We know LA's coast • See the best part of town with us

The Whole City in an Afternoon

Half-Day Best of LA

See the whole city in an afternoon. Starting in Santa Monica, this half-day tour loops through Beverly Hills and Hollywood, breaks for lunch at the Farmers Market, and climbs to Griffith Observatory, with four stops built in so you’re not just watching it all through a window. Ride in an air-conditioned mini-coach with a local guide, get out to explore, and be back by the beach before the day’s done.

Our Tour Details

  • Tour Departure Times

    10 AM & 11 AM; 9 AM & 10 AM in summer — daily

  • Tour Duration:

    5 hours 30 minutes

  • Parking

    We recommend parking at 

    1447 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

  • Prices

    Adults $79
    Children (13 & under) $69

    Children 2 & under $5

Surf City Tours

Half-Day Best of LA

One afternoon, the whole city. From Santa Monica you’ll roll through Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, break for lunch at the Original Farmers Market, and head up to Griffith Observatory for city views and a look at the Hollywood Sign across the valley. Four real stops mean you get out and explore, not just photograph it from your seat. Your guide keeps the stories coming between stops, and you’ll be back by the beach with time left in your day.
THE PERFECT LOS ANGELES TOUR
This Los Angeles Bus Tour Includes Stops In Hollywood, Beverly Hills, And At The Farmer's Market For Lunch!
THE PERFECT LOS ANGELES TOUR
This Los Angeles Bus Tour Includes Stops In Hollywood, Beverly Hills, And At The Farmer's Market For Lunch!
THE PERFECT LOS ANGELES TOUR
This Los Angeles Bus Tour Includes Stops In Hollywood, Beverly Hills, And At The Farmer's Market For Lunch!
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Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive (30 minutes)

Photos at the Beverly Hills sign and time to take in the neighborhood.

Hollywood Walk of Fame (45 minutes)

Walk Hollywood Boulevard past the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Farmers Market & The Grove (60 minutes)

Lunch and shopping at the historic market and mall.

Griffith Observatory (30 minutes)

Panoramic city views and photos of the Hollywood Sign across the valley.

Excellent Rating

Based on 906 reviews

Really enjoyed the tour with a driver who has lived in the area for many years and went extra mile, showing sights with great insight and information

Rhys Hewitt

6/2/2024

Great experience. Dave was lots of fun and very informative. We got to see some great sights in Malibu. We thoroughly recommend it.

Margarete McGrath

5/28/2024

We did 5 1/2 LA Tour and had a great experience. It was nice getting picked up at our hotel and taken to all the tourist spots and not having to worry about driving or finding parking.

Angela Youngblood

5/31/2024

Our driver was great, funny, talkative and knowledgeable. The tour was just right for seeing the main sites and hearing some Hollywood history.

Faye Dunn

5/27/2024

Our guide was great and the tour was unique! Highly recommend.

Braun Jeannine

5/31/2024

Great experience of Venice! The guide was funny and super helpful!

Christian Aliford

5/16/2024

Surf City Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

With over a decade creating unforgettable experiences, Surf City Tours is Santa Monica’s top choice for sightseeing and adventure. Boasting a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Google, and GetYourGuide, we offer unique open air vans, expert guides, and a tour packed with fun facts and good times. Choose Surf City Tours for an unforgettable day you can’t experience anywhere else!

Accordion Content

At Surf City Tours we’ve worked for years to craft the perfect tours- it’s not just a name! While other companies keep you stuck on a bus for 7–9 hours or require buying multiple different tours to see it all, we do things differently. Our tours cover everything you want to see, gives you plenty of time to explore off the bus, and gets you back to the beach with time to enjoy the rest of your day.

Tour running times:
The Perfect LA Tour- 5.5 Hours
The Hollywood Hopper (Seasonal)- 3.5 Hours
The Perfect Malibu Tour- 5.5 Hours
The Perfect Venice Tour- 4.5 Hours

For reservations we ask that you book your date and time online. If you have any trouble at all we’re always available over the phone for questions and concerns. Just Click Here to place your reservation

We recommend parking at 1541 Ocean Ave. The parking entrance is on Ocean Ave right next to the Red O Cantina and Del Frisco Grill – just north of the Santa Monica Pier entrance. The price may vary, but it costs roughly $10 for all-day parking depending on the time of year.

Yes! The only tour that offers hotel pickups is The Perfect Los Angeles Tour and we pick up from hotels in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, and Venice Beach

When reserving “The Perfect LA Tour” you’ll be asked if you need a hotel pickup. Select yes and then choose your hotel from the drop-down menu. If you’re in the pickup area but don’t see your hotel on the list, give us a call at 800.913.9356 and we’ll see what we can do.

When selecting your hotel from the drop-down menu it should include the pickup time.

  • Hotels in Marina Del Rey are picked up 30 minutes prior to the start of the tour (9:30AM or 11:30AM)
  • Hotels in Venice Beach are picked up 20 minutes prior to the start of the tour (9:40AM or 11:40AM)
  • Hotels in Santa Monica are picked up 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour (9:45AM or 11:45AM)

The Malibu Tour only has one departure time at 9:30AM because traffic in Malibu is unpredictable in the afternoon.

We recommend bringing sunscreen and a jacket, and of course any cameras or phones you have for photos. Even on a warmer day, it can get a bit chilly on the ride back, especially if you’re on an afternoon tour.

As a passionate traveler, my goal is to give visitors to LA the same kindness and local insight I’ve been fortunate to receive around the world. Whether you have questions about our tour or need help planning your trip, my team and I are here for you. Call us at 1.800.913.9356 (8 AM – 8 PM) or email us anytime at info@surfcitytours.com—we’re happy to help!
 
– Adam, owner Surf City Tours

Meet us at Santa Monica location (1447 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401)  – look for our blue and pink buses!

We recommend using the parking garage located at:

Santa Monica: 1447 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Hollywood Bus Tours is the premier choice for experiencing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, with a 5-Star Rating on TripAdvisor, Google, and Yelp. Standing out among 500+ tours and activities, our exceptional reputation is supported by over 20,000 enthusiastic reviews. Our knowledgeable guides and comfortable buses offer a unique and entertaining experience, taking you to iconic landmarks and celebrity hotspots. Choose Hollywood Bus Tours for an unforgettable adventure that’s highly recommended by satisfied customers.

Each Hollywood Bus Tour offers a different experience and duration, depending on the selected option. To determine the length of your chosen tour, visit the specific tour page on our website for all the relevant details. Our range of tours ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick overview of Hollywood’s highlights or an in-depth exploration of the area’s history and attractions.

We recommend checking in for your Hollywood Bus Tour 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. This ensures a smooth boarding process and allows you to choose from the best available seats, as seating is based on check-in order. Early check-in also gives you time to get acquainted with our friendly staff and ask any questions you may have before setting off on your Hollywood adventure.

Absolutely! Our carefully curated tours include scheduled stops at various points of interest, allowing you to step off the bus and explore the fascinating world of Hollywood. Check the tour description for your booked tour to find out more about the stops included in your itinerary. Our knowledgeable guides will be on hand to provide insights and answer any questions you may have during these stops.

While our buses do not have onboard restrooms, we provide restroom facilities at our departure location for your convenience. Additionally, all of our tours include stops at points of interest where you can access restrooms during your adventure. We strive to make your Hollywood Bus Tour as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, ensuring that your needs are met at every step of the way.

Yes, in compliance with California State Law, children under 8 years old or shorter than 4’9” must use an appropriate car seat or booster in the rear seat. Rear-facing car seats are required for children weighing less than 40 pounds or shorter than 40 inches. While we have limited car seats available on a first-come, first-served basis, we recommend bringing your own to ensure your child’s safety and comfort.

Absolutely! Our talented tour guides are the best in the business, providing a perfect blend of storytelling, facts, humor, and history for a truly interactive experience. With their extensive knowledge and engaging personalities, our guides will ensure your Hollywood adventure is informative, entertaining, and unforgettable.

Our custom open-air vans are designed for year-round sightseeing in various weather conditions, including hot, cold, and rainy days. We advise checking the forecast and dressing accordingly for your tour. For rainy days, we provide complimentary rain ponchos. Please note, tours may be canceled due to severe weather, in which case customers can receive refunds or reschedule.

Although it’s a common misconception that you can approach and touch the Hollywood Sign, it’s located on a mountain range inaccessible by vehicles. Our tours will take you as close as legally possible, providing an excellent vantage point for must-have photos of the iconic sign from a distance.

We gladly accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as cash payments at our check-in location, ensuring a smooth and convenient booking process for your Hollywood adventure.

To secure your preferred tour date and time, we recommend booking as soon as you know you’d like to join us. Our tours tend to fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons such as Spring Break, Summer, and Christmas.

Rest assured, your financial information is protected. Hollywood Bus Tours employs the latest encryption technology, powered by FareHarbor, to guarantee maximum security when processing online payments.

If you need assistance with changes or updates to your reservation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 213-986-7688 or reservations@hollywoodbustoursla.com. Our friendly team is here to help.

Gratuity is not included in the ticket price. However, our dedicated drivers greatly appreciate tips for their entertaining, informative, and safe guidance throughout your tour. A small gratuity is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude for their exceptional service.

If you have already made a reservation and need to make changes or updates, please call us in advance at (213) 986-7688‬.

Hollywood Bus Tours sets itself apart by providing an intimate, engaging, and informative experience on our smaller, 15-passenger open-top buses. This allows for a more personal connection with our knowledgeable guides, who are eager to answer your questions and share captivating stories about Los Angeles and its iconic landmarks. Our carefully designed route ensures you see the best of Hollywood while enjoying a comfortable and memorable journey.

Our Hollywood Bus Tours delve into the rich history and heritage of this iconic entertainment capital. As we explore famous landmarks, our knowledgeable guides will share stories about the beginnings of the film industry, notable events, and the evolution of Hollywood. You’ll learn about legendary studios, producers, directors, and actors that shaped the industry, giving you a unique and engaging glimpse into the past and present of Tinseltown.

Hollywood Bus Tours operates year-round, rain or shine, to provide visitors with an engaging experience of the city’s wonders. Our tours generally run between 9 AM and 5 PM, with multiple departure times throughout the day to accommodate your schedule. Please check our website for the latest tour times and availability.

Hollywood Bus Tours offers an unforgettable experience for movie enthusiasts. Our tours take you on a journey through the history of cinema, showcasing famous film locations, legendary studios, and celebrity homes. Our expert guides provide fascinating insights into the making of classic films and iconic movie scenes, satisfying your curiosity about Hollywood’s cinematic legacy.

Absolutely! Our Hollywood Bus Tours take you to some of the most iconic filming locations in the city, where countless movies and TV shows have been shot. From the glitzy streets of Beverly Hills to the historic landmarks of Hollywood, you’ll be immersed in the world of entertainment as our guides share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and facts about these unforgettable filming sites.

Full-price ticket holders can cancel their tour and receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. However, discounted tickets are non-refundable and all sales are final upon cancellation. Please note that all sales are final for same day bookings.

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