Over the summer, I took a quick detour through the Los Angeles area with my niece (18), my older daughter (11), and my younger daughter (6). Because this stop was part of a larger multi-city itinerary, I knew I didn’t want to take on the role of tour guide. So, I looked for a short, convenient, family-friendly Hollywood tour—and found exactly what we needed.
Why We Chose the Original Hollywood Tour
I did a bit of online research. Then, I booked the Original Hollywood Tour for a 2-hour open-air bus experience. The tour went through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air. The tour provided just the right mix of sightseeing, trivia, and convenience.
What Made It Work:
- ✅ Kid-friendly transportation: No long walks for little legs.
- ✅ Affordability: Just $35 per child and $45 per adult.
- ✅ Hourly departures: Tours run every hour on the hour.
- ✅ Booking ease: Book online ahead of time—slots can fill up!
💡 Pro Tip: There’s no on-site parking. Use the recommended parking garage a few blocks away and plan to walk a few minutes to the tour office on Sunset Boulevard.
What to Expect on the Tour
The open-air buses have a “vintage” (i.e. old) feel and are surprisingly breezy—at least at the beginning. As the afternoon sun climbed higher, it warmed up fast. I’d recommend bringing:
- 🧴 Sunscreen
- 🧃 Bottled water
- 🍎 Light snacks
- 🧢 A hat or sunglasses
The guide uses a mic to narrate along the way, sharing bite-sized facts, celebrity home sightings, and interesting local trivia. For my niece and daughters, the format worked perfectly: it was informative without dragging, and we still had time to revisit favorite spots on our own afterward.
Not a Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour
Just a heads up—this isn’t a tour where you get out of the bus at each stop. Instead, you’re seated throughout. If you’re looking for something more immersive or interactive, this may not be the right fit.
Highlights from Our Hollywood Tour
One of our first stops was the iconic church from Sister Act—a nostalgic moment for all of us. Other tour highlights included:
- 🌟 Celebrity homes of George Clooney, Halle Berry, Tim Allen, Steve Martin, and Martin Short (fun fact: Martin and Short are next-door neighbors!).
- 🎬 Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame
- 🌇 Sunset Strip
- 📸 Hollywood Sign views
- 🎥 Behind-the-scenes action: A movie premiere was being set up as we passed by!
We learned fun tidbits (did you know the Beverly Hills Hotel has been a filming location for over 100 years?) and got a good lay of the land without the hassle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- 🚍 This tour is entirely drive-by. There was an option to get off the bus at the last stop and walk back to the tour office after shopping for souvenirs.
- 💵 Tipping is expected. Like many U.S. service workers, the guides rely on gratuities.
- ⏱️ Returning to the tour office within 2 hours can be tight. Our driver needed to get back for the next tour slot, and the fast-paced return through L.A. traffic felt like a low-grade roller coaster. It was “thrilling” at times, but not for the faint of heart.
Final Thoughts
The Original Hollywood Tour was a perfect, no-fuss way to introduce Hollywood to my travel group. It ticked all the boxes for sightseeing with kids and teens: it was fast, fun, affordable, and easy to manage. If you’re short on time or energy but want to hit the highlights of Tinseltown, this tour is worth considering.
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