Los Angeles & Hollywood Day Tour from Anaheim with Venice Beach

Summary

Hollywood signs, Venice street art and LA’s movie buzz in one day

You’ll see Los Angeles through its icons—Griffith Observatory views, Hollywood Walk of Fame energy, Santa Monica Pier breezes, Venice Beach color—all with easy hotel pickup from Anaheim and a local guide who keeps things real. Expect food stalls at the Farmers Market and stories you’ll remember after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The van picked us up right outside our Anaheim hotel—no fuss, just a sleepy wave to the driver and we were off. I’m not sure what I expected from downtown LA traffic but honestly, I was relieved someone else was behind the wheel. Our guide, Carlos, started pointing out things before I’d even finished my coffee: Walt Disney Concert Hall’s shiny curves, Staples Center (I think he called it Crypto now?), people already hustling on the sidewalks. The city feels bigger than it looks on a map—everything stretches out under that weirdly bright California light.

We stopped at Griffith Observatory next. You know that feeling when you’ve seen a place in movies so many times it’s almost familiar? That was me with the Hollywood sign—except in real life it’s smaller than you think. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus (Carlos said there are groves nearby) and there were kids running around pretending to be in “La La Land.” We got maybe twenty minutes to wander; I ended up just leaning against the wall looking at the city spread out below. It’s noisy but also kind of peaceful up there. Weird combo.

Hollywood Walk of Fame is both exactly what you imagine and not at all. There’s this jumble of tourists taking selfies with stars they probably don’t recognize, street performers doing Michael Jackson impressions (one guy moonwalked straight into a hotdog cart). Carlos told us about some old theaters—the Chinese one has those handprints out front—and then we zipped through Beverly Hills for a quick Rodeo Drive photo stop. Felt like window shopping on another planet. And then Sunset Strip—honestly, I didn’t expect to care but hearing stories about bands at Whisky a Go Go made me wish I’d been born earlier.

Lunch was at the Original Farmers Market which is basically food chaos in the best way—tacos next to doughnuts next to Korean BBQ. No pressure to eat fast; we had time to wander and try things (I still think about that pickle from Magee’s). Afterward, we hit Santa Monica Pier where you can smell popcorn and sea air at the same time—it’s oddly comforting—and finally Venice Beach. The boardwalk is wild: murals everywhere, skateboarders flying past, Muscle Beach guys flexing for nobody in particular. I tried saying “ni hao” to a vendor selling bracelets and she laughed—I probably butchered it.

By the time we stopped at Marina del Rey for a bathroom break before heading back to Anaheim, everyone was sun-tired and quiet. Not every moment was perfect—sometimes it felt rushed—but if you want one day that crams in every LA cliché plus some surprises…well, this tour covers it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Los Angeles and Coastal Highlights

• See Walt Disney Concert Hall and Staples Center
• Visit Griffith Observatory and view Hollywood sign
• Walk Hollywood Walk of Fame and Chinese Theater
• Photo stop at Beverly Hills sign and Rodeo Drive
• Pass by Sunset Strip landmarks
• Lunch at Los Angeles Original Farmers Market
• Visit Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Ocean views
• Explore Venice Beach Boardwalk and canals
• Stop at Marina del Rey for restroom break

Top questions

How long does the Los Angeles & Hollywood day tour from Anaheim take?

The tour lasts approximately one full day, starting and ending in Anaheim with multiple stops across Los Angeles.

Is hotel pickup included for this LA day trip?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup is included for hotels near Disneyland Park in Anaheim.

What places are visited on this tour?

The tour includes Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, Farmers Market for lunch, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and Marina del Rey.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is provided but there is an official lunch stop at Los Angeles Original Farmers Market where travelers can choose their own meal.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes; infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Does the tour include entry fees?

The attractions visited do not require separate entry fees; access is included as part of the itinerary.

Can service animals join this LA & Hollywood tour?

Yes; service animals are allowed on this tour according to policy.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup near Disneyland Park in Anaheim and drop-off back at your hotel after exploring Los Angeles landmarks like Griffith Observatory and Venice Beach. You’ll have free time for lunch at the historic Farmers Market before returning home sun-tired but full of stories.