Los Angeles: Santa Monica, Hollywood & Beverly Hills Day Tour

Summary

Santa monica pier to hollywood sign in one day with stops food and city views

You’ll feel Los Angeles come alive as you stroll Santa Monica Pier’s breezy boardwalks, taste new flavors at the bustling Farmers Market, gaze over city lights from Griffith Observatory, and spot your favorite names on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame—all with easy transport and local stories along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salt in the air when we stepped off the bus at Santa Monica Pier. It’s louder than you expect — not just the waves but laughter, skateboard wheels, someone selling churros (the cinnamon smell really sticks). Our guide, Marcus, waved us toward the end of the pier where pelicans were just hanging out, totally unbothered by all of us tourists. I tried to take a photo but my hair kept blowing into the frame — classic LA wind. It felt like everyone was in a good mood here. We had about an hour, which is enough if you don’t get lost watching street performers or staring at that endless Pacific horizon.

After that, we rolled through neighborhoods I’d only ever heard about in movies. Rodeo Drive looked exactly like it does on TV — shiny cars everywhere, people walking tiny dogs with sunglasses (the dogs, not just the people). At LA’s Original Farmers Market, Marcus told us to try pupusas from a Salvadoran stall. I didn’t even know what those were before this trip. They’re messy and delicious and somehow taste better when you eat them standing up among strangers. There’s so much going on here — smells of grilled meat mixing with sweet fruit stands, someone shouting orders in Spanish behind me. I bought a weird soda I couldn’t pronounce; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

Griffith Observatory was next. The air changed up there — cooler, quieter except for kids running around pretending they’re astronauts. You can see all of downtown LA spread out below, and if you squint past the haze you’ll spot the Hollywood Sign perched up on its hill like it’s watching everything. Our guide pointed out movie locations (I only recognized half), and then let us wander through space exhibits for a bit. Honestly, I could’ve stayed longer just sitting on that wall outside looking at the city lights starting to flicker on.

Last stop: Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s way more chaotic than I pictured — crowds everywhere, people dressed as superheroes posing for tips, music thumping from somewhere nearby. There’s something funny about seeing tourists kneeling down to touch celebrity stars while locals barely glance down as they hurry past. Someone handed me a flyer for a comedy show; I still have it tucked in my bag for no reason at all. By then my feet hurt but I didn’t care much — too many stories packed into one day trip from Santa Monica to Beverly Hills and back again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Santa Monica, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

• Walk Santa Monica Pier and 3rd St Promenade
• Eat and shop at Farmers Market and The Grove
• View Hollywood Sign and visit Griffith Observatory
• See Grauman's Chinese Theatre and Walk of Fame

Top questions

How long does this Los Angeles day tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours including all stops.

What are the main stops included on this LA tour?

You’ll stop at Santa Monica Pier, Farmers Market/The Grove, Griffith Observatory, and Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Is lunch included during this full-day LA tour?

No set lunch is included but there’s time to buy food at LA’s Original Farmers Market.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

The description mentions convenient pickup options are available.

Are specialized infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request for this bus tour.

Is this LA day trip suitable for families with children?

Yes, families with infants or small children can bring prams or strollers and all fitness levels are welcome.

Can you see the Hollywood Sign during this tour?

Yes, you’ll see views of the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory.

Are public transportation options nearby after the tour ends?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to drop-off points.

What’s included

Your day includes a narrated bus ride through Los Angeles with four one-hour stops—Santa Monica Pier, Farmers Market/The Grove for lunch or snacks (not included), Griffith Observatory for city views and exhibits, plus Hollywood Walk of Fame—before returning in comfort by evening; infant seats and stroller access are available too.