Hollywood & Beverly Hills: Open Bus Tour with Celebrity Homes

Summary

Ride past the hollywood sign and walk of fame on an open bus tour through celebrity neighborhoods

You’ll ride an open-air bus through Hollywood & Beverly Hills with a local guide sharing stories along Sunset Strip, Mulholland Drive, and Rodeo Drive. Snap photos at the Hollywood Sign and Walk of Fame, spot celebrity homes, and pause at famous landmarks—plus plenty of unscripted moments along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Marcos was already waiting by Marilyn Monroe’s star when I got there — he waved me over like we’d met before, even though I’d just booked this Hollywood open bus tour last night. There was a couple from Michigan asking about their favorite actor’s star (I think it was Denzel?), and Marcos actually knew exactly where to point them. People milled around taking photos, some trying to act casual but you could tell they were buzzing. The smell of street pretzels mixed with car exhaust — classic LA combo, honestly.

The bus itself is open-air so you feel the city right away — warm breeze, all that noise from Sunset Strip rolling in as we drove past neon signs and old theaters. Marcos kept calling out stories about who lived where (he said something about Keanu Reeves jogging here once; who knows if it’s true but it made us laugh). We slowed for a view of the Hollywood Sign up on the hill — everyone scrambled for a photo, elbows bumping, but nobody seemed to mind. You get these quick flashes of palm trees against blue sky and then suddenly you’re on Rodeo Drive staring at window displays that probably cost more than my rent.

I didn’t expect to care much about seeing celebrity homes but there’s something weirdly fun about craning your neck at some fancy gate while our guide tells us which reality show filmed nearby. At one stop near the Beverly Hills sign, a little kid tried to feed pigeons his leftover fries while his mom took selfies. It smelled like fresh-cut grass and sunscreen. We had ten minutes there — enough time for a bathroom run or just to watch people posing for photos pretending they belong in 90210.

By the end, my hair felt tangled from the wind and my phone was full of blurry pictures (the kind you swear you’ll sort later). Even if you’ve seen these places in movies a million times, being there with real people laughing and pointing things out feels different. Sometimes I still think about that first glimpse of the hills behind all those billboards — not sure why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hollywood landmarks and celebrity homes tour

• Arrive early at Walk of Fame
• See Marilyn Monroe's star
• View the Hollywood Sign
• Pass by Dolby Theatre
• Pass by TCL Chinese Theatre
• Pass by Laugh Factory
• Drive through West Hollywood
• See Sunset Strip
• Pass by Beverly Hills Hotel
• Stop at Beverly Hills Sign for photos
• See Rodeo Drive shopping district
• View Hollywood Hills and celebrity homes

Top questions

Where does the Hollywood open bus tour start?

The tour starts on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Marilyn Monroe’s star.

Does this tour include seeing celebrity homes?

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

Is there a photo stop at the Hollywood Sign?

You’ll have views of the Hollywood Sign from several points on the route for photos.

How long do we stop at the Beverly Hills sign?

You get about 10 minutes at the Beverly Hills sign for photos and restrooms.

Are guides included on this Los Angeles bus tour?

Yes, a local driver/guide leads the tour and shares stories throughout.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the starting point on Walk of Fame.

Can children join this open bus tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the starting location.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided ride on an open-air bus through Los Angeles landmarks like Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip, Mulholland Drive, Rodeo Drive, West Hollywood, plus stops for photos—including at Beverly Hills sign—and stories from your local driver/guide before returning to your starting point on Walk of Fame.