Hollywood Star Tour

Discover Hollywood’s Glitz on a 2-Hour Guided Driving Tour

The Hollywood Star Tour offers a lively, fast-paced exploration of Los Angeles’s most famous sights in just about 2 hours. For $30, guests enjoy a comprehensive drive through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Mulholland Drive, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip. The tour departs from 6735 Hollywood Blvd, with most bookings made 12 days in advance, making it accessible for those planning ahead.

A key feature of this tour is its mobile ticket system, which makes check-in smooth and contactless. While the tour is short and energetic, it covers a wide array of iconic locations, making it a good choice for visitors seeking a quick yet informative Hollywood experience. Despite some mixed reviews about driving style and stops, the tour’s highlights include stunning views, celebrity home glimpses, and famous LA landmarks.

This tour suits visitors who want a bite-sized, value-packed introduction to Hollywood’s glamour without the need for extensive walking or multiple stops. It’s particularly appealing to first-timers and those eager to see the Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, and celebrity residences from the comfort of a modern van.

Key Points

• Fast-paced, 2-hour driving tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills
• $30 per person, booked on average 12 days in advance
• Includes iconic sights such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre, and Hollywood Sign
• New vans equipped with 32″ TV screens for inside looks at celebrity homes
• One group stop at a mountain overlook for photos and views
• Tour generally makes multiple exterior stops for photos of famous houses and landmarks

Starting Point and Booking Details

The tour begins at 6735 Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles, a central and easy-to-find location. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. The group size is limited to 13 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Most bookings are made about 12 days in advance, so planning ahead helps secure a spot.

Booking is straightforward with a mobile ticket, and the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility for changing plans. It’s suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, as they are allowed on board.

The Itinerary: Key Stops and Highlights

Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatres

The tour starts and ends on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which features over 2,500 stars celebrating cross-industry musicians, actors, and TV personalities. The Dolby Theatre, home to the Oscars, and the famous Chinese Theatre with its handprints and footprints, are driven past with a brief 5-minute view. These landmarks set the tone for the Hollywood experience, making it clear why this area remains iconic worldwide.

Viewing the Hollywood Sign from Mulholland Drive

One of the most celebrated sights, the Hollywood Sign, is visible from Mulholland Drive. The tour spends about 5 minutes at the overlook, giving guests plenty of opportunity to snap photos of the nearly 50-foot tall letters. The sign’s 100-year history adds to its allure, and the view from Mulholland offers stunning vistas of LA’s skyline and Universal Studios.

Scenic Drive Along Mulholland Drive

Guests enjoy around 30 minutes on Mulholland Drive, with views from 2,000 feet above Los Angeles. This part of the tour provides spectacular panoramas of Downtown LA, the Universal Studios lot, and the sprawling cityscape. Famous star homes and gated communities are visible from the outside, giving a glimpse into Hollywood luxury without the need for stops to get out of the van.

Beverly Hills and Celebrity Mansions

Entering Beverly Hills, the tour passes the iconic Beverly Hills shield sign. For about 45 minutes, the vehicle drives past dozens of celebrity homes, including houses formerly owned by Michael Jackson, Tom Cruise, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z. While guests do not enter private properties, viewing the exteriors of these mansions offers a glimpse of Hollywood royalty.

Rodeo Drive and Sunset Strip

The tour stops at Rodeo Drive for 10 minutes, showcasing the world-famous shopping street known for its luxury boutiques and luxury cars like Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Rolls Royces. It’s an ideal spot for photos of the glitzy storefronts.

Next, the Sunset Strip is covered in 15 minutes, revealing popular hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs where many stars stay and socialize. The vibrant atmosphere and glamorous surroundings make this segment memorable.

Inside the Van: Modern Comforts and Visuals

The tour uses new vans equipped with 32″ TV screens, which show inside views of celebrities’ homes and other visual content, enhancing the outside sightseeing. This feature allows guests to get a closer look and enjoy visual context without leaving their seats, adding value to the experience.

The Guide: Entertaining and Knowledgeable

Based on reviews, the guide’s personality varies from funny and engaging to knowledgeable about Hollywood history. Many guests appreciate the entertaining commentary, with DJ being highlighted as a particularly lively guide who keeps the mood light and humorous. Some feedback notes that driver’s driving style can be erratic, especially in the Hollywood Hills, which could be a consideration for those sensitive to quick turns.

Notable Positive Aspects of the Guide

Guests comment on the guide’s ability to keep the group laughing, share interesting facts, and make the tour interactive. One review mentions a memorable moment where a daughter played guitar overlooking the LA skyline, highlighting the personalized touches guides sometimes bring to the experience.

Pacing and Stops: What to Expect

The tour is fast-paced, with most sightseeing confined to outside views. The major stops include the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign overlook, Beverly Hills, and Sunset Strip. Some guests note that the seats are close, and there’s limited opportunity to get off for photos, though generally, the tour includes at least one stop for group pictures.

Potential Limitations for Visitors

While the tour does not include interior visits or celebrity home tours, it focuses on exterior views and landmark drives. Some reviews indicate that not all stops involve actually getting out of the van, which could be a disappointment for those seeking more hands-on experiences. Also, the driving style may be a concern for sensitive riders.

Comparing This Tour to Similar LA Experiences

This Hollywood tour is priced at $30, making it a budget-friendly option. Its duration of just two hours is shorter than many full-day Hollywood or studio tours but allows for a quick overview of LA’s most famous spots. Guests looking for a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look might prefer more in-depth tours, but for ease and efficiency, this tour hits the mark.

The visual enhancements via TV screens in the van provide extra value, and the famous landmarks covered make it a good first introduction to Hollywood.

Final Thoughts on the Hollywood Star Tour

The Hollywood Star Tour offers a lively, affordable way to see the city’s most recognizable sights in a short amount of time. Its modern vans with TV screens and engaging guides make it appealing, especially for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

While some limitations include limited stops and quick driving, the tour’s highlights—Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, celebrity homes, and Sunset Strip—are unmistakably iconic. It’s ideal for those who prefer a quick, visual overview over an in-depth exploration.

The tour’s balance of entertainment and sightseeing makes it a solid choice for travelers seeking good value and a fun LA introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Hollywood Star Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

What is the price of this tour?
It costs $30 per person, with most bookings made around 12 days in advance.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 6735 Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles.

Are interior visits included?
No, the tour is outside-view only, with most stops being external.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

What amenities are provided?
The new vans feature 32″ TV screens to improve the viewing experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It’s mainly a driving tour with minimal walking, suitable for most.

Are there any issues with seat comfort?
Some reviews mention closely spaced seats, so those sensitive may want to consider this.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its affordable price, modern vans with visual enhancements, and focused sightseeing set it apart.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, many reviews praise guides for their humor and Hollywood knowledge, with some highlighting entertaining personalities like DJ.