Hollywood & Beverly Hills: Open Air Bus Tour with Celebrity Homes

Summary

See the Hollywood Sign, celebrity houses, Rodeo Drive and Sunset Strip in one breezy ride

You’ll ride through Hollywood’s famous streets in an open air bus, catching glimpses of celebrity homes, the Hollywood Sign, and Rodeo Drive with a local guide who knows all the stories. Expect quick photo stops, unexpected laughs, and that feeling you get when LA finally feels familiar for just a moment.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I thought the “celebrity homes” part would be kind of cheesy. But there we were, rolling up Mulholland Drive in this open air bus, wind messing up my hair (should’ve brought a hat), and our driver-guide, Marcus, was pointing out houses with stories that actually made me laugh. He knew which ones belonged to actors I’d heard of, but also tossed in random facts — like who always leaves their Christmas lights up too long. The city felt less like a postcard and more like someone’s weird, noisy backyard.

The first time we caught a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign, it was almost by accident — Marcus just said “look left!” and there it was through the haze. Not as big as you’d think from movies, but somehow more real? People on the bus kept craning for photos. I got one with someone’s elbow in it (classic). There was this warm smell of street food drifting up from somewhere below; LA always smells faintly like grilled onions and car exhaust to me. Maybe that’s just my memory now.

We stopped at the Beverly Hills sign for pictures — ten minutes or so to stretch and use the restroom. Someone asked Marcus if he’d ever seen a celebrity on tour; he grinned and said “not telling.” Rodeo Drive was next: all shiny windows and people pretending not to look at each other. I tried to pronounce “Beverly Wilshire” like Julia Roberts but mostly mumbled it. The whole day trip through Hollywood and Beverly Hills felt fast but weirdly intimate — like being let in on a joke you only half understand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hollywood and Beverly Hills sightseeing

• Pass by Hollywood Walk of Fame
• See Dolby Theatre
• View Hollywood Sign
• Drive through Hollywood Hills
• Pass Celebrity Homes and filming locations
• Stop 10 minutes at Beverly Hills Sign
• See Beverly Hills Hotel
• Pass Rodeo Drive shopping district
• Drive through West Hollywood
• See Sunset Strip and nightlife spots
• Pass Laugh Factory and Whisky a Go Go
• Return to Hollywood via Sunset Strip

Top questions

How long is the Hollywood & Beverly Hills open air bus tour?

The standard tour lasts about two hours depending on traffic; departures from Santa Monica with extra stops take around 3.5 hours.

Is there a stop at the Beverly Hills sign for photos?

Yes, there’s a 10-15 minute stop at the Beverly Hills sign for photos and restroom break.

Does this tour include seeing celebrity homes?

Yes, you’ll pass by celebrity homes along Mulholland Drive and in the Hollywood Hills during the tour.

What attractions are included on this day trip from Hollywood?

You’ll see the Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Dolby Theatre, TCL Chinese Theatre, Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, Laugh Factory, Whisky a Go Go, and more.

Are children allowed on this sightseeing tour?

Yes; car seats are provided for children under 8 years old or shorter than 4’9”.

Is pickup included for this Hollywood sightseeing tour?

The tour offers departures from Santa Monica as well as central locations near public transport options.

Do they provide rain ponchos if needed?

Yes; complimentary rain ponchos are available if needed during your open air bus ride.

What’s included

Your day includes an experienced local guide driving an open air bus past sights like the Hollywood Sign and Rodeo Drive; photo opportunities throughout; a short stop at the Beverly Hills sign for pictures and restrooms; car seats for young kids; plus complimentary rain ponchos if LA decides to surprise you with weather.