Los Angeles: Street Art Tour with Local Artist

If you’re scrolling through options for things to do in Los Angeles, a street art tour with a local artist might catch your eye. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but from what we gather, it promises a laid-back exploration of LA’s colorful murals and hidden graffiti spots, all led by someone who really knows the scene. It’s perfect for art lovers, Instagram enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the city’s urban vibe.

One of the things we love about this experience is the chance to see some of LA’s most photogenic murals and graffiti. Holly Cleeland, the guide, isn’t just a storyteller but a local artist herself, which adds a layer of authenticity to the tour. The second highlight? The opportunity for visitors to learn about the inspiration and stories behind the art—giving you a richer appreciation beyond just snapping photos.
A potential downside? With a maximum group size of five, it’s pretty intimate, but that also means you need to plan ahead and book early. This tour suits those who enjoy a relaxed, small-group vibe and are genuinely interested in street art — whether you’re an avid photographer or just someone looking to see a different side of LA.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances interaction and personalized attention.
• Led by a local artist, offering authentic insights into LA’s street art scene.
• Visit colorful murals and hidden graffiti, perfect for photo ops.
• Optional lunch adds a fun, casual break to the experience.
• Three hours long, usually in the morning, making it easy to fit into most itineraries.
• Limited to 5 participants, so early booking is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Los Angeles Street Art Tour

This 3-hour tour is designed to give you a relaxed yet engaging glimpse into the city’s street art landscape. Led by Holly Cleeland, a local artist who clearly knows her stuff, the tour takes you through some of the most vibrant murals and lesser-known graffiti spots that pepper LA’s neighborhoods. Holly’s commentary isn’t just about the visuals—they also weave in stories about the local art scene and what inspires the artists.

From the moment you meet at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the tour feels intimate and personal. Holly’s approachable style makes it easy to ask questions and get genuine insights. As you stroll through various neighborhoods, you’ll stop at colorful murals that are perfect for capturing striking photos, as well as hidden graffiti spots that most travelers would never stumble upon on their own. Whether you’re a photographer or just a casual art admirer, these spots are definitely worth the visit.

The Murals and Graffiti Stops

Each stop offers something unique. Some murals are large, vibrant expressions of local culture or social commentary, while others are smaller, more intimate pieces tucked away in alleyways. Holly shares stories about the artists and what influences their work, which adds depth to what might otherwise be just pretty pictures. The graffiti spots tend to be more hidden—think alleyways or backstreets—making the tour feel like a little urban adventure.

Photo Opportunities and Instagram Moments

If you love sharing your travels, you’ll appreciate how many spots are Instagram-ready. Bright colors, big murals, and edgy graffiti mean plenty of content possibilities. Holly even points out the best angles and lighting tips, which makes this a good choice for photography enthusiasts.

The Learning Aspect

Unlike many street art tours that focus purely on visuals, this experience emphasizes education. Holly explains the significance behind some of the art, the local culture that fuels the scene, and how graffiti and murals serve as expressions of community or social messages. It’s especially valuable if you want more context than just pretty pictures.

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The Optional Lunch: A Casual Break

You can opt to include a lunch break, which adds a relaxed element to the tour. The included food features sliders, tacos, snacks, and a soft drink—simple but satisfying. It’s a good way to unwind, chat more with Holly or your small group, and refuel before heading back out for more art. Keep in mind, the lunch isn’t the main focus, but it’s a nice bonus for those looking for a bit of local flavor.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, Groups, and Booking

At $150 per person, the tour is fairly priced considering the personalized experience and the insider knowledge you get. For a 3-hour guided walk with a local artist, it’s a solid value — especially if urban art is your jam. The small group size (up to 5) means you’ll get plenty of attention and time for questions, but it also means spots fill up quickly. The tour typically runs in the morning, which is ideal for getting good light and avoiding LA’s busy afternoons.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and if your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That’s a nice perk, given how unpredictable travel plans can be.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes are a must—expect some walking and standing. A camera or smartphone is essential for capturing the murals and graffiti, while sunscreen will help you handle LA’s sunshine. The meeting point at the Beverly Hills Hotel is convenient for most visitors staying in or near West Hollywood.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This street art tour is especially good for travelers who appreciate authentic, local-led experiences. Art lovers and photographers will find plenty to enjoy, but since the tour is relaxed and casual, it’s also accessible for those just curious about urban art. The small size and intimate setting make it a good choice for travelers who want a more personalized, in-depth look at LA’s vibrant street scene.

While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s suitable for anyone who can comfortably walk and stands interested in the visuals and stories behind the murals. However, very young children might not fully appreciate the context or be patient with the pace.

The Sum Up

All in all, this Los Angeles street art tour with Holly Cleeland offers a genuine, engaging way to experience a side of LA most visitors overlook. You’ll get to see a mix of eye-catching murals and secret graffiti spots, all while learning about the local art scene from someone who truly lives and breathes it. The small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for photographers or anyone wanting a more personal experience.

If you value authentic insights, colorful visuals, and a laid-back vibe, this tour could be a highlight of your LA adventure. It’s best suited for those who love street art or want to gain a deeper understanding of LA’s creative pulse—either way, the combination of art, stories, and casual exploration makes it a worthwhile outing.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the tour is casual and engaging enough for older children who enjoy street art and can handle walking. Very young kids might not find it as interesting, but it depends on the child.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, usually scheduled in the morning, making it easy to incorporate into a morning or early afternoon activity.

What is included in the price?
The guided tour led by Holly, visits to murals and graffiti spots, and insights into the local art scene are included. Lunch is optional and costs extra.

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

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and sunscreen. The tour involves walking around neighborhoods and outdoor spots.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation isn’t included; the tour starts at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and you’re expected to meet there. The vehicle has six seats, but since it’s a small group, carpooling or walking is likely.

Do I need to prepare anything special?
Just come with curiosity and a camera! Holly’s insights make the experience richer, so an open mind helps you get the most out of it.

In summary, this street art tour offers a nice blend of visual feast and local storytelling, perfect for those who want to see LA’s colorful side up close. Whether you’re snapping photos, learning about the art, or just exploring with a relaxed vibe, it’s a pretty solid choice for a shorter, meaningful outing in the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: