more flexible than a fixed studio schedule, Another Side of Los Angeles Tours is worth a closer look. Our guides have spent years learning the stories behind the places most visitors only see through glass. You get hotel pickup, expert narration, and a route built for your group, not a crowd. Browse the full list of options and reach out to our team through our Los Angeles sightseeing tours page to find the experience that fits your trip.
