best hollywood tours 2023

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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.

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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.

Check prices & availability on:

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.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Los Angeles Tours
• Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
• Best Los Angeles Hotels
• Best California Tours
• Best Places to Visit in California
• Top Things to Do in California

Tags: Travel , Hollywood , Tours , Vacations , California Vacations , U.S. West Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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9 Best Hollywood Tours in 2024 – By Bus, Bike, Helicopter & More!

LOOKING FOR THE BEST HOLLYWOOD TOURS IN 2024? 🌆 🎬 ⭐️ 🌴

You’ve come to the right place because the highest-rated Hollywood tours are all featured here!

I’m excited to bring you these best tours of Hollywood after a recent trip to L.A. It was not my first trip or my second trip to Hollywood, but my third, and I still took a Hollywood tour.

Every time I go back to L.A., I see and do something a little different. There is just so much to see and do, there’s no way you can do it all in one visit!

In fact, some of these Hollywood tours are SO different, you could do more than one and experience something completely new and different.

⭐ Editor’s Pick: Best Overall Hollywood Tour

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

In this post, 9 Best Hollywood Tours in 2024- By Bus, Bike, Helicopter & More, we will be featuring only the best of the best tours of Hollywood! (Trust me, you don’t want to go on just any mediocre Hollywood tour!)

Here you’ll find a wide variety of the best Hollywood tours including the best full-day tour, the best half-day tour , the best Hollywood Sign tour , the best private Hollywood tour , the best movie studio tour , the best Hollywood tour on bike , and the best Hollywood helicopter tours .

So, let’s do it!! TAKE ONE!! 🎬 9 Best Hollywood Tours in 2024 – By Bus, Bike, Helicopter & More!

NOTE: I highly recommend booking these best tours of Hollywood through  Viator.com . I personally book with them whenever I travel. As a   travel agent , I also recommend Viator.com to all of my clients for any tours or tickets. What’s great about Viator.com is most of the time you are allowed free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your booking. It’s just so simple and easy to use!

Best Hollywood Tour (Full-Day)

The following is the best Hollywood tour for those who have a full day to dedicate to a tour of L.A. and Hollywood.

This tour is best for first-timers to the city of Los Angeles!

It’s the perfect way to see most of the must-sees in L.A. including Hollywood and Beverly Hills and out to L.A.’s popular beach towns Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

I recommend picking your favorite places on this tour and going back and exploring more later if you have the time.

1. Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More

⭐️ RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars with over 2,900 reviews | ⏳ LENGTH : 7.5 HOURS |🌴 BOOK NOW

The Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More is a highly rated and super popular tour of Los Angeles.

In fact, it has more than 2,900 reviews! This is the perfect tour for first-timers to L.A. who want to see all the must-see sights.

This tour is super convenient because they pick you up from your hotel or if you’d rather they will pick you up from one of the designated meeting points.

This tour starts by seeing the famous Santa Monica Pier . Then you are off to the eclectic beach town of Venice Beach. In Venice Beach, you’ll explore Muscle Beach (the “home of bodybuilding”), the skate parks, the “Instagram-able” art murals, and the famous Venice Beach Canals .

After exploring the beach neighborhoods of L.A. you’ll head to one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, Rodeo Drive .

What a great way to spend a day in LA. Everyplace we went there were smiles! Our expert and knowledable guide brought all the sites of LA to life with stories, anecdotes and the rich history of LA. -Ed_S ( See more reviews )

After window shopping on Rodeo Drive, you’ll head to the Beverly Hills sign to take pictures.

Then you’re off to The Grove for lunch. The Grove is famous for its Farmers Market and it’s also a good place to spot celebrities.

After leaving The Grove, you’ll head to Griffith Park to check out amazing views of L.A. and the Hollywood Sign. Then you’ll head down into Hollywood to explore the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre .

Then it’s back on the bus to see the famous Sunset Strip , where you’ll see the iconic music venues The Roxy, Whiskey-a-Go-Go, and The Viper Room.

COST: Adults- $149; Children Ages 4-12-$129

Best Hollywood Tour (Half-Day)

If you are short on time, the following tour is the highest-rated half-day tour of Hollywood and L.A.

This is an excellent tour that provides a good overview of L.A. for those on a limited-time schedule.

2. Shared 3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour

⭐️ RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars with over 870 reviews | ⏳ LENGTH : 3 HOURS | 🌆 BOOK NOW

The Shared 3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour is a highly-rated tour of Hollywood for those who only have a few hours to spend on a tour.

On this three-hour tour , you’ll see L.A.’s most famous sites.

The unique part of this VIP Tour is that it takes you to see The Hollywood Sign from a secret hiking trail . You’ll get very close to the sign without having to walk the long hike.

After getting your picture taken at the famous Hollywood Sign, you’ll drive the scenic Mulholland Drive for amazing views of the city of Los Angeles including a stop at Universal City Overlook .

Thanks to the small van size and Adam’s genuine, knowledgeable and conversational style, we saw and learned more than we expected and had a great time. We really enjoyed the movie clips, aerial photos of properties and music that enhanced what we saw. Stopping to enjoy the views and getting out for pictures was fantastic. Adam did a great job as photographer and narrator. We wanted more than just celebrity homes, and we got lots of architectural, cultural and historic information. It was a wonderful way to see and appreciate LA. – Linnea_M( see more reviews )

After seeing all these beautiful scenic spots, you’ll pass by Laurel Canyon, the Sunset Strip, and Greystone Mansion and Park.

Laurel Canyon is home to many famous musicians and recording studios like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. 🎸The Sunset Strip is home to iconic live music venues such as Whiskey A Go Go. It’s also where you’ll find the famous Chateau Marmot.

Next, you’ll pass by Greystone Mansion and Park . You might have never heard of it, but you’ve probably seen it in many movies, tv shows, and music videos including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles , Spiderman , The Muppets , and X-Men .

You’ll also pass by a fairy-tale-inspired home, Spadena House also referred to as The Witch’s House or the Hansel and Gretel house. This house was also featured in the movie, Clueless .

Then you’ll head to Beverly Hills and see the famous shopping street, Rodeo Drive. Then it’s picture time in front of the Beverly Hills sign.

The tour will finish at the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Here, you’ll enjoy finding your favorite celebrity star on the famous Hollywood Boulevard.

COST: Adults- $55; Children Ages 0-12- $49

Best Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour

If you’re looking to see where the celebrities live in L.A. the following is a highly-rated tour. Who knows? Maybe, you’ll even see where your favorite star lives!

Here is the best Hollywood celebrity homes tour .

3. Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open-Top Bus

⭐️ RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars with over 1000 reviews |   ⏳ LENGTH : 1.5-2 HOURS |🚐 BOOK NOW

If you’re looking to see where celebrities live in L.A. the Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open-Top Bus is the tour to go on.

This tour meets at a Hollywood souvenir shop on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Before or after your tour, make sure to walk around and find your favorite celebrity star , and take a look at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

You’ll be able to view the Hollywood Sign on this tour through the walls of the Dolby Theatre and in the Hollywood Hills.

All employees were very friendly and enthusiastic to get us all excited for the tour. Our guide Tommy did an amazing job, and his sense of humor made it even more memorable. Thank you Tommy! – Manuela_H ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

When driving through the Hollywood Hills, you’ll pass several stunning overlooks of the city of Los Angeles. You’ll also be pointed out many celebrity homes and even the dog park where they take their dogs.

Some homes you’ll pass on this tour include Taylor Swift and Tyler Perry.

Also on this tour, you’ll pass by Rodeo Drive , the Beverly Hills sign , and The Beverly Hills Hotel .

You’ll also cruise through the Sunset Strip and see the happening places in Hollywood such as Whiskey a Go-Go and The Roxy Theatre.

NOTE: This is an open-air vehicle, so be aware of that during the winter months. Bring a blanket if needed. It can get quite chilly in the Hollywood Hills.

COST: Adult- $35; Children 3-10- $28

Best Hollywood Sign Tour

Seeing the Hollywood Sign is a must on any trip to L.A. But, taking a hike to the Hollywood Sign ….well that is even better!

I highly, recommend a hike to the Hollywood Sign when in L.A.

It is by far my favorite thing I have ever done in L.A. Seeing this iconic sign from a distance is amazing, but there’s nothing like getting close to it or even behind it!

But it’s not just this famous sign that is amazing! The views from this hike are incredible! 🤩

Here is the most highly rated Hollywood Sign tour, so you can experience the awesomeness of this outdoor activity in L.A.

EXPERT TIP: Do the Hollywood Hike in addition to one of these other highly rated L.A. tours.

4. The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles

⭐️ RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars with over 930 reviews |   ⏳ LENGTH : 2.5 HOURS | 🚶‍♀️ BOOK NOW

The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles is the Hollywood Sign Walking Tour you want if you want to get BEHIND the Hollywood Sign.

You can choose from either a morning or a sunset tour.

Your entertaining, informative tour guide will guide you through the Hollywood Hills up close and even behind the iconic Hollywood Sign . Your guide is also there to take those Instagram-worthy pictures for you.

Matt was the best guide/ host- not sure if you can ask to book with him directly but he’s great! He gave the group historical facts and jokes the entire hike. Great way to learn about the city. The hike has some really great views…some incline activity which is challenging but not bad at all and an overall great experience. Could not beat the views from the top. My birthday weekend was complete. Great experience. Crystal_G, ( see more reviews )

The views of Burbank, the San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles city skyline from this hike are incredible!

This tour provides water bottles which are great because you will need them!

COST: $25/person

Best Private Hollywood Tour

Don’t want to be on a Hollywood bus tour full of other people? Looking for a private tour of Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills?

Then the following highly rated private tour might be the perfect Hollywood tour for you.

5. 4-Hour Private Tour of Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills with Multimedia

⭐️ RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars with over 370 reviews |   ⏳ LENGTH : 4 HOURS | 🚐 BOOK NOW

The 4-Hour Private Tour of Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills with Multimedia is the most highly rated private tour of Hollywood.

You can choose either a morning or afternoon tour to fit your schedule.

The tour guide will pick you up from your L.A. area hotel in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter equipped with a flat-screen TV .

Mark was Fabulous! Very knowledgeable. Clean, nice, spacious Mercedes sprinter van. The time & extra effort he puts into his corresponding slideshow video was AWESOME. It really made the trip. Our family thoroughly enjoyed his tour. – Heather_W ( see more reviews )

And the flat-screen TV is what makes this private tour of Hollywood unique! You’ll watch footage of Hollywood’s history as you cruise through L.A. You’ll also see views of celebrities’ mansions on the TV that you cannot see from the street.

Some of the famous sights you’ll stop by or pass on this private tour include Staples Center (home of L.A. Lakers & Clippers), Walt Disney Concert Hall , the Hollywood Sign , the Hollywood Walk of Fame , Chinese Theatre , Dolby Theatre , the scenic Universal Overlook , and the famous shopping street Rodeo Drive .

COST: $690 for a private tour (maximum of 12 people)

Best Movie Studio Tour

Looking to see a real working Hollywood studio where movies and television shows have been filmed?

The following is the highest-rated movie studio tour in Hollywood .

6. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

⭐️ RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars with over 3,000 reviews | ⏳ LENGTH : 2-3 HOURS | 🎬 BOOK NOW

Attention all you big movie and TV fans, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is a must-do tour in Los Angeles .

On this exciting, best movie studio tour in Hollywood , an expert tour guide will explain how Warner Brothers brings the movie-making magic to life.

Best tour ever! The store when you first arrive by itself is incredible! I learned so much about filmmaking and how the magic is made. It was so fun to see the backlot and see an actual tv show set and our tour guide was very interactive and showed us what WE wanted to see. A day well spent, definitely going back! – Amara_M ( see more reviews )

Here you’ll see the fountain from Friends and can even sit on the famous sofa the Friends gang sat on from the Central Perk set. Big Bang Theory lovers will enjoy sitting in Sheldon’s famous “spot.”

Marvel and Harry Potter fans will enjoy all the exhibits. At Stage 48: Script to Screen , you can fully immerse yourself in the movie-making experience.

Be sure to take a souvenir home from the WB Studio Store.

COST: Ages 11 and up- $69; Children Ages 5-10-$59

EXPERT TIP: Universal Studios Hollywood is another terrific option for a movie studio tour. But in order to do the movie studio tour at Universal Studios, you will need to purchase a ticket to the theme park.

Best Hollywood Bike Tour

Looking for a different, unique way to see Los Angeles? Do you love being active and adventurous, or love to bike ride?

If so, taking a small group Hollywood bike tour might be the perfect outdoor adventure in L.A. for you!

7. The Ultimate Los Angeles Tour – Full Day LA Sightseeing Tour On Electric Bike

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars with over 340 reviews | ⏳ LENGTH : 5 HOURS | 🚴🏻‍♀️ BOOK NOW

The Ultimate Los Angeles Tour- Full Day LA Sightseeing Tour On Electric Bike is the highest rated L.A tour by bike.

This is a 32-mile bike tour , where you’ll bike through the must-see areas of L.A. including West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Westwood, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, and Culver City. This bike tour is led by a guide with 10 or fewer people.

My cycle tour was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend seeing the sights and learning the history of this area while rolling through the streets on ebikes. This was a splurge for me and absolutely worth it. Eric put his knowledge of local history into such interesting stories. I felt 100% safe while riding a comfortable bike. Lunch was delicious. I highly recommend this outing! Just book it, you’ll be happy you did. -Sandra_K, ( See More reviews )

Some of the fun sights you’ll bike through on this best Hollywood bike tour include Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, Venice Beach, Venice Beach Canals, Sunset Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, Route 66, Beverly Hills Hotel, Culver Studios, Westfield Century City and Greystone Mansion and Park.

*Halfway through the bike riding tour, you’ll have lunch in Venice Beach.

NOTE: You should be in good health and great physical fitness. Children are allowed, but it is recommended they be ages 6 and up.

COST: Standard Bike: $175; E-Bike(recommended): $199

Best Hollywood Helicopter Tours

Looking for a super unique way to see Hollywood like no other? Then, a Hollywood helicopter tour might be the perfect adventure for you.

Here, we have featured 2 of the best Hollywood helicopter tours .

One would be great for families, friends, or couples and the other would be the perfect romantic couple’s activity in Los Angeles .

Here are the best Hollywood helicopter tours .

8. Hooray for Hollywood Helicopter Tour

⭐️ RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars |   ⏳ LENGTH : 35 minutes | 🚁 BOOK NOW

The Hooray for Hollywood Helicopter Tour is a unique way to see Hollywood’s must-see attractions. Instead of seeing Hollywood from the ground, you’re going to get a birds-eye view of Tinseltown.

On this best Hollywood helicopter tour , you’ll fly right by the Hollywood Sign to get an up-close view. You’ll also fly over Hollywood Boulevard and see Hollywood landmarks TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre.

It was a phenomenal experience, would definitely go again . Overlooking everything and seeing things you don’t see on foot will blow your mind away ! Pilot was perfect at explaining everything we saw. – Vera_V ( see more reviews )

You’ll also soar over the scenic Mulholland Drive, Hollywood Hills, and Sunset Boulevard to get a memorable view from above.

NOTE: A helicopter holds 2-3 passengers. If you have 4 or more people, you can book 2 helicopters and fly at the same time.

COST: FROM $395/PERSON

9. Los Angeles Helicopter Tour with Romantic Mountaintop Landing

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 1.5 HOURS | ❤️ BOOK NOW

Visiting Los Angeles with your significant other and looking for that unique something special? 👩‍❤️‍👨

The Los Angeles Helicopter Tour with Romantic Mountaintop Landing would make for that perfect memorable experience for couples in L.A.; especially if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, anniversary, or proposal!

It was just perfect. Our pilot was very good. Sitting and drinking champagne on the very top of the mountain is a very impressive moment. I highly recommend this trip with this company ❤️ – Margarit_G ( see more reviews )

This private helicopter ride for 2 will take you over some of the top Los Angeles sights including the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air . You’ll also soar over the breathtaking California coastline .

And now for the wow factor!! 🤩 This best Hollywood helicopter tour takes you on a 30-minute landing to a secluded mountaintop in Malibu where you’ll enjoy a champagne toast and dessert . 🥂

COST: FROM $564/PERSON

FAQs- Best Hollywood Tours

How much is a tour of hollywood.

Tours of Hollywood can vary in cost based on whether it’s a 2-3 hour tour, full-day tour, group tour, or private tour.

For the most part, you looking to spend anywhere from $35 and up for a 2-3 hour Hollywood tour or $150 and up for a full-day Hollywood tour.

What is the best celebrity homes tour in L.A.?

One of the best celebrity home tours in L.A. is the Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open-Top Bus . This bus not only takes you to countless celebrity homes but also gives you a tour of Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, West Hollywood, and The Sunset Strip.

Is Hollywood Boulevard worth visiting?

Absolutely!! If you’ve never been to Hollywood Boulevard and you’re in L.A., you must see this iconic street .

But not just see it, get out and walk around.

After all, it is the most famous street in Hollywood with all of the must-see attractions including the TCL Chinese Theatre, El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and Hollywood Wax Museum.

Final Thoughts: Best Hollywood Tours

I hope you have found my post, 9 Best Hollywood Tours in 2024 – By Bus, Bike, Helicopter & More helpful!

No matter if you choose to explore Hollywood by bus, private transportation, bike, helicopter, or movie studio tour… One thing is for sure, if you pick one of these best tours of Hollywood, you are guaranteed to have a good time!

I’m curious, which tour of Hollywood will you be booking?

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Kim Swanson, founder of Traveling Swansons, is a wife, mother of three and travel lover. Her love for exploration spans from the bustling streets of cities to the serene beauty of National Parks and her favorite destination, Italy. But that's not all – Kim's heart also belongs to all things Disney. Her special love for the magic of Disney has led her to become an expert in the field. Whether you seek advice on iconic destinations or a Disney adventure, Kim Swanson's expertise turns your travel dreams into reality.

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You?

Posted on Published: June 29, 2019  - Last updated: February 26, 2024

Categories North America , California , Travel

There are four major Hollywood studio tours that you can go on in and around Los Angeles : Warners Bros., Sony, Paramount, and Universal Studio Tours.

It’s really not necessary to do all of them , especially on the same trip. There’s quite a bit of overlap between each studio tour, and the ticket prices can really add up.

Throughout my visits to California, I’ve managed to visit all 4 Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles (and some more than once!).

Here’s my in-depth reviews of all the major Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. This is what to expect from each one so you can decide which is the best studio tour in los Angeles for you!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Why Should You Go On A Hollywood Studio Tour?

Hollywood Studio Tours in Los Angeles are a great way to gain an “ all-access” pass to the biggest backstage lots in California .

They give you a chance to go behind the scenes on some of your favourite movies and TV shows.

You’ll get to see the sets and props, and learn about the magic of making movies. And, if you’re lucky, you might get the chance to either see a live film set or a celebrity at work . 

Let’s just say, visit a movie set is a quintessential Los Angeles activity … p.s. see my L.A. guide here .

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You ?

The best Hollywood studio tour for you will depend on three main factors :

• Your favourite films and TV shows

The studio tours vary in budget and tour length. The price ranges between $55 to $110 / ticket . And the tour can last anywhere between one to three hours .

But your favourite movies and TV shows are the most important factor when deciding which studio tour in Los Angeles to go to. If you haven’t watched anything the studio has produced, you’ll be less interested in what you’re seeing and learning about.

Best Studio Tours In LA: Overview

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Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

Universal Studios is a bit of a unique studio tour in Los Angeles. The studio tour can only be accessed if you buy a ticket to the entire theme park .

This also puts the studio tour at a much higher price point compared to the others around Los Angles. But, on the other hand, it is an ENTIRE day of activities instead of a few hours.

The tour itself is only 60 minutes but there are no shortage of other rides and shows to see once you’re in the park.

Quick Information & Links

Total Time : 1 hour (not including wait time in line) Admission : $109 -$119* (includes access to the entire park, price varies depending on the season) Book Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood . Parking : Starts at $32* (General Parking)

*Updated January 2024

Movies Referred To/ Filmed Here:

You should check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Jurassic Park
• Fast and the Furious
• Jordan Peele’s horror epic, NOPE

Pros Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

You are on the LARGEST film and TV studio in Hollywood and the world! You get to drive by some of the most iconic sets in all movie history.

You drive-by the sound stages, new and old sets.

But this is still a ride in a theme park so they’ve added some more ride-like adventure elements to make things more exciting, unlike any other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles.

At times you feel like you’re in the movie rather than just seeing where one was filmed!

And it’s not all for show either, they do still use these sets to film. In fact, this was the only Hollywood studio tour where I caught a live taping , so it’s still possible to see!

One thing’s certain though, you won’t be bored for a second on this tour even if you don’t happen to see an active film set during your tour. 

P.S. Make the most of your time at Universal Studios and book an Express Line ticket through Viator here . It gives you one-time express access to each ride, show, and attraction at the park !

Cons Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

It’s the least personal studio tour in Los Angeles. You’re on a tram the entire time for 60 minutes straight, with about 30 other people!

As I said, this tour is sometimes more of a ride than a studio tour (so it’s both a pro and a con!).

At times, the tour felt very streamlined , because most of it is. You still have a guide, but he’s following a script on a set path so it’s the same tour every time (unlike the others which have a bit more variance based on your guide).

The tram is on a set course and there are timed animatronics and effects throughout the tour.

Value For Money – Movie Location Los Angeles

I will admit, you get pretty good value for your money with your tickets to Universal studios. But that’s only if you wanted to visit the theme park.

If you were already planning on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, then the studio tour is a must-do ride! 

But if you don’t like theme parks, and your only interest is the Hollywood studio tour, I wouldn’t recommend paying for the entire theme park just for the tour.

You might also be interested in reading…

• How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation

Logistics: What To Know Before You Go

A tram leaves about every 30 minutes for the Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour so the line builds up pretty quickly. I’d prioritize this as one of your first rides of the day.

As I said, don’t expect reality with this one, they do show you real sets but it’s also still a ride. So you’ll get a lot of gimmicky routines created specifically for this tour. 

Also, some advance warning, you might get wet at certain points during the ride. If you’d prefer to not get wet, try to sit in the middle of the row.

Book Universal Studio Tours Tickets In Advance Through Viator

Book General Admission tickets →

Book Skip the Line Express Tickets →

Book the VIP Experience on Viator (giving your exclusive access to off-limits areas of the park) →

For more Los Angeles organized tours from Viator, click here .

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio is actually in Burbank California , but it’s close enough to Los Angeles.

Warner Bros. studio tour takes you on a tram around different parts of the studio, with only around 12 guests at a time on the tour.

So unlike Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour, it’s a lot more personal and you’re only on the tram to get from place to place (because their lot is HUGE!).

You drive by sound stages and countless outdoor sets. But you’ll get off and walk around a bit, even walking in some sets if you’re lucky. So you should be prepared for some walking on this studio tour in Los Angeles!

Total Time : ~3 hours (1 hour guided, 2 hours unguided). Leaves every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 3:30 Admission : 70$* Parking : 15$* Website

What Was Filmed Here (Sets You Might See!)

Check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Harry Potter
• Gilmore Girls
• Back to the Future
• The Big Bang Theory
• Pretty Little Liars

So Much More Than A Studio Tour

Over the years, the Warner Bros. studio tour has grown. It’s no longer just a backlot tour, now, that’s just one part of it…

Museums, Props, Sets, & Photo Ops At Warner Bros. Studio

Tickets to the Warner Bros. studio tour also includes interactive museums where you’ll want to take all the pictures you can!

You can interact with different sets from your favourite movies and TV sets, like Friends, the Big Bang Theory and Harry Potter! on the magic of movies, costume

There’s also an entire exhibit on the DC universe with all superheroe and villain props. They have Aquaman’s lair, Wonder Woman’s study, Superman’s office, and the Batman’s bat cave.

And finally they have an in-depth exhibit on all things filmmaking. Staring with the writing process and finishing with the special effects of movie making.

Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets With Viator

General Admission tickets →

Pros Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

They are constantly updating the Warner Bros. studio tour – that means you can even go back the next time you’re in Los Angeles, I’ve already gone back twice!

There was some over lap with the sets and information, but very little. A lot had been updated and added to the tour. And I’ve already noticed that they’ve added a lot more content since I’ve gone!

Also, the guided portion of the tour will rarely be the same. For starters, where you go will all depend on what they’re filming at the time. So not only can it change over the years, but it can change within the hour!

It’s also a very personal tour with only being 12 people on the tram. You can also all your questions about movie magic!

Never forget a favourite travel memory

Keep track of your travels every day with my digital and printable travel journal . Use it on the go on your phone or tablet, or print it out!

Cons Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

With all the new additions to the tour every year, I’ve noticed the guided portion has become less and less…

The guided tour portion is only hour , and then two hours are a self guided tour through the museums.

But it’s the guided portion of the tour that’s always fresh and what brings me back! I’m a bit disappointed that the museums seem to have taken over the tour now, making the tour a bit more gimmicky and less about touring real sets and sound stages…

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Bring government I.D. when you visit, and make sure to arrive early!

You have to go through security and there might be a lineup. They suggest arriving 30 minutes in advance.

Don’t worry about getting lost on your way to the studios (if you’re driving there)! I followed the instructions we were given on how to get to the visitor’s centre, but my GPS brought me to the wrong gate. No need to panic if this happens to you too! The patrol was very understanding (I’m sure this happens all the time) and told us exactly where to go.

If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot across the street from the visitor’s centre (paid, of course). The studio is in a pretty secluded area, but there’s a Starbucks in the visitor’s centre .

You can book Warner Brothers Studio tour tickets in advance on Viator here .

Paramount Pictures Hollywood Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures is really interesting because it’s the last Hollywood studio still in Hollywood (well in Los Angeles). 

So it’s only about a 15-minute drive from Hollywood Blvd. FYI, Warner is in Burbank, and Sony is in Culver City.

It was very similar to Warner Bros. Hollywood studio tour in terms of the scale of the studio. They have several sound stages, a water tank, and a totally customizable New York set.

Like the other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles, there’s a museum portion of the tour with props. Paramount Pictures one had a lot of “ unwanted ” props (those that could only be used once for the film they were designed for).

There was A LOT of props from the Transformers franchise, but there were also Star Trek, Gladiator, and Dream Girls props.

Time : 2 hours * They leave every 30 minutes from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Admission : 65$* Parking : $22 – (used to be cash only)* Website

What Was/ Is Filmed Here

• The Godfather
• OG King Kong (In Set 19)
• Breakfast at Tiffanys
• Forrest Gump

Pros Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour In Los Angeles

The best part about the Paramount Pictures Hollywood studio tour tour was the small size of the group. There’s a max of 7 people on the tour (you’re in an 8 seater golf cart).

The tour also provided earphones to be able to perfectly hear your tour guide at all times, so they didn’t have to shout at you! There can be a lot going on on sets with a lot of noises, so the earphones were definitely appreciated.

I also liked that they provided visuals for what you were looking at during the tour. Our tour guide carried around an iPad showing examples of what a specific set was used for over the years. So instead of looking at a giant green screen, they showed us how that green screen was used in different films.

Cons Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures studio tour taught me a few things about Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles…

First, the quality of the tour really depends on your tour guide – they can make or break your visit. And unfortunately, you won’t really know who you’re going to get beforehand.

Unfortunately for me, my tour guide at Paramount Pictures wasn’t the best. There’s so much history to this Hollywood studio that I ended up lost most of the time because I didn’t know who or what he was referring to, I guess the references were also a bit ahead of my time…

Paramount Studio tour also really showed me how important it is to have seen (or at least heard of) the films or shows the studio produced. 

So if you’re a fan of classics like I Love Lucy, Alfred Hitchcock, or the original King Kong then Paramount Pictures studio tour is a must for you!

For me, Paramount Pictures studio tour was a bit of a mixed bag. I really see the potential of this tour though, but I think you have to be a really big movie buff to enjoy Paramount Pictures studio tour.

The visitor parking is across the street from the main gates. Be wary of the address on Google Maps, it brought me to the wrong gate.

When I visited, parking was cash only, so it’s always good to be prepared. There’s an ATM you can use at the end of the tour if you need (apparently no one does cash back in the area…).

Like the other tours, you have to show I.D. and go through security, so they ask you to arrive 30 minutes before your tour . But, in case there’s no wait at all, there’s a mini-exhibit you can visit to pass the time before your tour starts. 

Make sure to bring water and food, there’s really not much in the area. But drinks aren’t allowed on the tour itself, so leave it in the car!

SONY Studio Hollywood Tour

SONY Hollywood studio tour ended up being my favourite studio tour . We were only about 5 people on this tour, so it was very personal. But I don’t know if this was the max, or that fewer people happened to sign up for it.  

I know online there are 25 spots per time slot. I don’t know if that’s the typical tour size on a busier day, or if they would always split you up into smaller groups once you get there.

There are famous cars on display from movies and shows (like Breaking Bad and Ghostbusters). They also have a prop museum at the start of the tour. There’s even an Oscar and an Emmy award you can see (and even hold!). 

Time : 2 hours * Leaves 4 times a day: 9:30, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Admission : 55$* Parking : Free Valet Website

What Was Filmed Here

• Breaking Bad
• Wheel of Fortune
• Ghostbusters
• The Goldbergs

Pros Of The SONY Studio Tour

SONY is a MUCH smaller studio than the other three Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. That means you don’t even need a tram to get around, we walked everywhere (so you should also be prepared to walk!). This made it easier to take appreciate it all and take pictures!

I also absolutely loved our tour guide, he was by far my favourite out of all the ones we had on any tour. It didn’t seem like he simply memorized a script. It was as if he lived and breathed SONY and films in general. I would’ve believed it if he’d told us he grew up on set.

We also got the chance to walk on to a sound stage from one of my favourite TV Shows – The Goldbergs. And our guide brought us onto a working foley stage (where they create extra sounds for movies). 

If a sound or foley stage isn’t available to see, you are guaranteed to see either the Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy set . They film on opposite days, so you’ll always be able to see one of them.

But the best perk of all is… You get your picture taken on the set of either Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, which they’ll print out and give to you as a souvenir… FREE OF CHARGE! ! Seriously when is anything ever free these days…

Cons Of The SONY Hollywood Studio Tour

As I mentioned, there’s no tram for the SONY Hollywood studio tour. Although the studio isn’t as large as the others, you have to be prepared to walk quite a bit.

Another sort of pro and con is that it’s 80 % outdoors . So you really want to go when it’s decent weather. And be prepared to be in the sun!

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Value For Money – Hollywood Studio Tours In Los Angeles

I think you get a lot of value for your money at SONY studio tour. It’s the cheapest out of any of the Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles and they give you some nice freebies (like parking and a photo souvenir!).

The scale of the studio might be smaller than the other three major studios, but there’s still a lot to see. And despite the lack of big blockbuster sets, they make up for it in different ways (like seeing the inside of a game show set, and a foley stage).

Like Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures studio tours, they ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to go through security. 

If you drive there, they offer FREE valet parking in the Overland lot. 

The studio is very much out of the way, so plan your meals and snacks in advance. All they had at the studio was a vending machine .

Don’t expect to see large outdoor sets like from Warner Bros. or Paramount, SONY is a lot smaller, so most of their sets are on sound stages. So if you’re interested in the big New York outdoor sets, SONY isn’t for you!

Overview, What’s The Best Studio Tour In Los Angeles?

Like I said before, Universal Studios is the most expensive, but you do get an entire days worth of activities. But if your intent is to learn about movie magic, the other three are better choices. 

If you have time for more than one, you don’t need to see both Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. There’s quite a bit of overlap between the two. Instead, choose one of those, and then either Universal or SONY as your second option.

P.S. Need A Place To Stay In L.A.? Hotel Recommendations

Finding a place to stay in Los Angeles can be quite overwhelming – it’s HUGE!

I stayed at the Sofitel and would highly recommend it. It was in a safe area, and across the street from the Beverly Hills mall (which proved to be very convenient). It was also within walking distance to some local restaurants you need to try – like the Kings Road Cafe! See room rates & availability here .

If you want to stay on the beach outside of the city life instead, we stayed at The Georgian in Santa Monica and couldn’t recommend it enough! It’s only about a 25 minute drive from the city. This was a beautiful art deco hotel that is begging you to go there! It’s a minutes walk to the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade. See room rates & availability here .

For more accommodation options in Los Angeles, click here . Interested in longer stays in L.A. check out Plum Guide here .

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Last update on 2024-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tuesday 26th of September 2023

You've gotten me excited about my next trip to Los Angeles. I've done the Universal tour and the Warner Bros tour, so I may do what you suggested and do Paramount and Sony next.

You're right about Universal's tour being more of a ride from what I remember. However, it was cool to see sets from The Good Place, Jaws, and Psycho. Being on the tram the whole time was a little different, and my experience was a bit thrown off because I hadn't expected Universal, CA to have such similar rides to Universal, FL, and I loved how Universal, FL made it really seem like you were on a set walking through various cities. Definitely not the same as CA. I think I was there for about 2 hours and was done. The weather was weird where it was kindof warm at first, but then turned super cold while I was in line for a ride, so I was done sooner than I expected.

I absolutely loved the Warner Bros tour. The guide was super nice and knowledgeable. I almost died when I saw the Gilmore Girl house and Luke's Diner. Of course I took pictures at the Central Perk. To me, the prop museum was a tad boring, but still overall decent. The tour was partially walking and partially riding. There were so many moments where I was like...."this looks familiar" and had to think of where the set had been used. Super cool. I highly recommend it.

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

That's awesome!! Definitely I enjoyed that the Warners brothers was mixed with walking and a tram ride you were able to get so much further that way - and the lot is HUGE! It really is cool seeing sets from your favourite TV shows and movies! I really liked the SONY tour but it was definitely a lot smaller than Warner bros!

Sunday 19th of February 2023

Hi Meghan, great article. Easy to read and allowed me to choose the studio we should visit in the short time we will be in L.A. Thanks you.

Monday 20th of February 2023

That's awesome to hear! Glad I could help :D :D

How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation | Afternoon Tea Reads

Thursday 1st of October 2020

[…] sure which one to visit? Read my overall review of each studio tour to help you […]

Monday 1st of July 2019

Wow what a great list of tours to choose from! I personally don't like these types of things however I think your post will be super useful for those who do!

Thanks! I hope it will be :)

I’ve done the Universal tour but it was like 20 yrs ago! I really want to go back and do all these studio tours. I’m film mad me 😃💕

Oh wow, you really should I'm sure a lot has changed since then. It's a movie geeks dream :)

The Best Hollywood Tours To Take On Your Next Trip To LA

Los Angeles is a popular destination for anyone hoping to hit it big in Hollywood and countless people relocate there every year to follow their dreams. But the home of the rich and famous is also targeted by travelers looking to visit and soak in all Hollywood has to offer temporarily. Millions of people visit here each month and, as such, there are plenty of tours available for those who want to experience as much of the area as they can while learning about film studios, the lives of celebrities, and the long history of Hollywood. 

Because there are so many tours happening in Hollywood, it can be hard for visitors to narrow down their search or choose which experience best suits them and their needs. We've compiled a list of some of the very best tours available in the city and by comparing them with your particular interests and what you expect out of a trip to Hollywood, you should be able to find the perfect match to elevate your Hollywood stay.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

There are four major Hollywood studios that give popular studio tours, and though they have their similarities, they all have their individual strengths too. Depending on what kind of films and TV shows you are into, you may want to opt for another studio, but the Warner Brothers Studio Tour has a particularly impressive range of productions and franchises that have been released under its studio. Fans of the "Harry Potter" and DC Superheroes franchises as well as the cult classic series "Friends" will enjoy the tour in particular, as those shows and films are the focus of the tour. Warner Brothers Studio not only has props and memorabilia from these popular productions but there are also entire sets for some of these shows.

The Warner Brothers Studio is huge and you could spend all day there, but the tour only last about three hours with one hour guided by a knowledgeable employee and the other two unguided, leaving you free to roam and explore what areas you are most interested in. If you just don't think that's enough time and are particularly interested in how films get made, you can opt for a six-hour tour that includes lunch and a special behind-the-scenes look at how the film magic works. You'll also get to visit the property house, where a massive collection of film props live.

The Perfect Los Angeles Bus Tour by Surf City Tours

If you are looking for a long and in-depth tour of both Hollywood and the surrounding Los Angeles area, then the Perfect Los Angeles Bus Tour should be on your radar. The tour is almost an all-day event, taking about five and a half hours and covering both Hollywood and parts of Los Angeles, starting at Santa Monica Pier. On this tour, you'll take in some of the highlights of other tours and combine them into one extensive overview of the area. For travelers who don't want to commit such a big chunk of time out of their vacation, a shorter version of the tour is offered and focuses just on Hollywood.

While the tour does not do a deep dive into any one area, it does leave tour-goers with an hour at both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Original Farmer's Market, both locations being a historic part of the area and ripe with shopping opportunities. Participants will also get views of the Hollywood sign and some celebrity homes, giving visitors a well-rounded tourist experience that includes all the iconic LA stops.

Terrors of Tinseltown Tour by US Ghost Adventures

Cities like Salem, Savannah, and New Orleans are famous for ghost tours  and are known as some of the most haunted cities in the country, but Los Angeles has its own fair share of ghosts, too. Hollywood in particular is one pretty haunted district of Los Angeles, and there are even movie sets and films themselves that are said to have been haunted.

If you don't mind being on your feet for over an hour, the Terrors of Tinseltown tour by U.S. Ghost Adventures is a great way to see all of Hollywood's creepiest and most haunted locations. The tour stops at several sites that have been known to have paranormal happenings all in under a mile's worth of street, and some of the spooky sites even have tales of eye-witnesses to really hit home on how Hollywood's past is littered with chilling experiences.

The tour, of course, travels Hollywood Boulevard after the sun has already set, and takes visitors through the stories of some of the most iconically spooky buildings in the area, like TCL Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The haunted destinations seem even more foreboding at night, so this tour is not for the faint of heart.

Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour by Sunset Ranch Hollywood

There are numerous ways to see the famous Hollywood sign that has been documented in countless Hollywood-set films and can be seen from a good portion of the Los Angeles area. While you can certainly take off on foot by yourself and hike one of the many trails that lead to the sign, the Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour by Sunset Ranch offers the opportunity to see the sign via horseback. Not only is this a more relaxing and less exhausting way to see the Hollywood sign than hiking in Los Angeles , but it combines two pretty spectacular experiences into one and allows animal lovers to bond with their chosen steed.

There are actually two ways to see the sign on horseback, one during the day and one at sunset. While both of these tour options offer value to those who love the idea of touring via horse, the time you choose to visit the sign will result in a completely different view. Taking a day tour will give you a clear picture of not only the Hollywood sign but the cityscape below. If you instead opt for a sunset ride up Mt. Hollywood, you'll likely be heading up around golden hour and reaching the sign around sunset. This offers a great window of time to see Hollywood in a beautifully unique way, and you may even be able to catch the cityscape as everyone turns on their lights for nightfall.

True Crime, Creepy Tales by ExperienceFirst California

People love hearing about true crime, as is evident by all the podcasts and docuseries that are consumed regularly by the masses. It only makes sense that Hollywood, with its grisly and somewhat hidden past, would have a tour focused on some of the horrors that have happened there, both infamous and lesser known. The True Crime, Creepy Tales tour from ExperienceFrist California takes participants along Hollywood Boulevard to some well known ghost haunts, but they also focus on the stories of murder and death that have plagued the history of the place.

Tour-goers will learn about the Hollywood Ripper, an aspiring actor who killed two young women in their homes, as well as Charles Manson and his murderous cult. Other highlights of the tour include the Pantages Theater, where a number of ghosts (including Howard Hughes) reportedly hang out, and the Hollywood Sign, which has its fair share of dark tales in its own past.

This two-hour tour begins in the evening and goes past dark, so be prepared to have the cloak of night to aid in creating a spooky environment while learning about some of the most gruesome elements of Hollywood's past. You'll be traversing Hollywood Boulevard by foot for this tour, so be on the lookout for a famous ghost or two as you make your way between destinations.

Old Hollywood Walking Tour by April's Old Hollywood

History buffs and fans of the classic, old-school Hollywood should buckle up, because this one is definitely for you! Hollywood has seen quite a few transformations over the years, but the ghost of the '10s and '20s is one that sticks around because plenty of people still consider it to be the golden age of Hollywood. April's Old Hollywood tour is guided by April herself, who is a Hollywood historian and has been celebrated for her knowledge about the popular destination's times gone by. She also offers virtual tours and a cocktail hour, so you don't even need to physically travel to Hollywood to be transported back to the time of old movie stars.

April takes her tour group on a journey that may only cover five blocks of Hollywood but also transports participants back in time to the very beginning of Tinseltown. A vision of the past, April teaches groups about many of Hollywood's firsts while dressed in vintage fashion. For ultimate fun and to embrace the tour in full, you are more than welcome to dress the part too!

Hollywood Homes Self Drive Tour by Action Tour Guide

If you're the type of film and TV fan who wants to get up close and personal to some of the biggest celebrities who reside in Hollywood, then a celebrity homes tour is something to consider. It's important to remember that celebrities are real people, though, and a constant stream of tour buses gawking at your home may not be the most fun way to live. For that reason, we have included a self-guided Hollywood home tour that is a little more discreet in nature and is hopefully more ethical and respectful to the residents of the area you'll be exploring.

While you won't have the voice of a tour guide blasting over a megaphone to inform you of which house is home to your favorite A-lister or the history of each celebrity home on Rodeo Drive, you will have a more peaceful and low-key tour where you can go at your own pace. The self-guided tour does have information available about each celebrity house, though, so you will not be foregoing a knowledgeable guide by taking your own car.

Keanu Reeves, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Elton John are just a few of the many celebrities whose homes are available to find and see for yourself. If you have your own or a rented vehicle while visiting Los Angeles, this self-driven celebrity tour should be on your radar if you are all interested in seeing where the rich and famous like to rest their heads.

Neon Night Walks by Museum of Neon Art

Los Angeles' Museum of Neon Art in Glendale puts on a night walking tour that takes participants to a number of districts, including Hollywood, in order to admire the architecture and the many neon lights that color the night of Los Angeles. The Neon Night Walks are a more accessible version of the museum's Neon Cruise, which takes place at least twice a month during the summer months. There is also a digital version of the tour for those who want to enjoy the art of neon and its history from the comfort of their own home.

The Neon Night Walks are unlike any other tour in the area, and although it doesn't focus entirely on Hollywood, it is certainly a tour you should take if you are visiting the area. Participants are guided throughout LA to spots where neon is both heavily used and used on historic signs and buildings. A highlight of the tour is Chinatown, where red neon lights are plentiful.

Classic Convertible Tours by Classic Experiences

If you are looking for a private tour that takes in everything Hollywood has to offer with a whole lot of class, seeing the city from the inside of a '70s convertible sure fits the bill. While it's one of the most expensive tours on the list, it might be the most comfortable. Not only will the guide pick you up anywhere in the area to begin your tour, but the drive consists of over three hours of exploring all over the city and seeing popular sights that could not be fit into a walking tour or if you are relying on public transportation during your trip.

Where other tours usually take 15 to 20 people in one booking, a convertible tour is much more intimate with just the guide in the driver's seat and your small party along for the ride. You'll have the freedom to ask as many questions as you want without it hindering the schedule or the other tour-goers' experience and you'll be traveling in style with an air of luxury for at least three hours. The classic convertible tour also sets aside time to have a meal by the ocean or at one of Los Angeles' esteemed cafes. If you're looking for a stress-free tour that allows you to enjoy the day with a few friends or your family, this is a great option to consider.

Free Tours By Foot Hollywood Tour

For travelers who would like to see Hollywood via tour and don't have a huge vacation budget, Free Tours By Foot's Hollywood Tour is a fantastic option, as they have a collection of trusted and affordable tours in many cities throughout the world. While you do still need to book a spot on the tour and it is headed by a knowledgeable guide, the tour is pay-what-you-can or name-your-own-price. If you can afford it, the company suggests that you price the tour on what you think it is worth and based on its value, but it is a great option for travelers who don't have much extra to give.

You'll see and learn about a number of famous Hollywood landmarks on this tour, and the history and beginning of Hollywood is a focus as well, with the Chinese Theater and Capitol Records Building both being prominent landmarks that the tour will cover. Over the course of a couple hours, guests will walk around two miles learning the ins and outs of the district, so participants should have their walking shoes ready.

Hollywood Tour by Bikes and Hikes LA Tours

There is no lack of walking and bus tours in Los Angeles, but even if you are just keeping it to the district of Hollywood, walking can be tedious. Bus tours may not offer the same level of intimacy and detail you may be looking for while exploring Hollywood. If both of these ideas are true for you or if you just like biking, taking an electric bike throughout Hollywood might just allow the perfect tour vibe for you.

While the bike tour only lasts about three hours, participants will travel around 12 miles before the day is done. Seeing this much of the area in so little time makes the Hollywood by Bikes tour ideal for travelers only staying in Los Angeles for a long weekend , or those explorers who want to become familiar with the area quickly.

The tour hits all the typical spots that tourists love to go to in Hollywood like the Walk of Fame, but your guide will also show you filming locations and will take you to the Hollywood Forever cemetery. Once inside the cemetery, you can find some of your favorite dearly departed celebrities, like Judy Garland or Mickey Rooney.

Self-guided tours at the Hollywood Walk of Fame

A lot of Hollywood-centric tours and even tours that include a larger area of Los Angeles will take you to the Hollywood Walk of Fame — it's a vital part of Hollywood and is a huge attraction for good reason. If you are really interested in spending some time here, though, it's worth going on a self-guided tour. The Hollywood Walk of Fame's official website has a directory of where all the stars are, so if you have a list of stars you'd like to visit, you can find them relatively easily. The site also has the history of each specific star, and there are stars on the Walk of Fame that date as far back as 1960.

A lot of people seem to think that to get through all of the stars and enjoy the area naturally, you would need around at least two hours, but could easily spend up to four or five. There are not many Hollywood tours, if any, that would allow for this kind of time. The stars are stretched over 18 city blocks near other points of interest, like iconic theaters, museums, and places to shop. You could spend a good part of a day leisurely exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and it's a great way to explore that part of the district.

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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.

Our Address

7046 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

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The 22 best things to do in Hollywood

Find the best tours, attractions, restaurants, bars and things to do in Hollywood, both on and off the Walk of Fame

What’s the deal with Hollywood?

Let’s start with the bad news: Hollywood can be pretty disappointing. Yes, there are still some movie studios here, and yes, there’s some worthwhile history. But it’s probably not the Tinseltown paradise you’re expecting: Hollywood is basically just a district in L.A. with a lot less glitz and moviemaking magic than you’d hope for and a lot more decay and traffic.

But here’s the good news: Hollywood is having a bit of a moment right now. High-end  celebrity hangouts  and hotel bars feel right at home with tucked-away cocktail bars  and bespoke coffee shops —and there seem to be more and more by the day.

Where exactly is Hollywood?

Hollywood is centrally located within Los Angeles, served by the 101 freeway and multiple Metro  B Line stops. The sizable area greets the scenic Hollywood Hills to the north, as well as Universal Studios just on the other side of the hill; stylish  West Hollywood and the eclectic Fairfax District to the west; lively Koreatown and adorable Larchmont Village to the south; and a slew of neighborhoods to the east, including East Hollywood, Thai Town and Los Feliz .

Is Hollywood part of Los Angeles?

Yes, Hollywood is simply a neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles, and has been since 1910.

What will you find in Hollywood?

Well, you know, other than disappointment: the sort of big-name attractions you’ve seen in movies and on TV, including the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, Paramount Studios and the iconic Hollywood Sign. If you insist on seeing some of the most touristy landmarks, just keep it quick; your time is much better spent elsewhere in L.A.

But there are also a few less-touristy pockets, most notably an actually-worth-visiting row of restaurants and bars on Cahuenga Boulevard and its parallel streets, between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards.

If you only do one thing

See a show at the Hollywood Bowl —assuming it’s between roughly May and October. The rest of the year, a screening at one of the local movie palaces would top our list.

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Things to do in Hollywood

1.  Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl

• Things to do
• Event spaces
• price 2 of 4

This gorgeous outdoor amphitheatre has been hosting concerts since the LA Philharmonic first played here in 1922. Nestled in an aesthetically blessed fold in the Hollywood Hills, the 18,000-seat venue can bring out the romantic in the terminally cynical. It’s the summer home of the LA Phil (and boozy picnics); as long as there’s no performance, it also doubles as a public park .

2.  See a movie at the Chinese Theatre

• Movie theaters

It’s still a great place to catch a movie but most people come to the Chinese Theatre for the hand and/or foot imprints of around 200 Hollywood stars. The courtyard is usually choked with snap-happy tourists measuring their own extremities against the likes of John Wayne and Judy Garland, but you can avoid the crowds by catching a flick inside, where the auditorium is as stunning as the IMAX screen’s projection quality

3.  Bowl a few frames at the Spare Room

• Cocktail bars
• price 3 of 4

Tucked away on the second floor of the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel, the Spare Room is like stepping into another era: one where classic cocktails, tiki-leaning concoctions and punch bowls pour freely, and people make merry all night long. The big draw here, beyond the expertly made drinks, is the gaming. This bar sports an antique, two-lane bowling alley, which looks great with those George Esquivel–designed bowling shoes and argyle socks.

4.  Survey the ’hood from the Hollywood Bowl Overlook

This overlook in the Santa Monica Mountains has fantastic views of the Downtown skyline all the way to the ocean and it’s right on top of the Hollywood Bowl. It’s a prime place to be on a clear day—as evidenced by the tiny parking lot overrun with tour buses—so get there early (it’s also technically not open in the evening). If you’re after more scenic views, you can keep following Mulholland Drive  to find about a half-dozen other overlooks that face the Valley side of the city.

5.  Find the best possible view of the Hollywood Sign

• Sightseeing

Originally created in 1923, the then “Hollywoodland” sign was supposed to be up for only a year and a half, yet here it is a century later . Getting close to the Hollywood Sign, though, is an often contentious issue thanks to pressure from local homeowners. From farther away, the archway at Ovation Hollywood  (formerly Hollywood & Highland) has a pretty decent view of the sign. You can catch a dead-on glimpse of it on Beachwood Drive, or farther up the hill near Lake Hollywood Park  for our favorite all-around perspective. Looking to get even closer? Go horseback riding at Sunset Ranch or lace up for a trek along the closed-to-public-vehicles road on Mt. Lee Drive to where you will be standing directly above the Hollywood Sign and can experience a total 360-degree view of the cityscape.

6.  Visit dearly departed screen legends at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Any cemetery that houses the remains of such celluloid luminaries as Cecil B. DeMille, Jayne Mansfield, Rudolph Valentino and Mel Blanc was bound to become a tourist attraction. Aside from popular posthumous celebs, Hollywood Forever is also home to Cinespia’s summer outdoor movie screenings, an annual Day of the Dead festival and concerts, both outside on the lawn and inside the property’s Masonic lodge.

7.  Sip a stiff martini at Musso & Frank Grill

• Restaurants

Open since 1919, the Musso & Frank Grill is Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, a steak-and-cocktails joint formerly favored by Charlie Chaplin and Raymond Chandler. With its many obscure dishes and individually priced sides (and salad dressings!), the menu can be daunting. However, some dishes are fail-safes. At breakfast, grab an order of crêpe-thin flannel cakes; later in the day, the grilled meats are excellent. And every table gets a half-loaf of house-made sourdough bread, the perfect accompaniment to a dry martini.

8.  Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s handsome Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Art Park

• Cultural centers

Just outside the Hollywood border, this hilly park is the home of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House . Originally intended as a massive arts complex, the site still fulfills that role with exhibitions in a variety of different gallery spaces, including the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, and public tours of the Hollyhock House. In the summer, the park hosts a variety of alfresco cinema nights, wine tastings and cultural events that bring out a nice mix of singles, couples and young families.

9.  Thumb through stacks of records at Amoeba Music

• Music venues
• price 1 of 4

As streaming services have erased CDs from our collective memory, the L.A. branch of San Francisco’s Amoeba Music could easily be seen as a mausoleum to actually leaving the house to buy music. But this, one of the largest independent record stores in the country, is very much alive (albeit at a new location). The variety of stock (vinyl, CDs and DVDs, new and used) is awesome, the prices are fair and the staff know their onions.

10.  Look down at—but maybe don’t touch—Hollywood Walk of Fame

We’ve spent enough time in Hollywood to know that you probably don’t want to put your hands on those grimy bits of star-dotted sidewalk—better to look but not touch. If you can stomach the suspect superheroes, claustrophobia-inducing crowds and never-ending line of gift shops, tattoo parlors and lingerie stores, there’s actually a lot of old Hollywood history to discover along the Walk of Fame (just maybe not a ton of glamour). The immortalized names on those famous five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars run from the Walk’s western extreme at the Hollywood and La Brea Gateway to the W Hotel and Pantages Theater at Gower, and additionally on Vine from the Capitol Records Building down to Sunset, near where the original movie studios sprang up a century ago.

11.  See and be seen during a hike at Runyon Canyon

• Parks and gardens

This 160-acre park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains has one main loop, plus a bevy of dirt hiking trails. The sea of buff trainers and their sleek, sweaty clients can get to be too much during the busy morning and weekend workout traffic, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of the city (and, if you’re lucky, a chance to gawk at power-walking celebs). The southern entrance is at the end of Fuller Avenue in Hollywood; if you want to cut out most of the hiking and just beeline it to the tob, use the northern entrance off the 7300 block of Mulholland Drive.

12.  Take a tour of Paramount Studios

• Walks and tours

Believe it or not, Paramount is the last major studio to keep its headquarters located in Hollywood—and the only one there to open its doors to the public. Inside the famous wrought iron gate, you’ll be treated to a guided tram tour through soundstages and a sizable New York backlot.

13.  Walk through the fridge at Good Times at Davey Wayne’s

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s takes us back to the 1970s via garage. Walk past the knick-knacks to find the portal to this booze-fueled time machine: an old refrigerator. Step through its door and you’re instantly transported to a house party in the era of hard rock, sideburns and shag carpeting. Vintage beer cans and retro tchotchkes surround the tufted bar, where staff whip up craft cocktails with forgotten spirits and draught beer is served in cans and novelty mugs.

14.  See a classic Disney flick at El Capitan

Yearning to relive your childhood and indulge in a Disney flick? El Capitan’s your spot—the lavish 1926-built theater screens Disney’s most current feature along with classics in between releases. Tickets are indeed pricier than other nearby cinemas, but then again, where else do you get to dine at a classic fountain and see a 2,500-pipe organ be played before the show?

15.  Go horseback riding at Sunset Ranch Hollywood

• Griffith Park

If you keep driving up Beachwood Drive in search of the Hollywood Sign, eventually you’ll hit a dead end at Sunset Ranch Hollywood’s cluster of horse stables. The ranch offers a variety of daily trail rides through Griffith Park, and you can book ahead on their website. Pricier and longer rides include meals or a trek to the top of the park or Mt. Lee, but even the basic one hour ride ($75) lets you snag a close-up look at the Hollywood Sign along with sweeping views of the hills and L.A. cityscape below.

16.  Associate with the industry crowd along Sycamore Avenue

Multiple publications have tried to deem this L.A.’s coolest neighborhood recently, but a single block of entertainment office spaces and high-end restaurants doesn’t exactly constitute an entire neighborhood in our eyes. That said, there is an impressive assortment of dining options along this block of Sycamore Avenue, south of Romaine Street, including Tartine Sycamore , Mr. T , Gigi’s , Mother Tongue  and Sightglass Coffee , plus always-interesting art exhibitions at Jeffrey Deitch .

17.  See some illusions at the Magic Castle

Speak the secret phrase to the owl sculpture in the lobby of this private club (we’re serious here), and the rest—well, we don’t want to ruin the surprises in store for visitors at this magical institution. The mansion that houses the Magic Castle is over a century old, but since 1963 it’s been the home of the Academy of Magical Arts, an exclusive organization made up of roughly 2,500 American magicians. Sorry to be cryptic, but if you can bag yourself an invite, you’re guaranteed to have a night you’ll never forget. If you can’t find a member of the Academy to tag along with , stay at the adjacent Magic Castle Hotel for access.

18.  Catch a concert at one of Hollywood’s many music venues

You’re bound to find something worth listening to just about any night of the week in Hollywood. The Fonda and the Hollywood Palladium  are the go-to picks for touring acts, while Avalon  and Academy L.A.  specialize in DJ-fueled dance parties. For a more sedate evening, expect singer-songwriters at the Hotel Café  or intimate outdoor shows at the Ford , just up the canyon from the Bowl.

19.  Bring on the heat at Jitlada

• East Hollywood

With endless celebrity photos and numerous “best of” lists on the walls, this Thai Town restaurant is one of the city’s cult favorites. If perusing the lengthy menu leaves you feeling dazed and confused, the green mussel curry—succulent New Zealand mussels piled high and bathed in an aromatic Southern curry flavored with lemongrass, sweet pineapples and chiles—is a good place to start on the extensive list of fiery Northern and Southern Thai specialties.

20.  See a Broadway musical at the Pantages Theatre

Just about every Broadway musical that comes to town sets up inside of this gorgeous Art Deco auditorium. Our tip: Opt for the first few rows of the mezzanine for the best seats in the house.

21.  Look out on the neighborhood from Yamashiro

Built as a private art museum in the 1920s, this Japanese palace-like restaurant is a spectacular structure with extraordinary views of Hollywood. As for the food… hey, those views are nice, right? If you want an actually great meal, we love the minimalist Japanese-inspired menu at the adjacent Kensho .

22.  Watch cinema gems at the Egyptian Theatre

• Independent

Temporarily closed for renovations, with plans to reopen in 2023.

Built by the same man who erected the Chinese Theatre and El Capitan Theatre, the Egyptian was faithfully restored by American Cinematheque in 1998. Though the building itself is now owned by Netflix, the not-for-profit company continues to program a wide range of excellent themed mini-festivals and one-off Q&As with legendary figures, as well as classic films and contemporary indie cinema.

More essential things to do in Hollywood

5 Hollywood tours to take

Explore the Walk of Fame while learning a bit of Tinseltown history with these Hollywood tours.

23 must-see Hollywood attractions

Tour the iconic movie town’s must-visit attractions along with a few stops away from the crowds.

The best restaurants in Hollywood

Peruse our picks of Hollywood restaurants for the top places to drink and dine in Tinseltown.

The best bars in Hollywood

Forget clichéd, tourist spots and velvet-rope attitude; instead, check out our top bar picks in Hollywood.

The best hotels in Hollywood

Here are the best hotels in Hollywood for every traveler’s budget.

Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Hollywood

There are many ways to explore Hollywood, but there’s only one perfect way to spend a day in the famous neighborhood.

Upcoming events in Hollywood

At the Edge of the Sun

• price 0 of 4
• Hollywood Until May 4, 2024

What does living in L.A. look like? It’s a wildly different picture depending on each Angeleno’s point of view, and so to celebrate that diversity of perspectives, Hollywood gallery Jeffrey Deitch will display pieces from a dozen local artists that delve into underground economies, landscapes, surveillance, backyard hangouts and public transit, among other topics.

• Rock and indie
• USC/Exposition Park Until Sep 28, 2024

Mitski has a talent for swift transformation. Over the past several years, she’s rocketed from self-releasing her first two albums and playing DIY gigs to selling out major venues months in advance. Catch her in support of her latest album, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We.

Friday Movie Nights

• Family and kids
• Hollywood Until Nov 29, 2024

Take a seat under the arch at the former Hollywood & Highland for this free series of movie screenings, typically held on the last Friday of the month. Stop by the Ovation Hollywood booth for free popcorn and discounted treats from the TCL Chinese Theatre concessions stand.

Puppet Up! Uncensored

• Puppet shows
• Hollywood Until Apr 28, 2024

In case “uncensored” wasn’t enough warning, make sure you leave the kids at home for this one. Part puppet show, part improv show, “Puppet Up! Uncensored” combines top puppeteering talent with music, jokes and shenanigans. It’s not just about watching the puppets either—you’ll be mesmerized by the sheer skill of the puppeteers on full display, who are coming up with songs on the fly while manipulating puppets on stage. If you’re a Jim Henson buff, this show is not to be missed: it’s put on by Henson Alternative (the official adults-only arm of The Jim Henson Company), and you’ll see recreations of Henson classics with a twist. The show will host a string of special performances on the historic Jim Henson Company Lot in Hollywood, formerly Charlie Chaplin’s studio.

More of the best of Hollywood

The best Hollywood Sign tours

If you’re specifically looking to see the Hollywood Sign tour, consider one of these tours.

Hollywood bar crawl guide

Check out these classic watering holes to see a side of the real Hollywood.

The best live music venues in Hollywood

Whether you’re interested in big name bands or local acts, this ’hood has it all packed into one lively place.

Where to shop near Hollywood and Highland

Stop in to these Hollywood stores for unique shopping experiences and finds.

The best clubs in Hollywood

Our list of the best clubs in Hollywood is the cream of the party-spot crop.

The best coffee shops in Hollywood

Take a break from the Tinseltown madness with a stop at one of the neighborhood's best coffee shops.

Hour to Kill: Mulholland Drive

Take a joyride on the classic highway in the hills and stop at some of our favorite overlooks.

Hour to Kill: Lake Hollywood Park

Relax underneath the Hollywood Sign at this hilltop park.

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Mike pinder dies: moody blues’ co-founding keyboard player was 82, breaking news.

The Top 10 Music Tours Of 2023

By Robert Lang , Tom Tapp

As in most other areas, Taylor Swift dominated the touring landscape in 2023. Her The Eras Tour grossed more than $1 billion , the biggest haul for any tour ever.

But there were other notable acts making big bucks on the road this year, including Beyoncé , Harry Styles and Drake .

Scroll through the gallery below to see who came out where on the list.

1. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

2. Beyoncé: Renaissance World Tour

$579 million

3. Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band 2023 World Tour

$379 million

4. Coldplay: Music Of The Spheres Tour

$325 million

5. Harry Styles: Love On Tour

$290 million

6. Morgan Wallen: Dangerous Tour

$284 million

7. Ed Sheeran: + – = ÷ x Tour

$268 million

8. P!NK: Summer Carnival Tour

$231 million

9. The Weeknd: After Hours ‘Til Dawn Tour

$220 million

10. Drake: It’s All A Blur Tour

$184 million

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Top 10 Highest-Grossing Rock Tours of 2023

Check out our recap of Billboard Boxscore's top 10 rock tours of the year, featuring blink-182, Metallica, and more.

By Eric Frankenberg

Eric Frankenberg

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Last week, Billboard revealed its year-end Boxscore charts , ranking the top tours, venues, and promoters of 2023. That coverage included analysis of the new wave of genre diverse artists crashing stadium stages, and in turn, our charts. This week, we are breaking down the year’s biggest tours, genre by genre . Today, we continue with rock.

Rock music has been at the center of the touring industry for decades, with legendary acts like The Rolling Stones , U2 , and the Eagles controlling stadium calendars and delivering record-breaking grosses. That is still the case, as rock is responsible for more entries in the all-genre top 10, 20, 40 and 100 than any other genre.

But at 32.4% of all top 100 tours’ grosses, rock takes a dramatic hit from last year’s 42.5% figure. Combined with pop, the two central genres have lost a third of their total market share since the pandemic, as pockets of Latin and K-pop acts take up prime Boxscore real estate. And as rock accounts for many of the oldest artists in the top 100, with Latin and K-pop bringing up the chart’s youngest names, the future of rock bands as touring titans is blurrier than it was 5-10 years ago.

But with a new round of legacy tours from ‘90s and ‘00s bands, plus steady arena grosses from 21st century acts like Arctic Monkeys, Greta Van Fleet and Imagine Dragons, there is still plenty of juice for the coming years.

Scroll to check out the top 10 highest-grossing tours by rock artists, with such acts qualifying due to recent performance on Billboard ’s Top Rock Albums and/or Hot Rock Songs charts. Rankings are determined according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. All reported shows worldwide between Nov. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2023 are eligible.

$76.8M / 597K tickets / 41 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: 24

Phish is among the most consistent touring acts, regardless of genre. From its annual destination event in Mexico to its reliable runs of shows at Madison Square Garden, the jam-band legends continue to one-up themselves, after winding up at No. 31 on last year’s all-genre ranking.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

$77.2M / 657K tickets / 18 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: 23

Red Hot Chili Peppers repeat in the year-end rock breakdown with shows in Asia, Europe and North America. Still, the band’s $77.2 million total doesn’t include the $48.2 million from its co-headline shows with Post Malone in Australia.

$92.7M / 1M tickets / 45 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: 20

Muse makes its first appearance among the year-end top 10 rock tours since 2013, when the glam-rock band earned $43.2 million while on The 2nd Law World Tour. The European leg did the heaviest lifting, with nine of the top 10 grosses of the year.

$95.7M / 692K tickets / 45 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: 19

Blink is back with the biggest tour of its career. The original trio of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker reunited for 45 sold-out shows in North America and Europe. Things came to a head with two nights at Los Angeles’ BMO Stadium, where blink-182 grossed $8.8 million and sold 43,600 tickets.

Guns N' Roses

$96.2M / 888K tickets / 31 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: 18

Guns N’ Roses logs a second year between $90-100 million after being No. 8 on 2022’s genre Boxscore breakout. More shows after the tracking period’s cutoff puts the rock icons on tap for the ’24 ranking with $19.7 million already in the bank.

Dead & Company

$114.7M / 845K tickets / 28 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: 15

Dead & Company played its farewell tour between May 19 and July 16, yielding its first $100 million summer since launching as a touring unit in 2015. The peak was a three-night run at San Francisco’s Oracle Park to end the tour, earning $20.4 million from 118,000 tickets sold.

$125.8M / 1.2M tickets / 19 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: 14

Metallica grossed more than $10 million in seven markets between Europe and North America, doubling up in Montreal, Paris and more. The M72 World Tour continues with scheduled dates through Sept. 29, 2024.

Depeche Mode

$175.2M / 1.8M tickets / 47 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 9

The first of three rock acts in the all-genre top 10, Depeche Mode scores the biggest year of its touring career, blowing past 2017’s $123.5 million. Three shows at Mexico City’s Foro Sol on Sept. 21, 23 and 25 delivered the band’s biggest gross ever, at $15.4 million from 195,000 tickets sold.

$210M / 1.3M tickets / 65 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 7

Elton John notches a fifth year on the year-end Boxscore recap with the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, having topped the abridged 2020 report. After all was said and done, set a new record as the highest-grossing tour in Boxscore history, regardless of genre. Over 329 shows, the trek earned $939.1 million and sold six million tickets.

$342.5M / 3.2M tickets / 55 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 2

Switching places with John from last year, Coldplay takes top honors as the highest-grossing rock act of 2023. The band’s spread covers shows in North and South America, as well as Europe, with dates in Asia and Australia in the 2024 tracking window. After kicking off in 2022, the Music of the Spheres Tour has brought in $664.5 million and sold 6.7 million tickets.

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The 5 Best Studio Tours in Hollywood [2024 Reviews]

Hollywood - where dreams are made and stars are born.

The Land of Dreams, Hollywood has been attracting fame-seekers from all over the world for over a hundred years know. Just one of the neighborhood in Los Angeles once, it became the US film industry headquarters in the early 1900’s.

Nowadays, Hollywood sign attracts not only young actors, directors, writers, and musicians, but also tourists from all around the globe.

Crossroads of the World, the Walk of Fame, the Wax Museum, the Universal Studios, and the Warner Brothers Studio – you won’t get bored in this part of the City of Angels, that’s for sure. And here is our list of best Hollywood tours, which, we promise, you’ll find absolutely amazing!

The 5 Best Hollywood Studio Tours

• Universal Studios Hollywood and Movie Stars’ Homes Tour
• Movie Star Homes and Warner Bros Studio Tour
• Private Tour: Hollywood Highlights or Celebrity Homes of Beverly Hills
• Universal Studios Hollywood with Transport
• Hollywood Grand City Tour

Best Hollywood Studio Tours

Best hollywood studio tours reviews, #1 universal studios hollywood and movie stars’ homes tour.

• Departure Point: Tour departs from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre OR selected hotels in the Los Angeles areas. Pickup is NOT available from Anaheim.
• Departure Time: 9:30am. Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
• Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
• Includes: Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, Movie Stars’ Homes Tour, Driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected).

This full-day tour is a great Universal Studios backlot tour, as well as one of the best celebrity home tours in Hollywood. You’ll get an exclusive opportunity to witness the stars’ way of life: where they live, where they shop, where they eat and hang out.

Some of the world’s most renowned celebrities own houses in the secluded streets of Beverly Hills. You will see the mansions of Diana Ross, Nicolas Cage, Steve Martin, Barbara Streisand, Richard Gere, Peter Falk, Tori Spelling, Harrison Ford, Phil Collins, Michael Douglas, Eddie Murphy, and many, many other superstars, famous all over the globe.

Other exclusive sights, which you will see on the tour, are famous Rodeo Drive, Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the Sunset Strip, the mansion of Marilyn Monroe, as well as widely known “Pink Palace”. And, of course, the tour can’t miss worldwide-known Hollywood sign, one of the most recognizable sights in LA.

In the Universal Studios, you’ll get an exquisite chance to literarily go behind the scenes of the most popular Hollywood movies. Thrilling rides, attractions, and shows will put you inside some of the world’s most successful movies. This is about to become an experience, which you won’t forget soon.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, #2 movie star homes and warner bros studio tour.

• Departure Point: Starline Terminal. Select hotel pick-ups available.
• Departure Time: 9:30 AM and 12:15 PM.
• Duration: 6 hours (approx.)
• Includes: Narration by a professional driver/guide, entrance to the Warner Bros. Museum and the Transportation Museum, hotel pickup and drop-off (morning tour only).

Go behind the scenes of famous movies on this Warner Brothers Studio tour. Get ready to explore the backlot, where such shows as Batman, Friends, and The Big Bang Theory were brought to life. You’ll get exclusive access to original props, cars, costumes, and sets of your favorite movies and TV shows, created by Warner Brothers.

Explore the amazing world of J.K. Rowling on The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts exhibit. Visit Stage 48, an interactive sound stage, where characters’ voices and other sounds come alive.

Sit on the famous couch from Central Perk café, feel yourself a hobbit at special effect table, or fly over Hogwarts on a broomstick. This Warner Bros Studio tour is about to become one of the most memorable moments of your visit to LA.

After the Warner Bros tour, you’ll head to the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. You will see houses belonging to Tom Cruise, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, Halle Berry, David and Victoria Beckham, Frank Sinatra, Richard Gere, and dozens of other world-famous celebrities.

Then cruise the Sunset Strip, enjoying the view of the renowned Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Take numerous stories from one of the best tours in Hollywood back home. You’ll definitely have something to tell your friends and family.

#3  Private Tour: Hollywood Highlights or Celebrity Homes of Beverly Hills

• Departure Point: Your hotel in Los Angeles
• Departure Time: Please advise your preferred departure time in the Special Requirements field when booking
• Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
• Includes: Narration by a professional private guide, transport by air-conditioned private vehicle, bottled water and snacks, hotel pickup and drop-off

If you prefer undivided attention from a professional friendly guide, take this 2-hour private tour. One of the best tours of Hollywood, it offers two options: take a look at celebrity houses or explore Hollywood itself, while sitting in a comfortable private vehicle, enjoying interesting narration and some fresh snacks. The driver will pick you up at your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.

If you pick the great Hollywood homes tour, the driver will take you to Beverly Hills and Bel-Air neighborhoods, situated just across the Sunset Boulevard.

See the mansions of Michael Jackson, Johnny Depp, Madonna, Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many other famed superstars. Get a pick at the life of rich and famous.

Or get to know the history and the presence of Hollywood itself. Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and take pictures among the stars on the Walk of Fame. See the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, home to the Academy Awards, Chateau Marmont, and the Sunset Strip.

No matter, what option you choose, we’re sure you won’t get bored on one of the best Hollywood car tours.

#4 Universal Studios Hollywood with Transport

• Departure Point: Select hotels and some locations in Anaheim.
• Departure Time: 7:45am – Mid-June to Labor Day, 8:45am – September to Mid-June
• Duration: 12 hours (approx.)
• Includes: Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, round-trip transportation from designated pickup locations

Enjoy a full day of fun on this Universal Studios tour! Explore the movie sets and experience some of the most thrilling rides in your lifetime.

Come face-to face with scary monsters in the House of Horrors, enjoy some heart-pounding rides in the amusement park, and go inside some of the world’s most famed movies, such as Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, and King Kong. Go behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows on one of the best Hollywood studio tours!

Rides available include, among others, The 3D Transformers Ride, the Simpsons Ride, and the Water World. Don’t miss a visit to the Special Effects Stage, where you will find out, how your favorite blockbuster movies were made. Learn about stop motion, CGI, motion capture, 3D technology, and other making off secrets and technologies.

This tour is truly a great family getaway and one of the best Hollywood tours for kids!

#5 Hollywood Grand City Tour

• Departure Point: Local Operator Office
• Departure Time: 9:30 am and 12:00 pm
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
• Includes: All taxes, fees and handling charges, driver/guide, local and professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (Please contact supplier for exact time and location offered), free hotel pickup and drop-off in Hollywood, West Hollywood and North Hollywood ONLY, open top bus is a single level air-conditioned bus, no restroom, or Wi-Fi.

Feel the essence of Hollywood on one of the best Hollywood bus tours. You will visit some of the most significant landmarks, related to movie making, hear stories from celebrities’ lives, see the locations, where popular movies were filmed, learn about the history of the neighborhood and its culture. Get to know the real Hollywood, both past and present, on this exciting trip.

Best tour of Los Angeles and Hollywood, it offers the opportunity to stroll along the Walk of Fame and find your favored celebrity’s star. Look for your star’s footprints at the TCL Chinese Theater.

Visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Capital Record, Hard Rock Café, the Dolby Theater, the home of the Oscar, and the fascinating Egyptian Theater, as well as numerous other attractions spotted along the Hollywood Boulevard.

After that, you will head to Griffith Park, for the amazing views and memorable pictures, taken right in front of the famous Hollywood sign. You trip to LA definitely won’t be complete without this experience.

Then, cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel-Air for some celebrity houses eye picking, visit the Sunset Strip night clubs, and scroll down the US most expensive shopping street – Rodeo Drive.

Your Guide to Visiting Hollywood

Airports & Entry

Planning Tips

Restaurants & Eating Out

Nightlife & Entertainment

Getting Around

Accommodations

Attractions

If you are coming to Los Angeles by plane, you will probably land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Although, the Bob Hope Airport (BUR), situated in Burbank, is closer to Hollywood itself.

The shuttle service from LAX is operated by LAXFlyAway and costs $8 per person per ride. The shuttle bus stops on the west side of Vine Street, half a block away to the south from Hollywood Boulevard.

If you come to Bob Hope Airport, you can take a metro shuttle to North Hollywood station, where you should change to the Red line and ride into Hollywood.

Keep in mind, taxis can be quite expensive and you might have to wait in a long line, in order to get one.

Other airports, available around the city, are Long Beach Airport (LGB), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and John Wayne Airport (SNA). While private planes, mostly, come to Santa Monica (SMO), Van Nuys (VNY), or Hawthorne (HHR).

Consider your plans for Los Angeles promptly, when packing your luggage. Are you going to visit a theater performance, have a picnic, spend days on the beach, or go sightseeing from sunrise until the sunset? Are there any theme parks on your itinerary? Or, maybe, you wish to go hiking in one of the parks?

Make a list of the things you might need, not to forget anything. Swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential if you are coming during the summer season. For a long day of sightseeing, pack snickers, slippers, or any other shoes you find comfortable. If you are going hiking, good hiking boots are obligatory. And for a fancy event, such as theater performance or a dinner in a top-end restaurant, don’t forget a nice evening gown.

If Hollywood is even missing something, it is definitely not the number of facilities for eating out. Cafes, bars, and restaurants range from cheap fast food cafes to luxury restaurants, popular with most famous celebrities.

If you are on a low budget, try Ponchik Factory, Roro’s Chicken, Tacos El Gavilan, Skooby’s, La Monarca Bakery & Café, Running Goose, Musso and Frank Grill, Cheebo, Palms Thai Restaurant, or one of the numerous other bistros and cafes all around Hollywood.

However, if you are looking for something unique and elegant, you should head to Yamashiro, Japanese restaurant, which offers great vies of the city, as well as cozy gardens and tasty food. And, just across from the Chinese Theater, you’ll find ceFiore, fine place with Italian desserts, non-fat frozen yoghurt, and yogurt smoothies.

For drinks, try Roosevelt Hotel Lounge, The Well, Velvet Margarita Cantina, or Power House. And if you are a non-alcohol enthusiast or just thirsty for some juice, head to The Juice Fountain, which offers a variety of delicious fresh juices.

As well as with eating facilities, there is no lack of night entertainment in the city, which never sleeps. The number of theaters and nightclubs is exquisite, and New York City is, probably, the only place, which can compete with it.

For cultural evening out, you can choose one of the following options: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Palladium, Fonda Theater, Ford Theater, Pantages Theater, or Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.

During the summer season, every Saturday at 7 pm, Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts Cemetery Movie Screenings, where the Cinespia film society shows old movies. Keep in mind, the crowds can be huge, so arrive prior to the gate opening, if you want a good spot. The same rule applies to tickets, which should be purchased in advance.

Most people bring picnic food with them and enjoy the outdoor movie theater, as well as DJ music playing, while having a nice dinner. But keep in mind, no spirits are allowed, only beer and wine.

The Mulholland Drive offers great views of Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley, both at night and during the daytime, so don’t miss the opportunity. And as for night clubs, head to Sunset Strip, where you’ll find most popular night facilities and disco bars.

Hollywood is situated between Melrose Avenue on the south, the Hollywood Hills on the north, the 101 freeway on the east, and West Hollywood on the west. Two main streets are Hollywood Bouleward and Sunset Boulevard, which are both walkable, as well as the rest of Hollywood most interesting areas.

Hollywood offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget and demand. The antique Roosevelt Hotel, The Beverly Wilshire, filmed in Pretty Woman, and Kimpton Everly Hollywood are some of the upscale choices the city offers.

The range of standard motel chains is also wide, including such as Motel 6, Travelodge, and Best Western. The choice of hostels is acceptable too, including such facilities as USA Hostels Hollywood, Republic Inn, Melrose Hostel, and Orange Drive Hostel.

Hollywood Heights Hotel, Saharan Motor Hotel, Hollywood Le Bon Hotel, as well as Dunes Inn and Trylon Hotel are considered budget accommodations. And there are, of course, numerous apartments available for rent in Hollywood, as well as mansions and bungalows, so why not consider this type of accommodation, rather than a hotel?

The City of Angels enjoys mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year. Summer season is warm, rarely hot, but tends to bring the sadly-famous dirty smog. Although the quality of air has improved over the years, the problem still exists. During August and September, which tend to be the hottest months of the year, the average day temperature gets as high as 28 o C (83 o F), while nights are cooler and bring temperatures such as 17 o C (63 o F). Winters in Los Angeles are mild and rainy. The daytime temperature rarely goes lower, than 20 o C (68 o F), although nights can be as cold as 9 o C (49 o F).

Springs bring both sunny and rainy days, and often, Los Angeles experiences “May Gray” and “June Gloom”, along with the rest of Southern California. Those are marine effects, which bring fog and clouds. Therefore, spring months are not the best time for a beach vacation. Falls are mostly warm and dry, causing frequent wildfires, so be careful if you are going wild during this season. Ocean temperature throughout the year varies from 14 o C (58 o F) in January to 20 o C (68 o F) in August. It’s not warm enough for swimming, but is great for surfing and sailing.

The well-known Santa Ana winds usually come during autumn and winter, although can occur any other time of the year as well. During these periods, hot dry winds blow from the desert to the coast, making weather hot and dry, unlikely the typical climate conditions in the area. Powerful ones can even create a high fire danger, by raising the air temperature quite significantly.

There is no lack of places to see in Hollywood. You can choose the best Hollywood tour from our list above or explore them on your own. If you are into film industry, don’t miss most world famous studios, such as Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, Walt Disney Studios, Paramount Pictures, and CBS Television City. Of course, the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are must-visit. And don’t forget about Grauman’s Chinese Theater or the Dolby Theater.

If you are a museum enthusiast or the weather is not suitable for walking outside, try some of Los Angeles Museums. In fact, you might find Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Getty Center, and the Natural History Museum quite interesting. While Long Beach hosts one of the world’s largest and most spectacular aquariums – Aquarium of the Pacific – situated just across the harbor from the historic Queen Mary ship.

And for a spectacular scenery, head to one of the following places: Griffith Park, Mullholland Drive, or Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook – they all offer fantastic views of the city and valley laying under.

Tour Guides

The Universal Studios Hollywood and Movie Stars’ Homes Tour is our top pick based on the sites seen and value.

Richard Moore

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• World's Best

Travel + Leisure Readers' 15 Favorite Tour Operators of 2023

The right tour operators can make or break a trip. These specialists came out on top in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023 thanks to insider knowledge and personalized service.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Courtesy of Butterfield & Robinson

While we travel to see the sights, what we really take home with us are the experiences. And finding the right tour operator — one that’s able to meld insider knowledge about a destination with the best ways to take it in — can make or break a trip. But when the right combination does come along, it can be pure magic, so it’s no wonder that the last year has seen group travel on the rise .

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Tour operators and safari outfitters were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Staff/guides
• Itineraries/destinations
• Accommodations

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

With nine of the companies returning from last year’s list , one major trend that stands out is the focus on a region, like with this year’s No. 1 pick, ATJ, which focuses on luxury travel, ranging from bespoke private to small group itineraries, in Austrasia. Also destination experts are Inside Japan Tours (No. 10), who offer themed trips, from honeymoons to diving, around the island nation, and Vagabond Tours of Ireland (No. 12), which makes its debut on the list, standing out for its B Corporation status, as it guides travelers around the Emerald Isle in their choice of style, either relaxed and culture-focused or active and adventurous. 

Also notable are the operators who go a step beyond, like two returning favorites: Artisans of Leisure (returning as No. 3) has been called “top notch”; one reader said that “no other tour operator comes close in terms of knowing the destinations [and] understanding what we want and executing our trip flawlessly.” Black Tomato (dropping from last year’s No. 4 to a still respectable No. 6) manages to both fulfill curiosity and allay FOMO on its adventures globally.

But more than anything, it’s loyalty that shows what a strong tour operator is made of, and readers often raved about return visits with a particular company. One, for instance, shared that after 25 journeys, Du Vine Cycling + Adventure Co. (No. 2) stands out among them all. “The best cycling trips I’ve been on,” they said. “Great staff, accommodations, and first class all the way.” And that’s the winning combo for a tour company — leaving travelers with that passion for exploring the world through their eyes. See the complete list of top 15 tour operators, according to T+L readers, below.

Courtesy of ATJ

Formerly known as Asia Transpacific Journeys, ATJ made the list in 2011, 2017, and 2018, and it now leapfrogs back in triumphantly, notching the No. 1 spot. Offering tours in countries like Australia, Bhutan, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Vietnam, and Taiwan, the company specializes in custom itineraries and private group trips. But what travelers rave about is its band of extremely helpful customer service reps who are “responsive and personable.” They added, “I can call and speak with a live person immediately.” Customers tend to be loyal, but so are the agents: “I have used the same agent and she always remembers what we like and any special needs we have.”

I have used the same agent and she always remembers what we like and any special needs we have.

Reader Score: 99.07

2 . DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.  

Reader Score: 99.05

3 . Artisans of Leisure  

Reader Score: 98.89

4. TCS World Travel

ReaderScore: 98.84

5. Trek Travel 

Reader Score: 98.62

6. Black Tomato  

Reader Score: 98.29

7. Classic Journeys  

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.

Reader Score: 98.27

8. Adventure Unbound  

Reader Score: 98.15

9. Scott Dunn  

10. Inside JapanTours  

Reader Score: 98.13

11. Butterfield & Robinson  

Reader Score: 98.00

12. Vagabond Tours of Ireland

Reader Score: 97.78

13. Quasar Expeditions

Reader Score: 97.53

Reader Score: 97.33

15. Jacada Travel

Reader Score: 96.20

Best Hollywood Studios Rides 

Hollywood Studios  opened in 1989 as Walt Disney World’s third theme park. It was originally called the  Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park  and was first developed as both a working production studio and a show-business-inspired theme park. But once the park was renamed  Hollywood Studios  in 2008, the park focused its attractions and theme around the imagined worlds of theater, music, television, and film.  And with its wide array of entertaining and exciting attractions, we are happy to report that these efforts have been wildly successful! So, with that said, here’s our list of the seven best Hollywood Studios rides and top attractions. We hope that these choices will help you prioritize your Genie+ selections so you’ll get the most out of your Disney trip!

Do you need some help planning and booking your next Disney vacation fun? See our list of the best  Disney Travel Agents  article for some free assistance!

Top 7 Best Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions

What are the 7 best Hollywood Studios rides? Here’s our list:

1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

With the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening, Hollywood Studios is now bigger and better than ever before. It has become the hotspot for Star Wars fans and people who just want to experience one of Disney’s newest and most exciting rides.

Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance is a trackless dark ride with multiple ride systems.  It’s a thrilling adventure through the Star Wars Universe, unlike any ride you’ve ever experienced before!

The Resistance is recruiting for a secret mission and needs your help.

But when your transport is taken captive by a First Order Star Destroyer filled with stormtroopers, you’ll need all the help you can get.

Luckily, a secret team of Resistance fighters (including BB-8 and Rey) is there to help you escape. Will the Resistance be able to rise up?

Category : Thrill Ride, Small  Drops, Dark, Loud

Height Requirement : 40″ or taller

Good for : Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults

Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass : Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction

2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror  attraction is located inside the massive (and foreboding) Hollywood Tower Hotel structure.

You’ll find a dusty old lobby that seems eerily stuck in time as you enter.

Rod Serling, the host of the classic television series  The Twilight Zone , welcomes you into this “other dimension” and informs you that some hotel patrons mysteriously vanished in the elevator during a violent storm in 1939. They were never seen again, and the hotel has been vacant ever since. Now it’s your turn on the elevator. Yikes!

Guests enter the elevator-style lift and buckle up for a journey into the darkest corners of their imagination.

Will you make it out alive or vanish into the twilight zone like the elevator’s past guests?

This Hollywood Studios attraction hurtles you up and down the rickety old elevator shaft as you hear ominous sounds like banging metal and snapping cables.

The attraction has dark and scary elements, eerie special effects, an interesting storyline, and plenty of exciting and thrilling sequences to get your heart racing.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of Disney World’s best (and  scariest ) attractions and is certainly on the must-do list for your visit to Hollywood Studios.

Category : Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Scary, Dark

Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass : Disney Genie+ attraction

3. Midway Mania

Toy Story Midway Mania! is an exhilarating interactive 4-D shootin’ game starring your favorite characters from  Toy Story

Enter Andy’s room and rummage through a toy chest full of games until you find a pair of 3D glasses. Then, climb aboard a tram and use a spring-action shooter to hit a wide array of moving targets. You’ll compete against other players and try to get the highest score.

These are the five fast-paced games you will play:

• Hamm & Eggs (use hardboiled eggs to hit targets in a barnyard)
• Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts (throw darts and pop balloons near a prehistoric volcano)
• Green Army Men Shoot Camp (hurl baseballs at dinner plates)
• Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers (toss rings and try to catch the aliens)
• Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery (throw suction-cupped darts at the “Woody’s Roundup” targets)

Remember: You get points when you hit your target. Hard-to-hit targets – and secret targets – are worth more points. But its easy enough to score that even toddlers enjoy this ride . Have fun!

Category : Spinning

Height Requirement : Any

Good for : All

4. Slinky Dog Dash

Toy Story Land  opened in 2018 to much fanfare. But now that  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge  has opened, some of that excitement has shifted away from Toy Story Land. As such, lines at Toy Story Land’s attractions are starting to taper back to manageable levels.

That’s great news for anyone who has yet to experience Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, or Alien Swirling Saucers!

While all of the Toy Story Land attractions are great, we would opt for  Slinky Dog Dash  over  Toy Story Mania  as the one ride to prioritize in this new area of the Disney park.  This is because Slinky Dog Dash is our absolute favorite family-friendly coaster in all of Disney World.

Andy has assembled the “Mega Coaster Play Kit at this attraction,” and you join Slinky Dog for a wild ride through Andy’s backyard. You will travel past giant toys as you gently coast up and down hills and curve around hairpin turns.

Yes, this isn’t the scariest coaster at Disney World by any stretch of the imagination, but that’s perfectly ok. If you want a wild roaster coaster ride, then check out our #2 pick.

As for Slinky Dog Dash, this attraction is simply pure joy and fun for anyone of any age.

Category : Thrill Ride, Small Drops

Height Requirement : 38″ or taller

5. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

If Slinky Dog Dash is too tame for your liking, then head over to  Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster  starring Aerosmith.  This fast-paced roller coaster is sure to kick your adrenaline into high gear!

The attraction begins with a glimpse of the legendary rock band Aerosmith as they complete a recording session. But when the band realizes they’re late for a concert on the other side of town, they must leave in a hurry.

You are in luck because they invite you along for the ride in their limo!

Riders climb aboard the limousine (roller coaster) and buckle up before racing off into the night.  Aerosmith’s signature songs blast from a 32,000-watt audio system as you zoom through the city on this wild roller-coaster-style attraction.

Guests will speed through the darkness, past legendary Hollywood landmarks, skidding through traffic jams, and loop into three inversions (2 rollovers and one corkscrew loop). It’s the only  Disney World roller coaster  that turns Guests upside down during their ride.

Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster reaches speeds of up to 57 mph, making it one of the fastest rides in Disney World.

This ride is short and sweet and should be a top priority on every adrenaline junkie’s list!

Category : Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Loud

Height Requirement : 48″ or taller

6. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a wild adventure through a colorful cartoon universe.

The attraction is based on the award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts (2013) and is the first Mickey Mouse-themed ride at any Disney theme park.  It replaces The Great Movie Ride and opened in March 2020 (right before the coronavirus pandemic forced Disney to shut its doors).

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway begins as Mickey and Minnie are out for a leisurely drive in their sportscar. Engineer Goofy’s train is following closely behind, and YOU get to join in, too!

Guests climb aboard the runaway railway and prepare to embark on a wild, zany, and fun ride. There are surprising and hilarious twists at every turn, and the technology and animation are truly magical. A must for any Disney fanatic!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is appropriate for fans of all ages.

Category : Trackless Dark Ride

Good for : Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults

Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass : Disney Genie+

7. Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run

Take control of the  Millennium Falcon  on an exhilarating interactive smuggling mission. Whether your role is as a pilot, gunner, or engineer, you are crucial to its success.

The engine rumbles as you and your crew are pushed back in your seats as the ship blasts off into hyperspace. Get ready for excitement – and danger!

Will your mission be a success? Find out as you attempt to maneuver your way to victory aboard the Millennium Falcon.

Category : Thrill Ride, Small Drops, Dark, Loud

Height Requirement : 38” (97cm) or taller

BONUS: Muppet*Vision 3D

Muppet*Vision 3D has been a Hollywood Studios fan favorite ever since the attraction opened in 1991.

This 3D film/live theater experience takes place in Muppet Theater, a near-perfect replica of  The Muppet Show’s  theater. And, as you may have guessed, this attraction is based on the classic TV show and features all of your favorite Muppets, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang.  Jim Henson Productions and Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated on this attraction to add to the authenticity.

Henson both directed the attraction’s film and lent his voice to Kermit the Frog.

The film combines 3D with in-theater 4D effects.  Imagineers used a variety of lighting effects, projections, soap bubbles, smoke, live performers, and  Audio-Animatronics  to complete the experience. With the dazzling special effects, the fun on-screen musical numbers, and a queue that winds through Dr. Bunsen Honeydew’s “Muppet Labs,”  Muppet*Vision 3D  is a lighthearted and enjoyable experience for kids of all ages.

Our only complaint is that the attraction could use an update since it’s basically the same show since its initial launch.

Muppet*Vision 3D is one of those unique and classic Disney attractions that everyone should experience at least once.

The show is only 15 minutes long, air-conditioned, and family-friendly, and you probably won’t need to use a Genie+ selection. There’s really no reason to skip this one!

Category : 3D Movie and Stage Show

Times: 10 AM – 6 PM; shows on the hour

Guide: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions

The 6 lands of hollywood studios.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is divided into  6 distinct lands . Each of these themed areas takes its inspiration from real-life areas within Los Angeles and Hollywood California.

The themed areas of Hollywood Studios are Disney Animation Courtyard, Echo Lake, Grand Avenue, Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, and Toy Story Land. Now that Disney’s  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge  land is open. it has recently become the 7th themed area.

Below is a map of Hollywood Studios and its rides and attractions:

Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions

There are currently  17 rides and attractions  at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

Please keep in mind that certain Hollywood Studios rides have a minimum height requirement, but most of the park’s attractions are suitable for any age.

Here’s a breakdown of Disney’s Hollywood Studios rides by themed area (or land):

Current Hollywood Studio Attractions and Rides

Animation courtyard.

• Disney’s “Dumbo” Sneak Peek
• Animation Courtyard Star Wars Launch Bay
• Star Wars Launch Bay Theater
• Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
• Walt Disney Presents
• Wonderful World of Animation
• Disney Junior Play and Dance
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid
• Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
• Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Grand Avenue

• Muppet*Vision 3D

Hollywood Boulevard

• (no current attractions)

Sunset Boulevard

• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Toy Story Land

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Toy Story Mania

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on Play Disney Parks Mobile App
• Star Wars photo Opportunities (multiple locations)

What are the Best Hollywood Studios Rides for Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Passes?

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has fewer attractions than the other Disney theme parks, but there’s certainly plenty to see and do here. And like Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot, you probably won’t have time to experience  everything  here in a single day.

Our  Disney Crowd Calendar  and  Strategies to Avoid Lines  pages will help you come up with a strategy to avoid crowds.

We also recommend adding Disney Genie+ to your tickets so you’ll be able to take advantage of shorter wait times (via the Lightning Lane entrance). Here are some suggestions.

Best Hollywood Studios Rides for Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Passes

There is currently one pay-per-ride Lightning Lane Pass attraction:

We think paying a little extra to skip the normal standby lines is worth it.

If you opt for the paid Disney Genie+ add-on, we recommend concentrating on the following high-demand attractions:

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Toy Story Mania!
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t get a second opinion on the best rides at Hollywood Studios.  Here’s the viewpoint of our  favorite Disney YouTube Channel , The Vacationeer .

Enjoy your trip to Hollywood Studios!

We hope that our Best Hollywood Studios Rides article helps you prioritize your Hollywood Studios itinerary.

Are you searching for more useful Disney World information? If so, then please review some of our other pages. Our  Hollywood Studios Restaurants Best Magic Kingdom Rides Best Epcot Attractions Best Animal Kingdom Rides Disney Dining Plan Calculator ,  and  Disney World Weather   may be helpful.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World Resort vacation, then please contact our friends at   The Vacationeer . Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge! We’re confident that you’ll love what they can do for you.

Thanks for reading and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!

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