Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States. Nicknamed the City of Angels, it is well known for its glitz, glamor, and great weather, and for being the birthplace of Hollywood. From taking a walk down Rodeo Drive to spot famous stars to taking a trip to the world-famous Griffith Observatory to stare at the other kind of stars, there’s lots to do in this glittering city. Even the locals never run out of sites and attractions to visit. As travelers, figuring out what to do in this city can be baffling, given the huge number of attractions and activities. For that, there are several different city tours meant for different kinds of travelers, which are a great way to explore the sights and attractions LA has to offer. Scroll down for a list of the best tours to experience in Los Angeles!
Events to look out for in LA:
Anime Expo: This lively event held every July is a treat for Anime fans. The event takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center and involves industry panels, cosplays, screenings, and more. Don your best Anime costume and take part in the cosplay competition!
LA Auto Show: Also held in the Los Angeles Convention Center, this is a grand event for all petrolheads staying in or visiting LA. The event dates back to 1907 and is still held every November for 10 days straight. Be the first one to witness new models from North America and all over the world!
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Unmissable Adventures: Top tours for first-time visitors
If you’re visiting LA for the first time and are confused about which attractions and activities to cover, fret not. We’ve curated a list of the best tours for exploring the highlights of the city. Check them out below!
1. Explore LA's neighborhoods through the Hop-on, Hop-off Double Decker Tour
Hop on hop off bus tour through Down Town Los Angeles 🙈 @discoverla #LAstory
Posted by Sjana Elise on Saturday, 30 January 2016
What better way to explore Los Angeles than on the top of an open-air double-decker bus? Ride in style while you experience famous areas such as Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Venice Beach. Pick up your 24-, 48-, or 72-hour pass and choose the bus route you would like to go on. You can also mix and match all 7 routes for a more flexible sightseeing excursion. The tour starts at the Chinese Theater. After that, you are free to hop off and hop on at whichever bus stops you please.
This is a headphone-narrated tour available in nine languages. Use the GPS program or the included brochure that contains maps, routes, and timetables, so you can plan your itinerary around your favorite spots, at your own pace.
2. Embark on a private full-day tour of LA in an SUV
Coming to Los Angeles, people expect to do something more lavish that makes them get a taste of the celebrity life. Take this flexible private tour to experience the city through a private SUV. Be picked up at your hotel and get to explore the famous Hollywood, Kodak Theatre, Sunset Strip, and Rodeo Drive. You can adjust the time from three to nine hours, make a stop, and pay a visit to various attractions with no hassle. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to experience luxury.
Book Tours : Los Angeles: Private Full-Day Tour by SUV
3. Enjoy convenient hotel pick up on this city highlights tour
Explore Los Angeles in this seven-hour tour where you can visit interesting sites and take wonderful pictures with your friends or family. A comfortable bus will pick you up at the hotel, take you to the charming Santa Monica Pier, before heading to Beverly Hills where you can shop on Rodeo Drive. Take a break at the Farmer’s Market for an hour and get ready to spot some famous celebrities at the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
4. Go on a grand city tour of everything famous in Los Angeles
In this fully narrated tour, you can learn everything you want to know about famous sites in downtown LA. With a convenient hotel pick-up and stops for lunch and shopping, it is an ideal pick for first-timers. See amazing skyscrapers, historical landmarks, and art galleries in Downtown Historic District while on the way to Walt Disney Concert Hall. Pass along Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Griffith Park Observatory, explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and end the tour at the original Farmer’s Market and the famous Grove Shopping Mall to experience the city’s lifestyle.
Book Tours : Grand City Tour of Los Angeles
Foodies' Guide: Food tours to know the flavors of LA
Food tours are always exciting, especially if you’re a culinary explorer. LA offers many incredible dining spots and other food joints for you to explore. Check them out now!
5. Unleash your inner glutton with this three-hour walking food tour
What better way to enjoy the decadent and luxurious ambience of Los Angeles than by sampling a variety of delicious food from the trendiest spots and ethnic eateries? This food tour will take you through downtown LA, as your knowledgeable tour guide shares stories of Hollywood’s rich history and LA’s cultural and food scene. From authentic French boulangeries and old-school 50s diners to casual Texan barbecue joints and gourmet markets, your newfound knowledge of this part of LA’s rich culture and hidden gems will make you feel like a true local.
Book Tours : Los Angeles: Downtown Food Tour
6. Wine and dine on the Los Angeles Dinner Cruise
Spend an evening on the water at this 3 hour dinner cruise. Enjoy a romantic night with your loved one as you sip wine and partake in a lovely 4-course dinner. The fun doesn’t stop after dinner. When you are finished, head to the dance floor for some tunes from a live band or DJ.
The cruise has boarding locations at Marina del Rey and Newport Beach. Be sure to double check your boarding location selection, as you may not change it after booking is completed. Also, If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, notify the staff by writing in the “special requirements” field before completing your booking.
7. Taste fresh products on the Farmers Market walking tour
This tour of the Los Angeles Farmers Market is the perfect experience for a foodie at heart. Explore and taste the delicious foods from this historic landmark that was opened in 1934. Starting at 9:30 am, your tour guide will lead you through the market while you taste samples and speak with the owners of the many food stalls and businesses. The best part of this tour is that families can enjoy it together. Children under 5 years of age join the tour free of charge.
Fun on Wheels: Bike tours for active travelers
The best way to explore a new city is usually on foot or by bike, as you can control the pace and really soak in the surroundings. It’s also a great way to get some exercise in. Check out these exciting bike tours in LA!
8. Ride through LA in a hybrid bike
Posted by Bikes and Hikes LA on Thursday, 20 April 2017
For exercise enthusiasts, a bike tour is the perfect way to explore Los Angeles. This six-hour tour will have you riding by prestigious neighborhoods, homes of celebrities, and famous beaches. If you love the beach too much to just pass by, don’t worry, you will stop at Venice Beach for lunch. There’s also a special 30-minute tour of Greystone Mansion.
With no more than 10 riders joining, this tour ensures you a semi-private adventure in a 32-mile (51-kilometer) ride with a provided hybrid bike, safety equipment, and bottled water.
9. Go on an artistic bike adventure tour
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets? Hire a bike, create or join a group and ride from Santa Monica to Venice Beach. Here you get to experience the stunning architecture of California. The guides will take you through the artists’ streets where amazing graffiti and sculptures are found. You will also get to pass through the beach, Venice canals, and also watch beautiful street performances. You can capture all these and more by taking selfies, hiring a photographer or even asking someone to take pictures of you.
Book Tours : Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Adventure Tour
Lights, Camera, Action: Tours for every cinephile
Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood, so it’s natural that the namesake neighborhood is a top attraction for travelers, If you’re a cinephile too, check out the following tours in Hollywood!
10. Get a glimpse of Hollywood life on this original two-hour tour
This classic, open-top bus tour is the original Hollywood tour that millions of travellers and tourists flock to every year. Don’t miss out on the action, as this two-hour tour will take you on a guided trip through Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Explore the historical highlights of this beautiful place from the comfort of your bus and take souvenir photos to show to all your friends and family back home. Your bus will take you through attractions that include the Walk Of Fame and Chinese Theatre, as well as the circular Capitol Records Building, Rodeo Drive and Vine Street. There is so much to witness and take in that you will surely return to this tour each time you plan a visit to Los Angeles!
11. Take a trip straight into the glittering studios of Hollywood
Have you ever wondered how your favourite movies and TV shows were made? Check out this three-hour tour to the Warner Brothers Studio in Hollywood and see sets from famous shows and movies. This tour allows you to do just about everything there is to do in here, including re-enacting a scene from “Friends” on the famous “Central Perk” set, designing your own Batmobile and movie costumes, and taking a spin on the broomstick from Harry Potter using green screen technology. You will also get to go to the innovative Stage 48: Script to Screen, that explores the phases of the film-making process and takes a behind-the-scenes look at your favourite TV shows and movies.
Book Tours : Los Angeles: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
12. Dive into the secrets and lore of Hollywood on this "behind-the-scenes" tour
This short, 75-minute guided tour is held four times a day, seven days a week. Take the chance to learn about the various historically significant theatres in Hollywood and other iconic Hollywood landmarks. The landmarks include the world-famous Walk Of Fame, which has the hand and footprints of the most famous Hollywood stars. Your guide will tell you about the legends of Hollywood, how it got its name and the history of the famed Hollywood sign. More than just a superficial sightseeing tour, you will get to learn about this place’s history, architecture and deep lore. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Book Tours : Hollywood: Behind-the-Scenes Walking Tour
13. Enjoy the rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood
No tour of Los Angeles is complete without the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour. It is the golden ticket of studio tours because it provides two amazing attractions for the price of one. Universal Studios Hollywood Tour offers the world’s largest working movie studio to tour and it is also packed with movie-themed rides and attractions. During the studio tour, you’ll encounter the award-winning King Kong 360 3-D created by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson. The world’s largest 3-D experience, King Kong 360 places you in the middle of a harrowing struggle between a 35-foot (10.6 m) T-Rex and the mightiest ape of all – King Kong. Other highlights not to be missed are Fast & Furious - Supercharged, Jurassic Park - The Ride, and of course the magical The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Insta-Worthy Escapes: Places and tours for Instagrammers
Do you love taking photos of spectacular views and eye-catching attractions? Then, the following tours exploring some of LA’s most Instagram-worthy spots will delight you!
14. Get your Instagram-worthy selfies at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
This wax museum has over 100 lifelike wax models of the richest and most famous celebs that you know of. Bring Hollywood back home with you when you leave, by clicking pictures with real-looking wax models of stars - from Denzel Washington and Jennifer Lopez to Johnny Depp. There are also wax models of legendary sports stars, like Lance Armstrong and David Beckham, as well as pop stars, like Beyonce and Justin Timberlake. The museum has an interactive display that allows you to be a part of the action. It is open seven days a week, but you may have to call in advance to confirm the opening hours.
Book Tours : Madame Tussauds Hollywood Tickets
15. Explore Hollywood on an electric bike
This is a three-hour bike tour around Hollywood’s famous landmarks. Among these is the LACMA, L.A’s modern museum which holds a history of artwork and also the Hollywood Boulevard. This ride is perfect for families or friends who would like to know this city. Get a professional photographer to capture your great moments. You can either take pictures on your bike or during the breaks in the places where your adventurous nature is brought out.
Book Tours : Hollywood Tour: Sightseeing by Electric Bike
16. Pilot your own private jet and zoom over the Hollywood sign
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at controlling a plane and taking to the sky? This one-hour flight tour is a great choice for when you want to experience as much of the City of Angels as possible. This flight will allow you to soar above the hubbub of LA and see the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Hills, Sunset Boulevard, as well as Beverly Hills. This flight is for two people and one of you can actually fly the plane! If you intend to bring your loved one here for a proposal or just a getaway, this is the perfect experience to include on your itinerary.
Book Tours : Los Angeles: 1-Hour Airplane Flight for 2 Persons
17. Climb new heights on the Hollywood Hills Hiking Tour
Los Angeles may be a large metropolitan city, but it also has majestic mountain ranges and scenic hills making it a haven for hikers. And taking the Hollywood Hills Hiking Tour affords a real opportunity to explore some of the natural beauty that surrounds this city, while also learning a little about its history. An experienced Hollywood Hills Hiking tour guide will lead you on the ascent through the Hollywood Hills. Atop the hills, you’ll get an array of spectacular views, from Downtown Los Angeles to the Sunset Strip. The true highlight of the tour is the view of the iconic Hollywood Sign. The last leg of the journey takes hikers to the Griffith Observatory, one of L.A.’s greatest cultural attractions. From its perch on Mt. Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A. The Observatory also boasts a planetarium and astronomy exhibits.
The Hollywood Hills Hiking Tours offers a morning and evening tour. If you can do the evening expedition, you’ll get the incredible treat of watching the sunset and enjoying the twinkling of the city lights and night stars!
18. Marvel at the Urban Lights at LACMA
Posted by Jinna Ji Eun KO on Monday, 11 February 2019
Urban Light, created in 2008, is a large-scale assemblage sculpture by Chris Burden located at the Wilshire Boulevard entrance, next to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The installation consists of 202 restored street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s. Most of them once lit the streets of Southern California. There are 16 different streetlight models represented, many of which were commissioned for particular neighbourhoods and streets. The Broadway Rose, the largest and most ornate of the models, is represented by six lamps. Today, Urban Light has become an extremely popular attraction, not just as a gateway to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, but also as a picturesque Instagram spot in its own right. According to Public Art in Public Places, Urban Light has become the most visited, photographed and well-known public artwork in Southern California.
Urban Lights at LACMA
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Website: Urban Lights at LACMA
Opening hours: Open 24 Hours
Price: Free
19. Take a picture against the The Pink Wall at Paul Smith
Paul Smith’s iconic pink wall is an LA Instagram phenomenon. We’re bringing a slice of Los Angeles to the Naughton...
Posted by The Naughton Gallery on Tuesday, 16 October 2018
The Pink Wall at Paul Smith’s flagship store on Melrose Avenue is a popular Instagram destination and shopping spot. The pink wall trend on Instagram had become so popular that Paul Smith had to employ its own security guard tasked with preventing cars from colliding with photo-takers and attempting to enforce the no-professional-cameras rule. This wall tops multiple “Most Instagrammed Walls in LA” lists and was popularised by many social media influencers over the years.
Paul Smith's Pink Wall
Address: 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
Website: Paul Smith’s Pink Wall
Opening hours: Open 24 Hours
Price: Free
20. Admire the architecture of Stahl House
The Stahl House is a mansion designed by architect Pierre Koenig, known for its glass panelled walls and iconic location overlooking the city of Los Angeles. The Stahl House was the filming location for many popular Hollywood movies. Group tours of the interior are available for a fee.
The Stahl House
Address: 1635 Woods Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90069, USA
Website: Stahl House
Opening hours: Open only for private tours
Price: 35.00 USD
21. Find unique reads at The Last Bookstore
Posted by The Last Bookstore on Thursday, 20 July 2017
The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book and record store. There are rows upon rows of towering rustic bookshelves, ladders, and books of every genre for you to get your glasses on and take a bookstore Instagram shot. Shots in The Last Bookstore are completely free should you choose not to buy any books, a plus point about this particular location.
The Last Bookstore
Address: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
Website: The Last Bookstore
Opening hours: 10 am - 5 pm
Price: Free
22. Click a picture of the iconic “Made in LA” wall outside Cisco Home
Cisco Home is a large furniture company in the United States focusing on eco-friendly beds, chairs and lights. One of the reasons why many tourists flock to Cisco Home, however, is because of its iconic “Made in LA” sign on the back of its warehouse, printed in large bold font on a muted grey background, perfect as a shot to prove that you’ve been to Los Angeles.
“Made in LA”
Address: 8025 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
Website: “Made in LA”
Opening hours: Open 24 Hours
Price: Free
23. Be surrounded by vibrant art at The Container Yard
Posted by The Container Yard on Friday, 29 July 2016
The Container Yard is a big arts center in a warehouse with street art exhibits, cultural events and musical performances. From colorful wall murals to large sculptures and paintings, there are many Instagram opportunities waiting to happen. Compared to traditional museums where photography is often not allowed, here, visitors are free to take snapshots of as many works of art as they wish. The Container Yard also hosts many workshops, events and hands-on activity days for you to make your trip interactive and fun.
The Container Yard
Address: 800 E 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
Website: The Container Yard
Opening hours: Open 24 Hours
Price: Free
24. Soak in the lively atmosphere at Santa Monica Pier
Posted by Santa Monica Pier on Tuesday, 21 November 2017
The Santa Monica Pier is a majestic pier found close to Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California. The peer is popular with both residents and visitors alike for its iconic entrance. Beyond snapping a shot of its neon-lit entrance, visitors can also have fun at the Pacific Park, a family amusement park with its one-of-a-kind solar panelled Ferris wheel. The Santa Monica Pier also has its own carousel, many restaurants, pubs, and even a trapeze school, all Instagram-worthy opportunities in their own right.
Santa Monica Pier
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Website: Santa Monica Pier
Opening hours: Open 24 Hours
Price: Free
One-Day Delights: Epic day tours and trips from LA
If you’ve got some time in hand after exploring LA, why not discover its beautiful surroundings? Here are some day tours and trips that you can enjoy from Los Angeles!
25. Admire the beauty of Malibu on this two-hour tour
Malibu is truly an experience in and of itself. This two-hour tour to the elite beachfront communities and pristine white sand beaches of Malibu is a must-see journey. Your knowledgeable guide will show you 40 palatial villas and mansions that belong to famous celebrities, along with filming locations. Take a cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway from the Santa Monica Pier and enjoy the beautiful sunset views and cool sea breeze of Malibu beach. Your tour will be conducted in a comfortable, open-air bus.
26. Discover the gorgeous Catalina Island
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city on this day trip to Catalina Island. Take a ferry from Los Angeles or Anaheim and arrive in Avalon, the largest city on the island. The first activity during the guided tour is a 50 minute, nonstop ride through Catalina Island. As you ride, listen to the history of the island or bask in the beauty of the landscape. The excursion allows you to explore underwater sea life without getting wet.
Board a climate controlled submarine for this 45 minute adventure that boasts spectacular views. The third tour activity is definitely for thrill seekers. Feel the ocean breeze as you jet through the water on a Ribcraft boat for 1 hour. Lastly, take a 2 hour zipline journey from the hills of Avalon all the way to Descanso Beach. After a long day, you will then take the ferry back to Long Beach where you will be transported to your hotel.
27. Explore the beachy town of Santa Barbara
The town of Santa Barbara is known just as much for its amazing white sand beaches as it is for its rich history and culture. Visit this town on this day tour and enjoy a trip to the harbour with its gorgeous beachy vibes. Next, your tour guide will take you down to the streets of an authentic Danish village, where you can appreciate some truly European architecture. The village is filled with little treats to explore, such as bakeries and antique shops. After that, your next visit will allow you to explore a bit of the history of Santa Barbara by checking out the world-famous Hearst Castle, with its gorgeous antique ceilings, imported oriental upholstery, art treasures and Greek vases, dating back to 800 BC. Discover why this castle was frequented so often by the rich and famous of the previous century.
28. Relax in Palm Springs and indulge in some outlet shopping
It's National Relaxation Day! A perfect day to casually stroll through our desert oasis of fashion. #NationalRelaxationDay
Posted by Desert Hills Premium Outlets on Tuesday, 15 August 2017
Tour Palm Springs on a fabulous 12 hour day trip. You’ll meet your tour guide at Los Angeles Farmers Market or the Four Points by Sheraton to board the air-conditioned coaches that will bring you to Palm Springs. Once you’ve arrived, a guided tour will lead you to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway where you can take in the fantastic views of the desert landscape on your way up. After the tram ride, take a walk on the wild side at the Living Desert Zoo, peek into the lifestyles of the rich and famous at El Paseo, and eat lunch amongst the locals. You’ll finish the tour with a visit to Desert Hills Premium Outlets before heading back to the Los Angeles area.
Make memories on your Los Angeles trip
Whether you’re out chasing celebrities or ziplining through beautiful terrain, Los Angeles is one of the best cities to make lasting memories. A trip to Los Angeles can be fun and convenient for solo travelers, couples, as well as families. Use this list as a guide to plan engaging activities that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
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