Discover the Skyline of Los Angeles from a Luxurious Helicopter

The Los Angeles: Hollywood & Beyond Helicopter Tour offers a stunning 40-minute flight for $449 per person, departing from the Maverick Helicopter Terminal at Queen Mary. This experience provides an exciting way to see Southern California’s most iconic landmarks from a fresh perspective. With live commentary by your pilot and a small group of up to 7 participants, this tour combines comfort, exclusivity, and breathtaking views.

This tour suits those eager to explore LA’s famous sights from the sky, especially if you appreciate detailed, guided aerial experiences. The flight visits areas from Hollywood Hills to Long Beach, including Uptown LA and the Pacific coastline. While the 40-minute duration is concise, it covers a wide range of highlights, making it a perfect snapshot of LA’s vibrant landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Price: $449 per person for a 40-minute helicopter tour
Departure Point: Maverick Helicopter Terminal at Queen Mary
Highlights: Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pacific Ocean
Includes: Helicopter flight, pilot commentary, taxes and fees
Group Size: Limited to 7 participants for an intimate experience
Restrictions: No hotel pickup, and passengers over 300 lbs need an extra seat

While in Los Angeles, here are other experiences we've covered

Starting Point at Queen Mary Terminal in Long Beach

The tour departs from the Maverick Helicopter Terminal located at Queen Mary in Long Beach. Upon arrival, travelers check in and prepare for the 40-minute aerial adventure. The meeting spot is straightforward to find, and check-in includes a safety briefing before takeoff. No hotel pickup is provided, so planning transportation to the terminal is necessary.

The venue’s location offers an easy gateway to enjoy LA’s skyline from the water, with views of the historic Queen Mary nearby. The check-in process is smooth, and the limited size of the group ensures a more personalized experience.

What Landmarks Does the Tour Cover?

Starting from Long Beach, the helicopter heads over the busy Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, giving a bird’s-eye view of these major seaport hubs. Travelers get a close look at the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the docks, which are among the world’s most active shipping centers.

Next, the tour guides you over Sunset Boulevard and the Getty Museum, offering spectacular views of Hollywood Hills and Bel Air. The highlight is clearly the Hollywood Sign, which can be most impressively appreciated from above. The pilot also points out UCLA, the Hollywood Bowl, and Universal Studios in the distance.

Seeing the Iconic Hollywood Sign from Above

The Hollywood Sign is one of the tour’s standout sights, offering a direct aerial view that’s difficult to see from the ground. The tour allows passengers to see the sign in the context of Hollywood Hills and Bel Air, where many famous residents live. Photographers will find this a prime moment to capture the sign in its full context.

In addition, the Griffith Park and the Observatory are visible from the sky, further showcasing LA’s sprawling urban landscape. The Dodgers Stadium also makes an appearance, providing a glimpse of sports culture from a unique vantage point.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Downtown Los Angeles from Above

The helicopter then moves over Downtown LA, where recognizable spots include LA Live, the LA Coliseum, and the Crypto.com Arena—home to the LA Lakers and Kings. The skyscrapers and urban grid create an impressive contrast to the lush Hollywood Hills.

While the focus remains on aerial views, the pilot’s commentary helps connect these sights to their cultural significance, making the experience both visually and informatively engaging.

While you're exploring Los Angeles, here are other experiences we've looked into

Flyover of Long Beach and the Queen Mary

The tour concludes with a flyover of Long Beach, highlighting its downtown area and famous attractions such as the Long Beach Grand Prix and the Queen Mary. The historic Queen Mary, a retired British ocean liner from the 1930s, provides a distinctive vista alongside the lively port activities.

This segment offers travelers a final sweeping view of the city’s waterfront, emphasizing Long Beach’s maritime heritage and modern vibrancy.

Practical Details: Includes and Limitations

The tour price covers the helicopter flight, pilot commentary, and all applicable taxes and fees. However, it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so transportation arrangements are necessary.

For those over 300 lbs (136 kg), an additional seat must be purchased, ensuring safety and comfort for all participants. All passengers aged 18 and over need to present photo ID during check-in.

The seating within the helicopter is based on weight and balance limits and is assigned after check-in, which might mean passengers are seated apart from their party. The small group size enhances comfort and provides a more personalized flight.

Timing, Pacing, and Flight Experience

Flights usually operate in the morning and afternoon, offering flexibility in planning. The 40-minute duration allows ample time to enjoy multiple landmarks, but travelers should be prepared for a fast-paced tour with limited time at each sight.

The pilot’s commentary adds valuable context, making the experience more engaging. The views are generally described as breathtaking, especially when flying over the Hollywood Sign, coastline, and cityscape.

Accessibility and Suitability Considerations

The tour is not suitable for children under 2 years or people with altitude sickness. Travelers should bring passport or ID card for check-in, and those with specific health concerns should consider this before booking.

Because seats are assigned based on weight, individual seating can vary, and participants should be comfortable with small group seating arrangements. The overall experience is best suited for those comfortable with helicopter flights and interested in cityscape views.

How This Tour Compares to Other LA Experiences

While many LA tours focus on ground-based sightseeing or studio visits, this helicopter experience offers a rare aerial perspective of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It provides a more comprehensive view of LA’s urban sprawl and coastal beauty in just 40 minutes.

Compared to other options like studio tours or bus sightseeing, this helicopter tour emphasizes visual impact and exclusivity, with limited groups and personalized commentary. It’s a compelling choice for photo enthusiasts and anyone wanting a unique vantage point on their visit.

Final Thoughts on the Hollywood & Beyond Helicopter Tour

This $449 experience delivers stunning views of LA’s iconic landmarks from an accessible, small-group helicopter. The 40-minute flight covers Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Long Beach, providing a broad overview of the city’s landscape.

Despite some limitations—such as no hotel pickup and the need for extra seats for heavier passengers—the tour’s visual payoff makes it well worth considering. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors and photographers eager to capture LA’s skyline and coastline from above.

If you’re seeking an exciting and scenic way to see Southern California’s most famous sights, this helicopter tour offers an unmatched perspective that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ready to Book?

Los Angeles: Hollywood & Beyond Helicopter Tour

4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included to the departure point?
No, the tour departs from the Maverick Helicopter Terminal at Queen Mary, so travelers need to arrange their own transportation.

What is the maximum weight for passengers without an extra seat?
Passengers over 300 lbs (136 kg) must purchase an additional seat for safety and comfort.

Are children allowed on this helicopter tour?
This experience is not suitable for children under 2 years. All passengers 18 and over must carry photo ID.

How long is the helicopter flight?
The flight duration is 40 minutes, providing a well-paced overview of LA’s key landmarks.

What landmarks will I see during the tour?
Expect views of Hollywood Sign, Bel Air, Sunset Boulevard, Getty Museum, Downtown LA, Dodgers Stadium, Long Beach, Queen Mary, and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.