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The 8 Best Hollywood Tours

See celebrity homes, top attractions and fun sights on these engaging tours of one of LA's hottest neighborhoods.

Rodeo Drive under a shining sun, Beverly Hills. California, USA

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Hollywood's glitz, glamour and celebrities have always held a fascination for travelers. Tourists journey to Los Angeles from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the city's famous residents or scope out iconic filming locations. For a behind-the-scenes peek at Hollywood's unknown tales and secrets, enlist the help of a local by signing up for a guided tour. Researching both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News selected the best Hollywood tours.

Big Bus Tours Los Angeles – TMZ Celebrity Tour

Price: From $47.20 for adults; from $39.20 with kids Duration: 2 hours

TMZ, known for its celebrity news-fueled television show and website, operates this bus tour that takes travelers through Hollywood in the hopes of seeing their favorite celebrities. During the two-hour trip, TMZ guides will take you to celebrity hangouts in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills the Sunset Strip and more. The guides even bring video cameras in case a passing celebrity is willing to give an interview. Many patrons say the tour is fun, even without seeing any stars, and applaud the entertaining guides.

Tours run multiple times daily. Children younger than 2 are not permitted.

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Ultimate Hollywood Tours – Celebrity Homes Tour: The Real Hollywood Experience

Price: From $44 for adults; from $34 for kids Duration: 2 hours

Keep your eyes peeled for Hollywood A-listers on this two-hour open-top bus tour, which promises to drive by dozens of celebrity homes. The bus will also cruise down Rodeo Drive and pass by the Hollywood Walk of Fame landmark and the Dolby Theatre, among other celebrity haunts. Visitors appreciate the guides' sense of humor and knowledge. They also say this is an excellent way to see the major attractions in Hollywood in a short amount of time.

The tours depart multiple times daily. There is a booking fee added to the tour price. If you're hoping to see even more of Los Angeles, consider the company's 5.5-hour excursion that includes an hourlong stop in Santa Monica.

The Real Los Angeles Tours – The Real Hollywood Tour

Price: From $40 Duration: 2 hours

During this historic walking tour, travelers will learn why Hollywood – once a farming town – was selected by movie industry pioneers in the early 20th century. The two-hour tour also stops at unique sights, such as the oldest house in Hollywood. But major attractions aren't forgotten either: You can expect to see the Capitol Records Building, the Dolby Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, among other sights. Reviewers enjoy the informative guides, and even locals say they discover things they never knew about the city.

Tours are offered daily at 10 a.m. There is a 5% booking fee when purchasing tickets. You can also opt to combine this tour with the company's Central Downtown LA tour for a comprehensive, three-hour historical overview of the city.

Open Bus Tours – Movie Star Home Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 2 hours

Admire the mansions of Hollywood's rich and famous as you wind through LA's posh neighborhoods on this two-hour, open-air bus tour. Then, pass by iconic sights, such as the Hollywood sign and Mulholland Drive, before cruising along Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip and other well-known Hollywood locales. Most reviewers give the tour high marks, applauding the amusing and informative guides.

Tours are available Thursday through Monday; they depart every two hours between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each operating day. Private tours are also an option.

Bikes and Hikes LA – Hollywood Sign Hike

Price: From $29 Duration: 2.5 hours

For a unique and sunshine-filled Hollywood tour, opt for this 2.5-hour hike to the Hollywood sign. Highlights include a view of Griffith Observatory, panoramic views from Mount Hollywood and local guides who also double as actors and comedians. Along the 4-mile round-trip hike, you might even see local celebrities walking their dogs. Tour-takers love the views, informative guides and the overall experience.

The company offers both morning and afternoon guided hikes. The exact meeting times vary, depending on the time of the year, but there is typically a morning departure and a late afternoon departure. Bikes and Hikes LA recommends wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and sneakers, and bringing a camera or smartphone for all those Instagram-worthy views. The company also offers three different bike tours around Hollywood and LA.

Hollywood City Tours – The Original Hollywood Tour

Price: From $45 for adults; from $35 for kids Duration: 2 hours

According to travelers, this tour is worthwhile if you're only in Los Angeles for a short amount of time, as you cover a lot of ground in just two hours. You'll cruise along Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip in an open-top bus as your driver (who doubles as your guide) shares interesting tidbits and historical information. Reviewers compliment the personable, entertaining guides, who they say tailor the tour to the group's interests. Along with celebrity homes belonging to A-listers like Katy Perry and Leonardo DiCaprio, you'll also drive past Hollywood landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl, Chateau Marmont and the Pantages Theatre.

Tours operate daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you're hoping to hit all of LA's top sights, consider the company's seven-hour Grand LA Tour.

Access Hollywood Tours – Celebrity Homes & Hollywood Sign Tour

Price: From $39 for adults; from $29 for kids Duration: 2 hours

Reviewers say this Hollywood sightseeing tour is lots of fun thanks to the engaging, personable guides. They also praise the beautiful scenery and report seeing plenty of iconic landmarks and celebrity homes. On this two-hour tour, you'll board an open-top bus in search of celebrity homes belonging to the likes of Mick Jagger and Madonna, as well as Hollywood must-sees like Greystone Mansion, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip and more.

Tours are available Thursday through Tuesday starting at 10:30 a.m. until around 4:30 p.m. Tours may be available daily, depending on the month.

Surf City Tours – The Perfect Los Angeles Tour

Price: From $85 for adults; from $70 for kids Duration: 5.5 hours

See the best of both Hollywood and Los Angeles on this half-day tour. Departing from Santa Monica Pier, the bus tour features several stops, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive and The Original Farmers Market. Along with celebrity homes belonging to stars like Bruno Mars, Al Pacino and Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, you'll cruise past famous music venues, such as The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go. Reviewers say the tour flies by thanks to the knowledgeable guides, who are well-versed in celebrity culture. Travelers also appreciate the time allotted for each stop and say they captured great photos.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. and noon daily. If you're short on time, consider the company's two-hour Hollywood tour.

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The 4 best Hollywood tours

Take one of these awesome Hollywood tours to see more than just the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre

Hollywood tours are in no short supply, from the open-top vans that line the Hollywood Walk of Fame to intimate walking tours. At their best, they take the guesswork out of exploring major tourist attractions and celebrity hangouts, and can sometimes offer an offbeat look at Hollywood history. But finding a perfect route is a challenge, especially when most Hollywood tours barely even take place in Hollywood; in fact, most are excursions through West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip as well as Beverly Hills .

We’ll be honest: Enterprising visitors are better off with a DIY approach. A smartphone, a Metro pass, and a ride-hailing app cost far less than a proper tour, and you’ll be able to tackle everything at your own pace.

But if you’re looking for a bit more hand-holding and have upwards of $40 to spare, a couple of quality options do exist for Hollywood tours. So we hopped aboard Tinseltown’s top tour buses to find you the best tours through L.A.’s most famous neighborhoods.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Hollywood

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Best Hollywood tours

1. Starline Sightseeing Tours Hop-on Hop-off

Things to do
Walks and tours
price 2 of 4

Starline Sightseeing Tours essentially operates an entire network of double-decker bus circuits across the city, from Downtown to Santa Monica. Unlike most full-day tours, you’ll never be held hostage to a particular itinerary. Buses arrive at most major tourist attractions across the city every 20 to 30 minutes, so feel free to avoid awful spots and linger in more interesting ones (the Hollywood-West Hollywood-Beverly Hills loop clocks in at just under two hours). Faux Robin Leach narration pumps through headphone jacks at every seat. The ritzy British accent lends extra hilarity as it recounts Hollywood lore, like the El Pollo Loco where Brad Pitt used to dress up as a chicken, or the liquor store where Guns N’ Roses used to get sloshed.

Don't miss: The multilingual audio commentary comes in eight languages, so no one has to miss out.

2. Hollywood Studios and TMZ Private Day Tour

However you make your way to this tour, you can’t possibly miss the bus; it has TMZ emblazoned in huge lettering down the sides of it and it’ll likely be surrounded by excitable folks. The lack of windows means taking photos is a breeze – plus, it allows your guide to yell witty quips at passersby when you roll through celeb hotspots. Inside the bus, a history of salacious celeb details are offered via amusing anecdotes. Essentially, this is three tours in one: The sightseeing aspect efficiently and lightheartedly covers the most notable stops in Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Additionally, it’s a celebrity-hunting tour – the guides are armed with camera rigs to record fodder for TMZ – where success is never guaranteed.

Don't miss: Views of the Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive and Sunset Strip.

3. Hollywood Boulevard Prime Time Van Tour

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Walk anywhere on Hollywood Boulevard and you’re sure to be stopped by someone hawking a discounted van tour. The canopy-topped vans offer a comfortable alternative to driving yourself through Hollywood gridlock and the frightfully narrow roads through the hills up to the Hollywood Sign. However, the tours rarely delve deeper than “there’s Eva Longoria’s house.” For those looking for a no-frills way to snap some photos of Hollywood’s tourist highlights and celebrity homes, it’s difficult to find a more practical, cost-effective way.

Don't miss: You'll be driving past the homes of Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Elvis Presley and more... so keep your eyes peeled for celeb sightings.

4. Los Angeles: Luxury Hollywood Sightseeing Trolley Tour

It's not just about the views and famous sights on this Hollywood tour; passengers will be riding on a vintage trolley to make this experience even more memorable. Glance over at celeb homes and cultural hotspots, like Miracle Mile to the Original Farmers Market, from the comfort of crushed velvet seats. Your guide will be sharing stories that relate to each site as you pass by, making for a jam-packed three-hour joyride.

Don't miss: Look out for the onboard charging ports and remember to ask for the WiFi details.

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A Taste of L.A. Tour NEW!
Celebrity Homes Tour
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Ultimate Hollywood Tours

The #1 rated hollywood, beverly hills, & celebrity home tour in hollywood, ultimate hollywood tours: where stars and stories come alive.

Experience the pinnacle of luxury tours with our 5-star service, featuring state-of-the-art heated and air-conditioned vans. With convenient locations on both Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame, our expert tour guides are ready to make your trip unforgettable.

Celebrity Home Hollywood Tour

Embark on a 2-hour journey through the celebrity homes in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Explore over 60 iconic sites, including Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Sign. Adult tickets at $44, children at $34.

$34 Children (3-11)
$499 Private (13 seats)

"Taste Of L.A." Los Angeles Tour

Experience LA like never before in this 5 and a half hour comprehensive tour. From the Santa Monica Pier to the Griffith Observatory, get a taste of all LA has to offer. Adult tickets at $84, children at $70.

$70 Children (3-11)
$1,805 Private (22 seats)

The Perfect Day in L.A. Combo Tour

Are you ready for the day in L.A. of your dreams? This combination bus tour combines the best of two of our most popular tours into the ULTIMATE Hollywood bus tour experience!

$118 Adults
$94 Children (3-11)
Save $10 by booking the Combo!

See Hollywood From A New Perspective!

Step beyond the velvet rope and experience Hollywood as you’ve never seen it before. With Ultimate Hollywood Tours, you’re not just a spectator; you’re a part of the story. Our expert guides offer insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes insights that transform the City of Stars from a place on a map into a living, breathing character in your L.A. adventure.

Discover Hollywood History!

Journey with us through time as we unveil the secrets of Hollywood’s illustrious past. From the golden age of cinema to the modern-day marvels, our tours offer a comprehensive look at the milestones that shaped Tinseltown.

See Famous Movie Locations!

Walk in the footsteps of your favorite stars as we take you to iconic movie locations scattered throughout Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Whether it’s the glamorous shops of Rodeo Drive featured in ‘Pretty Woman’ or the legendary Hollywood Sign!

Multiple Photo Opportunities!

Capture the magic of Hollywood with your as we stop at the most Instagram-worthy spots. From the stunning overlook of the Hollywood Sign to the bustling Walk of Fame, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap the perfect shot.

You've Seen Us On TV!

When it comes to Hollywood tours, we’re the industry’s first choice for a reason. From reality TV shows to late-night comedy, our tours have been featured across various platforms, making us a celebrity in our own right. Check out some of the memorable moments we’ve had on screen:

GQ's Star Guide

The GQ Show in the UK used our tour to promote a Will Ferrell film, with Will himself taking over as a surprise celebrity guide.

Wahlberg Waves

Mark Wahlberg spontaneously joined one of our tours, creating a viral moment that made headlines on Los Angeles local news.

Conan's Surprise

The Conan O’Brien show featured us in a hilarious segment with Adam Sandler, surprising both guests and our tour guide.

Kardashian Camouflage

MTV partnered with us for a fan-favorite episode of ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians,’ where Kylie, Khloe, and Kendall toured incognito.

Happy Birthday, Keanu!

One lucky tour bus full of guests had the unique experience of singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Keanu Reeves right outside his home.

Blackish Debut

Our tour bus had a cameo in the Emmy-winning ABC show ‘Blackish,’ appearing in the opening minutes of the pilot episode.

Bublé's Holiday

Michael Bublé chose us for his NBC Christmas Special, touring Hollywood and Beverly Hills with celebrity friends like Gigi Hadid and Blake Shelton.

The Most Popular Bus Tours In Hollywood!

Rated #1 on TripAdvisor with over 8,000 five-star reviews, our tour guides are not just knowledgeable; they’re passionate about Hollywood’s rich history and are excited to share it with you.

We give you the best experience and value for your money and our thousands of five star reviews prove they’re the best. For private tours and large groups, call us at (323) 915-1889. We accept both credit and debit cards. Your privacy is important to us; we will never share your data.