Los Angeles: Hollywood, Santa Monica & Griffith Observatory Tour

Four Hours Stopped, Three Hours Driving: How to See LA Without Planning It

You spend an hour each at Santa Monica Pier, the Farmers Market, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, traveling between them on a narrated luxury bus. Lunch and shopping happen at the Farmers Market stop. The whole day takes seven hours, and you avoid driving or navigating LA traffic yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Santa Monica Beach and Pier1h
2. Los Angeles Original Farmers Market1h
3. Griffith Observatory1h
4. Hollywood Walk of Fame1h

Explore Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills

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

The experience

What if you could stand on Santa Monica Pier, walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and see the Hollywood Sign all in one day without figuring out the freeways yourself? That's the shape of this tour: seven hours total, four separate one-hour stops, narrated the whole way on a luxury bus. You're not rushing between places or hunting for parking. The bus takes you, you get out, you look around, you get back on.

The first stop is Santa Monica Beach and Pier. You walk out to the end, see the Pacific, maybe grab coffee at 3rd Street Promenade if you want. Then it's back on the bus and inland to the Farmers Market, where you can actually eat lunch. There are vendors selling everything from Korean to Italian to fresh juice, and The Grove shopping center is right there if you want to browse. After that comes Griffith Observatory, where you get views of downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign from up in the hills, plus access to the space and science exhibits inside if you're into that. The last stop is the Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theatre, where you can find your favorite actor's star and take a photo.

The tour runs seven hours start to finish, which sounds long until you realize you're not spending two of those hours lost on the 405. You see Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip from the bus windows as you move between stops. The narration is live, not a recording, so it's not the robotic voice-over thing. Groups stay small enough that the bus doesn't feel packed. Strollers and infant seats are available if you're traveling with small kids, and the whole thing is designed so you don't need to be particularly fit or athletic. You're walking a pier, a market, and a street, not hiking.

Book this if your time in LA is short and you want the landmarks without the logistics. The fixed schedule is what makes it work. You know when you'll be where, and the driver handles the rest.

What’s included

• Your day includes the luxury bus tour with live narration, one-hour stops at Santa Monica Pier, the Farmers Market, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, views of the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip from the bus, and access to space and science exhibits at Griffith Observatory.
• Infant seats and stroller space are available.
• Lunch and shopping are on your own at the Farmers Market stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hollywood City Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're in LA for a few days and want to see the main sights without renting a car or planning the route yourself. The bus handles the driving and the schedule handles the timing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the tour?

Seven hours total, including four one-hour stops and travel time between locations.

What are the four stops?

Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles Original Farmers Market, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Is lunch included?

No, but you have an hour at the Farmers Market where you can buy food from multiple vendors.

Can I bring a stroller or car seat?

Yes. Specialized infant seats and stroller space are available on the bus.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

No. The stops involve walking a pier, a market, and a street. Nothing strenuous.

Will I see the Hollywood Sign?

Yes, from Griffith Observatory during the stop there.

Is the narration recorded or live?

Live narration from the tour guide on the bus.

What if I want to spend more time at one stop?

Each stop is one hour. The fixed schedule doesn't allow for extensions.