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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 20 August, 2023
Expert travel writer: Luciana Bellini

It may be home to Hollywood and Beverly Hills, but the City of Angels is more than just a la-la land of celebrities and Real Housewives.

This vibrant metropolis manages to check all the cosmopolitan capital boxes, from a buzzy art scene to top-notch dining.

Of course, it’s not all metro-fabulous here, and LA’s near-perfect natural setting between ocean, mountains and desert is a dream for outdoor adventurers – and who couldn’t love the weather?

But at the heart of it all is Hollywood, the economic wheel that keeps this celebrity drop-top rolling on.

Orientation

Most people’s definition of LA stretches from southern seaside communities such as Redondo Beach up along Southern California’s coastline to Malibu, and from the Pacific east to Downtown and beyond.

Along the way, the 500-plus mile stretch encompasses some 30 beaches, fashionable districts such as Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Bel-Air, and the Santa Monica Mountains. In fact, LA is the only city in the US to be bisected by a mountain range.

Key hubs:

Downtown LA

Up until recently Downtown LA was strictly for business travellers, but these days you’ll find LA’s most talked-about new restaurants and contemporary art galleries in this bustling, skyscraper-filled neighbourhood.

It’s one of the only truly walkable areas in LA, but be warned that the vibe here is distinctly grittier than Beverly Hills.

West Hollywood

While it’s common knowledge that LA has no centre, if you had to pick one, you’d probably go for West Hollywood, which is well-placed for getting anywhere in the city.

It’s also one of LA’s most fashionable spots, filled with cool concept stores and buzzy rooftop bars.

Santa Monica

This beachside neighbourhood showcases the best of sunny So-Cal life, with its miles of sandy coastline and beach promenades.

Come to watch the surfers zip through the waves before taking a walk along the delightfully gaudy pier, where you can ride on the world’s only solar-powered ferris wheel.

Beverly Hills

LA’s swankiest neighbourhood is known all over the world, and with good reason – nowhere does high-octane glamour quite like it.

Cruise the designer shops on Rodeo Drive, keeping one eye on the souped-up supercars whizzing past, before going celeb-spotting at one of the area’s many upmarket restaurants.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Old and New Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour

Los Angeles

Old and New Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour
Experience the history of Los Angeles from its urban development in the early 20th Century to now a home of historic landmarks. See the transformation of a commercially developed neighborhood into a residential community. You will see how our early 1900s buildings are part of the renovation of a new downtown!

Price: $38

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [138 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Los Angeles Star Tour

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Star Tour
See the the most famous star homes in the world! You'll drive in the newest, safest tour vans in Hollywood featuring 32" TV screens that show you inside the homes of the rich and famous! Take a 2 hour day or night tour of Hollywood, Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip!  See stars like Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Tom Cruise, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Elton John, J-Lo and many more! Tour generally makes one stop at a mountain overlook for group pictures. Overall fast pace helps you see a lot more sights. Simply the best tour value in Hollywood!!!

Price: $40

Min age: 0

Rating 4.23 / 5 [252 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Shared 3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour

Los Angeles

Shared 3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour
This is not your usual scripted tour. In contrast, it is customized and peppered with discussions about Los Angeles culture and history. By the end of this tour, you will have all the "Must Have" LA pictures. With our smaller size air-conditioned vehicles, we have access to locations that other companies only wish they could access. During the trip, you will have 3-4 actual stops at the most iconic locations throughout the city, and get the best photo opportunities as well as the stories behind the places by your own local tour guide. We will cruise through the mountains for the BEST outlook points like Mulholland Dr, make a stop at the HOLLYWOOD SIGN (SUPER CLOSE), and jump out at famous Palm Trees' Street. Also, we will see the American Film Academy, where hundreds of blockbusters (X-Men, SpiderMan, Rush Hour...) were shot and explore the hidden gems of Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Dr, etc... Perfect for travelers, friends, couples, families, or groups of up to 8 people.

Price: $49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [1159 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Ultimate LA & Hollywood Photo Tour

Los Angeles

The Ultimate LA & Hollywood Photo Tour
We will see & photograph the highlights of LA & Hollywood, old & new, with some unique twists not offered on any other tour! I'll help you get amazing, personalized, & shareable photos of a lifetime! We start & end the tour at the Dolby Theater, Chinese Theater, & Hollywood Walk of Fame - the heart of Hollywood. Then you'll get to explore & strike your own pose at the incredible public art, including "Angel Wings" and "Urban Light". You get to be a star in Beverly Hills at its sign & world-famous palm-lined streets. We'll visit the historical foodie destination that is the LA Farmers Market. Traveling past famous movie studios, we'll go to the BEST PLACE FOR PHOTOS of the iconic HOLLYWOOD SIGN. Bring out your creative side & make this a day you'll never forget! Private transportation is provided from start to finish. Please CONTACT ME if you want to arrange a different date or time than posted or have a larger group, & I'll make it happen!

Price: $69

Min age: 1

Rating 4.95 / 5 [112 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles
Check out the BEST Los Angeles has to offer on this half-day interactive sightseeing experience! Take a seat on one of our Air Conditioned Buses as our fun & entertaining driver-guide gives you an insider look at LA culture, history, landmarks, and hot spots. Stop at The Santa Monica Pier, The Grove/Original Farmer's Market for shopping & lunch, The Hollywood Sign, and the Griffith Observatory.

Price: $84

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [330 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Grand City Tour of Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Grand City Tour of Los Angeles
Discover the best that the city has to offer on our guided Grand City Tour of Los Angeles! For over 31 years, we’ve helped visitors see iconic sights like the Hollywood Sign and Rodeo Drive from the comfort of a private minibus driven by our friendly, experienced tour guides. With over 31 years of curating tours in Los Angeles, we have a pulse on what tourists want to see for a memorable vacation. On this Grand City Tour of Los Angeles, you will visit highlights like Downtown Los Angeles (City Center) and the Griffith Park Observatory -- where you will see the Hollywood Sign and a stunning view of Los Angeles. Then, you’ll visit Hollywood Blvd, the Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills where you will see select Celebrity Stars Homes. Finally, it’s off to lunch at the Original farmers market.

Price: $89

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [439 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Los Angeles Hollywood Beverly Hills Santa Monica Beach Grand Tour

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Hollywood Beverly Hills Santa Monica Beach Grand Tour
Experience a 7 hour Fully Narrated Tour onboard our Luxury Tour Buses. This Tour offers 4 convenient  (1 hour) Stops at Santa Monica Pier, Farmers Market, Griffith Observatory & The Walk of Fame. See The Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Rodeo dr, Sunset Strip, Movie Locations & Lots more...

Price: $95

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [668 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Los Angeles All Day Tour, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica

Los Angeles

Los Angeles All Day Tour, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica
See the best that the Los Angeles area has to offer on this full-day tour with our fun, exciting and knowledgeable tour guide.

Price: $95

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [134 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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

Los Angeles

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
This 7.5 hour guided tour - by LA-natives - is perfect for families, couples and all ages! Discover the area’s most iconic sights and landmarks including Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Dr., the Beverly Hills sign, iconic Farmer's Market at the Grove, The Griffith Park Observatory for a perfect selfie of the Hollywood Sign; the Hollywood walk of fame Grauman's Theatre, The Kodak Theatre, Sunset Strip and much more. Entertaining, friendly, informative and hilarious guides! Hotel pick-up and drop-off available for select tour options. We have private tour options as well!

Price: $99

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [3732 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Ultimate Los Angeles Tour - Full Day LA Sightseeing Tour On Electric Bike

Los Angeles

The Ultimate Los Angeles Tour - Full Day LA Sightseeing Tour On Electric Bike
Looking to make the most of your Los Angeles sightseeing? Take our LA in a Day bike tour. This leisurely paced LA tour includes all the best Los Angeles sightseeing attractions, on an outdoor, fresh-air, unforgettable bike tour. You’ll kick off your LA tour on legendary Route 66 in West Hollywood. From there, you head into one of the richest cities in the world and take a Beverly Hills tour, where you’ll explore some of LA’s most iconic architectural landmarks and celebrity homes and gardens. Next, you’ll visit the scenic West LA neighborhoods of Westwood and Brentwood, which lead to the beautiful coastal suburb of Santa Monica and the eclectic Venice Beach, known for their laid-back vibes, artistic communities, trendy shopping, gorgeous beach vistas, and welcoming atmosphere. Your Los Angeles tour wraps up with a trip through Culver City, home to famous, historic movie studios and LA’s booming technology sector. Bikes and Hikes LA looks forward to welcoming you on our LA tours!

Price: $175

Min age: 1

Rating 4.92 / 5 [382 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Luxurious Tour of Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Private Luxurious Tour of Los Angeles
Experience the very best of Los Angeles with an expert tour guide while riding in a luxurious vehicle on this 6 hour private and custom tour. You will be immersed in the history, culture, and excitement of LA. Snap a pic with the Hollywood Sign, walk along Venice Beach, drive down Rodeo Drive, fit your hands and feet in the famous impressions on Hollywood Blvd, play on the Santa Monica Pier, catch celebrities and drive by their homes, and so much more. Choose our standard itinerary or customize your own for an additional cost! This is the best way to way to experience LA with a private guide and vehicle.  Pick up and drop off at your hotel is included inside LA County. Extra charge for pickup outside of LA.

Price: $179

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [130 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Full-Day Tour of Los Angeles with Hotel Pickup

Los Angeles

Private Full-Day Tour of Los Angeles with Hotel Pickup
See the most famous sights of LA in a single day at a relaxed pace while riding in California style! Includes the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and other delightful spots. This tour is ideal for visitors with a limited amount of time in LA, or travelers that want an overview of different neighborhoods before exploring further. This tour lasts between 7-8 hours starting with free pick up from your hotel or AirBNB in the LA Area. You will be the only participants of this tour, so you can see what you want at your own pace. Travelers can customize this tour, meaning that you won't miss out on what you want to see. *Completely private tour with only your party and the driver guide. *Luxury EV SUV transportation. *Flexible and customizable itinerary. *Complimentary snacks and water. *Convenient pick up at your hotel or AirBNB.

Price: $290

Min age: 3

Rating 4.92 / 5 [85 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Classic Convertible Car Tour of Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Classic Convertible Car Tour of Los Angeles
We invite you to spend a day in Los Angeles on a private tour in a beautiful 1970s classic convertible car with one of our energetic and charismatic tour guides. Unwind and relax as you pass through the mansions of celebrities in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Your dreams will come true as you drive through the scenic streets of LA to see Hollywood sign, find your favorite stars on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and and get a cup of coffee or juice at one of the celebrities' hot spot. This will be a tour you will remember forever. Please note the number of hours booked will determine the number of attractions you will visit. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Price: $800

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [93 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Los Angeles Private Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour Best in LA

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Private Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour Best in LA
Experience our city in the most exclusive way you can. With the #1 guest-rated private tour company on TripAdvisor and Google for the last 15 years in a row. From pick up at your hotel/rental, we show you all the iconic sights in our city, including the BEST VIEW of the Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Dr., Santa Monica, Venice and Hollywood. From soft drinks to phone chargers, we leave nothing to chance. Our impassioned desire is to leave you with a collection of wonderfully fun, life-long memories of our fascinating city. Our guides take tremendous pride in making friends every time they guide a family through our city and they glow often when our client's feedback is filled with compliments calling them, fun, creative, attentive or simply amazing. As the #1 private tour company in the city, our goal is to provide an experience, not just a tour. But do not take our word for it, take a look at our amazing reviews! Book now as our tours tend to sell out!

Price: $899

Min age: 0

Rating 4.99 / 5 [103 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Deluxe Private Tour of Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Deluxe Private Tour of Los Angeles
Private Tour covering the most important and fun hotspots in Los Angeles with stops for photos and meals. The tour can include Hollywood, Sunset Strip, movie star Homes, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Griffith Park and Downtown Los Angeles. You will be able to see some of the best of LA's famed beaches with stops at the Piers to take in the sun and stroll on the sands in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey and Malibu.

Price: $1,000

Min age: 0

Rating 4.41 / 5 [55 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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When to go

Despite what you may have heard, LA isn’t always sunny – though it’s pretty damn close to being. June Gloom, when the fog rolls in, can make the sky grey during the early part of the summer.

But LA’s high desert setting keeps things generally warm, from the high fifties (15°C) during the winter to the eighties (26°-32°C) and up into triple digits (38°C+), depending on how far inland you are in the summer.

July and August see the city at its most crowded.

Getting there and away

LAX Airport is just ten minutes south of Santa Monica and 30 minutes from Beverly Hills, traffic permitting – which means you’re pretty much in the middle of things as soon as you arrive. Grab your car at the airport and take off. Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis available at the airport.

Getting around

Los Angeles is a driving town and renting a car is a must. Unfortunately, this auto obsession means traffic can be horrendous.

You’ll frequently hear references to the ‘four-o-five’ and the ‘one-o-one’. These refer to two major LA freeways. I-405 runs south to north from Orange County through the San Fernando Valley (known as ‘The Valley’), passing LA Airport along the way.

The Los Angeles portion of US Route 101 travels from west to east through the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, and into downtown. Know where you are in relation to these two freeways, and you’ll have a generally good idea of how to get around.

Wherever possible avoid driving during rush hour, from 7am-10am in the morning, and from 4pm-7pm at night. The stop-and-go traffic that plagues literally every LA street will make you want to bang your head against the wheel repeatedly.

Where to stay

Thanks to its proximity to the beach, as well as great dining, shopping and nightlife, most LA visitors base themselves on the Westside.

Santa Monica is perfect for those who prefer to stay beachside while still having access to good restaurants and shops.

West Hollywood is a favourite for its vibrant nightlife and hip vibe; Beverly Hills and Bel-Air are for those who prefer their holiday on the luxury setting.

A little further east is Hollywood. The studios might have left the area, but iconic attractions such as the Kodak Theatre still remain.

Where to shop

Ground zero for the laidback look, style in LA is all about the breezy and easy. Think maxi dresses, organic cotton tees, designer denim and big shades. Head to the myriad independent boutiques lining Westside shopping streets such as Abbot Kinney, Melrose and Robertson to tap into this brand of California cool.

But LA also knows how to do chichi – flashy Rodeo Drive may draw hordes of tourists rather than Hollywood starlets these days, but it’s still the place to come for the big designer names, from Dior to Dolce & Gabbana.