Los Angeles: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith & Farmers Market Tour

Summary

Hollywood icons, city flavors and hilltop views in half a day

You’ll start your Los Angeles day trip from Santa Monica Pier before cruising through legendary neighborhoods with a local guide. Walk among stars on Hollywood Boulevard, grab lunch at The Grove & Farmers Market, then take in sweeping city views at Griffith Observatory — all in just half a day.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from Santa Monica Pier just as the morning crowd was starting to thicken — that mix of salty air and sunscreen always hits me right away. Our driver, Carlos, had this easy way of pointing out stuff you’d miss if you blinked (I totally missed the Beverly Hills sign until he called it out). The mini-coach felt more like a road trip with friends than anything fancy. We drifted past Rodeo Drive — all those palm trees and shiny cars — and I kept catching glimpses of people posing for photos like they were in their own movie. It’s funny how LA feels both larger-than-life and kind of ordinary at the same time.

The first real stop was the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I’ll be honest, it’s both glitzy and a little gritty — stars under your feet, street performers doing Michael Jackson moves (some better than others), tourists everywhere. I tried to find Robin Williams’ star but got distracted by a guy selling “celebrity maps” who swore he once drove for Tom Cruise. Maybe he did? Who knows. After 45 minutes wandering past the TCL Chinese Theatre and snapping photos that never quite do it justice, we piled back in for The Grove and Farmers Market — which turned out to be my favorite part.

I grabbed tacos from a stall where the cook sang along to oldies on the radio (she laughed when I tried my Spanish — I think she appreciated the effort). There’s this smell at the Farmers Market: grilled meat, sweet pastries, coffee brewing somewhere behind you. We had about an hour and fifteen there, which was just enough to eat slow and watch people drifting between fruit stands and souvenir shops. It felt less like sightseeing, more like slipping into someone else’s daily routine for a bit.

The last stop was Griffith Observatory. The inside was closed (it was Monday), but honestly the view from outside is what stuck with me anyway — all hazy sunlight over downtown LA, with that famous Hollywood Sign off in the distance. Carlos pointed out where they filmed Rebel Without a Cause; some folks tried to recreate James Dean’s pose against the railing (I didn’t try — too many witnesses). There was this quiet moment up there where you could hear nothing but wind in the trees and distant city sounds below. I still think about that view sometimes when I need a mental break.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Los Angeles sightseeing and stops

• Pass through Santa Monica
• Pass by Santa Monica Pier
• Pass through Century City
• Pass by Wilshire Blvd and Hotel
• Pass by Rodeo Drive
• Pass by Beverly Hills and Hotel
• Pass by West Hollywood
• Pass by Sunset Strip
• Pass through Hollywood
• Pass by Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Stop 45 minutes at Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Pass by TCL Chinese Theatre
• Pass by Fairfax and Melrose Ave
• Stop 75 minutes at The Grove and Farmers Market
• Pass by Petersen Automotive Museum
• Pass by AMOMP and Urban Lights Art installation
• Pass by LACMA and La Brea Tar Pits
• Pass by Paramount Studios gate
• Pass through Griffith Park
• Pass by The Greek Theatre
• Stop 45 minutes at Griffith Observatory
• Return to Santa Monica

Top questions

How long is this Los Angeles tour from Santa Monica?

The tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours total.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you start at Santa Monica Pier.

Are entrance fees included for attractions?

You can access outdoor areas freely; no separate entry fees are required for scheduled stops.

Is lunch included during the Farmers Market stop?

No, lunch is not included; you purchase your own food at The Grove & Farmers Market.

Can children join this LA sightseeing tour?

Yes, children are welcome; infant seats are available upon request.

Will we go inside Griffith Observatory?

You’ll explore outside; inside access is closed on Mondays but exterior viewpoints are included.

What vehicle is used for this Los Angeles day trip?

A premium air-conditioned mini-coach is used throughout the tour.

Is there time for shopping during the tour?

You have about 75 minutes at The Grove & Farmers Market for shopping or eating.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable travel by air-conditioned mini-coach with an expert driver guide leading you through LA’s highlights. You’ll get three main stops: walking time on Hollywood Walk of Fame, lunch break at The Grove & Farmers Market (food not included), plus panoramic city views at Griffith Observatory before returning to Santa Monica.