2-Hour Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills Open Bus Tour

Thinking about seeing the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles without spending an entire day? This 2-hour open bus tour promises to give you a quick and convenient glimpse into some of LA’s most iconic spots, from Hollywood’s star-studded sidewalks to the luxurious neighborhoods of Beverly Hills. We’ve looked into it, and it seems like a solid option for travelers who want a taste of the city’s famous sights without a heavy time commitment.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines comfort and convenience—you’re sitting comfortably while zipping past the city’s highlights, making it accessible whether you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed way to explore. Plus, the multiple start times mean you can fit this into a busy schedule easily. However, a common concern is that, at times, the views of celebrity homes are limited because of laws and fences, which might make photos harder.

This tour seems best suited for visitors who want a quick overview of LA’s neighborhoods, enjoy storytelling from guides, and aren’t necessarily expecting to get up close to all the sights. It’s a practical choice for first-timers, casual sightseeing, or anyone who prefers a guided, low-effort experience.

Key Points

• Comfortable and easy to access with a mobile ticket and multiple start times
• Great for quick sightseeing of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood
• Celebrity home viewing is limited by laws, so don’t expect up-close photos
• Knowledgeable guides provide entertaining and insider stories
• Value for money at $39 per person for a two-hour tour
• Suitable for most travelers, including those with limited mobility or families

What’s Included and How It Works

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, starting from a meeting point on Sunset Boulevard. It’s a driving-only tour, so no walking involved, which makes it accessible for most travelers—especially those who prefer to see the sights from the comfort of a bus. The tour features a mobile ticket, which means no paper fuss, and the group size is capped at 28 people to keep things personal and engaging.

The multiple start times are helpful if you’re trying to fit the tour into a packed day, and the tour ends back at the original meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

While the tour’s official itinerary is primarily a series of photo stops and scenic passes, it hits all the major highlights:

Hollywood

Expect to see the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Capitol Records Building, two landmarks that instantly evoke the city’s entertainment roots. From the bus, you’ll get a glimpse of the bustling streets and the iconic signs—perfect for that snapshot of Hollywood’s energy.

Beverly Hills

Driving through Beverly Hills, you’ll pass the glamorous shopping district of Rodeo Drive, where window shopping might be the highlight, as getting close to celebrity homes is limited. Many reviews mention passing by fences of grand estates, with some travelers expressing disappointment about photo opportunities. One reviewer notes, “You can’t see much, just the fences of the houses,” which is a common theme due to laws restricting stops at celebrity residences.

Celebrity Homes

While you won’t be stopping to gawk closely, the guide shares insider stories and fun facts about the stars’ neighborhoods. This storytelling turns the bus ride into a mini Hollywood history lesson, which many find both informative and entertaining. Guides like Disco and Steven have received praise for their knowledge and humor, making the ride lively.

Scenic Drives and Photo Opportunities

There are a few spots where the bus pulls over briefly, often in the hills, to enjoy views and take photos. Some reviews note, “It’s a little fast for some sights due to traffic,” but overall, the quick stops are enough to get a sense of the city’s beauty.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What Visitors Love

From the reviews, many guests highlight how knowledgeable and funny the guides are, making the ride both informative and enjoyable. One reviewer raves about Disco, calling him “FANTABULOUS,” and many mention that guides are courteous and professional.

The scenic views, especially in the hills of Beverly Hills, get rave reviews—“beautiful streets,” “fabulous houses,” and “lovely flowers” all feature in positive comments. The value for money is also frequently praised, with many feeling that $39 is a reasonable price for the quick tour and interesting commentary.

The Downsides

A few travelers found the experience disappointing or too rushed. For example, some mentions that photos are hard to get because of fences and limited stops, which could frustrate photo enthusiasts. Others felt the tour was long, boring, or lacked visual impact, especially when sights are hidden behind trees or fences.

Another common issue is traffic, which can make the ride faster than expected or limit visibility. One reviewer mentioned that they paid for a full two hours but only got about 1.5 hours of actual touring, due to laws restricting stops at celebrity homes.

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

This tour seems suitable for most travelers, including families, as it involves minimal walking and is generally described as “easy for kids.” The bus is open but with no windows, which some find windy or less comfortable. Service animals are allowed, and the experience is quite flexible.

Pricing and Value

At $39 per person, this tour offers a pretty good deal considering the short duration and the guided storytelling involved. It’s not an in-depth, full-day experience, but it covers the essentials and gives a fun overview. Given the positive reviews about guides and views, many feel it’s a worthwhile introduction to Hollywood and Beverly Hills, especially if you’re tight on time.

However, some reviews point out that it’s more of a quick overview—so if you’re looking for detailed celebrity house visits or in-depth history, you might find this tour somewhat superficial. Still, for many, the speed, ease, and friendly guides make it a worthwhile quick fix.

The Group and Logistics

The tour keeps group sizes small (max 28 travelers), which helps keep things personal. You’ll meet at 6607 W Sunset Blvd, a convenient spot in Hollywood, with nearby public transit options. The tour is designed to be on time and efficient, with most travelers appreciating the prompt start and finish.

It’s worth noting that most travelers book about 17 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular but also accessible enough to plan ahead. The service animals being allowed and the availability of bathrooms at the meeting point are small but appreciated perks.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This 2-hour Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a quick, guided overview of LA’s most famous neighborhoods without the hassle of walking or planning multiple stops. It’s perfect if you’re after entertaining storytelling with some photo opportunities, especially if you enjoy hearing insider stories about stars and their homes.

It’s also well-suited for those who value comfort and convenience—traveling with limited time, or those who prefer to see LA from a bus rather than navigating busy streets on foot. Families, couples, and solo travelers who like a lively guide and scenic views will probably enjoy this tour.

That said, if your priority is getting up close to celebrity homes or capturing perfect photos, this might feel a little limiting, as fences and laws restrict direct views. Traffic and the short stops could also make the experience feel a bit rushed or less immersive.

FAQs

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes. It’s described as “easy for kids” and involves minimal walking. The bus is open, so dress appropriately for the weather and wind.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, including brief stops and scenic drives.

Will I get to see celebrity homes up close?
Not really. Laws restrict stops at individual homes, so you’ll see fences and gates rather than the actual houses.

Are there multiple start times?
Yes, you can choose from several convenient start times to fit your schedule.

What’s included in the price?
A guided bus tour with commentary, scenic drives through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood, and the use of a mobile ticket.

Bottom Line

For those wanting a fun, accessible introduction to LA’s most famous neighborhoods, this tour hits the right notes. It offers entertaining guides, scenic views, and a cost-effective way to see Hollywood’s highlights without a ton of effort. Keep in mind that it’s more about the overview and storytelling than getting close to stars’ houses, but if that’s what you want, you’ll probably enjoy the experience.

If you’re after a quick, friendly, and well-organized tour that provides a taste of LA’s glitz, this could be a perfect pick. Just remember that the views are limited, and traffic can impact how much you actually see. For a relaxed, informative ride through LA’s iconic parts, it’s definitely worth considering.