10 Best Tours and Day Trips from Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of those cities you think you've always known, even without ever having set foot there, having been the setting for so many films and series. Read on to find out how to discover the city and its surroundings with these tours and excursions.

If you're visiting Los Angeles for the first time and don't know where to start, the Hollywood tour is a great way to explore its most iconic landmarks without worrying about traffic or public transport. On board a bus and accompanied by an expert guide, you'll travel through the city's most iconic streets while discovering stories, anecdotes and curiosities about the film industry and celebrities.

It's a convenient and efficient way to get to know Hollywood and the surrounding area in one tour. This tour not only covers the most famous film and TV locations, but also takes you to other must-see corners of Los Angeles, from the Pacific Coast to the exclusive streets of Beverly Hills.

Itinerary

• Walk of Fame: Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and look for the stars of your favourite artists.
• Hollywood Sign: Enjoy spectacular views of the famous sign and learn about its history.
• Beverly Hills: Stroll through the luxurious streets where many celebrities live and admire the most impressive mansions in the area.
• Rodeo Drive: Discover the famous shopping avenue lined with luxury boutiques.
• Santa Monica: Visit the iconic pier with its Ferris wheel, the end of Route 66 and the lively beach.
• Venice Beach: Explore this vibrant seaside neighbourhood known for its promenade lined with street art, shops and street performers.

Recommended if you...

This type of bus tour is ideal for those who want to see several iconic spots in Los Angeles in a single day, without worrying about traffic and long walks. It's also a great option for families, as it's easy to get around with children and prams.

Duration and approximate price

• Approximate duration: 7 hours and includes several stops at the main points of interest.
• Price: usually around €80-90 per person, depending on the season and availability.

If you prefer a shorter version of this tour, you can opt for the Hollywood and Celebrity Homes tour, which is shorter and focuses on celebrity mansions.

If you already know Los Angeles and are looking for a different experience, the 3 days and 2 nights tour is a perfect opportunity to discover some of California's most beautiful coastal cities. On board a van or coach, you will travel through iconic places such as Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Carmel, enjoying spectacular scenery and a tour that combines history, nature and culture.

The trip includes two nights' accommodation and a guide to accompany the driver, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience. From the European charm of Solvang to the stunning beauty of Yosemite National Park or the grandeur of Hearst Castle, this tour will allow you to experience the best of the West Coast in just a few days.

Itinerary

• Santa Barbara: Discover a Spanish colonial mission and learn about its historical significance.
• Solvang: Visit this quaint town of Danish architecture with traditional restaurants and bakeries.
• Carmel: Explore this charming seaside town after walking along the famous 17-Mile Drive.
• San Francisco: Sail the bay on a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, circle Alcatraz and visit Chinatown and Twin Peaks.
• Yosemite National Park (in summer): Marvel at its lakes, giant sequoias and breathtaking waterfalls.
• Monterey and Hearst Castle (in winter): Tour Cannery Row and the waterfront before visiting the extravagant mansion of tycoon William Randolph Hearst.

Recommended if...

This tour is ideal for those who want to explore different landscapes and cities in one trip, combining nature, culture and California history. If you are travelling in a group, please note that the accommodation allows a maximum of three people per room, so for larger groups it is advisable to make separate bookings.

Duration and approximate price

• Duration: 3 days and 2 nights and includes accommodation in selected hotels.
• Price: varies according to season and availability but starts from €560.

Other excursions to Yosemite National Park

• Yosemite and Glacier Point 2 day tour from Los Angeles - from £444
• 2 day Yosemite and Kings Canyon tour from Los Angeles - from £320
• Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Yosemite and Las Vegas 5 day tour - from £736

Travelling in a classic convertible car is a unique and authentic way to experience Los Angeles. With the Los Angeles Classic Convertible Car Tour, you'll be able to tour the city's most iconic neighbourhoods while an expert guide reveals stories and trivia about the mecca of cinema.

This private tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views, take unforgettable photographs and feel like you're in a Hollywood movie as you drive through its most iconic streets. And because it's a personalised tour, you can stop at different points to admire each place at your own pace.

Itinerary

• Walk of Fame: See the stars of Hollywood Boulevard up close.
• Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre: Key venues for film premieres and the Oscar gala.
• Capitol Records Tower: An iconic building in music history.
• Rodeo Drive: Stroll along the luxury shopping street of Beverly Hills.
• Hollywood Sign: See and photograph the famous sign from a vantage point.
• Sunset Strip: Discover the energy of its legendary bars, clubs and concert venues.

Ideal for those looking for...

If you are passionate about classic cars, movies or just want to see the city from a different perspective, this tour offers an original and comfortable way to explore Los Angeles. Perfect for those who enjoy exclusive experiences, with the nostalgic touch that only a vintage car can provide.

Duration and approximate price

• Approximate duration: 4 to 8 hours, depending on the option chosen when booking.
• Price: from €900 per group, depending on the number of participants and the selected duration.

If you want to get up close to the iconic Hollywood sign and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign guided tour is the ideal choice. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll take a scenic route through the hills of Griffith Park as you discover the history and curiosities of one of the world's most recognisable symbols.

This tour will not only take you to a vantage point for incredible photos of the sign, but will also give you an insight into the role Hollywood has played in the film industry and popular culture.

Itinerary

• Start the tour in Griffith Park with a moderate walk to the sign.
• Stops at scenic viewpoints to take pictures of the Los Angeles skyline.
• Explanations about the history of the Hollywood Sign and its evolution over the years.
• Arrival at the observation deck behind the sign for a unique view and photo opportunity.

Recommended if...

This tour is perfect for photography enthusiasts, as it allows you to capture breathtaking views of the city and the iconic sign from a unique perspective. It is also ideal for those who want a different Hollywood experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas.

Duration and approximate price

• Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.
• Price: From €25 per person.

For an unforgettable experience and an incomparable panoramic view of the city, the helicopter flight over Los Angeles is the perfect choice. During the tour, you will fly over the city's most iconic landmarks, enjoying a unique perspective of the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Coast.

Aboard a modern helicopter and accompanied by a professional pilot, you'll experience a thrilling adventure as you take in the most iconic sights of the film mecca from the air.

Itinerary

• Take off from Van Nuys or Burbank airport.
• Overflight of the Hollywood sign, with privileged views of the sign.
• Aerial tour of Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and Downtown skyscrapers.
• Panoramic view of the Santa Monica coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
• Return to base after a unique experience at altitude.

Recommended if...

This tour is ideal for those looking for an exclusive and exciting experience in Los Angeles. It is an excellent choice for special occasions, such as anniversaries or romantic proposals, as well as for those who want to capture the best views of the city without the constraints of traffic or crowds.

Duration and approximate price

• Duration: From 15 minutes.
• Price: From €180-190 per person, depending on the route and availability.

If you're passionate about mystery stories and the city's darkest cases, the Los Angeles Ghost and Crime Night Tour will take you to the most haunting locations in the city. You'll discover tales of unsolved murders, paranormal sightings and Hollywood's creepiest secrets.

Accompanied by a guide who specialises in urban legends and criminal history, you'll tour some of the city's most enigmatic spots, from haunted hotels to famous crime scenes.

Itinerary

• Visit allegedly haunted locations in Los Angeles and Hollywood.
• Tales of the Black Dahlia murder and other unsolved crimes.
• Stops at hotels with paranormal stories and unexplained mysteries.
• Exploration of old mansions and theatres reputed to be haunted.

Recommended if...

This tour is perfect for lovers of mystery, paranormal and true crime stories. If you enjoy urban legends and the darkest Hollywood stories, this night tour will give you another side to the city, away from the glamour and glitz of fame.

Duration and approximate price

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
• Price: From €35 per person, depending on availability.

If you prefer to explore Los Angeles at your own pace and in total comfort, a private tour is the ideal option. With a personalised itinerary, you can decide which places to visit, how much time to spend at each stop and when to start your tour. Plus, you'll have a local guide to accompany you throughout the experience.

This type of tour is perfect for those who want to see both the city's most famous icons and less touristy spots. From the breathtaking views of Mulholland Drive to the glamour of Beverly Hills, you'll have the opportunity to discover Los Angeles in an exclusive and uncrowded way.

Itinerary

• Pick up at any point within a 4 mile radius of Hollywood Boulevard.
• Stops at the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign and the Beverly Hills Sign.
• Tour the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive, areas lined with exclusive shops and restaurants.
• Visit Greystone Mansion and Park, an iconic movie set.
• Stop at Spadena House, the "House of Hansel and Gretel", ideal for unique photos.
• Exploration of Laurel Canyon, former home of rock stars such as Jim Morrison.

Recommended if...

This tour is ideal for those who want a private and flexible experience, without fixed schedules or large groups. It is an excellent option for families, couples or groups of friends who prefer to travel more comfortably and tailor the route to suit their interests. It is also available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, Russian and Armenian.

Duration and approximate price

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Price: Varies according to the number of people and options chosen.

If you want to see more than just Los Angeles, this tour will take you to some of the most fascinating corners of the California coast. From the elegance of Santa Barbara to the European charm of Solvang, not forgetting the grandeur of Hearst Castle, this trip combines history, culture and spectacular scenery in a single day.

Accompanied by a professional guide, you'll tour some of the state's most iconic sites by bus or van, discovering the Spanish influence in the region, the Danish heritage of Solvang and the opulence of William Randolph Hearst's mansion.

Itinerary

• Visit Santa Barbara, with free time to explore its beaches and historic harbour.
• Stop at the Spanish colonial mission to learn about its history and architecture.
• Tour of Solvang, the picturesque Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley.
• Opportunity to sample Danish cuisine and visit themed shops.
• Exploration of Hearst Castle, a luxurious mansion filled with art and a fascinating history.

Recommended if...

This is a perfect option for those who want to explore different facets of California in one day, combining nature, history and architecture. If you are interested in cultural diversity and the opulence of California's high society, this tour is an excellent choice.

Duration and approximate price

• Duration: Approximately 12 hours.
• Price: Between €160-180 per person, depending on season and availability.

San Diego, one of California's most vibrant cities, is a destination that combines history, beaches and culture. On this day trip, you'll discover its historic harbour, old town and some of the city's most iconic sites, all accompanied by a professional guide.

Itinerary

• Visit La Jolla, famous for its spectacular ocean views.
• Stop at Seaport Village and the USS Midway Museum, a historic aircraft carrier.
• Tour of Coronado Island and its iconic Hotel del Coronado.
• Stroll through Old Town San Diego, the first Spanish settlement on the West Coast.
• Free time to explore the Bazaar Del Mundo, an arts, crafts and souvenir market.

Recommended if...

This is an ideal option for those who wish to discover the history and coastal charm of San Diego in a single day. With its combination of culture, scenery and architecture, this tour is perfect for those looking for a varied and enriching excursion.

Duration and approximate price

• Duration: Approximately 13 hours.
• Price: Between 150-170 € per person, depending on availability.

Located in the heart of the California desert, Palm Springs is famous for its luxury spas, golf courses and iconic mansions. On this day trip, you will have the opportunity to tour the city with a professional guide and end the day with a shopping spree at the exclusive Desert Hills Premium Outlets.

Itinerary

• Scenic tour of Palm Springs, with views of the desert and mountains.
• Option to ride the Palm Springs Cable Car for spectacular views.
• Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, ideal for families.
• Free time for shopping at Desert Hills Premium Outlets, with discounts on luxury brands.

Recommended if...

If you are interested in modern architecture, desert landscapes and luxury shopping, this tour is a great way to enjoy a different kind of day out of Los Angeles.

Duration and approximate price

• Duration: Approximately 12 hours.
• Price: Between €160-180 per person, depending on the season and available offers.