Los Angeles: Hollywood, Santa Monica & Venice Day Tour

Summary

Hollywood signs, Venice skate parks and Santa Monica sunsets on a full LA day

You’ll ride through Los Angeles with a local guide who knows all the shortcuts—and stories—behind places like Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, and Griffith Observatory. Expect salty air, street music, good food at the Farmers Market (lunch included), plus hotel pickup so you skip parking headaches. You might even find yourself laughing at your own touristy excitement.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to see the Hollywood Sign in real life? I did too. That was basically my first question when we hopped on the bus outside our Anaheim hotel (pickup was right on time, which honestly surprised me for LA). Our guide, Marcus, had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice—like why the palm trees look so awkwardly tall along Sunset Strip. He said they’re not even native here. Who knew? The city felt both familiar and totally strange at the same time.

The stops came quick—Santa Monica Pier first, where you can actually smell salt and sunscreen mixed together (not bad, just… very California). There were people jogging with tiny dogs in sunglasses. I tried funnel cake for breakfast because why not. Venice Beach was next; loud music from some guy breakdancing near Muscle Beach, skaters flying by the graffiti walls. We wandered down to the canals—quiet there except for ducks and someone playing guitar on a porch. It didn’t feel like any other city I’ve been in.

Beverly Hills was glossier than I expected. Rodeo Drive is all shiny windows and people pretending not to look at each other’s shoes. Marcus cracked jokes about Pretty Woman but also pointed out where locals actually go for coffee (not Rodeo). Lunch at the Farmers Market hit just right—so many smells: grilled onions from one stall, sweet pastries from another. I got tacos that dripped down my wrist but tasted amazing. We had an hour there but honestly could’ve spent double that just people-watching.

Hollywood Walk of Fame was chaotic in a good way—tourists everywhere taking photos of stars they barely recognize. Grauman’s Theatre has these old handprints in concrete; I tried to fit my hand into Marilyn Monroe’s but nope, hers were way smaller. The last stop at Griffith Observatory gave us that classic LA view—the whole city spread out below and the Hollywood Sign looking smaller than it does in movies. The sun was setting behind haze and for a second everything felt kind of golden and quiet. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hollywood and iconic LA sights

• Visit Griffith Observatory
• View Hollywood Sign from Griffith Park
• Walk Hollywood Walk of Fame
• See Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
• See Kodak Theatre
• Pass by Sunset Strip music venues
• Lunch at Farmers Market
• Shop at The Grove
• Visit Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills sign
• Stop at Santa Monica Beach and Pier
• Explore Venice Beach and Canals

Top questions

How long is the Los Angeles day tour?

The tour includes four 35–45 minute stops plus an hour for lunch; total duration varies depending on pickup location.

Is hotel pickup included for Anaheim and Los Angeles hotels?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from over 70 Anaheim Resort hotels and 150 Los Angeles area hotels.

What main attractions are visited during this LA tour?

You’ll visit Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach & Canals, Beverly Hills (Rodeo Drive), Farmers Market at The Grove, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Theatre, Kodak Theatre, Sunset Strip (drive-by), Griffith Observatory for views of the Hollywood Sign.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No set meal is included but there’s a one-hour stop at the Farmers Market with many food options to buy lunch.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Yes; infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is this Los Angeles tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes; please book 48 hours in advance if you require wheelchair accommodations.

What happens if Griffith Observatory is closed?

If closed (like Mondays), alternative stops include Mulholland Drive or The Hollywood Bowl for city views.

Can groups sit together on the bus?

The company tries to seat groups together but seating isn’t pre-assigned so it’s possible you may be separated.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Anaheim or Los Angeles hotels (or an Uber voucher if you’re coming from North Hollywood), bottled water onboard to keep you going between stops, plenty of time to explore each major site with your local guide sharing stories along the way—and an hour-long break at LA’s Original Farmers Market so you can grab lunch before heading out again.