Los Angeles: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Griffith Park Tour

Summary

Hollywood signs, city stories and a farmers market lunch in LA

You’ll wander from downtown LA’s historic core to Griffith Park’s sweeping views and walk among movie legends on Hollywood Boulevard. Your guide brings each stop alive before you break for lunch at the bustling Original Farmers Market — expect laughter, city sounds, maybe even a new favorite street food.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if the Hollywood Sign looks as big in real life as it does in movies? I did too. Our day started downtown — not the glitzy part but the real heart of Los Angeles, where old theaters lean into glass towers and you can smell coffee mixing with car exhaust. Our guide, Maria, knew every shortcut and pointed out the Walt Disney Concert Hall before I’d even realized we’d passed it (the metal curves really do catch the morning haze). She told us how City Hall has shown up in more films than most actors. I tried to snap a photo but caught my own reflection instead — classic me.

We zigzagged through neighborhoods that felt like different countries stitched together: Koreatown flew by with neon signs and barbecue smoke drifting through open windows. Then suddenly we were winding up to Griffith Park. The air changed — cooler, eucalyptus everywhere. Standing near Griffith Observatory with all of LA stretched out below made me feel tiny and sort of lucky at the same time. Maria pointed out smog on the horizon (“that’s just part of our charm,” she joked), but honestly, it didn’t matter. The Hollywood Sign was right there, just sitting on its hill like it owned the place.

I’ll admit I got a little starstruck walking along Hollywood Boulevard — not by celebrities (didn’t see any), but by everyone else craning their necks for handprints outside the Chinese Theatre. Someone was playing saxophone nearby; it echoed off the pavement while we searched for names we recognized on those pink stars. Rodeo Drive came next, all shiny windows and palm trees so perfect they almost looked fake. We didn’t shop (unless window shopping counts), but Maria slowed down so we could spot the “Pretty Woman” hotel. She grinned when someone asked about celebrity homes — “You might see someone famous… or just their gardener.”

The last stop was lunch at the Original Farmers Market — loud, crowded, smells from every corner: grilled meat, sweet pastries, something spicy I still can’t name. I ended up with tacos and sat outside watching people who looked like they belonged in movies themselves. Honestly, that’s what stuck with me most: not just seeing Los Angeles’ landmarks on this grand city tour but feeling like I’d lived a little piece of its story for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Downtown LA and Hollywood highlights

• Begin tour in Downtown Historic District
• Pass by Los Angeles City Hall
• Visit Walt Disney Concert Hall
• Pass by Los Angeles Cathedral
• Pass by Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
• Stop at Griffith Park for views
• Visit Griffith Observatory
• See the Hollywood Sign
• Pass by The Greek Theatre
• Walk Hollywood Boulevard and Walk of Fame
• Visit Dolby Theatre entrance
• Visit TCL Chinese Theatre
• Pass Sunset Strip and Rainbow Bar and Grill
• Pass Whisky a Go Go nightclub
• Visit Beverly Hills 90210 area
• Photo stop at iconic location
• Drive down Rodeo Drive
• Stop at Original Farmers Market and The Grove

Top questions

How long does the Grand City Tour of Los Angeles take?

The tour typically lasts one full day with multiple stops including lunch at the Original Farmers Market.

Is hotel pickup included for this Los Angeles city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from select Downtown and Hollywood hotels.

Do you get to see the Hollywood Sign up close?

You’ll visit Griffith Park and Observatory for panoramic views of Los Angeles and a clear view of the Hollywood Sign.

Does this LA tour include Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive?

Yes, you’ll drive through Beverly Hills and along Rodeo Drive with commentary from your guide.

Are meals included during the Grand City Tour?

The tour includes a stop for lunch at Los Angeles’ Original Farmers Market where you can choose your meal.

What kind of vehicle is used for this Los Angeles sightseeing tour?

The tour uses a private minibus driven by an experienced local guide for small groups.

Can infants or small children join this LA city tour?

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

Is there live commentary during the tour?

Yes, your local guide provides live commentary throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from selected Downtown or Hollywood hotels, all transportation by private minibus with live commentary from your local guide, water onboard to keep you cool between stops, plus time to explore each landmark on foot before enjoying lunch at LA’s lively Original Farmers Market.