Los Angeles: 35-Minute Helicopter Tour Santa Monica & Malibu

Thirty-Five Minutes Above LA's Coast, From Pier to Malibu

You board a helicopter for a 35-minute flight that covers Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, the Getty Center, Hollywood Hills, Malibu, and the Marina in one arc. You don't drive, don't hike, don't spend the day arranging logistics. The pilot handles the route and the timing. Weather and federal flight restrictions can shift your date, but if that happens, you reschedule or get refunded. Bring ID and know your weight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over LA coast and landmarks

• See Santa Monica Pier from above
• View Santa Mountains Conservancy
• See Venice Beach and boardwalk
• View Getty Center on hill
• See Hollywood Hills
• Fly over Marina harbor
• Admire Beverly Hills
• See Mulholland Drive
• Fly above Malibu
• See Malibu Pier from above

The experience

The moment you step into the helicopter, the door closes and suddenly the city below stops being a map and becomes real. Thirty-five minutes doesn't sound long until you're airborne, watching Santa Monica Pier shrink to the size of a toy, then Venice Beach's boardwalk unfold like a ribbon of color and movement. The pilot banks toward the Santa Monica Mountains, and you realize why people pay for this. There's no road that gets you this view, no hiking trail that covers this much ground this fast.

The route takes you over the Getty Center perched on its hill, then sweeps across the Hollywood Hills where the houses cling to the slopes like they're defying gravity. You'll see Mulholland Drive winding through the ridges, Malibu's coastline dropping straight into the Pacific, and the Marina with its five thousand boats packed into North America's largest man-made harbor. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy spreads below: protected land, wildlife habitat, the kind of thing you'd never notice from the freeway. Beverly Hills slides past, then back toward the coast, and before you've really settled into the rhythm of it, the pilot's already radioing for descent.

Two things matter before you book: the 2-passenger minimum means you can't fly solo, and weather calls the shots. If conditions turn, you reschedule or get your money back, but that also means you're not guaranteed a specific day. The company verifies your credit card and ID before takeoff. Bring your government-issued ID. Heights and weights get logged at booking because weight distribution is a safety thing in a helicopter, not a judgment call. If you're over 250 pounds, call ahead. The limit is 300 pounds per passenger. Groups of four or more fly in separate rotations, so if you're bringing friends, you won't all be in the same aircraft.

Sunset slots fill fast if you want that light. Let them know when you book. And watch the news for Dodgers or Rams games. When they're playing, the airspace over the stadium gets restricted, which can cut out parts of the Downtown LA route. It's not something you control, but it's worth knowing.

What’s included

• 35-minute helicopter flight.
• views of Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach boardwalk, Getty Center, Hollywood Hills, Mulholland Drive, Malibu coastline, Beverly Hills, and the Marina.
• private tour with pilot.
• all safety equipment and briefing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:30

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?Book this if you want to see LA's most famous landmarks and coastline in one flight without spending a full day driving between them. The 35 minutes covers what would take hours on the ground, and the helicopter does the work of getting you there.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How long is the helicopter tour?

The flight is 35 minutes in the air, covering the coast from Santa Monica to Malibu and inland to the Hollywood Hills and Getty Center.

What's the minimum number of passengers?

Two passengers minimum per flight. Groups of four or more will fly in separate rotations.

What do I need to bring?

Government-issued ID and a valid credit card. Both will be verified before your flight. You'll also need to provide your height and weight at booking for safety and weight-distribution purposes.

Can I fly if I'm pregnant or have a spinal injury?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries. Check with the operator if you have health concerns.

What if the weather is bad?

All flights are subject to weather conditions. If your flight is cancelled due to adverse weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. The pilot has final authority on whether conditions are safe.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum per passenger is 300 pounds. If you weigh over 250 pounds, contact the operator before booking. The total weight of all passengers cannot exceed 600 pounds.

Can I request a sunset flight?

Yes. Sunset times vary throughout the year. Let the operator know at booking if you'd like a sunset time slot.

Will we fly over sports stadiums?

When the Dodgers or Rams are playing, federal flight restrictions close the airspace over the stadiums. This can affect the Downtown LA portion of the tour. The operator monitors these restrictions, but they can sometimes be imposed with little warning.

Can infants fly?

Yes. Children under 24 months can fly as lap children at no charge if there are at least two adults on board. Children 24 months and older require their own full-fare seat. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, it's a private helicopter tour. You book the flight for your group. Other passengers won't be on your aircraft unless they're part of your party.