Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Film Sites Small Group

Summary

Hollywood sign views venice beach strolls la film locations in one day

You’ll feel LA’s energy from Griffith Observatory’s sweeping views to Venice Beach’s wild boardwalk life—all with easy hotel pickup from Anaheim or Buena Park. Walk Hollywood Boulevard, eat at the Original Farmers Market, snap photos by Beverly Hills’ famous sign, and end with salty air at Santa Monica Pier. It’s a lot packed into one day—but somehow it doesn’t feel rushed.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way our driver, Carlos, hummed along to an old pop song as we pulled away from the hotel in Anaheim. Not a big group—maybe a dozen of us—so it felt relaxed right away. The city outside was still waking up, palm trees flicking past the windows. I didn’t expect to catch my own reflection in the glass as we crossed into Los Angeles proper, but there it was—half excited, half sleepy.

Griffith Observatory was our first real stop. There’s something about standing up there—the wind tangling your hair, the faint smell of eucalyptus—and seeing the Hollywood Sign for real instead of just on postcards. Our guide pointed out neighborhoods below (“That’s Los Feliz,” she said, “and over there’s where they shot that scene from La La Land”). I tried to take a photo but honestly, nothing really captured how big LA looked from up there. You could hear someone practicing saxophone somewhere down the hill. Kinda surreal.

Hollywood itself was louder than I’d pictured—tourists everywhere, street performers doing Michael Jackson moves near the Walk of Fame stars. We ducked into the Chinese Theatre for a second (the handprints are smaller than you think), then wandered past the Dolby Theatre. At one point I nearly tripped over someone’s selfie stick and just laughed at myself—guess that’s part of any day trip to Los Angeles.

Lunch at the Farmers Market was chaos in the best way—smells of grilled meat and sweet pastries all mixed together. I grabbed tacos and sat outside watching people haggle over fruit. Later we cruised down Sunset Strip (Carlos had stories about every club), then stopped for quick photos by the Beverly Hills sign before heading out toward Santa Monica and Venice Beach. The sea breeze hit different after all that city noise; sand in my shoes, skateboarders weaving around us on the boardwalk. Someone handed me a flyer for a poetry reading—I still have it tucked in my bag somewhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Beaches

• Pick up from Anaheim hotels
• Pass by LA Memorial Coliseum and Staples Center
• Stop at Griffith Observatory for views
• Walk Hollywood Walk of Fame and see theaters
• Drive through Sunset Strip
• Visit home to the stars area
• Lunch and shop at Farmers Market
• Drive along Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills
• Visit Santa Monica Beach and Pier
• Explore Venice Beach Boardwalk and markets
• Pass by Marina Del Rey marina
• Optional photo stops on request
• Drop off at LAX area hotels

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Anaheim to LA tour?

Yes, complimentary pickup is included from hotels in Anaheim Resort Area and Buena Park.

How many people are on this small group tour?

The group size is capped at 20 passengers for a more personal feel.

Does this day trip visit both Hollywood and Venice Beach?

Yes, you’ll visit Hollywood (including Walk of Fame) plus Santa Monica and Venice Beach during the tour.

Can I bring luggage on this tour if I’m transferring to LAX?

Yes, you can keep your luggage on the bus if you’re using free LAX area drop-off after the tour.

Is lunch provided during this LA sightseeing tour?

No set lunch is provided but you’ll have an hour to buy lunch at Los Angeles Original Farmers Market.

Are stops flexible if I want extra photos?

The driver can accommodate extra stops or photo requests when possible—just ask during your tour.

Is this LA day trip suitable for families with kids?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride on laps or in strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from Anaheim or Buena Park hotels, comfortable sightseeing transport with space for luggage if needed, guided stops at Griffith Observatory for sweeping city views and Hollywood Sign photos, time exploring Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, an hour for lunch at Los Angeles Original Farmers Market (lunch not included), plus visits to Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach before optional LAX area drop-off around 3:30pm.