Ultimate Tour of Los Angeles by Helicopter

If you’re considering seeing Los Angeles from a different angle, this Ultimate Tour of Los Angeles by Helicopter promises a bird’s-eye view of some of the city’s most famous sights. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and details paint a compelling picture of what you can expect. It’s designed for travelers who want to skip the traffic and get a quick but memorable overview of LA’s sprawling landscape.

We’re particularly drawn to the stunning aerial views of the coastline and iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Santa Monica Pier — the kind of sights that look different from the sky, offering a fresh appreciation for LA’s vastness. Plus, the private aspect of the tour means you’re not sharing the experience with strangers, which can make it feel more personalized and special.

On the flip side, a key consideration is the weight restriction—passengers are limited to 299 lbs each, and groups cannot exceed 580 lbs total. This might be a dealbreaker for some, but it’s understandable given the aircraft’s limitations. This tour suits travelers looking for a luxurious, time-efficient way to see LA, whether it’s your first visit or a quick return trip.

If you’re after a memorable, scenic adventure that shows you LA’s biggest sights from above, this helicopter tour might just be what you’re looking for. It’s especially good if you want a blend of sightseeing, exclusivity, and a bit of adventure.

Key Points

• Unique aerial perspective of Los Angeles and its coastline
• Private tour setting offers personalized attention
• Includes many iconic sights like the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, and downtown LA
• Limited group size (2-3 passengers), making the experience more intimate
• Weight restrictions could limit some travelers’ participation
• A cost of $440 per person offers a premium experience with comprehensive commentary

What to Expect from the Helicopter Tour

This tour offers a roughly one-hour flight starting from Long Beach Airport, giving you about 60 minutes of flying time to soak in the sights. It’s a quick but comprehensive way to see LA’s landmarks and coastline without spending hours in traffic or on foot.

The tour begins at the Long Beach Airport, with a brief safety briefing and the chance to don your headset—so you can hear the pilot’s commentary clearly. From there, you’ll lift off and immediately be treated to views of Long Beach’s skyline and the historic Queen Mary. The flight then takes you across the coast, offering a glimpse of Rancho Palos Verdes, known for its rugged cliffs and luxury homes.

As you glide past Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier, the views are lively and vibrant, capturing LA’s beach culture and bustling boardwalks. The tour then takes a sharp turn inland, delivering a spectacular view of the Hollywood Sign, a must-see from above that looks entirely different when seen from this vantage point.

You’ll also see Dodger Stadium and the Staples Center, two of LA’s sports staples, and even the tallest building on the West Coast. The highlight for many is getting to glimpse the houses of the stars—including the Playboy Mansion—which are much more impressive from the air than you could ever get from ground level.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Long Beach and The Queen Mary

Starting with views of downtown Long Beach and the majestic Queen Mary, this segment sets the tone for a scenic ride over one of California’s most charming coastal cities. The Queen Mary’s art deco charm looks particularly striking from above, highlighting its historic grandeur.

Rancho Palos Verdes

Flying past this area, you’ll see rugged cliffs and sprawling estates. It’s a quieter, more scenic stretch that emphasizes LA’s natural beauty contrasting the urban sprawl.

Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier

This stretch is lively, colorful, and quintessentially LA. From the air, you get an appreciation of how busy and eclectic these beach communities are. Santa Monica Pier, with its iconic amusement park and bustling atmosphere, is especially photogenic.

Hollywood Sign and Downtown LA

No LA helicopter tour is complete without a close-up of the Hollywood Sign, which from the sky looks majestic and sprawling. The tour then takes you past Dodger Stadium and the Staples Center, giving a sense of LA’s entertainment and sports culture.

West Coast Tallest Building and Star Homes

Flying past the tallest building on the west coast provides a great sense of LA’s modern skyline. The aerial view of star homes, including the famous Playboy Mansion, offers an exclusive peek that ground tours can’t replicate.

What We Love About This Experience

The views are, without a doubt, the highlight. Seeing LA’s coastline, cityscape, and landmarks from above offers a perspective you simply can’t get from the ground. The fact that it’s a private tour means you can enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience without feeling rushed or crowded, which is a real plus.

Another feature we appreciate is the live commentary. The pilot’s insights add context and fun facts that elevate the experience beyond just pretty pictures. Plus, including a headset ensures you can hear everything clearly, which isn’t always the case in noisy aircraft.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

While everything sounds wonderful, there are some practical considerations. The weight restrictions are worth noting—each passenger cannot weigh more than 299 lbs, and groups shouldn’t exceed a combined weight of 580 lbs. If you or your group are larger, this could mean missing out, and the tour might be canceled if weight limits aren’t met, with no refunds.

The cost of $440 per person is on the higher side, but when you consider the private setting, exclusive views, and the convenience of a quick flight through LA’s highlights, it can be justified. It’s a premium experience, suited for those willing to splurge for a memorable, seamless sightseeing adventure.

The tour’s duration of about an hour is pretty perfect—long enough to take in major sights but not so long that it drags on. It’s ideal if you have limited time or want to combine this with other LA activities.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This helicopter experience is best suited for travelers who want a quick, spectacular overview of LA and aren’t bothered by the price tag. It’s particularly appealing for first-timers who want to get their bearings from above or for those celebrating a special occasion where a private, luxurious experience fits the bill.

It’s also good for people who enjoy scenic, aerial views and are comfortable with the weight restrictions. If you’re traveling with a small group or as a couple, it provides an intimate, exclusive way to see the city.

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Tour of Los Angeles by Helicopter stands out as a fantastic option for anyone wanting to combine convenience, exclusivity, and breathtaking views in a single experience. The ability to see landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, and star homes from above offers a perspective that’s both awe-inspiring and memorable.

While the price might seem steep, the private nature of the tour and the panoramic views make it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting something special. Just keep the weight restrictions in mind, and plan ahead to ensure you can fully enjoy this elevated adventure.

If you’re after a luxurious, time-efficient way to see LA’s most famous sights and don’t mind the cost, this helicopter tour could be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the experience is primarily tailored for adults or small groups. Specific age restrictions aren’t listed, but it’s best for older kids who can sit comfortably for an hour and handle the flight.

How long does the tour last?
The flight duration is approximately one hour, providing a concise but comprehensive glimpse of LA’s highlights.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, passengers are limited to 299 lbs each due to aircraft limitations, and groups cannot exceed 580 lbs total. If a passenger exceeds 300 lbs, the flight may be canceled without refund.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes headset, all taxes, fees, airport charges, fuel surcharge, live commentary, and a private tour setting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. If canceled less than 24 hours before, no refund is given.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 3213 Airflite Way, Long Beach and returns to the same location after the flight.

If you’re looking for a way to see LA’s best sights without the hassle of traffic, this helicopter tour offers an impressive and intimate perspective—well worth considering if your budget allows.