Beverly Hills and Hollywood: Helicopter Tour

Beverly Hills and Hollywood: Helicopter Tour – A Down-to-Earth Look at the Sky-High Glamour

Looking for a way to see Los Angeles from a fresh perspective? This Beverly Hills and Hollywood helicopter tour might be just what you need. It promises a quick, 20-minute flight that packs in some of the most iconic sights, from celebrity mansions to the Hollywood Sign, all from the comfort of a private helicopter.

What we love about this experience is how it offers spectacular views without the fuss of long tours or overly commercial experiences. Plus, the live commentary from friendly pilots keeps things engaging, offering little stories and insights along the way. That said, a quick flight like this isn’t for everyone—20 minutes can feel surprisingly short if you’re hoping for a more leisurely, expansive look at LA. Still, if you’re in the right mood for a bucket-list moment, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

This experience suits those who want a glamorous, memorable view of LA—especially if you’re interested in seeing famous neighborhoods or snapping a shot of the Hollywood Sign. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer a small, private group rather than a large bus tour, and it’s a good pick for anyone who’s okay with a shorter, high-impact flight rather than a lengthy sightseeing day.

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Key Points

• Stunning aerial views of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Pacific Ocean
• Live commentary enhances the experience with fun facts and stories
• Quick 20-minute flight, ideal for a short but memorable experience
• Comfortable noise-canceling headphones ensure you catch all the details
• Premium vantage point for photos of landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and celebrity homes
• Flexible booking options including private or small group tours

What to Expect from the Hollywood and Beverly Hills Helicopter Tour

We’ve looked at the details, and here’s what you can expect when you book this tour. Starting at the Burbank Airport, your adventure kicks off with check-in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight. Once you’re checked in, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and given a safety briefing—typical but reassuring, especially if you’re new to helicopter rides.

The Departure and the Feel of the Flight

Lift-off is smooth, and as the helicopter ascends, you’ll feel that thrill of taking to the sky. From this vantage point, the flight is designed to give you a peek into the Hollywood Hills and the LA basin. The aircraft holds up to 3 passengers plus the pilot, making for an intimate experience—most reviews mention how everyone feels like they’re getting a personalized tour.

The Main Highlights — Landmarks and Neighborhoods

This tour primarily focuses on some of the most famous sights in LA. You’ll soar over Universal Studios, where you might catch a glimpse of crowds waiting for the Wizarding World’s butterbeer or the smoke from live stunt shows. The Hollywood Sign is a major highlight—you’ll get a chance to snap a photo from a vantage point that’s hard to match from the ground.

The pilot’s commentary is a big part of the fun, with reviews praising how informative and engaging they are. One reviewer shared, “Our pilot, Lisa, was very informative and accommodating throughout the trip,” which aligns with many positive comments praising pilots for making passengers feel safe and well-informed.

From there, you’ll fly over Mulholland Drive and Laurel Canyon, giving a unique perspective on neighborhoods that have long been associated with music legends and Hollywood royalty. The flight also passes over Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, where you can look down on multi-million-dollar mansions, including homes worth over $90 million, purchased by celebrities like Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

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The Experience of the View

The views are undeniably spectacular. You’ll see the coastal mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the glittering highways below. Passengers frequently remark how they loved the way the landscape unfolds from the sky, showing the sprawling city and the lush hillsides. One traveler shared, “View from the helicopter is ultra and a must-do for sure! Jamie, our pilot, pointed down all the places to see and provided a bit of history,” which highlights the value of the pilot’s commentary.

Additional Tour Options

If you’re looking to extend or customize the experience, private bookings and sunset options are available for an extra fee. A sunset flight would add a whole new layer of beauty, with the city lights flickering below and the sky turning a warm hue.

Practical Details: Booking, Duration, and Costs

At $199 per person, this tour offers a solid value for a quick but high-quality LA experience. It lasts around 20 minutes, making it perfect if you’re short on time but still want that bucket-list moment. All bookings are flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which is great if your plans are still a bit fluid.

Check-in at Burbank Airport is straightforward, and the experience includes noise-canceling headphones and live commentary—these little touches really boost the overall quality. However, keep in mind that pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your transportation to the departure point accordingly.

The Pilot and Group Size

Most reviews agree that the pilots are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, adding a lot to the experience. With only 3 passengers per helicopter, everyone gets a good view and personal attention. This small group setup is often praised for making the flight feel special, rather than rushed or crowded.

Weather and Limitations

The tour is subject to weather conditions. Poor weather can lead to cancellations—so it’s worth having a backup plan or scheduling it on a day with clear skies. Also, there’s a weight limit of 300 lbs per seat, so be prepared to advise your weight when booking.

What Are the Downsides?

While many rave about the experience, some travelers mention that the 20-minute flight feels short, especially if you’re used to longer tours. As one reviewer put it, “20 minutes went by too fast,” which is fair. If you’re craving a more leisurely, in-depth sightseeing experience, this might leave you wanting more.

Another aspect to consider is that from the sky, landmarks may appear as small dots—you’ll get a stunning overview but won’t see intricate details of homes or streets. That’s part of the trade-off with such a quick flight.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This helicopter ride is best suited for travelers who want a special, memorable highlight of LA without committing to a long tour or bus trip. It’s perfect if you’re celebrating a special occasion, after a quick taste of Hollywood glamour, or trying to tick off a bucket-list item with minimal fuss.

It also works well for those who appreciate a small, intimate group and want to hear stories directly from friendly pilots. If you’re traveling with kids who enjoy exciting experiences and are comfortable with heights, this could be a fun family adventure. However, it’s not suitable for those over 300 lbs or who are sensitive to flying.

FAQs

How long is the helicopter tour?
The tour lasts approximately 20 minutes, providing a quick but impactful view of LA’s most famous sights.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from the Bob Hope Airport’s fixed-base operator in Burbank, specifically the Orbic Air Helicopter Tours office.

Is this a private tour?
You can book as part of a private or small group, with most tours holding up to 3 passengers plus the pilot.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID or passport, and consider arriving 30 minutes early for check-in. No food, drinks, professional cameras, or strong fragrances are allowed onboard.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility in case your plans change.

Is it weather-dependent?
Yes, poor weather can lead to cancellations. If that happens, you’ll have the option to reschedule or get a full refund.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, each seat has a 300 lbs (136 kg) weight limit. Be sure to advise your weight when booking.

Can I book the sunset option?
Yes, for an additional fee, you can opt for a sunset tour, which offers a different, stunning perspective of LA at dusk.

Is this suitable for children?
Many reviews mention taking children along successfully, especially those who are comfortable with flying and heights. Always check with the provider if you’re unsure about younger kids.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of spectacular views, friendly, informative pilots, and the small-group setting creates an experience that feels both exclusive and approachable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a short, high-impact sightseeing experience in LA, this helicopter tour offers a fantastic way to see Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Pacific coast from above. The views are mesmerizing, the pilot’s commentary is engaging, and the small group makes it feel personal.

While it’s not a long-duration tour, many reviewers agree that the experience is worth the price, especially if you want to check off a memorable activity from your LA itinerary. It’s particularly suitable for those celebrating something special or simply eager to see LA from a perspective very few get to enjoy.

For anyone wanting a glamorous, picture-perfect moment with a side of fun and interesting stories, this helicopter flight could be just the ticket. Just keep in mind the short duration and potential weather hiccups—plan accordingly, and you’re in for a treat.

Enjoy your LA adventure—whether from the ground or the skies!

You can check availability for your dates here: