Los Angeles & Hollywood: Convertible Bus Tour with Top Sights

Summary

Hollywood icons, music legends & city energy from a convertible bus

You’ll ride through Los Angeles in a breezy convertible bus, snap photos at the Hollywood Sign, stroll along Walk of Fame stars, and wander Rodeo Drive’s shop windows. With a local guide sharing stories and hotel pickup included, you’ll see LA’s icons without missing out on real moments or local color.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I booked this LA & Hollywood tour mostly because I didn’t want to spend my whole day stuck in traffic or on a bus. But standing outside that surf-and-coffee shop in Santa Monica, coffee still warm in my hand and ocean air clinging to my jacket, I felt that weird little spark you get before something new. Our guide (I think her name was Marissa?) had this way of making everyone laugh about LA’s obsession with green juice and celebrity dogs. The convertible bus thing sounded touristy at first but actually felt perfect — sun on your face, breeze whipping by as we headed towards the city.

The first big stop was the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I’d seen it in movies but didn’t expect the mix of old glamour and everyday chaos — street performers blasting music, tourists squinting at the pavement for names they recognized. Marissa pointed out her favorite handprints at the Chinese Theatre (she swears Marilyn Monroe’s are smaller than you’d think), and helped us angle our phones just right for a shot with the Hollywood Sign in the background. There’s this moment when you look up at those white letters and realize how many movies have started right there — kind of cheesy but also not? I still think about that view sometimes.

Later we cruised down Sunset Strip — neon signs flickering even though it was barely noon, passing The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go while Marissa rattled off stories about bands getting their start there (she did a pretty great Axl Rose impression). At one point she waved at someone outside The Viper Room like they were old friends; maybe they were? Then Beverly Hills hit me with its own kind of energy: palm trees lined up like soldiers, Rodeo Drive all glossy windows and people who probably spent more on sunglasses than my rent. We had time to wander — I mostly window-shopped and watched a tiny dog in a pink sweater bark at its reflection.

By the end, rolling back toward Santa Monica with sand still stuck to my shoes from earlier, I realized we’d seen so much without ever feeling rushed or trapped. The whole thing felt like hanging out with someone who knows every shortcut and story in LA — not just ticking boxes but actually soaking up what makes this place so weirdly magnetic. If you’re looking for a day trip from Santa Monica that covers all the classic LA sights but doesn’t feel like homework… well, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — LA and Hollywood sightseeing tour

• Begin tour at Surf & Coffee shop
• Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Take photos at Hollywood Sign lookout
• Visit TCL Chinese Theatre and see handprints
• Drive by SUR Lounge and popular restaurants
• See Sunset Strip music venues and lights
• Stop and shop on Rodeo Drive
• Pass by The Viper Room
• Pass by Whisky a Go Go
• Pass by The Roxy Music Venue
• View the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater

Top questions

How long does the LA & Hollywood tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 ½ hours from Santa Monica.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels only.

What are the main stops on this Los Angeles tour?

Main stops include Hollywood Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Sign lookout, Sunset Strip venues like Whisky a Go Go & The Viper Room, plus Rodeo Drive.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included but there are food options available during stops.

Are infants or people with limited mobility allowed?

Infants can ride in strollers; foldable wheelchairs can be stored if passengers can board with assistance.

Will we have time to explore at each stop?

Yes, there’s free time to walk around key locations such as Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive.

Is commentary provided during the tour?

Yes, live commentary is provided by your professional guide throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (for selected hotels), safe luggage storage if needed, live narration from your local guide aboard comfortable convertible buses, plus plenty of time to explore iconic spots like Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive before heading back to Santa Monica for your evening plans.