Los Angeles: Hollywood Sign, Star Homes & Beverly Hills Tour

Summary

See LA’s iconic sights from Hollywood to Beverly Hills with stories and city energy

You’ll ride through Los Angeles with a local guide who brings every street corner to life—from hiking near the Hollywood Sign to people-watching on Rodeo Drive. Expect stories behind famous names on the Walk of Fame and quick stops for photos at places you’ve only seen on screen. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s feeling LA’s pulse for yourself.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is our guide, Marcus, grinning as he pulled up outside our hotel in Downtown Los Angeles—he waved like we’d already met. He asked if anyone had a favorite celebrity (I blurted out “Keanu Reeves,” which got a laugh), then off we went through traffic that somehow felt less stressful with his running commentary about every mural and taco stand we passed. The van smelled faintly of sunscreen and coffee, probably from all of us clutching iced lattes. It was late afternoon, warm but not too hot—the kind of LA weather that makes you want to roll the windows down just to catch whatever breeze you can.

We started winding up into the hills toward Griffith Park Observatory for the closest view I’ve ever had of the Hollywood Sign. There were birds swooping overhead and this dry, dusty smell in the air—like chaparral and sunbaked earth. Marcus pointed out a trail where locals jogged past us, barely breaking a sweat (can’t relate). Standing there looking at that sign—I mean, it’s just letters on a hill, but it felt weirdly surreal. Someone behind me whispered they could see all the way to downtown on a clear day; today was hazy but still beautiful in its own way.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame was next—honestly, I thought it might be overrated, but seeing all those stars crammed together made me realize how many names I recognized (and how many I didn’t). Marcus told us little stories about some of them—he knew which ones tourists always look for and which ones locals secretly love. There was this guy dressed as Spider-Man posing for photos with kids, and someone selling churros that smelled sweet and cinnamony. I tried not to trip over my own feet while snapping pictures near the Dolby Theatre—red carpet rolled up tight since it wasn’t Oscar season.

Driving down Sunset Strip felt like being inside one of those old movies—neon signs flickering even though it wasn’t dark yet, music leaking out from somewhere behind closed doors. Beverly Hills looked exactly how you’d expect: palm trees lined up like they’re auditioning for something, everything just a bit too shiny. We stopped at Rodeo Drive for twenty minutes; I didn’t buy anything (unless you count window shopping), but watching people stroll by in sunglasses worth more than my rent was its own kind of entertainment. On the way back, Marcus told us about his first celebrity sighting in LA—a story involving an accidental run-in with Jack Black at a grocery store—which somehow made everything feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Los Angeles highlights and Hollywood tour

• Drive into Hollywood Hills
• Hike Insdale Trail to Hollywood Sign
• Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Visit Dolby Theatre
• Cruise Sunset Strip in West Hollywood
• Stop at Beverly Hills Sign
• Walk and shop on Rodeo Drive

Top questions

How long does this Los Angeles tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours in the afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included for this LA sightseeing tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from most Downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood hotels.

Do we get to walk near the Hollywood Sign?

You’ll stop at Griffith Park Observatory for close views and photo opportunities of the Hollywood Sign.

Are there stops at celebrity homes?

You’ll drive past select celebrities’ homes during the tour but don’t stop inside any residences.

What are some highlights included on this LA afternoon tour?

The tour covers Griffith Park Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Dolby Theatre, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills Sign, and Rodeo Drive.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

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

Does this LA tour include lunch or snacks?

No meals are included; however, there are quick stops where you may purchase snacks if desired.

Who leads this Los Angeles sightseeing tour?

A local guide from Guideline Tours leads each group and shares stories along the way.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected areas in Downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood, all taxes and fees covered by Guideline Tours’ experienced local guides who know these streets inside out—and plenty of time for photos at each major stop before heading back as daylight starts to fade over LA’s skyline.