city tours and travel los angeles

• [email protected]
• +1 323-465-3004
• +1 213-385-3004

Los Angeles Day Tours by minibus, offering guided tours of LA since 1988.

Guideline tours is excited to welcome back guests from the us and now internantional travelers to celebrate we are offering 10% off all bookings made only here on our website *when you checkout simply enter the promo code la10saver, small groups, traditional sightseeing + pop culture, professional, local guides, enjoy a comprehensive overview of the city, discover beverly hills, downtown la, hollywood, & more.

Whether it’s your first time to Los Angeles or you’ve been around for a while, we’ve got a tour for you. Take a morning ride around town on our Grand City of LA Tour , stopping for lunch at the famous Original Farmers Market. Not an early riser? Our Afternoon City Tour of Los Angeles departs around 1:30pm for those who prefer to explore later in the day . Check out our offerings below!

Grand City of LA Tour

$89 per person

Afternoon City Tour of Los Angeles

$88 per person

Comments from Previous Customers

Telling the Story of Los Angeles

With over 30 years of experience.

At Guideline Tours, our one and only goal is to provide high-quality tours for visitors to our city. Since 1988, we have shown myriads of tourists the best sights in Los Angeles, from Hollywood to Beverly Hills and beyond. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides know this city like the back of their hand and are excited to show you what makes LA special.

At Guideline Tours, we pride ourselves on superior customer service , from the time you first book a tour with us until we drop you off at your final destination. Take a ride with us — and let us show you around!

Check Out Our Blog

Guideline tours hubs for our los angeles sightseeing tours, 10 best los angeles tour selfies for instagram spots.

Los Angeles Tour Guides

Follow us at @guidelinetours, have more questions, please let us know.

5-Star Rated on Trip Advisor & Yelp San Diego • Las Vegas • Maui

• Private Tours
• Private Tours from Anaheim
• Private Tours from Long Beach
• Segway Tours
• E-Bike Tours
• Team Building
• Combo Deals
• Beverly Hills Tours
• Celebrity Homes Tours
• Haunted Hollywood Tours
• Los Angeles Hiking Tours
• Hollywood Tours
• LA to San Diego Tours
• Malibu Wine Tours
• San Diego Tours
• Step-On-Tour Guide Services
• Walking Tours
• Wine Tasting Tours
• On Sale For those seeking adventure in the City of Angels, our Los Angeles Tours On Sale are the key to unlocking the treasures of this dynamic metropolis at unbeatable prices! Get ready to immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, explore the eclectic neighborhoods that define LA’s cultural landscape, and discover hidden gems that only locals know about—all while enjoying exclusive discounts that make your dream trip a reality. Explore the iconic sights and sounds of Hollywood, from the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame to the iconic Griffith Observatory, where panoramic views of the city await. Delve into the rich history of Tinseltown as you stroll down Sunset Boulevard, past historic theaters and celebrity hotspots. But the magic of Los Angeles extends far beyond just Hollywood. Venture off the beaten path to discover vibrant neighborhoods like Venice Beach, where eclectic street performers and colorful murals line the boardwalk, or explore the trendy shops and eateries of Melrose Avenue. With our Los Angeles Tours On Sale, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your adventure to suit your interests and preferences. Whether you’re a film buff eager to visit famous movie locations, a foodie looking to sample the city’s diverse culinary…
• Custom Tours
• Private LA Tours from Anaheim
• Private LA Tours From Long Beach
• Tours On Sale

1-323-310-1759

Los Angeles City Tours

Iconic la adventures daily tours to hollywood’s hotspots, the los angeles tour.

Step into the dazzling world of Hollywood and Beverly Hills on our expertly guided tour. Experience movie magic as you visit iconic sites like the legendary Hollywood Sign, the Dolby Theatre, home to the Oscars, and the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where countless premieres and the famous Walk of Fame reside. Cruise in style along the Sunset Strip, passing landmarks such as the Chateau Marmont, The Viper Room, and The Whiskey a-go-go, birthplaces of music legends. Venture into luxurious Beverly Hills, where you might spot celebrities and admire opulent hotels like the Beverly Hilton and the timeless Beverly Hills Hotel. Stroll down the renowned Rodeo Drive, soaking in the ambiance of this world-famous shopping destination. With advanced reservations required, our tour includes smalll snacks, water, and a polished Los Angeles guide ensuring an unforgettable journey. Book now and be dazzled by the magic of Tinseltown!

The Los Angeles Beach Tour

Step into a mesmerizing three-hour journey along the coastal gems of Los Angeles, where Hollywood’s glitz yields to the seaside charm of Santa Monica and the vibrant eccentricity of Venice Beach. As the sun caresses the Pacific, our adventure begins when you leave our comfortable tour van and enter a world where sea breezes play with your hair, quirky boardwalk shops beckon, and the sands come alive with characters as colorful as the sunset. More than just a tour, it’s an immersive experience led by our local lore virtuoso. You’ll be captivated by backstories and historical gems, while the Pacific’s shimmering embrace leaves an indelible mark on your heart. Secure your spot now, as advanced reservations are a must. We’ll keep you refreshed with snacks and water, and our polished Los Angeles guide will undoubtedly leave you spellbound. Book today and watch your inbox for exciting tour details, confirmations, and meeting information. Your Los Angeles adventure awaits!

The LA Highlights Express Tour

Uncover the essence of Los Angeles in just four captivating hours with our Los Angeles Highlights Express Tour. This carefully curated journey unveils the city’s vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, leaving you with a deep appreciation for its diversity. Our expert guides, hailing from top hospitality backgrounds, ensure a seamless adventure as we embark on a two-part exploration. First, immerse yourself in the sun-soaked allure of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, where the Pacific’s beauty and Venice’s bohemian charm await. Then, dive into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, visiting famous sites like the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Rodeo Drive. Cruise past celebrity homes, marvel at the Hollywood sign, and enjoy the comfort of our climate-controlled van in a small semi-private group setting. Join us daily at 9:00AM and 2:00PM for this unforgettable tour, complete with snacks, water, and the expertise of a polished Los Angeles guide. It’s the ultimate way to experience LA in just four hours – an adventure that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Reserve your spot today!

The Los Angeles Highlights Tour

Embark on the ultimate Los Angeles Highlights Tour, providing the most comprehensive overview of the city in just 7 hours! With a small semi-private group and expertly recruited guides from top hospitality backgrounds, this experience is the perfect way to discover the best of LA. The tour is divided into two parts, beginning with the famous beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, stroll along the sandy shores, and bask in California’s year-round mild weather. After a 1-hour lunch break at the world-renowned Farmer’s Market, we’ll dive into the Hollywood and Beverly Hills portion of the tour. You’ll have the chance to visit all the iconic spots that Los Angeles is famous for, including the Dolby Theatre, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, The Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more. Travel in comfort in our enclosed climate-controlled van, and enjoy complimentary snacks and bottled water throughout the tour. This experience is offered daily at 9:00AM, starting at our conveniently located office. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the very best that Los Angeles has to offer in a single day!

$ 189.00 $199.00

The LA to San Diego VIP Tour

Indulge in a luxurious private VIP tour from Los Angeles to San Diego, where you’ll be captivated by the beauty and charm of Southern California’s most enchanting city. In San Diego, you’ll be treated to stunning ocean vistas, a visit to the iconic Historic Hotel Del Coronado, a leisurely stroll through the lush landscapes of Balboa Park, and the chance to explore the picturesque shores of La Jolla. Our meticulously crafted tour is designed to both entertain and inspire, offering countless photo opportunities and a relaxed pace that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of San Diego. As you journey from LA to San Diego, you’ll quickly understand why our tour is the ultimate way to experience all that this coastal paradise has to offer. With its close proximity to Los Angeles, seize the opportunity to visit this California jewel. We’re confident that you’ll fall head over heels for our beautiful city, coastline, and rich cultural heritage—simply book with us and prepare for an unforgettable journey of discovery and delight!

$599.00 20% OFF for parties of 3+

LA to San Diego in A Day

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Los Angeles to San Diego aboard the scenic Pacific Surfliner Train with our acclaimed semi-private tour. Once you arrive in San Diego, expert guide will meet you and lead you on a captivating exploration of San Diego’s most remarkable attractions, from the iconic Coronado Island and historic Gaslamp Quarter to the stunning coastline of La Jolla. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of The Hotel Del Coronado, stroll along the Embarcadero, and uncover the wonders of Balboa Park. Savor a leisurely lunch in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter before venturing to the coastal paradise of La Jolla, where dramatic cliffs, enigmatic caves, and thriving marine life await. With stops at picturesque viewpoints and intriguing landmarks, this excursion promises enchanting stories and awe-inspiring vistas. Join us on this unparalleled adventure and discover why we’re Southern California’s premier sightseeing tour company. Book now for an experience you’ll cherish forever!

Experience the Best of Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach & More

Unlock the Real LA with Us! Unbeatable Value, Unforgettable Experiences

Forget ordinary tours – we’re offering an insider’s journey through Los Angeles at prices that won’t break the bank:

• Small group adventures for a personalized experience
• Expert guides sharing juicy stories and hidden secrets
• Carefully crafted routes balancing iconic sights and local gems
• Snap that perfect Hollywood Sign selfie
• Discover celeb hotspots and trendy eateries
• Explore vibrant street art scenes off the tourist track

From Beverly Hills glamour to Venice Beach cool, we’ve got you covered. Our passion is showing you the best of LA – the sights, the sounds, and the flavors that make this city unforgettable.

Best value guarantee: We offer the most comprehensive LA tour experience at the most competitive price. More bang for your buck, more LA for your dollar!

Ready for an adventure that’s equal parts exciting, informative, fun, and affordable? Grab your shades and let’s hit the road!

Your LA story starts here. Let’s make some budget-friendly memories you’ll be talking about long after you’re home!

Forget ordinary tours – we're offering an insider's journey through Los Angeles at prices that won't break the bank:

From Beverly Hills glamour to Venice Beach cool, we've got you covered. Our passion is showing you the best of LA – the sights, the sounds, and the flavors that make this city unforgettable.

Ready for an adventure that's equal parts exciting, informative, fun, and affordable? Grab your shades and let's hit the road!

Your LA story starts here. Let's make some budget-friendly memories you'll be talking about long after you're home!

Tour Famous Tinsel Town

We are proud to be one of the most highly awarded tour companies in the western united states year after year.

Why Book your Tour with Another Side Tours?

Award-winning.

1,000's and 1,000's of 5-star reviews on Yelp, Trip Advisor and Google.

Over 1 million happy tour guests on over 100,000 successful tours and counting!

Group, private, corporate and custom tours available in all markets!

Create the perfect tour with the help of our specialists

Iconic experiences

Our tours are handcrafted so you'll pass through unique locations and have iconic experiences only we can deliver

The best bikes, segways, vans and equipment is used on all of our tours.

Make the most of your time and budget

The best guides

All of our tour guides are local experts, professionally trained and certified by us

Our custom tours are designed so you'll have an insider's view on every tour, no cookie cutter tours with us!

Our tours will be the most memorable part of your vacation with our premium equipment, customized tours and certified guides

Fully protected

Fully licensed tour operator

Continually awarded as the top tour provider for Viator and Trip Advisor

Certified IATA Tour Agency

Why we stand out from the crowd

We have spent years exploring Los Angeles, finding hidden gems, and building partnerships with local businesses. Every one of our LA tours highlights a special part of the city that we can’t wait to share with you! Join our Private Tours, Segway Tours, and E-Bikes to explore in style. Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Santa Monica (just to name a few) on your terms. Our tours are about more than just seeing famous landmarks—they’re about experiencing the culture, history, and people that make up this amazing place so many people call home. We are committed to offering Los Angeles experiences created with forethought, love, and compassion.

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of Los Angeles for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Los Angeles without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

The 9 best Los Angeles tours

Los Angeles tours like bike rides to Santa Monica bakeries and Arts District walks make it easy to see all of the city

Whether you're in LA for a short while or a couple of weeks finalising your itinerary can be such a drag, especially if it's your first visit and you're trying to avoid serious FOMO. Luckly there is way to escape that feeling: guided tours.  

Tours are one the best ways to explore as many neighborhoods as possible in a short time, while also gaining some local tips along the way. Choose a sightseeing tour if you must hit all the big Los Angeles attractions or opt for a food tour to sample the best tacos in Los Angeles . Movie buffs will want to go behind the scenes at film studios, and who doesn’t want to feel the sand between your toes on the best beaches in L.A. ?

Whatever Los Angeles experience you're banking on during your trip, this list of the best Los Angeles tours has something for everyone.

Wondering how long is long enough to spend in LA? You should aim four at least four days in LA if you want to cover enough ground. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍See things to do in Los Angeles 🍽Dine at the  best restaurants in Los Angeles 🏨Stay at the best hotels in LA

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Los Angeles tours

Hollywood sign e-bike tour.

E-bike your way up to the Hollywood sign, passing the homes of  A-listers and iconic film locations. on your way up with this private tour. Ideal for couples or small groups, your guide will lead you along hidden routes in the Hills, while you take in the beautiful scenery of Lake Hollywood Park and Griffith Park. A huge bonus: you'll have professional photos shot of you while you ride off into the sunset, so no need to scramble for your iPhone, just saddle up. 

Hollywood and Beverly Hills Minibus Tour

Ticking off all the main attractions across Hollywood and Beverly Hills is all in a day's work with this five-hour minibus tour. your first stop will be Downtown LA, from there, you'll continue onto Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign, before firmly placing your feet on the Walk of Fame. Along each stop, you get the opportunity to take a few snaps before hopping back on the bus. As you're bound to work up quite an appetite along the way, you'll stop to enjoy lunch at The Original Farmers Market where there'll be a variety of food options including American classics from Du-Pars.

South Bay Brewery Tour

• Things to do
• Walks and tours

The craft beer scene in Los Angeles has exploded in recent years, and nowhere is that more apparent than the South Bay. El Segundo, Torrance and Redondo Beach each boast a bevy of popular craft breweries like Smog City Brewing Co., Three Weavers Brewing Co. and Phantom Carriage Brewery. Visit three of the best and enjoy a flight of four testers at each location on a guided LA Beer Hop tour of the area. The best part? Your tour guide serves as an automatic designated driver.

Philip Mershon’s Felix in Hollywood Tour

Forget the star tours and flashy tourist traps: This tour of Hollywood looks past all the superficial attractions to get to the heart of the entertainment industry. Local historian Philip Mershon describes the origin stories of all the major film studios, record companies and television networks with such gusto that you might feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a fascinating journey for anyone interested in the business of Hollywood. $40

Arts District Walking Tour

Craft breweries, hip restaurants, art galleries and vibrant murals abound in the Arts District, a neighborhood on the eastern edge of Downtown that’s known for its cool vibe. Spend two hours walking the streets of this trendy nabe to experience the art that made it so famous for yourself. The tour also includes a visit to ArtShare LA, the city’s largest private art warehouse. $22

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Passion Leica

Los Angeles Taco Tour by Bike

If Los Angeles had an official dish, it would be the taco. Locals know that some of the best come from sidewalk stands or taco truck parked outside strip malls. Navigate the streets of Downtown to sample some of the most beloved al pastor and carne asada tacos on this two-hour bike tour. $100

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ T.Tseng

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

See how movie magic happens with a behind-the-scenes tour at Warner Bros. Studios. Film geeks will love the chance to get an inside look at the production process, from the sound stages to the prop department. The tour ends with your chance to try on the Sorting Hat from J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter franchise and sit on the Central Perk couch where the Friends gang drank so many cups of coffee.

Six Taste Koreatown Food Tour

It’s no wonder why buzzy chefs like Roy Choi have been setting up shop in Koreatown: The nabe already has a thriving food culture thanks to the authentic Korean BBQ spots lining the streets. Join a Six Taste food tour to try five family-style tastings of authentic dishes including abalone rice porridge, bibimbap, Korean fried chicken wings and, of course, authentic Korean BBQ. You’ll finish the meal with something sweet—think shaved green tea snow with mochi, red bean and condensed milk. $75

Grand City Tour of Los Angeles

This five-hour tour might very well be the most efficient way to see all the top L.A. attractions. Kick things off in Downtown with a visit to the Walt Disney Concert Hall before heading west to check out the Griffith Park Observatory and catch your first glimpse of the Hollywood Sign. Next, it’s off to Hollywood Boulevard to experience the Walk of Fame, Dolby Theatre and TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. You’ll drive through Beverly Hills and loop back to the Original Farmers Market, where you’ll have time for lunch before heading back to your hotel. $75

Looking for more tours in L.A.?

11 l.a. tours worth going on with a date.

Instead of meeting for drinks or seeing a forgettable movie, take someone special on one of these L.A. tours worth going on with a date.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Time Out magazine

The Top 22 Excursions and Tours in Los Angeles

Thinking about a trip to the City of Angels? To help you get started with your itinerary, we’ve put together a list of the top tours in Los Angeles.

Located in southern California, Los Angeles is a city that means many different things to different people. The beautiful beaches, sprawling amusement parks, and cultural activities have been attracting people to its sunny shores for decades and the glitz and glamor of Hollywood still attract hopeful starlets to this day. Today, many people around the world dream about visiting Los Angeles and it’s really no surprise why!

We know that organizing a vacation can be tricky, especially when you’re juggling work and family and everyone has a different idea of what they want to do there. To help you get started with your travel itinerary, we’ve put together a list of the top tours and excursions in Los Angeles. 

Expert Tip: If possible, try to book directly with the tour operator. The past few years of COVID restrictions have hit many travel companies pretty hard and booking directly helps them keep more money in their pockets. Plus, you’re likely to get better customer service in case anything goes wrong and you need to change, cancel, or reschedule your booking.

Try a different kind of tour !

Looking for a creative way to tour Tinseltown? Scrambling to see all that the City of Angels has to offer? Consider learning about Los Angeles on a scavenger hunt ! Our tours combine competitive spirit with sightseeing for a unique and memorable experience. Try one today!

Tours in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is huge, like really, really huge, which makes it challenging to see a lot without having a pretty good plan in place. Thankfully, there are a ton of different tour options that make it easier to see the things that interest you most without having to figure out the public transport system or drive through Los Angeles’ dreaded traffic.

The below list has been compiled using the expert knowledge of our in-house travel gurus as well as reviews from TripAdvisor and Google Maps and they are specially picked to include something for every type of traveler regardless of whether you adore relaxing walking tours or thrive on adrenaline-pumping activities.

As one of the largest, most diverse, cities in the United States, Los Angeles has a lot to offer whether you’re looking for world-class cultural attractions, laid-back beach towns, or ethnic enclaves. And, let’s not forget the allure of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. There are some great tours available that help you see some of Los Angeles’ top attractions, hidden gems, the homes of some of the most well-known celebrities in the world, and the filming locations of some of the most iconic movie scenes in cinema history. 

Most of the tours are designed for small groups which helps ensure that you’ll be able to interact with your guide and you won’t be ushered from one spot to the next in a large group. Best of all, when you go on a tour of Los Angeles, you’re likely to get some great recommendations from your guide on where to go after your tour.

1. The Original Farmers Market Food & History Tour

With people living there from all over the world, Los Angeles can certainly be considered a melting pot and this two-and-a-half-hour food and history tour takes you through the Original Farmers Market where you can sample ethnic dishes, delicious donuts, artisanal cheese, and other delights.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the history and folklore behind different dishes and the vendors who lovingly prepare them. If you have any dietary requirements, make sure to let the guides know in advance so that they can find suitable alternatives. The Melting Pot Farmers Market Tours are held Thursday through Saturday.

2. Star Homes Tours by Bus

We all sometimes imagine that we were celebrities and this entertaining Star Homes Tours by Open Bus Tours gives you a chance to see how Hollywood’s elite live. As you drive through Beverly Hills, your guide will point out landmarks, celebrity homes, studios, and failing locations. There will be plenty of time to take photos of iconic spots like the Hollywood Sign, Dolby Theater, and the famous Sunset Strip.

Tours last around two hours and by the time you’re finished, you’ll know some of the city’s celebrity hot spots. There are multiple departures each day leaving from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you want to learn more about the general history and layout of the city, you can also join Open Bus Tours’ Best of Los Angeles Tour. 

3. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Operated by Big Bus Tours , the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a convenient way to discover Los Angeles. There are two different routes running daily that take in most of the top attractions in Los Angeles and a recorded commentary gives you the rundown of what you’re seeing and why it’s important. There is also an open-top, which is great for taking photos and enjoying the California sunshine. Best of all, you can decide how much or how little time you want to spend in each place.

The entry-level tickets are available for one day or you can purchase a two-day ticket which also includes a TCL Chinese Theater Walking Tour. This is a great ick for people who only have time to do one tour and want to have the option of sending more time in the areas that they are most interested in.

4. The Wonders of Downtown L.A. Scavenger Hunt

Many people don’t realize how easy it’s to get around Downtown Los Angeles or just how much there is to see there. During this Wonders of Downtown L.A. Scavenger Hunt by Let’s Roam, you’ll get a chance to see some of downtown’s unique attractions as you make a loo around this historic neighborhood checking out storied buildings, epic sculptures, and cultural attractions. Some of the attractions you’ll see include the Million Dollar Theater, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and City Hall. The hunts normally take around an hour and a half to two hours but you can complete the scavenger hunt at your own ace, storing and starting as often as you please. 

5. Grand Tour of Los Angeles

With hotel pick-ups and a streamlined approach, the Grand Tour of Los Angeles by Starline Tours lets you see a lot of the City of Angels in very little time. During this five-and-a-half-hour bus tour, you’ll get to see all of the major sites including Rodeo Drive, Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theater, and more. It’s important to keep in mind that the bus moves quickly and the only real photo stop is the Original Farmers Market where you’ll grab lunch but this is perfect for people who have limited time.

6. TMZ Celebrity Tour

If you can’t get enough of Hollywood gossip, the two-hour TMZ Celebrity Tour may be perfect for you! During the tour, you’ll learn about the juiciest gossip and the most secretive secrets. This is certainly not your conventional sightseeing tour, in fact, the guides show video clips and share stories while keeping on the lookout for any celebrities who may be willing to pop into the bus for a quick interview. If you’re interested in seeing specific sites, you may want to opt for another tour but this one can’t be beat for movie lovers.

7. Tinseltown’s Biggest Stars Scavenger Hunt

Have you ever wondered how many Academy Awards the Chinese Theater has hosted? How about how many stars are on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Well, now is the time to find out! Created by Let’s Roam, this star-filled Tinseltown’s Biggest Stars Scavenger Hunt lets you explore Hollywood from top to bottom as you race your nearest and dearest to find your next destination. Along the way, you’ll answer lots of fun trivia and riddles about some of the area’s most popular landmarks including Sunset Boulevard, the Capitol Records Building, the Chinese Theater, and of course, the Walk of Fame. 

Unlike other scavenger hunts, you can pause this app-based hunt as often as you like if you want to check out something interesting or simply are in need of a coffee break. We promise that you’ll learn a lot about the history of Hollywood and Los Angeles and create great memories at the same time. 

8. L.A. City Tour, Celebrity Homes & Beaches

This six-hour minibus tour operated by L . A. City Tours lets you see some of the city’s best cultural and historic sites. Along the way, there will be 20-minute stops scheduled at places like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and Beverly Hills where you can get out, stretch your legs, and do a little mini walking tour on your own. The lunch break is either at the Original Farmers Market or Venice Beach which allows you to tick one more attraction off your list. 

This LA City Tour is a great way to get an overview of the city but it’s important to keep in mind that the 20-minute stops can go by really fast. We recommend doing this tour during the start of your trip so you can go back to some of the places that you wanted to spend more time in. The price of the tour includes pick up and drop off at many Los Angeles hotels as well as a map and bottled water.

9. Tragical History Tour

This very “punny” tour gives you a glimpse into Los Angeles’ darker side. Over a period of three hours, you’ll see the locations where celebrities lived and died and you may even see some places where scandalous behavior occurred. The Tragical History Tour will give you an insider’s look into the lives of celebrities such as Hugh Grant, John Belushi, and Whitney Houston. 

If you want to scratch below Los Angeles’ glossy surface, this is a great tour and should be at the top of your to-do list. If you want to go even darker, you can join their Helter Skelter Tour which covers the sites associated with the bone-chilling Manson Family Murders.

10. A City Tour 1

A Day in LA Tours brings you City Tour 1, a lengthy excursion that will take you from Venice Beach all the way to Griffith Park via Beverly Hills and Santa Monica onboard comfortable, air-conditioned buses that are outfitted with convenient device charging ports. This means that you can keep your phone fully charged for the seven-and-a-half-hour tour. The scheduled stops last roughly 40 minutes which gives you a decent amount of time to explore the attractions on your own and the free hotel pick-up from Los Angeles and Disneyland/Anaheim makes this a great option for people hoping to squeeze in a full-day tour during their stay in LA. 

11. Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour

Run by Six Taste , this four-hour Downtown LA Walking Tour gives you the chance to taste the signature dishes of some of the city’s best eateries. With Thai, BBQ, and Mexican options, this food tour provides a smorgasbord of flavors and it gives you an idea of the incredible diversity of Los Angeles. Many of the eateries are well off the beaten track so they would otherwise be very difficult to find on your own which kind of gives you bragging rights to claim that you got to eat like a true local.

The tours run on Saturdays and Sundays only and you must check their website for the most up-to-date departure times as they tend to vary. It’s also important to note that this tour is not vegetarian friendly and has very few gluten-free options so if you have any dietary requirements, you may want to sit this one out. 

12. Celebrity Homes Tour

Here is another one for the Hollywood lovers out there! The Celebrity Home Tour operated by Ultimate Hollywood Tours will take you to over 50 movie star homes over the course of two hours. The open-air bus passes by the former or present homes of Hollywood superstars like Johnny Sepp, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Will Ferrell, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, and Charlize Theron. You’ll also be able to see the clubs and shops that celebrities frequent and the knowledgeable guides will tell entertaining stories about the lives of the rich and famous.

The tour makes plenty of photo stops, including one at the Hollywood Sign. If you’re lucky, you may even have a celebrity spotting! Tours depart frequently throughout the day. If you want to get an even more in-depth look into the entertainment industry, you can also join their Hollywood Insider Tour.

13. Silver Lake Architecture Tour

Los Angeles is famous for its opulent mansions and spectacular architecture and on this Silver Lake Tour run by Architecture Tours L.A. , you’ll get to see some of the city’s most stunning buildings. This tour will send architecture buffs swooning and everyone will be impressed by the wide array of designs on display with mid-century modern and contemporary homes designed by Rudolph Schindler, John Lautner, and Richard Neutra as well as other architecture powerhouses. 

Throughout the tour, your expert guide will give you insider access to these remarkable homes and help you gain a new perspective on them. Architecture Tours L.A. also offers excursions focused on Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry and visits other neighborhoods in West Hollywood and Hancock Park that can provide a fascinating juxtaposition to the Silver Lake Tour. 

14. The Real Hollywood Tour

The team at The Real Los Angeles Tours promises to show you the “real” Hollywood on this two-hour tour. As you walk along the streets, you’ll see some of Hollywood’s historic sites including the Pantages, Egyptian, and Chinese theaters, and even the house where Charlie Chaplin’s kids attended school. This is a great experience for people who want to explore more of Old Hollywood rather than hear about present-day celebrities. These tours can easily be combined with their Downtown Los Angeles Tour for a full-day adventure!

15. Art Muse Los Angeles

This community of art historians, educators, and artists was formed to offer private tours of museums throughout Los Angeles. During the Art Muse tours , the passionate guides share their love and knowledge of art with you to help you get a better understanding of classic mainstream art that’s on display, as well as some of the more abstract pieces. Museums include the Getty Center, Norton Simon Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Hammer Museum and the tours can be tailored towards the group. 

Art Muse also offers tours of seasonal art fairs as well as Los Angeles galleries that specialize in contemporary art. This is probably one of the best ways to explore Los Angeles’s thriving art scene and you can find more details on the tour guides and their specializations on their website. 

16. Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour

This mouth-watering tour offered by Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles is one of the best vegetarian-friendly food tours on offer. The tour stops at six food stops over over course of three hours, giving you the chance to indulge in spicy Mexican tacos, flavorful Asian fusion, juicy German currywurst, and flaky French pastry. During the tour, you’ll walk through the Grand Central Market, the Biltmore Hotel, and the Million Dollar Theater where your guides will fill you in on the city’s interesting history. 

The tour includes about two miles of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. If the times don’t work for you or you’re traveling in a large group, they are happy to arrange private tours. 

Outdoor Tours and Theme Parks

Perched on the gorgeous Pacific Coast and surrounded by some of the world’s best theme parks, it’s no surprise that many visitors opt to spend the bulk of their time outside of Los Angeles City. There are a plethora of outdoor activities on offer that allow you to enjoy Los Angeles’ many outdoor activities with ease whether it’s an energizing bike ride through the Hollywood Hills, a hike up to the Hollywood Sign, or a walk down memory lane with a trip to Disneyland.

Thankfully, the sunny southern California weather makes most of these activities accessible all year round but you may want to double-check what Mother Nature has in store for you for the day before you head out on an outdoor excursion and make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

17. Hollywood Sign Hike

Few locations in Los Angeles are more recognizable than the iconic Hollywood Sign. During this tour offered by Bikes and Hikes LA , you’ll have the opportunity to summit Mount Hollywood as part of a two-hour, four-mile-long hike. The tour begins in Griffith Park where you’ll see its observatory, Greek theater, and bird sanctuary before trekking up the mountain to see the famous Hollywood sign and enjoy sweeping views of the city. This is a great tour for someone who wants to get some exercise during their visit to Los Angeles as it can be a bit challenging. 

Tours run daily, and there is also an early morning Hollywood Hills hike if you want to hit the trails first thing in the morning. You might also consider joining one of their many bike tours.

18. Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

Los Angeles is clearly famous for the vast entertainment industry and during this studio tour of Universal Studios , you’ll journey through four acres of this famous movie studios backlot. The friendly face and voice of Jimmy Fallon accompany you and serve as your virtual tour guide alongside your actual real-life guide. Some of the highlights of the tour include the shark from Jaws, and the Bates Motel from Psycho and you can also watch in amazement as King Kong battles a T-Rex right before your eyes. 

The tours last roughly an hour and leave frequently throughout the day. They are included as part of the Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park ticket which gives access to tons of thrill rides and entertainment shows featuring your favorite characters from blockbuster movies and cartoon characters. 

19. Warner Bros. Studio Tour

If you want to get a real look at how Hollywood works, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers a glimpse into one of the busiest working film studios in the world. As you tour the backlot, you can see the sets from popular TV shows and movies. There is a guided one-hour tour and then you can explore on your own for an additional two hours to check out the different shopping and dining venues located onsite. Some of the highlights include the Friends fountain and the Central Perk set and the Big Bang Theory sets. Tours are offered in both English and Spanish and depart frequently throughout the day. 

20. Helicopter Tour

When you have had enough of exploring Los Angeles by land, it’s time to take to the skies and see it from the air! Los Angeles Helicopter Tours offers scenic rides over the city ranging from 30 minutes to 90 minutes and includes sights like the Santa Monica pier, Venice Beach, the Getty Center, Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, and much, much more. Tours can be customized around your needs, meaning that the sky really is the limit here. If you loved the experience of being u in the air, you can even organize your own helicopter tour to Las Vegas

Thanks to its central location, it’s easy to venture out of LA to visit cities and towns such as San Diego and if you’re feeling energetic, you can even make a day trip to Las Vegas. While it’s possible to drive or take a train to many of these destinations, group tours are a good option if you want to cut down on your driving and have the chance to relax during the trip. Most tours include round-trip transportation, light meals, and time built into the itinerary to explore a bit on your own.

21. Catalina Day Trip

Lying just 22 miles away from Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Catalina Island is a popular day-trip destination for many city slickers. You can get there easily via the Catalina Express , a high-speed ferry that whisks you across the ocean from San Pedro to Avalon or Two Harbors. The ride lasts about an hour and once you have arrived at Avalon you can check out the island’s unique array of shops, restaurants, cafes, and activities or simply grab a coffee and enjoy the sweeping vistas along the waterfront. If you choose to visit Two Harbors, you can head over to one of the pristine beaches or spend the night at the well-kept campground. 

22. Los Angeles to San Diego in a Day

With its easily walkable downtown, gorgeous beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, San Diego often feels like a world apart from the grind of Los Angeles, and a day trip there can be a good way to compare and contrast these two southern Californian cities. Operated by Another Side of Los Angeles Tours , the Los Angeles to San Diego in a Day will help you discover San Diego’s natural beauty and interesting history. The tour begins with a train ride from Union Station along the Pacific Coast. When you arrive at the Santa Fe Station in San Diego, you’ll be picked u in a Mercedes van for a day of sightseeing. 

Some of the highlights of the tour include the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island and the Hotel del Coronado, the Embarcadero, La Jolla, and the expansive Balboa ark. During the day, you’ll have a one-hour lunch break in the Gaslamp Quarter where you can find a myriad of dining options. Tours depart daily all year round, leaving Los Angeles, and the tour price includes transportation, snacks, and beverages. 

If you want to learn more about the city before deciding whether or not you want to go on a tour, check out this list of “ The Top Things to Do in San Diego to Feel Like a Local .”

Ready to roam?

We hope that this guide has left you inspired to pack your bags and head to Los Angeles. As you can see, there is plenty to do there no matter what types of activities you are interested in and you can easily fill weeks of vacation time doing something new every day. As always, we would love to hear your feedback and please let us know if there are any hidden gems that we may have missed!

If you need more information, check out our list of “ The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles .” Alternatively, you can purchase tickets for one of our Los Angeles Scavenger Hunt Tours . They’re a great way to learn about attractions and hidden gems in hundreds of cities worldwide !

Frequently Asked Questions

The best tours in Los Angeles include the Original Farmers Market Food & History Tour, a Big Bus hop-on, hop-off tour, the Open Bus Star Homes Tour, or any of the Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt Tours .

No visit to the City of Angeles is complete without trying a few outdoor tours in L.A. Take a Hollywood Sign Hike, try a studio tour, or download the Let’s Roam app and go on a scavenger hunt tour !

Some of the most entertaining tours in Los Angeles are celebrity home tours, movie studio tours, and sightseeing tours that stop by local beaches. For a twist, try a Scavenger Hunt Tour from Let’s Roam !

Featured Products & Activities

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

LEARN MORE Book Now

What People Are Saying About A Day in LA Tours

Did you know that we offer the top-rated LA city tours and LA tours from Anaheim on TripAdvisor , Google , Yelp, Get Your Guide and Expedia? We’ve earned top marks on these respected sites and have over 5,000 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor for our Los Angeles tours. You don’t have to take our word for it. We encourage you to look through some of the actual reviews we have received online!

So what are you waiting for?! Book one of the best tours in Los Angeles today!

LA City Tour

Our most popular, top-rated tour, the LA City Tour is a fantastic way to spend the day exploring Los Angeles, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. The day-long trip on an upscale luxury small tour bus is narrated by your tour guide. You’ll get to spend 30 to 45 minutes at every stop to experience LA the way you want to. You’ll visit incredible sites such as Sunset Strip, Griffith Park, Rodeo Drive, and so much more! This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off  from over 150 hotels! With over 5,000 5-Star reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google  — you simply can’t go wrong!

LA City Tour from Anaheim/Disneyland

For those of you who are visiting Anaheim or Disneyland but want to spend a day seeing the best of Los Angeles, then this is the tour for you! This Los Angeles bus tour from Anaheim is perfect for those wanting to see LA, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and other famous cities! Your tour will last an entire day and will be narrated by a friendly and informative tour guide. You’ll also spend up to 30-40 minutes at every stop to get a hands-on experience at famous attractions like Griffith Park, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip and so much more! Our Los Angeles tour from Anaheim also offers hotel pickup and drop-off from over 75 hotels in Anaheim!

LA City Tour Private VIP experience!

Tour in VIP style in a luxury full-size SUV with a funny, friendly and informative guide! This private tour is a great option for small groups wanting to experience all that Los Angeles has to offer in a private setting.  Our most popular itinerary which includes stops in Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, The Farmers’ Market for lunch, Griffith Park (Hollywood sign) and the Hollywood Walk of Fame can be custom tailored to your personal desires as well! This private tour offers free hotel pickup and drop off from over 150 hotels in the Los Angeles area.  Our 5,000+ 5-Star TripAdvisor reviews will guarantee your private tour will be unforgettable. Prices starting at $999.

Large Group and Corporate Private Tours

Let us customize any itinerary for you for the best possible experience of LA!  You can also choose from one of our many itineraries.  Whether you are in town with friends or family or are planning a corporate get-together, we’ll promise an experience your guests can’t get anywhere else. Our large group private tours are ideal for small, medium and large groups that come together for personal or professional reasons. Our 5,000+ 5-Star TripAdvisor reviews will guarantee your private tour will be unforgettable.  Call or email us today to book your Private Tour! 818-538-6287 or [email protected]

Los Angeles Tours

La – hollywood – beverly hills – santa monica – venice.

Looking to see the best of Los Angeles in a day? Whether you’re a tourist or a local, our Los Angeles tours will give you the chance to experience the City of Angels like never before. Join us to see why we are considered the best Tours of Los Angeles! Our LA City Tours and LA Tours from Anaheim have over 5,000 5-star reviews and have earned the coveted Travelers’ Choice Award – Best of the Best (ranked #1 in the world!) .A Day in LA was created by travelers for travelers. We recognized that Los Angeles and its neighborhoods had so much to offer but presented many challenges for a visitor to navigate in a short period of time. We make it easy to see a full overview of the city in one day! Reserve your seat now by clicking the Book Now button and see why we’re the best!”

GET THE DETAILS

"Perfect way to see LA"

"A perfect way to see a lot of LA in one day. Comfy tour bus, small groups and friendly knowledgeable guides. Free bottled water throughout the day and fruit and juice at time of boarding. The guide and driver gave plenty of commentary as we drove around then gives you some free time to explore..."

"This is how tours are supposed to be!"

Experience Los Angeles exclusively.

Need a private tour of Los Angeles for you and your family?   Our Los Angeles bus tour isn’t just a convenient way to get around town. It’s also a fun, safe way to experience LA and the surrounding neighborhoods.  We offer pre-set private tour itineraries or you can customize your own private LA tour so you can make sure you check-off all your bucket list items!  We cater to groups of all sizes, with options for small group VIP tours and large group and corporate private tours.  Contact us anytime at [email protected] or call us 818-538-6287.  Check out our Los Angeles private tours here! 

For private tours of LA please visit our Private Tours page .

Featured by:

What Makes Our Los Angeles Tours Unique

Excellence is our goal.

Co-founders Kevin and Raman are global travelers who travel the backpacker’s way. From Europe and South America to India and Africa – they’ve trekked around the world and know the needs of budget travelers and how to make things fun. They understand that although the beaten path is beaten for a reason, it’s nice to step out of bounds to see another side of a new place.

With our LA city tours and LA tours from Anaheim , A Day in LA Tours wants to give you a piece of both with the best Tours in Los Angeles. We know many visitors are in town for only a few days, so we want to make the most of your time. In one day we’ll do everything from showing you breathtaking views of Venice Beach and Santa Monica to LA’s most notable highlights including Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, and other amazing Los Angeles attractions.

Read Our Blog

A Visitor’s Guide to Getting Around Los Angeles

What the New Dodger Stadium Renovations & Upgrades Mean For Fans

The Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in LA

The Best Tours in LA

Top 5 Things to Do at Santa Monica Pier

The Complete LA 2 Day Itinerary

8 Best Stadiums & Arenas in Los Angeles

The Best Ice Cream Shops in L.A.

10 Best Beaches in Southern California

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is Here

Contact us today.

Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > California Road Trip Itineraries > California Coast > Los Angeles Travel Guide > Los Angeles Attractions > A Selection of The Best Tours of Los Angeles

A Selection of The Best Tours of Los Angeles

This site may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

It’s no mystery that Los Angeles is a huge city and it is not exactly easy to get around . Despite having good infrastructure, the distances are so great that driving proves to be a major feat for tourists who want to see all the attractions that this great city on the West Coast has to offer in a single visit, especially if it is limited to 1 or 2 days.

Disneyland , Hollywood , Universal Studios , Beverly Hills , the great beaches… we’ve already talked about the things to do in Los Angeles in other articles, so rather than repeat ourselves here, we want to indicate a different and more convenient approach in order to fully experience the City of Angels, from the most representative attractions to the most remote areas.

What are we talking about? Guided tours , itineraries modeled to meet various needs to guide you during your visit to one of the most important American cities in the world. The selection, as you will see, is incredibly wide (have a look at the list below) and includes not only city tours but also tours departing from Los Angeles of 1 or more days to destinations outside the city, which are very practical if you want to avoid using or renting a car to travel.

Los Angeles Tours: Pros and Cons of a Guided Tour

 los angeles city tours, tours departing from los angeles: excursions in the surrounding area.

If you are the kind of tourist who scoffs when presented with the choice of going on a guided tour because you love to do everything on your own and feel like your freedom would be hindered somehow, I understand. However, it is good to keep in mind that many types of tours have considerable flexibility and that often they will be able to take you where even your most careful and well-intended planning cannot.

In the case of Los Angeles, you can choose to be accompanied in the most characteristic and representative destinations, but also to explore with thematic tours more hidden places, lesser-known attractions, and typical local treasures that would be very difficult to find unless you know an expert of Los Angeles.

Of course, the other main advantages of a guided tour in Los Angeles or a trip out of town are the convenience and ease of travel, which will help you to see many attractions.

Where to Look for a Tour of Los Angeles

As I have said, there are many tours available in Los Angeles, but where do you find them? You just need to do a simple Google search to see a myriad of choices pop up. However, the most reliable resources are the following:

• Viator Tours in Los Angeles
• Get Your Guide Tour of Los Angeles
• Tiqets Tours in Los Angeles

Explore the City of Angels by choosing one of these tours. Click on the title for more information.

Hollywood Star Houses Tours

• Luxury Movie Stars tour
• Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour
• Celebrity Homes Bike Tour

Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

• Book the Starline Bus tour on Viator
• Book the Big Bus tour on Getyourguide

Helicopter Flight over Hollywood

• Bevery Hills and Hollywood Helicopter tour
• Los Angeles Helicopter Tour with Romantic Mountaintop Landing
• Los Angeles at Night 30 Minutes Helicopter tour

The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood

• Book the tour on Getyourguide
• Book the tour on Viator

Warner Brothers Studios and VIP Star Houses

Tour of the Paul Getty Museum 

• 1-hour Getty Museum tour
• 2-hours Getty Museum tour

Los Angeles City Pass

Los Angeles Segway Tours

• Beverly Hills Segway tour
• Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway tour

Los Angeles Walking Tours

For those who want to enjoy the main attractions of the city calmly and without rushing, opting for a walking tour might be a recommended choice.

• Los Angeles Downtown and Hollywood Walking Tour on Viator
• Griffith Observatory Walking Private Tour on Getyourguide
• Hollywood tour with a Filmmaker on Viator

Los Angeles Bike Tours

If you don’t want to walk or use motorized vehicles, you can consider opting to use a standard or electric bicycle. Here are some of the best solutions:

• 5-hours Los Angeles Bike Tour on Viator
• Hollywood Sign Electric Bike Tour on Viator
• Hollywood Bike Tour on Viator

Los Angeles Gastronomic Tours

• Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour
• West Hollywood Food Tour
• Santa Catalina Island Food and Walking Tour
• Malibu Wine Safari

Los Angeles Movie Locations Tours

• Hollywood Movie Experience Tour on Viator
• Hollywood Locations Bus Tour on Viator

Private Limousine Tour of Los Angeles

Book the tour

Here is a selection of excursions of one-day and multi-day to see attractions beyond the city limits of Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara, Solvang and Hearst Castle: Day Trip from Los Angeles

A one-day tour from Los Angeles along the scenic California coast on one of the world’s beautiful coastal roads. You can visit Santa Barbara and its quaint marina, beautiful beaches, and historic Spanish mission; explore Solvang , a picturesque Danish city, and behold the extravagance of Hearst Castle .

Independent Trip to Tijuana from Los Angeles

Tour of San Diego and La Jolla

Day Trip to Santa Catalina Island

Day Trip and Shopping in Palm Springs

3-day Tour of Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon

Take a 3-day tour to visit one of the West Coast ‘s iconic cities and the Grand Canyon , the world’s most famous national park. What more do you want?

8-day Tour of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the Best Attractions on the West Coast

Over the course of eight days, you will travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco and stop at the main attractions of the West Coast, including Joshua Tree National Park , Las Vegas , Sedona , Monument Valley , and Yosemite National Park .

3-Day Tour: San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Yosemite

In 3 days, you can enjoy the beauty of the coast and also visit Yosemite National Park, one of the natural wonders of California .

3-Day Tour: Grand Canyon South Rim and Las Vegas Tour

2-Day Tour: Las Vegas Tour and Air Tour of the Grand Canyon West Rim

This is similar to the previous tour, but with one major difference. Instead of visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon , you will fly over the West Rim , which is known for the Skywalk .

8-Day Tour: Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Teton from Los Angeles

Who said that if you’re on the West Coast you have to skip visiting wonders like Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore ? There is another interesting variation of this tour, which also includes Arches National Park .

Have you ever gone on one of these tours? Leave a comment below!

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

lorenzo puliti

I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

Related posts

Discover the Main Filming Locations of Top Gun and Maverick!

17-Mile Drive: Pebble Beach’s scenic road in California

Pigeon Point Light Station State Park, a fascinating lighthouse on the California Coast

How to Plan a Visit to the Historic Point Arena Lighthouse in Mendocino, California

1 thought on “a selection of the best tours of los angeles”.

I think Knots Berry Farm in Buena Park , Mid Evil Times, and La Brea tar pits would be a great addition to your wonderful publishing.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Protect Your Trip »

The 15 best weekend getaways from los angeles.

From the Sequoias to the Mojave Desert, ditch the city streets for a quick escape from LA.

The Best Weekend Getaways From LA

Getty Images

If you're tired of sitting in traffic on the 405 or need a break from your Zoom calls in the City of Angels, you're in luck: Los Angeles sits close to a wide variety of vacation spots that are perfect for a weekend away. The options can range from scenic mountain destinations to relaxing desertscapes to small coastal towns – or even to lively Las Vegas. Whatever you choose for your weekend trip, it's time to take a break from the bustle of Los Angeles and head out for a new adventure with your best friends , significant other or entire family .

Best Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles:

About one hour or less:, catalina island, california, laguna beach, california, about two hours or less:, santa barbara, california, big bear lake, california, palm springs, california, about three hours or less:, joshua tree national park, california, about four hours or less:, san luis obispo, california, paso robles, california, about five hours or less:, death valley national park, california, a quick flight:, mammoth lakes, california, carmel, california, puerto vallarta, mexico, whistler, british columbia.

Rather than taking a road trip from Los Angeles, how about hopping on a boat? Catalina Island , located a little more than 20 miles from the Southern California shoreline, is accessible from the San Pedro neighborhood of LA or from Long Beach via a Catalina Express ferry. The island is full of adventure, romance, relaxation and sightseeing both on land and in the ocean. Once you arrive in Avalon, the main city, you can take a walking tour at the historic Catalina Casino, rent a golf cart to cruise around, explore historic El Rancho Escondido or enjoy the thrill of an ecotour by zip line. Vacationers may also enjoy hitting the beach at Descanso Beach Club

Enjoy fresh lobster at The Lobster Trap, grab a beer at Flx Biergarten, the island's only beer garden, or dine with harbor views at Avalon Grille, in the recently renovated Hotel Atwater.

For an unforgettable weekend stay, book a room at the sophisticated Mt Ada. This romantic bed-and-breakfast features a wraparound deck with expansive ocean views. Guests have access to their own golf cart, as well as complimentary breakfast, lunch and snacks. Just outside of Avalon, Hamilton Cove has private villas perched on a hillside overlooking the Catalina coastline – or, if you want to rough it in the outdoors, campsites are also available at the island's campgrounds.

About 50 miles south of Los Angeles you'll find picturesque Laguna Beach , also known as the California Riviera. This chic coastal town in Orange County comes complete with high-end boutiques, five-star accommodations, gourmet restaurants and art galleries galore. If you plan your weekend trip for the summer, you may be able to catch one of the world-famous art festivals hosted by Laguna Beach, such as the Sawdust Art Festival. Art lovers can also take a Laguna Beach Walks self-guided walking tour that showcases the city's public art, at any time of year. The newly revamped Rivian Theater – built in the 1930s – features art and nature-inspired documentary films and community events. Travelers seeking outdoor adventure will have plenty of opportunities, whether you opt to kayak above the kelp forest, peruse tide pools in Heisler Park , or head to the 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park for hiking and mountain biking.

Laguna Beach has an abundance of upscale dining options, as well as casual fare. Enjoy sushi seaside at Hotel Laguna's Fin restaurant, listen to live jazz at The Drake or grab an Acai bowl from Alohana Acai Bowls or Acai Republic and head to the beach. For a luxury weekend stay, the five-star Montage Laguna Beach resort features seaside balconies, California coastal cuisine and an elegant indoor/outdoor spa. If you're craving a cozy canyon environment, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is tucked into green hillsides and boasts an array of amenities, such as a nine-hole golf course, a relaxing spa and farm-to-table dining at Harvest restaurant.

For serene coastal vibes and seaside views about 95 miles west of LA, Santa Barbara is a great escape in Southern California – especially for pet owners, since it's one of the top dog-friendly beach destinations in the U.S. With its balmy Mediterranean climate, cultural offerings, star-studded beaches and flourishing culinary scene, it's no wonder Santa Barbara draws millions of vacationers each year. Oenophiles will have the opportunity to explore more than 20 local wineries along the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail – some, like Pali Wine Company, allow dogs.

For a focus on wellness, you can do a sound bath in a salt cave or on a sailboat, take a sunset stroll along the beach , head out on the water on a kayak or wander through the lush gardens at Lotusland in nearby Montecito.

Accommodations range from luxury resorts to laid-back boutique hotels. The El Encanto a Belmond Hotel has chic coastal rooms, suites and bungalows with lush hilltop gardens and expansive ocean views, sensory-inspired wellness at the spa and excursions that highlight the best of Santa Barbara. New on the scene, Drift Santa Barbara is a minimalist hotel with a modern vibe that is perfect for a solo retreat or a couple's escape.

Santa Barbara has a compelling culinary scene overall, with plenty of farm-to-table options that focus on locally sourced ingredients. Swing by the Santa Barbara Public Market for a variety of vendors serving everything from hardy sandwiches at Wexler's Deli to Mexican street food at Corazon Cocina. For a fun girls lunch, head to El Encanto or San Ysidro Ranch for afternoon tea.

A cold-weather getaway to Big Bear Lake is about 120 miles east of LA and is a prime winter destination for skiers and snowboards. In the warmer seasons, Big Bear Lake becomes a hub for boating, hiking and biking, so this small city in the San Bernardino National Forest makes an ideal trip year-round. Get out on the lake in a rented pontoon boat, paddleboard, kayak and more – or, for an off-road adventure, the Big Bear Jeep Experience is a popular activity, as is the Mineshaft Coaster. Fuel up with a juicy burger at 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge, dine on delicious Italian cuisine at the Sweet Basil Bistro or sip a craft brew at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company.

Although plenty of visitors opt for a daytrip to Big Bear, consider extending your getaway with a stay at the new kitschy Noble + Proper, where every two-story cabin is themed after a specific character, so it's as if you're staying in their home. Another newcomer is Sessions Retreat Hotel which encourages social interaction with community games and a fire pit.

If a desert escape is what you're craving, head to the Palm Springs area. Relaxation here may include lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand, at a stylish midcentury modern home or hotel. To explore more of what Palm Springs has to offer, visitors can hike through the desert and mountains, visit Cabot's Pueblo Museum or the impressive Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, browse shops on Palm Canyon Drive , or take the scenic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an incomparable view atop Mount San Jacinto (where you'll see snow in winter). One buzz-worthy new attraction in this resort city is the Palm Springs Surf Club, which features a state-of-the-art wave pool.

With Palm Springs sitting a little more than 100 miles east of Los Angeles, A-listers flock to this desert destination for much-needed wellness and relaxation. Soak in the hot mineral springs at The Spa at Séc-he, detox at We Care Spa, meet with a mindset practitioner at Sensei Porcupine Creek or partake in a sonic healing at Integration.

For unique accommodations, stay in a modernized Airstream at the new Acres Landing, enjoy a minimalist retreat at Drift Palm Springs, embrace midcentury modern design at Mahala or find serenity at the adults-only Azure Sky Hotel.

San Diego has it all, from charming coves in La Jolla and expansive beaches in Coronado, to historic Old Town and shopping and dining in the Gaslamp Quarter. Catch some waves, visit a museum, or listen to the symphony at Jacobs Music Center – which will reopen in September after a $125-million-dollar renovation. Take a tour of an aircraft carrier, ride a roller coaster at nearly 100-year-old Belmont Park, go whale watching or take a street art tour with San Diego Street Tours, there is something for everyone in America's Finest City.

At the five-star Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa , stay in a casita amongst lush gardens and groves, up your game of tennis or pickleball with 20 courts, indulge in farm-to-table coastal ranch cuisine and get pampered at the spa with relaxing treatments, a plunge pool, body sculpting, a yoga pavilion and hydrotherapy circuit.

In Carlsbad, less than 5 miles from LEGOLAND California, enjoy a luxury getaway at the dog-friendly Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa . The resort features an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, the award-winning Miraval Life in Balance Spa, cooking and fitness classes and innovative restaurants. Kids will love the waterslides, lagoon trail and s'mores.

San Diego is a foodie haven. Whether you're in the mood for a Michelin-star meal at Addison, top-shelf matcha at Lovesong Coffee, French cuisine at Le Coq, a fast-casual meal in Liberty Station, whimsical brunch at Morning Glory or swanky Mexican at Quixote in The Lafayette Hotel, you'll find something to please even the pickiest or most refined palates.

Experience the Zen of the desert and the majestic natural wonders that await in Joshua Tree National Park , about 130 miles east of Los Angeles (and not too far from Palm Springs). Explore the 800,000 acres of desert wilderness through hiking, biking, rock climbing , horseback riding, backpacking and photography.

Before you head out, stop by the Joshua Tree Visitor & Cultural Center in Twentynine Palms, California, to see rotating exhibits celebrating Indigenous culture, along with maps, park information and safety tips. As you traverse Joshua Tree, be sure to take in sights such as Skull Rock , Black Rock Canyon, Cottonwood Spring and Covington Flats.

With more than 500 campsites in the park – most of which are available by reservation – camping is one of the most accessible ways to experience an overnight stay. Or, upgrade to AutoCamp Joshua Tree, where guests sleep in stylish and modern Airstream trailers, for a glamping experience . Outdoor enthusiasts may want to consider a stay at Field Station Joshua Tree, with a gear shop, pool and bocce ball. If budget is not an issue, you may choose to rent one of the most exclusive homes in the world: the Kellogg Doolittle House.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

With around 287 days of sunshine, San Luis Obispo (nicknamed SLO) is the perfect year-round weekend destination – and one of the best places to visit in California – with picturesque beaches, a burgeoning farm-to-table culinary scene, rolling vineyards and plenty of small-town charm. Kick off a long weekend with a stop at a pedestrian-friendly farmers market held on Thursday evenings along Higuera Street downtown. Other SLO activity options include shopping for one-of-a-kind items at the JunkGirls shop, taking a surfing lesson or catching a movie at the nostalgic Sunset Drive-In. There are plenty of galleries to sate art lovers, but a more unconventional tourist attraction invites visitors to help make graffiti out of chewed gum in Bubblegum Alley. For a bit of California history, wander through the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

One thing you won't want to miss is the wine. Head to Chamisal Vineyards in nearby Edna Valley to sip chardonnay and pinot noir with views of the vineyards or do a "Zip 'n Sip" experience where you zip line over vineyards and do a wine tasting with Margarita Adventures.

For a one-of-a-kind overnight stay, the Madonna Inn has more than 100 guest rooms, each with a different theme, such as the Caveman, Love Nest, Pioneer America and Golfer's Room.

Head to central California's wine country for a visit to charming Paso Robles, a city about 230 miles northwest of LA that's located along coastal U.S. Route 101. Paso Robles is a community of cowboys, surfers and innovators; travelers can enjoy world-class food and wine as well as inspiring art and whole-body wellness here. You'll find more than 200 wineries in the region, complemented by a variety of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries in Paso Robles. A can't-miss nighttime activity is a self-guided stroll through the recently updated immersive Sensorio lights display.

Thanks to the world-class wines and family farms, Paso Robles is a mecca for delicious dining – including The Restaurant, which recently received a Michelin Green Star, at JUSTIN Winery and Vineyards; the Michelin-starred Six Test Kitchen, located inside the Tin City makers market; and Paso Market Walk, a reinvented farmers market. From rustic hideaways to glamping sites, Paso Robles also has lodging options to fit any taste and budget. For luxury accommodations, consider the boutique equine-themed Hotel Cheval, just off Paso Robles' historic town square, or their sister property, the Western chic Stables Inn. For something different, spend a night sleeping in a revamped shipping container at Geneseo Inn, the newly renovated and nostalgic Farm House motel, or the new River Lodge is a top spot for midcentury modern enthusiasts.

If you don't mind a bit longer drive, or you have some flexibility on your timing, these destinations offer a scenic drive and plenty to do when you arrive.

Las Vegas, Nevada

If an adults-only weekend trip is what you have in mind, head out to Las Vegas , a vivacious and walkable city that is constantly evolving. Sitting about 270 miles north of Los Angeles, Las Vegas checks all the boxes for a memorable vacation. You can hit the slots at resorts like Wynn and Encore, catch in-residency concerts from big names such as Garth Brooks/Plus One or the Eagles at the new high-tech Sphere, or watch one of the best Las Vegas shows like the spectacular Awakening at Wynn or one of the many Cirque Du Soleil performances.

Make time for wellness and recovery with a treatment at a world-class spa like the Awana Spa at Resorts World with a crystal laconium room and rain walk or the Lapis Spa at the new Fontainebleau Las Vegas that features a snow shower and stargazing lounge.

Las Vegas is a top destination for foodies with a dining scene that boasts a variety of culinary choices. Enjoy a meal crafted by a celebrity chef at places like the new The Bedford by Martha Stewart or Orla by Michael Mina. Sip craft cocktails with a story at LPM Restaurant & Bar in The Cosmopolitan, order a tower of cocktails at Bellagio's newly renovated COMO Poolside Cafe or, at the new Vanderpump à Paris, try an impressive drink like the Louvre at First Sight.

Live it up like a high roller with a Fleur de Lis suite at the newest resort on the Strip, Fontainebleau. The suites include a private elevator, fresh flowers, butler service and VIP lounge. The luxury resort also features a poolside cinema (during spring and summer months), gaming lounge and day club; along with a variety of live entertainment and signature restaurants including upscale Chinese cuisine at Chyna Club.

From Los Angeles, the closest paved entrance to Death Valley National Park is on California state Route 190; whichever route you take to get there, you'll likely want to budget around five hours for the drive, which is about 290 miles. Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. Its 3.4 million acres include some of the most unique landscapes and sites you'll find anywhere – such as the Badwater Basin salt flats, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Rainbow Canyon and Artists Palette's colorful hills. Download the free National Park Service app to take a driving tour of "Star Wars" filming locations in the park. Death Valley also boasts some of the best stargazing opportunities in the U.S., as an International Dark Sky Park considered "Gold Tier," meaning there is minimal interference from light pollution.

The Oasis at Death Valley – part of the Xanterra Travel Collection – encompasses the romantic Inn at Death Valley and the family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley, which features a revitalized town square and new shops, including an ice cream parlor with an old-school soda fountain. There are also seasonal campgrounds and other inns and motels in the park.

If the mountains are calling you, head to the Sierra Nevada for a weekend in the resort town of Mammoth Lakes. Winter ushers in world-class downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and cross-country skiing in the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. During the warmer months, visitors can take a scenic gondola ride, hike on the mountain or near the lakes, explore the mountain bike park, ride the mountain coaster, try the Via Ferrata or experience the new summer tubing.

For dog-friendly accommodation, check out the Outbound Mammoth resort with a pool, fire pits, steam room and video arcade, or the elegant Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth , located in The Village, with gondola access to the slopes, an upscale restaurant, fitness center and pool. Alternatively, stay lakeside at Tamarack Lodge & Resort with access to fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating or cross-country skiing.

Dining options in the area include wine and charcuterie boards at The Shed, burgers, fondue and craft beer at Mammoth Tavern, and the new upscale Vulcania restaurant by celebrity chefs, the Voltaggio brothers.

The 1-square-mile, European-style village of Carmel seamlessly blends history, arts and culture, and stunning ocean views for a relaxing and unique travel experience. Just off of state Route 1 near Monterey , this charming seaside destination about 320 miles northwest of LA is ideal for dreamy weekend getaways any time of year – especially if you have a canine companion in tow. Carmel boasts world-class art galleries, whimsical architecture, nearly 20 wine tasting rooms, the dog-friendly Carmel Beach, a few dozen secret passageways and more restaurants per capita than any other small U.S. city. Enjoy Mediterranean, Italian or French cuisine at quaint local eateries like La Balena, Dametra Cafe, Yafa, La Bicyclette and many more.

Book a stay in one of the historic inns, such as the "Grande Dame of Carmel": La Playa Carmel , a historic hotel with a prime view of Carmel Beach, perfect for evenings spent gazing out at the sunset or taking a moonlit walk in the sand. If you bring your fur baby with you on your weekend jaunt, Cypress Inn provides dog-friendly accommodations and is a short walk to Carmel Beach, where dogs can run off leash.

If you're willing to take to the skies, you can leave California – and the U.S. – altogether for a quick weekend trip to Mexico. Grab your besties or your significant other for a flight to Puerto Vallarta, a resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast, and after about three hours on a plane, you can sip margaritas with your toes in the sand. There's plenty to do in Puerto Vallarta: Sail to the Marieta Islands to discover a hidden beach, take a whale watching tour or stroll along the iconic El Malecón boardwalk for souvenirs, ocean views and street performances. Beyond the shoreline, travelers can visit the nearby village of Sayulita for artwork by Huichol Indigenous people or dance the night away in lively nightclubs.

For an all-inclusive stay, Casa Velas is a boutique, adults-only resort that offers laid-back luxury in an intimate setting. If you're traveling with your family, consider Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit , which features entertainment, dining and activities like kids and teens clubs. Try the Hydrotherapy Circuit at the five-star spa or feast on innovative global cuisine at the property's many restaurants. Look for the "insta spot" signs for tips on where to snap the best selfies.

Catch an approximately two-and-a-half-hour flight from LA to Vancouver and then enjoy a scenic 80-mile shuttle ride north to the mountain town of Whistler . Whistler Blackcomb resort hosts year-round outdoor activities such as snowboarding, skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling and ice climbing in the winter and mountain biking, zip lining, hiking and Via Ferrata in the summer. On the mountain, there's also the Whistler Olympic Sliding Centre where visitors can try the thrilling sports of bobsledding, luge and skeleton. About 17 miles to the east of Whistler, is the Whistler Olympic Park with biathlon, tobogganing, snowshoeing and more. For a less active visit, take the Peak to Peak scenic gondola, enjoy a summer concert, helicopter tour or a day of relaxing in a thermal bath at Scandinave Spa.

In Whistler Village, you'll find hotels, restaurants, shops, entertainment and art and culture venues such as the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, Whistler Museum and Audain Art Museum. For an immersive nighttime experience in an enchanted forest, make the 6-mile drive to Vallea Lumina.

The Fairmont Château Whistler offers five-star on-slope accommodation at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Guests are treated to top-notch amenities including ski valet, 18-hole golf course, an Ayurvedic spa with outdoor cedar saunas and an indoor/outdoor swim-through pool. Dining options in The Village include fine dining at Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar with locally sourced seafood, fondue at Fairmont Château Whistler's The Chalet open during the winter months and Bearfoot Bistro with a Grey Goose Ice Room for doing shots of vodka in a sub-zero temperature.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor who has lived in Southern California for 15 years. She loves doing road trips or taking short flights to explore destinations for a change of scenery over a long weekend. Some of her favorite places are Whistler, Palm Springs and Las Vegas. Kolberg used her personal experience and exceptional research skills to update this list of the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Romantic Getaways in California
• The Top Things to Do in California
• The Top California Theme Parks
• The Top Natural Hot Springs in California

Tags: Travel , Weekend Getaways , California Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

7 best san francisco wine tours.

John Rodwan and Marisa Méndez Aug. 20, 2024

The 6 Best Chicago Walking Tours

Holly Johnson Aug. 20, 2024

The 9 Best Mexico City Tours

Gwen Pratesi Aug. 20, 2024

Best Horseback Riding in Estes Park

Gwen Pratesi Aug. 19, 2024

The Best College Town Hotels

Rachael Hood Aug. 19, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Aug. 19, 2024

The Best Sedona Tours

Amanda Norcross Aug. 15, 2024

The Best Grand Canyon Tours from Vegas

Taylore Fox Aug. 13, 2024

The Top Places to See Fall Foliage

Gwen Pratesi and Erin Vasta Aug. 13, 2024

11 Best Niagara Falls Tours

Amanda Norcross Aug. 12, 2024

Combined Shape .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} region-beach-cities-lax region-downtown region-hollywood region-valley region-westside .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} SMS Main navigation Things to Do Attractions & Tours Arts & Culture Outdoors & Wellness Shopping Family Hidden Gems Luxury Pet-Friendly Eat & Drink Bars Clubs Dine LA Restaurant Week Restaurants Business Spotlight Find Events Itineraries Where to Stay Celebrate LA Heritage AAPI Heritage Black LA Latino Heritage LGBTQ+ Tourist Information Meetings About LA Tourism Travel Trade Membership Business Spotlight Media Research Careers Today's must read The Guide to Outdoor Music in Los Angeles Log in Search Search Cultural Heritage Los Angeles Site Seeing: Views of the City and the Academy Film Archive Share Been There Login Register My Next Trip Login Register $5-$10    |  Aug 23, 2024  |  7:30PM - 9:00PM Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90036 More Info Add to Calendar Go Metro Los Angeles has made wildly varied appearances in films from the American avant-garde; few seem to tire of the endless expressive opportunities offered by the City of Angels. In a range of kaleidoscopic offerings spanning 75 years of experimental filmmaking, this program will lead us on an unconventional tour around Los Angeles and its vicinity, stretching from the inspiring optimism of the Watts Towers to the urban apocalypse of a Santa Monica supermarket in 1963, with many stops in between.

Discover LA Newsletter

How to have a sports-filled trip to LA ahead of the next Olympics

A s the Olympics draws to a close, Paris will pass the torch to Los Angeles where the next Games will be held in 2028. With excellent facilities and a stellar sporting legacy – LA is home to the Dodgers and Lakers – there are high hopes for the California city as the next host. And it makes a pretty great place for an active holiday , too.

From sun-drenched parks and beachside promenades to winding mountain trails and curving canyons, the city is an outdoor lover’s haven. Plus, there are plenty of museums and landmarks where you can explore LA’s sporting history – not to mention stadium tours and the opportunity to watch some of the greatest teams in the US play baseball and basketball.

LA is also one of the host cities for the Fifa World Cup when the tournament comes to the United States , Canada and Mexico in 2026. So as the city gets fired up for four years of sporting fever, we’ve rounded up a selection of ways to get active in Los Angeles.

Take a hike around LA’s celeb-filled trails

If there is one activity that has Los Angeles become known for on social media, it is hiking picturesque trails . As well as getting your steps in, it serves as an opportunity to spot a celebrity or two escaping from the city for a bit of exercise in the mountains. One of the most popular hiking trails is Runyon Canyon, a three-mile round trip known for getting a picturesque view of the iconic Hollywood sign and glimpses of LA’s million-dollar mansions. Bikes and Hikes offers a wide variety of outdoor tours around Los Angeles, from leisurely trips to hikes right up to the Hollywood sign.

Work out at Muscle Beach Venice

Muscle Beach Venice is an open-air gym touted as the ‘Home of Bodybuilding’ that has been giving hardcore exercise enthusiasts a place to work out since 1963. Not to be confused with the more gymnastic-oriented Original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, Muscle Beach Venice has been home to some of the biggest names in bodybuilding, such as Franco Columbu, Lou Ferrigno, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane.

If bodybuilding is not your thing, there are plenty of recreational activities along Venice Beach’s promenade to enjoy, such as handball courts, padel tennis courts, the Skate Dancing plaza, a range of beach volleyball courts, and a bike trail .

Glimpse into the past at the Los Angeles Coliseum

Interested in learning about Los Angeles’ rich sporting history? Visit the historical landmark of the Los Angeles Coliseum, a venue that has twice hosted the summer Olympics , in 1932 and 1984, and is soon to host the legendary competition once again in 2028.

The Colesium has provided a home for the USC Trojans since 1923 and has hosted a number of momentous sporting events. Sports enthusiasts have the opportunity to take a historic guided tour on Mondays and Tuesdays around the Coliseum, passing near the Coliseum Torch and the Court of Honor, while football fans will be able to spend time in the locker room and the Player’s Tunnel. Events such as the track and field competitions and the Opening Ceremony are slated to be held here for the 2028 Olympics.

Experience LA soccer ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup

In two years, LA will be one of the many cities across Canada, the US and Mexico to host Fifa World Cup matches. To ramp up your World Cup excitement, you may opt to go watch a match played by Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy, or the recently debuted women’s team, Angel City FC.

If watching the beautiful game has made you want to kick the ball around with friends or family, there are a number of pick-up soccer places, such as MacArthur Park in Downtown Los Angeles, Lafayette Park, Santa Monica Airport Fields, and Playa Vista Soccer Field. Small-sided games are also available at Sofive soccer centres in Southgate, Covina, and Pomona.

Get a surfing lessons off LA’s sunny beaches

If spending time by Los Angeles’ spectacular seaside has made you want to explore the ocean a little further, surfing lessons are a great way to experience the waters with guidance from an instructor. Aqua Surf School offers private surf lessons all year round, as well as summer surf camps for teens and children. With four locations along the LA coastline, the school has experience coaching people of all ages and abilities. Whether you want to embrace your inner SoCal surfer dude or just try something new, surfing is a great way to create new memories with family or friends.

Be a Petrol Head at the Petersen Automotive Museum

Nestled near other popular museums in the city, such as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, is an exhibition space dedicated to celebrating the rich history of the automotive industry and car racing: the Petersen Automotive Museum . One can expect the exhibitions to be filled with racing cars, funky 1980s space-age vehicles and ultra-rare hypercars like the 2022 Apollo Intensa Emozione ‘Purple Dragon’. The museum can’t not celebrate cinema while being so close to Hollywood; it also hosts a number of vehicles used in film and television.

Horse around at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center

Home to Hollywood (and a great number of movie stars), Los Angeles is well-known for its role in cinema. The Los Angeles Equestrian Center has been the set for many movies and TV shows, such as Pretty Woman and Dynasty. Why not attend a horse show while immersing yourself in Hollywood glamour? You do not need to be an equestrian aficionado to experience or watch horse riding and try something new.

Catch a baseball or basketball game (or tour)

If you are a baseball fan, it is hard to ignore the lure of a Los Angeles Dodgers game. Or if basketball is your thing you won’t want to miss a the opportunity to watch the Lakers. Depending on the time you are in the city, attending a game to see the professionals at play is a must-see for superfans, or just as a family day out.

Baseball fans who want to experience the game on another level can choose from a wide range of Dodgers stadium tours, such as visiting the stadium, the field and the clubhouse. There’s even a special Jackie Robinson tour that highlights the life and career of the iconic baseball player.

For those who are more into basketball, a trip to the Crypto.com arena may be of interest, where you will be able to pose with some of LA’s biggest sporting heroes, from Magic Johnson to Shaquille O’Neal. This arena is where the gymnastics events are due to be held in the upcoming 2028 Olympics.

Read more: The 12 best things to do in Los Angeles

From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate – The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here .

Live Coverage

Los Angeles could restrict tour buses near Marilyn Monroe home

• Copy Link URL Copied!

Los Angeles is exploring whether to clamp down on tour buses driving near a home once owned by Marilyn Monroe, under a proposal backed Friday by the City Council.

The Brentwood home was designated by the city as a historic monument in June, a move that helps protect the residence from demolition, after its new owners began preparing to tear the house down.

Monroe bought the home for $75,000 in 1962 and died there of an apparent overdose six months later. Councilmember Traci Park, who represents the area where the home is located, argued that demolishing the home “would be a devastating blow for historic preservation.”

The owners sued the city over the push to make the house a landmark, asserting that it had undergone major alterations since Monroe died. “There is not a single piece of the house that includes any physical evidence that Ms. Monroe ever spent a day at the house,” the lawsuit said.

In June, a judge turned down the owners’ push for a preliminary injunction to halt the historic designation process. The council voted soon after to recognize the home as a monument.

Amid the debate over the Brentwood house, neighbors had complained that a flock of tourists and fans were bringing unwanted traffic to the area.

Park proposed that the L.A. Department of Transportation assess whether to restrict tour bus operations on two stretches near the historic home, one on 5th Helena Drive, the other on Carmelina Avenue.

The City Council voted 13-0 on Friday to move forward with that evaluation, a step that could ultimately lead to barring tour buses during particular hours or all times.

Times staff writer Jack Flemming contributed to this report.

More to Read

‘Our city is not an RV park’: L.A. to study widespread RV parking ban

Aug. 15, 2024

Gigantic Marilyn Monroe statue in Palm Springs will be moved after uproar

Aug. 6, 2024

Behind the privacy hedges and block walls stand L.A.’s notable and notorious homes

July 17, 2024

Sign up for Essential California

The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Emily Alpert Reyes covers public health for the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Who is DJ Cassidy, the Californian who led that great (and strange) DNC playlist?

Newsom closes ceremonial roll call at DNC, kick-starts his advocacy for Harris

Travel & Experiences

One of Disneyland’s original rides plans to remove racist tropes

Aug. 20, 2024

Case against D.A. advisor will move forward to trial on six remaining charges