Best of LA, Hollywood, Rodeo Dr. Santa Monica Venice from Anaheim

Explore Los Angeles in One Day for $99

This comprehensive guided tour of Los Angeles offers an exciting way to see the city’s most famous attractions in just one day. Starting at $99 per person, the tour lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, making it ideal for visitors with limited time who want an efficient overview of LA’s key neighborhoods and landmarks. It departs from Anaheim and Buena Park, with hotel pickup included—a major convenience that eliminates the hassle of navigating LA traffic yourself.

The tour features a knowledgeable guide who leads you through iconic sites like the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Bowl. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ expertise and friendly attitude, making the long day both enjoyable and informative. While lunch is not included, guests receive water bottles and an Uber voucher if they’re returning from North Hollywood, ensuring smooth logistics.

Key Points

• All-day guided tour covering Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and more
• Price of $99 per person with hotel pickup from Anaheim or Buena Park
• Duration of 7 to 9 hours suited for a full but manageable sightseeing experience
• Stops at Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Rodeo Drive
• Visit Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach to enjoy LA’s famous beaches and vibrant street art
• Highly rated guides, with a 5.0-star average, praised for their knowledge and humor

Convenient Pickup and Drop-off in Los Angeles

The tour starts with hotel pickup from Anaheim or Buena Park, with North Hollywood guests receiving an Uber voucher for their return trip. For those choosing the Santa Monica departure, there’s no wait time before the tour begins, plus ample opportunity to explore the Santa Monica Pier early. This flexible start is perfect for visitors who want to maximize their time in LA.

Group sizes are limited to 23 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience and personalized attention from the guides. The tour operates with mobile tickets, providing an easy check-in process, and the itinerary is subject to slight variations, with stops ordered differently based on logistical considerations.

Visiting Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign

The first stop is at Griffith Observatory, where admission is free. Here, the views of the Hollywood Sign are spectacular, and it’s the closest a bus can get to this iconic landmark. The guide explains the significance of the sign and offers sweeping vistas of the LA Basin. This stop is often a favorite among travelers for its photo opportunities and scenic surroundings.

If the Observatory is closed—such as on Mondays—the tour adapts by visiting Mulholland Drive or the Hollywood Bowl, ensuring visitors still enjoy great views and photo opportunities. The brief 35-minute stop allows sufficient time to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

Diverse Food Options at The Original Farmers Market

Next, the tour pauses at The Original Farmers Market, adjacent to The Grove shopping center. This one-hour stop gives ample time to sample various food stalls suited to most budgets and dietary preferences. Guests appreciate this as a perfect chance to enjoy a casual lunch amid an iconic LA setting.

The Farmers Market is not only about food; it also offers a variety of shops where visitors can browse local goods and souvenirs if they have extra time. Its popularity stems from being a true LA icon and a favorite meeting spot for both locals and visitors alike.

Relaxing at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach

The tour includes 35 minutes at Santa Monica Pier, famous for its lively atmosphere, seaside views, and historic amusement park rides. Guests enjoy walking along the pier or simply taking in the ocean scenery, making it a relaxing break on the itinerary.

A drive through Venice Beach offers a glimpse of its strawberry murals, artistic street performers, and the Venice Beach Canals. The guide highlights Venice’s history as the birthplace of surfing and a hub for bohemian culture. While some reviews suggest this stop could be shorter, it remains a colorful highlight of the tour.

Shopping and Celebrity Sights on Rodeo Drive

In Beverly Hills, 35 minutes are allocated for a visit to Rodeo Drive, where guests can window shop and spot luxury boutiques. The tour includes a photo stop in front of the famous Beverly Hills sign, perfect for snapping memorable pictures.

Close by, guests can see the Whiskey-a-Go-Go, The Viper Room, and The Roxy—notable music venues that have hosted legendary acts. This area is ideal for those interested in LA’s celebrity and entertainment culture, though some guests may find the time here a bit rushed.

Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

The final key stop is at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where visitors can find stars of favorite celebrities and take photos along the famous boulevard. The guide points out Graumans Chinese Theatre with its hand and footprints of Hollywood legends, and the nearby Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars.

This 45-minute segment rounds out the tour with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to soak in LA’s vibrant entertainment scene. Passersby can also see the Sunset Strip, known for its legendary music venues and nightlife.

The Experience of the Guides and Overall Pace

Reviews consistently highlight the guides’ enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, with many mentioning guides like Jeff, George, and Key as engaging storytellers. They incorporate fun trivia related to music, movies, and pop culture, enriching the experience.

Guests note that the pace is generally good, although some mention the long hours and a few stops feeling a tad rushed—particularly Venice Beach. The seating on the bus is not pre-assigned, but guides do their best to seat groups together.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides water bottles for all guests, ensuring hydration throughout the long day. The hotel pickup from Anaheim or Buena Park simplifies logistics. Lunch is not included, so guests should plan accordingly. For those returning to North Hollywood, the Uber voucher makes the trip home straightforward.

Guests requiring wheelchair access should book 48 hours in advance and contact the provider directly. The tour operates most days, with confirmation provided at booking, and can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This all-inclusive LA sightseeing experience suits those who want to see most of the city’s highlights in one day without the stress of driving or planning logistics. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, small groups, or anyone short on time but eager to experience LA’s essentials.

While the tour offers a rundown, it may be less suitable for travelers seeking in-depth historical or cultural insights, as the pace is fast, and some stops are brief. It’s also worth noting that long days and crowded spots are part of the package.

Final Thoughts on the Best of LA Tour

The Best of LA tour from Anaheim provides a value-packed, efficient way to experience Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the LA beaches in one trip. Its highly rated guides and well-organized stops make it a dependable choice for visitors eager to tick off major sights in a single day.

The $99 price tag coupled with hotel pickup and the opportunity to see LA’s most iconic destinations makes this tour an attractive option. However, the long hours and some rushed stops mean it’s best suited for active travelers who want a broad overview rather than a leisurely exploration.

Travelers who appreciate professional guides, varied sights, and hassle-free logistics will find this tour delivers. It’s a practical choice for those wanting to maximize their limited time in LA with a trusted provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. Guests should plan to bring their own or purchase food during stops like the Farmers Market.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup from Anaheim and Buena Park is included, with North Hollywood guests receiving an Uber voucher for their return trip.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, making it a full-day experience.

Can I join the tour without a hotel pickup?
The tour is designed with hotel pickups in mind; walk-in options are not specified and may not be available.

Are the stops flexible?
Yes, the order of stops may vary, and some locations like Griffith Observatory may be replaced with alternatives like Mulholland Drive or the Hollywood Bowl depending on closures.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, but guests should book 48 hours in advance and contact the provider directly for arrangements.