1. Go Behind the Scenes at Warner Bros. Studio
This is a must for movie buffs. It’s not a theme park ride; it’s a real working studio. You get to walk through backlot sets (like the Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow), see the Batmobiles, and sit on the actual Friends couch at Central Perk. It feels much more “real Hollywood” than most other tours.
2. Take an Open-Air Bus to See Celebrity Homes
If you want to see how the other half lives, this is the classic LA experience. These tours take you through the winding roads of the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills. It’s the easiest way to see the massive gates of celebrity estates and get a great view of the Hollywood Sign without having to hike.
3. Spend a Day at Universal Studios Hollywood
This is part movie studio tour and part high-energy theme park. The “World-Famous Studio Tour” is the highlight here—you stay on a tram while passing active filming sets and experiencing 3D action sequences. Afterward, you can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Super Nintendo World.
4. Hike to the Hollywood Sign
For a bit of fresh air, many people book a guided walking tour to the Hollywood Sign. It’s a great way to learn about the history of the sign while making sure you hit the best photo spots. Plus, having a guide means you won’t get lost on the Griffith Park trails.
5. Catch the View at Griffith Observatory
While you can visit on your own, guided tours often combine this with a city highlights trip. The observatory offers the absolute best views of the LA skyline and the Pacific Ocean. It’s especially beautiful right before sunset.
6. Explore the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach
Most full-day LA tours include a stop here. You can walk the historic pier, see the Pacific Park ferris wheel, and then stroll down to Venice Beach to see the famous Muscle Beach and the quirky street performers. It’s the best place to soak up that classic SoCal “beach vibe.”
7. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
It’s iconic for a reason. You can spend an hour finding your favorite stars’ names on the sidewalk, seeing the handprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, and taking in the energy of Hollywood Boulevard. It’s busy and loud, but you haven’t really “done” LA until you’ve seen it.
8. Take a Food Tour of Venice or Downtown LA
LA is a massive food city. On GetYourGuide, you’ll find “Hidden Gem” food tours that take you away from the tourist traps and into local favorites. It’s a great way to try everything from authentic street tacos to artisanal pastries while learning about the neighborhood’s history.
9. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
If you head down to Long Beach or San Pedro, you can hop on a boat for a few hours. Depending on the season, you can see Gray Whales, Blue Whales, and pods of dolphins. It’s a nice break from the traffic and noise of the city.
10. Ride a Swan Boat at Echo Park Lake
This has become a very popular “Instagrammable” activity. You can rent a pedal boat (shaped like a giant swan) and cruise around the lake with the Los Angeles skyline in the background. It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon and is especially popular for couples or families.
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