13 Best Hollywood Tours From Santa Monica (2024)
If you’re in sunny Santa Monica and looking to experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in the best way possible, you’re in the right place. In this blog, you’ll discover the absolute best Hollywood tours from Santa Monica, where I’ll give a local insight into the best-kept secrets, help you view iconic landmarks, and share tips to ensure you truly experience the magic of Hollywood!
What Can You See on a Hollywood Tour From Santa Monica?
What you can see on a Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica totally depends on which tour you pick and what your exact interests are. However, in general, there is a TON to see on a Hollywood tour!
Expect to see iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where your favorite stars’ names are immortalized, and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic Hollywood Sign perched on the hills.
Along the way, your tour guide might share intriguing anecdotes about the entertainment industry. Plus, you’ll likely explore vibrant neighborhoods, such as West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, for a taste of the local culture.
A NOTE: Hollywood is iconic and the sites here are definitely worth a visit. However, it’s important to note that most visitors to LA have an overly glamorized vision of Hollywood in their heads. The reality is that it’s always busy, dirty, and full of tourist traps.
The best way to see Hollywood is on a tour where your guide can help you avoid those traps and take you through the best of the sites. I also highly recommend a tour that doesn’t ONLY focus on Hollywood but rather takes a more comprehensive tour of the best Los Angeles sites.
How Much Does It Cost to Go on a Hollywood Tour?
The cost of a Hollywood tour can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of tour, its duration, and the amenities included. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect:
- Basic Bus Tours: Standard bus tours, which provide an overview of Hollywood’s attractions, usually range from $35 to $60 per person.
- VIP Tours: VIP or deluxe tours, often with smaller groups and additional perks, can range from $75 to $150 or more per person.
- Private Tours: If you prefer a more personalized experience, private tours can start at around $150 per hour and go up from there.
- Specialty Tours: Some tours focus on specific aspects of Hollywood, like celebrity homes or movie studio tours. These can have varying costs, so it’s best to check with the tour provider.
- Walking Tours: If you’re interested in exploring Hollywood on foot, walking tours might be a budget-friendly option, typically ranging from $20 to $40 per person.
Keep in mind that prices can change over time, so it’s a good idea to check with tour providers for the most up-to-date pricing and any special offers.
Additionally, some tours may offer discounts for children, seniors, or group bookings. Always consider what’s included in the tour package, as amenities like meals, guided commentary, and access to specific attractions can influence the cost.
Can You Take a Tour of Hollywood Studios?
Yes, you can take tours of Hollywood studios, and it’s a fantastic way to get a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry. Several major studios in the Los Angeles area offer studio tours, including:
- Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal Studios offers the famous Studio Tour, where you can explore their working movie studio and experience movie-themed attractions. It’s a blend of entertainment and behind-the-scenes insights.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Warner Bros. offers a guided tour that takes you through their studio lot, where you can see iconic sets and soundstages used in popular films and TV shows.
- Paramount Pictures Studio Tour: Paramount offers a tour that includes a visit to their backlot, where you can see various film and TV locations.
- Sony Pictures Studio Tour: Sony Pictures offers a guided tour of their studio lot, showcasing sets, soundstages, and the history of film and television production.
Best Hollywood Tours From Santa Monica
1. Best All-Around: The Best of LA Tour, From Santa Monica
Pricing: Starts at $99
Timing: 7 to 9 hours
Top Sites:
This comprehensive, all-day excursion offers an exciting journey through the city’s most iconic sites and neighborhoods. Begin with a convenient hotel pickup in Santa Monica, and leave on an adventure led by a knowledgeable guide.
You’ll have the opportunity to visit renowned landmarks, such as the Walk of Fame, cruise down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Venice Beach.
Luckily for those of you coming from Santa Monica, opting for the “Santa Monica Departure” guarantees an immediate start to the tour.
REVIEWS:
2. Best Private Tour: Private Limo Hollywood Tour
Pricing: Starts at $1,040 per group (up to 5 people)
Timing: 4 OR 5 hours
Choosing a private Hollywood tour from Santa Monica offers a personalized experience tailored to your interests, allowing you to set your own pace and itinerary. You’ll see all the top sites, with personalized advice from your guide.
You’ll be sharing the tour with your own group, whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, without the presence of strangers. This exclusive, intimate tour has a private guide to offer in-depth insights, stories, and insider information about Hollywood.
This company offers either a 4 or 5-hour tour.
REVIEWS:
3. Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour From Santa Monica
Pricing: Starts at $103
Timing: 5.5 hours
Top Sites:
This tour is excellent for those who want a taste of Hollywood but prefer a shorter tour. This option still packs a punch with seeing all the top sites and learning valuable information, but saves you some hours in your day to explore on your own.
REVIEWS:
4. Big Bus Los Angeles Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Tour
Pricing: Starts at $49
Timing: Choose either a 1-day or 2-day ticket
Top Sites:
A hop-on-hop-off tour of Hollywood and Los Angeles is a fantastic option if you’re seeking flexibility. With this tour, you have the freedom to choose your own timing and pace by getting on or off at any of the marked stops, making it ideal for those who prefer a less guided experience.
You can disembark at any stop that piques your interest, explore at your leisure, and then hop back on the next available bus when you’re ready to move on. Listen to the recorded commentary as you travel for more information on the sites. It’s a convenient way to travel from Santa Monica to see the iconic sights of Hollywood, making the most of your time while enjoying the city’s highlights at your own pace.
REVIEWS:
*A note about the reviews… There are a couple of more negative reviews that mention it’s not worth it because of LA traffic. There is ALWAYS bad traffic in LA, unfortunately, and your other option to see the sights would be to Uber, take a public bus, or drive your own rental car. While these are all valid options, none of them fix the problem of LA traffic.
Los Angeles is a very spread out city, you will be spending A LOT of time driving, that is just the nature of this city. Uber prices add up quickly as do rental car and parking fees.
I actually think the hop-on hop-off tours are a great economical option to see the major sites, but you do have to be prepared to spend a full day or two exploring and getting stuck in traffic – it’s part of the LA experience!
Additional Hollywood Tours
The following options are additional tours in Hollywood, they do not necessarily have a pick-up in Santa Monica. The meet-up may be on location, so this is ideal for those who have a rental car or are willing to take an Uber or public transportation.
One of the very best things to do when visiting Hollywood is to take a studio tour. I highly recommend experiencing the Warner Bros. Studio Tour for a look into the heart of Hollywood’s film and television history.
Joining a small group, you’ll have the chance to explore back-lot sets and sound stages, walk in the footsteps of your favorite “Friends” at the Central Perk cafe, and gain insights into the fascinating world of green-screen technology.
The tour’s grand finale is truly spectacular, as you become a part of iconic DC Universe and Harry Potter movies on meticulously recreated sets. Additionally, you can shop for merchandise from beloved TV shows and movies.
With the advantage of a small group, you’ll enjoy more personalized attention from your knowledgeable tour guide, who will unveil the studio’s 100-year movie history and share captivating movie-making secrets throughout the tour.
REVIEWS:
6. Official Hollywood Sign Hike: Walk to the Hollywood Sign
Pricing: Starts at $30
Timing: 2.5 hours
This is the best Hollywood hike as it’s the only trail that takes you up behind the sign. The city tries to deter tourists from finding this trailhead and diverts most traffic over to the Griffith Observatory. The trails by the observatory only have views of the sign, whereas this hike has BOTH excellent views and photo opportunities as well as getting high up behind the sign.
Enjoy epic views over the Los Angeles basin while you hear stories about the history of Hollywood from your knowledgeable guide.
REVIEWS:
7. Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour
Pricing: Starts at $45
Timing: 2 hours
This Hollywood tour takes you to some of the most iconic landmarks in the area, including the legendary Hollywood Sign, the famous Walk of Fame, and the historic Chinese Theatre. As you cruise through the upscale neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, keep your eyes peeled for celebrity homes – you might catch a glimpse of residences belonging to stars like Tom Cruise, Taylor Swift, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
It’s a thrilling way to explore the star-studded streets of Hollywood and soak in the allure of celebrity culture!
REVIEWS:
8. Hollywood Helicopter Tour
Pricing: Starts at $395
Timing: 35 minutes
For a truly unique view of Hollywood, check out this thrilling 35-minute celebrity-themed helicopter ride. You’ll witness the iconic Hollywood Sign from a perspective few get to enjoy – above it.
Marvel at bird’s-eye views of legendary streets like Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, and soar over famous landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre (Grauman’s) and the Dolby Theatre. This helicopter tour offers an unforgettable way to experience Hollywood while providing a unique vantage point to appreciate its renowned attractions.
REVIEWS:
For those experiencing the City of Angels for the first time, the Ultimate LA & Hollywood Photo Tour offers an exceptional way to explore. Kicking off at the iconic Dolby Theater, this small-group tour takes you on a journey through the must-see highlights of Los Angeles and Hollywood, as well as some hidden gems that even locals might not know about.
What sets this tour apart is your guide, a skilled photographer, who will capture fantastic photos of you at the most picturesque spots along the way. So, not only do you get to discover the city’s beauty, but you’ll also have stunning visual memories to cherish.
REVIEWS:
10. Hollywood Walking Tour
Pricing: Starts at $50
Timing: 2 hours
For those who want to spend time exploring Hollywood on foot, this walking tour delves into the city’s rich history where you’ll learn how this once-small farming town blossomed into the dazzling metropolis we know today.
Highlights of the tour include the oldest house in Hollywood and close encounters with iconic sites such as the Walk of Fame, Capitol Records Building, Egyptian Theater, Dolby Theater, and the TCL Chinese Theater, the famed home of the Academy Awards.
With the tour wrapping up in time for lunch, it’s a perfect way to spend a roughly 2-hour morning immersing yourself in Hollywood’s past and present. Plus, the small group size ensures your questions are heard, making it a family-friendly exploration of Hollywood where children under 12 years old can join for free.
REVIEWS:
11. Mount Hollywood Hike (Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign)
Pricing: Starts at $55
Timing: 3 hours
Experience the sheer epicness of Los Angeles from the summit of Mount Hollywood on this enjoyable, educational, and easily accessible hike that starts from the Griffith Observatory. As you hike into the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park, you’ll uncover the stories of the city’s original inhabitants, the evolution of Los Angeles, and the lay of the land that shaped it.
On the descent, you’ll discover prime spots for capturing breathtaking shots of iconic landmarks, including the world-famous Hollywood Sign. This hike not only offers spectacular city views but also provides valuable insights into the history and development of Los Angeles.
This is a good family option as the tour is free for children aged 7-11 years old. Make sure to spend some time at the (free) Griffith Observatory after your tour!
REVIEWS:
12. E-Bike Tour Hollywood Sign Adventure
Pricing: Starts at $85
Timing: 2.5 hours
Explore Hollywood from a different perspective on this unique e-bike tour. Join a small group and meet your guide on Hollywood Boulevard, where you’ll be equipped with a bike and helmet.
Set out on a leisurely 6-mile (10-kilometer) ride that takes you up close to iconic sights such as the TCL Chinese Theatres and the Capitol Records Building. You’ll even enjoy a short hike in Griffith Park, offering stunning panoramic views of the iconic Hollywood Sign.
With a group size capped at just six people, you’re guaranteed a personalized and safe experience. It’s a fantastic way to see more of the city in less time while learning fascinating stories from your knowledgeable guide.
REVIEWS:
13. Tour Hollywood With an LA Filmmaker
Pricing: Starts at $55
Timing: 2 hours 15 minutes
Explore the famous Hollywood sites with a twist – an LA filmmaker as your guide! You’ll explore Hollywood’s historical movie theaters and iconic landmarks, including the prestigious Dolby Theatre, renowned as the home of the Oscars, the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre.
You’ll also discover Disney’s flagship cinema and visit the world’s very first movie premiere location, all while gaining fascinating insights into Hollywood’s rich history from your filmmaker guide.
REVIEWS:
FAQs – Hollywood Tours From Santa Monica
The Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour is the best option for seeing celebrity homes in LA.
It depends on which Hollywood bus tour you take from Santa Monica, but the average is anywhere from 4 to 9 hours.
You can get started on the Hop on Hop off bus at a number of locations around Los Angeles, including a few stops that depart from Santa Monica.
The bus times generally start around 10-11am with the last stops at about 3:45-4:30pm. The best way to stay up to date with bus stop locations and timings is to visit the Big Bus website or download the Big Bus app.
Yes, it is worth it for many visitors. It offers a convenient way to explore the city’s top attractions at your own pace, with informative commentary. It’s especially valuable for first-time visitors looking to see multiple sights in a day while avoiding the hassle of driving and parking.
Yes, visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame is free. You can stroll along the sidewalk and admire the thousands of stars embedded with the names of famous entertainers without any cost. However, there may be fees for parking in the area or for guided tours if you choose to take one.
CONCLUSION: Hollywood Tours From Santa Monica
Many excellent Hollywood tours from Santa Monica offer a blend of entertainment, history, and iconic sights. Whether you choose to explore on an open-air bus, an e-bike, or by foot, these tours provide a captivating glimpse into this famous city.
From the Hollywood Sign to celebrity homes and historic landmarks, the journey promises unforgettable experiences. And for those seeking a more personalized adventure, private tours and photo tours add an extra layer of depth to your exploration. Hollywood’s allure is beautifully complemented by the accessibility and variety of tours available from Santa Monica, making it a must-do for any traveler in the Los Angeles area.
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☀️ California FAQs ☀️
✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to California?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal
❗Is Travel Insurance Required in the U.S.?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing. It covers some medical as well, which is important in the U.S. due to the high cost of health care.
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☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit California?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest (in some parts it can be pretty hot) but you will have the most crowds. Some parts of the state get “June Gloom” where it can be cloudy during the morning and burn off by mid-day.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have the potential of rain, but you will beat some of the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in California?
Hotels, vacation rentals, and house-sitting are all available for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Vrbo
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
🌴 Where Can You Find Tours?
I find incredible tours around the world >>> HERE with private and guided group tours of the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in California?
I very highly recommend renting a car in California so you don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! California is fantastic for road trips – there is SO much to see up and down the coast. Plus, sites are often spread far out, even in the cities, so having a car is the most convenient option.
>>> Best car rental rates and deals
