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

Summary

See movie star homes, Rodeo Drive and the real LA energy in just two hours

You’ll ride an open-air bus through Hollywood and Beverly Hills, catching views of celebrity homes on Mulholland Drive, iconic spots like Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Sign, plus quick photo stops with your local guide sharing fun stories. Expect laughs, music drifting from Sunset Strip, and that feeling you’re part of LA—even if just for two hours.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if you’d actually spot someone famous just driving around LA? I didn’t think I’d care until we were rolling down Mulholland Drive, sun on my face and our guide—Tony—pointing out houses that looked straight out of a magazine. He had this way of telling stories, like when he joked about Tom Cruise’s mailbox being more photographed than most people’s weddings. The air was warm but not sticky, and honestly, I kept craning my neck for a glimpse of someone behind those hedges (no luck, but still fun).

We started right by the TCL Chinese Theatre—those handprints in the cement are smaller than you’d expect—and Tony gave us a minute to compare our hands to Marilyn Monroe’s. I got distracted by a street musician playing something jazzy nearby. Then we cruised past the Dolby Theatre (Oscars home!) and up toward the Hollywood Sign. There’s something about seeing it in real life—sort of surreal, almost like it’s floating above everything. The bus was open-air so you could smell hot pretzels from a vendor as we passed through the crowds.

I’m not usually into shopping districts but Rodeo Drive was another level; even the window displays felt intimidatingly fancy. Someone in our group tried to remember which Pretty Woman scene was filmed at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and Tony just laughed—said he hears that question every day. We stopped for photos at the Beverly Hills sign (the kind of stop where everyone pretends not to care but then takes twenty pictures anyway). The Sunset Strip was buzzing with music even in daylight, and Tony pointed out old rock clubs where legends played before they were legends.

The tour really does cover a lot in two hours—it didn’t feel rushed though. There was time for bathroom breaks and quick snacks if you needed them. If you’re looking for an easy way to get your bearings in Los Angeles and maybe catch a whiff of celebrity life (or just some good stories), this Hollywood bus tour is honestly worth it. I still think about that stretch of palm trees against the sky as we headed back downtown.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hollywood and Beverly Hills sightseeing

• Pass by Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
• See Dolby Theatre
• View Hollywood Sign from Mulholland Drive
• Pass Sunset Strip
• Drive down Rodeo Drive
• See celebrity homes
• Stop at Beverly Hills Sign for photos

Top questions

How long is the Hollywood & Beverly Hills bus tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Does the tour include stops for photos?

Yes, there is a 15-minute stop at the Beverly Hills Sign for photos and restroom break.

What landmarks will I see on this Hollywood bus tour?

You’ll see TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Sign, Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, Mulholland Drive, and various celebrity homes.

Is there a local guide on this tour?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads the tour and shares stories throughout.

Are car seats available for children?

Yes, car seats are provided for children under 8 or shorter than 4'9".

Is this bus tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and families with infants or small children.

Can I bring my stroller or pram?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this Hollywood bus tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the designated starting point near TCL Chinese Theatre.

What’s included

Your day includes an experienced local guide who brings LA’s history to life as you ride an open-air bus past famous sights like Mulholland Drive and Rodeo Drive. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities—including a stop at the Beverly Hills sign—and car seats are available for young kids so everyone can join comfortably.