Hollywood Helicopter Tour: Iconic Signs & Skyline Views

A scenic flight over Hollywood Hills, the Chinese Theatre, Mulholland Drive, and the Hollywood Sign itself

A 35-minute helicopter tour departing from Van Nuys Airport that flies over the Hollywood Hills, Sunset Boulevard, Mulholland Drive, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign, with a live English-speaking guide and panoramic windows for unobstructed views. The tour operates day or night, weather permitting, and requires a minimum of two passengers. Groups of four or more fly in separate rotations. All applicable taxes and fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Hollywood sights

• Depart from Van Nuys Airport
• Fly over Hollywood Hills and homes
• See Sunset Boulevard from above
• Fly above Mulholland Drive
• View Hollywood Sign up close
• See Chinese Theatre from above
• Admire Downtown Los Angeles skyline

The experience

Thirty-five minutes is how long it takes to see what would take hours from the ground. The helicopter departs Van Nuys Airport (the same airfield where scenes from Casablanca were filmed), and climbs over the Hollywood Hills, where you pass above the homes and neighborhoods that line the ridges. From there, the route carries you over Sunset Boulevard and Mulholland Drive, the famous highway that runs the spine of the Santa Monica range, before banking toward the Hollywood Sign itself. The panoramic windows mean nothing blocks the view, and the guide narrates what you're seeing as it passes below.

The tour also takes you over the TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard and the glittering towers of Downtown Los Angeles. Flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather and weight distribution. The helicopter's safety depends on how passengers are seated and their combined weight, so the operator will ask for your height and weight when you book. If you're flying with a group of four or more, expect multiple flights rather than one shared departure. The company staggers larger groups to keep the aircraft balanced and within limits.

You'll need to bring both a government-issued ID and the credit card used to book, as the operator verifies both before you board. Infants under 24 months can sit on an adult's lap at no charge if there are at least two adults on board. Children 24 months and older need their own seat. The company also notes that temporary flight restrictions sometimes close airspace over Los Angeles, when VIPs are in town or during Dodgers or Rams games, the Downtown portion of the route may be off-limits, though the operator monitors these restrictions and usually has 24 to 48 hours' notice.

What’s included

• The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.
• panoramic helicopter windows for unobstructed views.
• all applicable taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:15

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by GROUP 3 HELICOPTERS

Is this one for you?This is a shared-flight tour, so you'll fly with other passengers and the helicopter will be seated according to weight distribution for safety. Book this if you want to see Hollywood's most famous sights from the air without renting a helicopter or hiring a private flight: the 35-minute route covers the major landmarks and costs far less than a private charter.

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Top questions

What will I actually see on this 35-minute helicopter tour?

The tour flies over the Hollywood Sign, TCL Chinese Theatre, Sunset Boulevard, Mulholland Drive, the Hollywood Hills, and Downtown Los Angeles's skyline. You depart from Van Nuys Airport and view everything through panoramic helicopter windows.

Can I book this tour if I'm traveling with a group?

Groups of four or more passengers fly in separate rotations rather than together, so multiple flights will be scheduled. A minimum of two passengers is required for any booking.

What do I need to bring to the helicopter?

Bring a government-issued ID and the credit card you used to book: the operator verifies both before boarding. You'll also need to provide your height and weight at the time of booking for safety and weight-distribution purposes.

Can infants and young children fly on this tour?

Infants under 24 months can sit on an adult's lap at no charge when at least two adults are on board. Children 24 months and older require their own full-fare seat and must use an approved safety belt or restraint system.

Does weather affect the flight schedule?

Yes, all flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions. The operator also monitors temporary flight restrictions that may close airspace over certain areas, such as during major sporting events or when VIPs are in town.

Is there a guide on the helicopter?

Yes, a live English-speaking guide narrates the tour and points out landmarks as you fly over them.