Doors-Off Helicopter Photography Flight Los Angeles: 60 Minutes

You photograph from an open helicopter door while the pilot holds steady over each landmark.

A private doors-off aerial photography helicopter flight departing Long Beach covers 60 minutes of Los Angeles coastline and landmarks—the Queen Mary, Vincent Thomas Bridge, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Sign, and Downtown LA—with live guide commentary and headsets included. Groups are limited to a maximum of 3 passengers, and a minimum of 2 people per booking is required. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Doors-off aerial photography flight

• Depart from Long Beach
• Fly over Downtown Long Beach and Queen Mary
• Pass Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles
• View Vincent Thomas Bridge
• See USS Battleship Iowa
• Fly around Palos Verdes Peninsula
• Pass Manhattan Beach Pier
• Fly through LAX and Venice Beach
• View Santa Monica Pier
• Fly over Beverly Hills, UCLA, and Hollywood
• See Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory
• Fly over Dodgers Stadium and Downtown LA
• Return to Long Beach

The Experience

The flight leaves Long Beach and heads straight to Downtown Long Beach and the Queen Mary, then traces the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles toward the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the first welded suspension bridge in the United States. From there the helicopter sweeps around the Palos Verdes Peninsula—rugged coastline that cuts against the urban sprawl—and continues up the coast past Manhattan Beach Pier, skimming along the waves through LAX airspace and into Venice Beach.

Once you reach Santa Monica Pier, the route turns inland over Beverly Hills, UCLA, and Hollywood, passing the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. The flight then heads over Dodgers Stadium and Downtown LA, where you'll see the US Bank building, the tallest on the West Coast. The doors are off the entire time, and the headsets let you hear the guide clearly over the rotor noise. All taxes, fees, fuel surcharge and live commentary are included.

Check in 15 minutes before your flight time. The helicopter holds a maximum of 3 passengers, and a minimum of 2 people is required per booking. Weight limits apply: the R44 helicopter has a 300-pound per-seat limit with a 580-pound group total, and the R22 has a 220-pound per-seat limit. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 15. A liability waiver must be signed on arrival.

What’s included

• Headsets for clear communication with the live guide.
• private helicopter with a maximum of 3 passengers.
• live commentary on board throughout the 60-minute flight.
• all taxes, fees, and fuel surcharge.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Anthelion Helicopters

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to shoot from an open door without the cabin glare that stops most aerial photography—the doors stay off the entire flight, and the guide times the passes over each landmark so you can frame your shots. The private booking means no strangers between you and the window, and the 60-minute route covers enough ground to get the Hollywood Sign, the coastline, and Downtown LA in one flight.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the Grand LA Loop and the Downtown LA Only Photo Tour?

The Grand LA Loop covers the full 60-minute route from Long Beach through Downtown LA, the Queen Mary, Palos Verdes, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood, and back. The Downtown LA Only Photo Tour focuses on a shorter itinerary centered on the Downtown LA area and its landmarks.

Can I bring a camera or phone to shoot my own photos?

Yes, you can bring your own camera or phone. The doors-off setup is designed specifically for aerial photography, and you'll have an unobstructed view and open door access for shooting throughout the flight.

What happens if I arrive late for check-in?

Check-in is 15 minutes before your flight. If you arrive late, your flight may be cut short, or you can reschedule for another date. The flight time is fixed, so arriving on time ensures you get the full experience.

Are there weight restrictions I need to know about before booking?

Yes. The R44 helicopter has a 300-pound per-seat limit and a 580-pound group total. The R22 has a 220-pound per-seat limit. Weight verification happens on arrival, and passengers over the limit will not be able to fly and cannot receive a refund, though you can reschedule.

What's included in the flight price?

The price includes headsets for clear communication with the guide, live commentary on board, all taxes and fees, and the fuel surcharge. Gratuities are not included.

Is this flight suitable if I have a medical condition?

The flight is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. It is suitable for all other physical fitness levels. A liability waiver must be signed before the flight, and the pilot can end the tour early if safety becomes a concern.