Los Angeles: The LA Highlights Tour

If you’re thinking about soaking in the best of Los Angeles without the hassle of planning every stop, the LA Highlights Tour from Another Side Tours might just be what you’re looking for. It promises to pack a lot of the city’s iconic sights into a manageable 7-hour journey, led by an engaging guide. For those who want a rundown without the chaos of independent driving or hopping between attractions, this tour offers a neat solution.

What really caught our eye is how this tour balances famous landmarks with interesting stories—you get the glitz of Hollywood, the charm of Santa Monica, and historic downtown LA, all in one day. Plus, the semi-private aspect means it’s less crowded than big bus tours, making for a more relaxed experience. We also love the inclusion of snacks and bottled water, which makes the day easier and more comfortable.

One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a tour for those expecting a highly structured schedule—it’s flexible enough to allow a leisurely exploration, but that means you’ll want to be comfortable with a bit of spontaneity. Also, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the starting point, which is in the city.

This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive, engaging overview of LA’s highlights without feeling rushed. If you’re okay with a 7-hour window and want to see both the city’s historic roots and its modern glamour, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Balanced sightseeing from downtown to beaches in one day
• Small group experience offers a more personalized feel
• Educational commentary enhances the sightseeing with interesting facts
• Convenient lunch stop at LA Farmers Market
• Comfortable transportation with plenty of scenic views
• No hotel pickup needed, so plan your start location

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Los Angeles Highlights Tour is designed to give you a thorough taste of the city’s most famous neighborhoods and sights, all in just 7 hours. It’s a mix of driving, brief walks, and plenty of storytelling—ideal for those who prefer a structured yet relaxed itinerary. The tour combines both parts of a city tour and a beach experience, making it quite full but manageable.

Morning: City’s Glitz and Glamour

The day starts with an exploration of downtown Los Angeles, where you’ll see landmarks like the Los Angeles Central Library, US Bank Tower, and the historic Angels Flight funicular. The guide enriches this part with stories about LA’s origins, from its founding in 1781 to today’s urban landscape.

Next, the tour heads into Hollywood, where you’ll see the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the iconic Graumann’s Chinese Theatre, and possibly spot a few celebrity homes. The guide shares stories about Hollywood’s golden era and some of the stars who made the city famous. You’ll also drive past LA’s famous Sunset Strip, with its legendary clubs like the Viper Room and Whiskey A Go Go, giving you a glimpse of the city’s lively entertainment scene.

Beverly Hills comes next, with a drive past the glamorous Rodeo Drive and some of the most expensive homes in LA. While you might not get out for a shopping spree, you’ll definitely enjoy seeing the architecture and imagining the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Lunch Break

Around midday, the tour pauses at the LA Farmers Market—a great spot for a quick, independent lunch. There’s a variety of options available, so everyone can find something to suit their tastes. It’s a good chance to stretch your legs and soak in a bit of local flavor before heading to the beaches.

Afternoon: Beaches and Coastal Views

Post-lunch, the tour shifts gears and heads toward Santa Monica and Venice Beach. You’ll enjoy stunning ocean views and see the lively Santa Monica Pier, with its iconic Ferris wheel and bustling boardwalk. This is the perfect spot for a quick stroll, some people-watching, or taking photos.

The drive along the coast offers sweeping ocean vistas, and your guide will point out interesting landmarks along the way. Venice Beach’s famous boardwalk is known for its eclectic vibe—artists, performers, and everyone in between.

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End of the Tour

The day wraps up with some scenic viewpoints, allowing you to take in the dramatic coastline and city skyline—a fitting finale to your whirlwind tour of LA. Afterward, you’re dropped back at the starting point, with plenty of memories and photos in tow.

How the Tour Works: Logistics and Value

The 7-hour tour is offered in the morning, allowing you to plan your day around it. The group size is kept small, which many reviews appreciate—“lots of personal information, no band to provide information during the tour,” from one reviewer, hints at a more personal, engaging experience with the guide. Another reviewer praised their guide, Joshua, saying, “He had lots of interesting information and didn’t rush us at all.” That’s a good sign that you’re likely to get a relaxed, informative experience.

The price of $199 per person is reasonable considering the scope of sights covered and the semi-private setup. It includes bottled water and snacks, which is a nice touch, especially given the long day. Keep in mind, there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to meet at the designated office—a straightforward location with parking options.

The tour’s flexible, meaning you’ll get a good overview without feeling overwhelmed. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want to see the city’s highlights in comfort. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make a difference, especially if you enjoy stories and insights that go beyond a typical bus ride.

The Real Deal: Pros and Cons

We loved the diverse range of sights packed into this tour—from historic downtown to celebrity neighborhoods and the beaches—giving you a solid snapshot of LA’s many faces. The small group setting means you get more attention from your guide, which many reviews highlight as a positive. Plus, the scenic coastal views and the lively Santa Monica Pier are perfect for relaxing moments amidst the sightseeing.

However, the lack of hotel pickup might be inconvenient if you’re staying outside the city center, and it does mean you need to coordinate your arrival. Also, while the tour covers a lot, it’s a quick overview, so if you’re looking for a deep dive into any one neighborhood or attraction, you might find yourself wanting more.

Some reviews noted that the guide’s storytelling and the amount of information provided really enhanced the experience, but others mentioned that the tour isn’t heavily detailed on some sites—it’s more of a highlights reel than an exhaustive tour.

Who’s This Tour Perfect For?

This LA Highlights Tour works best for travelers who want a rundown without the stress of navigating themselves. If you’re short on time but want to see the city’s best-known sights, this is a solid choice. It’s also good for those who prefer a more intimate group experience rather than a crowded bus tour.

Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and engaging storytelling will enjoy this. However, if you’re a hardcore LA enthusiast looking for a deep exploration of particular neighborhoods or attractions, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Los Angeles—covering its iconic landmarks, historic sites, and beaches—all in one day. The combination of stunning views, interesting facts, and a small group vibe makes it stand out as a practical choice for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a quick but meaningful introduction.

While it doesn’t include hotel pickup or an overly structured schedule, those are minor trade-offs for the convenience, comfort, and scope of sights you’ll see. For those who enjoy storytelling, scenic drives, and a taste of LA’s many personalities, this tour can be a genuinely enjoyable experience.

If you’re after a day of sightseeing that balances education and fun, and you’re okay with a relaxed pace, this could be a great way to get your bearings in Los Angeles.

FAQ

Is hotel pick-up included in this tour?
No, the tour starts at the provider’s office on La Cienega Blvd., so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 7 hours, generally scheduled in the morning, giving you plenty of time afterward to explore on your own.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers the guided experience, bottled water, and snacks. It does not include lunch or other personal expenses.

Is this a private tour?
It’s described as semi-private, with small groups, which helps keep the experience more intimate than typical large bus tours.

Can I take photos during the stops?
Absolutely. Stops at sites like Santa Monica Pier and viewpoints are perfect for snapping photos.

Are there any restrictions for participation?
The tour is conducted in English and Spanish, and there’s no mention of age restrictions, so it seems suitable for most travelers who are comfortable with a 7-hour guided drive.

What if I want to explore more of a particular area?
This tour offers a quick overview, so if a specific neighborhood or attraction piques your interest, plan extra time afterward to explore further.

Do I need to pay extra for parking?
Parking is available at the meeting location under the building and on neighborhood streets; check street signs for any restrictions.

Is this tour good for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, the relaxed pace and variety of sights could suit families with older children interested in LA’s sights.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or just want a manageable way to see LA’s highlights, this tour balances sightseeing, comfort, and storytelling in a way that makes the city’s many faces accessible and enjoyable.

You can check availability for your dates here: