Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles

  • Sunset Strip
  • West Hollywood
  • Beverly Hills
  • Rodeo Drive
  • Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Santa Monica
  • Culver City
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art
  • Fairfax District
  • The Original Farmers Market
  • Melrose Avenue
  • Griffith Park
  • The Greek Theatre
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Hollywood Bus Tours

Getting there

7046 Hollywood Blvd

Los Angeles, 90028

Select date and session

No booking fees

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  • Celebrity Homes Tour
  • A Taste Of L.A. Tour POPULAR
  • The Perfect Day in LA
  • Private Tours
  • 40 Things To Do In Hollywood

Hollywood Bus Tours: Experience Los Angeles with Your Local Sightseeing Experts!

Welcome to Hollywood Bus Tours, the #1 Sightseeing Experience in Los Angeles! We spot celebrities, cruise by their homes, see all the hot-spots and the hidden gems. We encourage you to read our reviews below 👇🏼

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  • Real-Time Availability!

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See Los Angeles with your Local Sightseeing Experts!

half day tours los angeles

The Official Hollywood Sign Tour

  • Ages 0-2: $5
  • Ages 3-11: $24
  • Ages 12+: $29

Quick trip through Hollywood & the hills for a must have pic! Climate controlled van with tinted windows to access areas other tours cannot! Private Tour $200 (up to 8 seats).

Stops Include:

  • 15 Minutes @ Hollywood Sign View Point, very close to The Hollywood Sign.

hollywood bus tours van on hollywood boulevard

Celebrity Homes Tour!

  • Ages 3-11: $34
  • Ages 12+: $44

Your ticket to the Hollywood Hills on LA’s most popular sightseeing tour! Keep your cameras at the ready, you might spot a celebrity or two on this tour!

  • The Beverly Hills Sign (10-15 Minute photo opportunity & bathroom break)

Celebrity homes we may see:

Michael Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, Elvis Presley, Tyler Perry, Taylor Swift, Floyd Mayweather, Al Pacino, Bruno Mars, Sha Rukh Khan, + Possibly Many More Homes of Celebrities!

the los angeles farmers market

A Taste of LA!

  • Ages 3-11: $70
  • Ages 12+: $84

Your best option to see all of the best sights of LA in half a day! A great mix of time spent sightseeing on the tour bus, and exploring on your own.

  • Santa Monica Pier (45 Minutes)
  • The Grove & Farmer’s Market (60 Minutes for shopping & lunch, guest pays for desired lunch)
  • The Griffith Observatory (30-40 Minutes, Hollywood Sign viewing area)

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The Perfect Day in L.A. Combo!

  • Ages 0-2: $10
  • Ages 3-11: $94
  • Ages 12+: $118

Are you ready for the day in L.A. of your dreams? This tour combines the best of two of our most popular tours into the ULTIMATE Hollywood bus tour experience!

half day tours los angeles

Private Tours & Large Groups!

We offer (2) styles of vehicles to choose from:

  • 13 Seat Open Air Van that has been customized for Sightseeing. $499 for the first 2 hours and $199 per additional hour.
  • 22 Seat Bus with Windows & Air Conditioning. $790 for the first 2 hours and $290 per additional hour.

Best Discount Tickets for SoCal Attractions!

Access our digital menu of the best discounts for Things To Do in Southern California!

half day tours los angeles

Private L.A. Tours - Create Your Own Experience!

We offer fully customizable and luxurious private LA tours in Los Angeles and Hollywood. Come see Hollywood with your local experts!

Best Hollywood Celebrity & sightseeing tours in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles’s premier experience provider. We spot Stars, cruise by their homes, see all the hot spots and everything in between. At Hollywood Bus Tours, we believe that there is a better way to offer tours than the industry standard. Because at the end of the day, who wants to be standard?

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS

Over 10 years experience of celebrity sightings.

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OUR REVIEWS

What our fans are saying..., about hollywood bus tours:.

We spot stars, cruise by their homes, see all the Hollywood and Los Angeles, California hot spots and everything in between. At Hollywood Bus Tours, we believe that there is a better way to offer tours than the industry standard. Because at the end of the day, who wants to be standard?

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LA In A Day Tour

The best full-day tour of los angeles, hollywood, beverly hills, and santa monica from anaheim.

LA in a Day tours offers the best LA day tours and city sightseeing showcasing all sides of Los Angeles by featuring communities such Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, LA Tours from Anaheim , and more. Ranked the #1 tour company in Anaheim on TripAdvisor.com , our commitment to customer satisfaction is self-evident.  Whether you are a solo traveler or are with a group of 50 or more, we cater to all groups including private LA tours . We offer free hotel pickup and drop-off from over 70 hotels in the Anaheim/Disney area and from over 150 hotels in the Los Angeles area.

We visit it all, from the iconic Hollywood sign to the world-famous Santa Monica pier.

  • Over 7 hours of LA exploration! Enjoy our luxury high-end tour vehicles as our friendly, funny guides give you the scoop.
  • We provide free pick up from over 70 hotels in the Anaheim and Disneyland areas and pickups from over 150 hotels in the LA area.
  • We stop at every major LA attraction, from strolling down the Hollywood Walk of Fame to visiting Venice Beach, and so much more!

Learn More About the Tour

half day tours los angeles

Don’t just take it from us! Read reviews from our customers.

Great bargain and excellent tour. I cannot think of any must-see stops in greater LA that were missed. Our guide, Aron, was patient, knowledgeable and entertaining. He made adjustments to the schedule to personally accommodate the desires of our group. Ours was a very international group representing England, New Zealand and Canada. If you are looking for a quiet tour without interacting with others, this isn’t for you. But if you don’t take yourself seriously, enjoy a laugh, and don’t mind people staring as you drive around in this colorful bus you couldn’t make a better choice….

With only one day to see the LA area, my husband and I decided to book this tour. We looked over A LOT of other tours online, but we found this one to be the most well-rounded. After having now completed the tour, I can attest that it didn’t disappoint!

Our guide, Jake, was HILLARIOUS! He was fun, kept the tour upbeat, and made sure to answer any questions we had. A total rock star! The time spent at each stop wasn’t necessarily long, however we spent the most time at the places that were most interesting – the grove, the strip, and the Griffith Observatory.

After the tour, we received an email asking for feedback. To which, they actually responded to – you don’t see that these days so kudos to them! We’re excited to hear that they’re looking into providing different tours.

We’d love to book with them again, but wouldn’t want to do the one we already did (great general/overview tour). We’re hoping to narrow do one in future that appeals to our specific interests – that way, we can spend more time at the spots we’d enjoy most 🙂

Our family of 7 (2 adults and 5 kids aged 6-15) had a wonderful time on this tour. We started and ended in Santa Monica and travelled all over the city, with several stops to explore. We visited Venice, drove by the stars’ homes, stopped at Graystone, Griffith Park, Hollywood Boulevard, and a lunch stop at the Farmer’s Market. Our guide, Kimeko, was knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining, The tour lasted from 9:45 until about 5pm, and our guide was full of information, yet gave us some time to just take in the scenery, She welcomed questions. And yes, the price was $75. I think that many people may suspect that this tour may be inferior to others due to the low price. The Rastabus is simply a great tour which just happens to be a great deal.

My husband and I were staying in Palm Springs for a week and decided to take a day trip out to LA to see the main sites. Having only one day in LA, we decided to look for a tour that would show us the most sites. This tour did that and a lot more! Jake was an amazing tour guide!! Very funny and entertaining and played amazing music the whole time (we regret not asking him for his playlist afterwards!). He showed us everything we could’ve wanted to see and also had so many stories to share about his own personal experiences with stars in the area. His knowledge of the area was also very helpful when we had to take detours due to traffic. He always kept the bus moving and got us everywhere quickly. It was fun to hear some of crazy hollywood stories about the stars and see sites that most tours woudn’t tell you about (“this is where Lindsey Lohan crashed her car”, “this is where Mel Gibson was arrested for drunk driving”!). Even though it was an action packed day, nothing felt rushed. We had sufficient time to explore Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Blvd and Griffith Park on our own. I still can’t believe how cheap this tour is as we would’ve paid a lot more for it! Even though we only had the one day in LA, we really feel like we saw everything there. I will recommend this tour to anyone going to LA. Thanks for a fantastic day Jake!!

We went on the LA tour with Rastabus and thoroughly enjoyed it. The bus was not jam packed like others ive been on so everyone talked to each other. The guide was knowledgeable and constantly kept us informed on where we were going and info about the place – he also answered any questions anyone had. We pretty much covered all the spots that everyone wanted to see and our driver did ask if there was anything in particular we wanted to see then to just let him know, so that was good. We stopped at each place for just the right amount of time, not too long to get bored but just long enough to see what was needed. The trip lasted the whole day and i would definitely recommend if you are visiting LA.

A great tour, takes in all the LA sites and a bit extra. Kimeko picked us up from our hotel and then deviated to show myself and 2 teenage daughters The Venice Canals. We met up with others at Santa Monica and were greeted with coffee and doughnuts, then went on to Venice Beach. Following this stopped at Rodeo Drive and the farmers market (for amazing fish tacos). Off then to Hollywood spotting lots of celebs homes, Griffith Park (Hollywood Sign) and then Sunset Strip. Definitely one of the highlights of our time in California and because the bus is small you get to know your fellow travelers too. Would do it all again

A full day tour…This is the best value for tours in LA. I booked this for the first day of my vacation in LA. The tour takes you to the most popular areas… the stars homes, Beverly Hills, Hollywood etc. etc… with stops along the way to get out and take pictures and explore. I had planned a day trip to Beverly Hills, but the stop on the tour was all I really needed … gave me an extra day on my vacation. The tour is very personable, our guide was witty and there was 9 of us from 4 different countries all laughing and joking. You see the other tours going by, everyone looking like statues with headphones on. I’d book it quick!

For anyone that really wants to see LA this is the tour for you. Sit back, relax and and love it. Tour through all the hot spots in LA and enjoy the sights! The tour of LA was great and i believe the Segway tour of venice beach and santa monica was just as good! I never knew how much a fun a segway was (even though you do look funny). Both of of my tour guides for both tours were great. i was a little nervous at first coming to LA – but this company made me feel very safe and secure. I left my camera on the bus and they hand delivered it later in the night to my hotel for free. It shows the really care.

Tooling around LA on the Rastabus is a great way to be introduced to LA in a short amount of time. Our guide Matt was a whole lot of fun, and very knowledgeable about the city. You get to see all the main tourist destinations, and some gossip on some of the celebrities who live there. The Farmer’s Market is a great place to stop and have lunch, and it is great to start the day in beautiful Santa Monica. If you are only in LA for a short time, this is a really good way to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Based upon tripadvisor reviews I booked a tour. This tour could not have been better!!!! Our tour guide was so good I brought back lunch for him at a restaurant he recommended. Our tour guide showed so much enthusiasm it was like we were the first group he took (which we were not we later learned). This is a tour you will enjoy and learn from.

Want the VIP experience? We do private LA day tours! Customize your itinerary.

Learn About Private Tours

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Let’s get your LA In A Day tour started!

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1(818)384-2531                           info @welovelatour.com

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Hollywood Sign

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BEVERLY GARDEN PARK 

THE DOLBY THEATRE

SUNSET STRIP

WHISKY A GO GO 

VIPER ROOM 

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We Love LA - HALF-DAY PRIVATE TOUR 

In just a few hours, you can see all the best highlights of Los Angeles in a half-day, private tour with We Love LA! 

Our LA half-day tour is perfect if you only have a short window of time to experience LA, but still want to see all the most iconic, star-studded spots in the city. 

If you are only in LA for a brief stay…

Or need to fill some time during a long layover at LAX...

Or have small children with you that would enjoy a shorter tour…

Come spend a few hours with us at We Love LA tour! Our half day trips in Los Angeles, visit all the most iconic sights and photo ops in LA and offer you an outstanding tour (for a great value) in just a few hours’ time. 

The private tour experience with We Love LA tour is like flying first-class. At the end of a tour, we want our guests to feel like they’ve truly experienced LA...and made a new friend along the way. 

You’ll get an incredible tour, led by a fun, friendly guide who is local to LA and can share interesting  facts and personal experiences to enrich your tour and give you that feeling like you’ve just gotten an insider’s look at LA. Have you ever visited a new city and been shown around by a friend who lives there, knows the history, and gives you all the little details about real life in that city you crave? That’s the experience our guides create at We Love LA tour. Our guides are knowledgeable, entertaining, and truly love LA. Their passion, along with all sights you get to experience in a few hours with us, will give you a tour of LA you’ll never forget. 

Comfortable, Convenient, Half-Day Tours.

You don’t have to sacrifice the quality, comfort, and efficiency of a private tour simply because you have a short stay in LA. Our Los Angeles half-day tour is the perfect way to see LA in first-class style, comfort, and convenience. Our tour vehicles are all new, clean, and fuel-efficient and stocked with water, soft drinks, and phone charges to give you a comfortable ride and tour experience. 

We’ll pick you up at your hotel, the airport, or wherever you’re staying so that you don’t have to worry about traffic or parking in your already limited time to see LA. 

Trying to squeeze in a tour with a crowded, big bus tour company and getting to the right pick-up spots may be hard to plan and manage with limited time to see LA. You may end up spending all of your precious time in LA trying to get to a pickup point, only to be rushed through stops...and you may not even get to everything you want to see during your trip.

When you plan a half-day tour with us, you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoying your tour and taking in all the amazing sights along the way.  We won’t rush you if you want to spend a little extra time enjoying that LA sight that means the most to you. We’ll take care of all the details and make sure you get to see all things LA in just a few hours! 

We Love LA - Half-Day Private Tour Itinerary

If you have a few hours, we’ll take you on an unforgettable tour of LA’s most celebrated and revered sights and Hollywood hotspots. 

We Love LA’s private, half-day tour (which lasts 4 to 4.25 hours) showcases some of the most famous and historic sights in LA, and you can expect to experience all the stops in our sample half-day itinerary below!

Many of our LA half-day tours begin at THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN .  Our tour vehicles can take you to the best location for photos, and we get you closer than any other tour company! It’s the perfect spot for selfies (and our guides take awesome, full-group pics too). The Hollywood sign has a rich and interesting history that spans over 100 years, and our tour guides can give you all the details of how the sign started and how it became the LA icon it is today!

You haven’t truly experienced LA unless you’ve visited HOLLYWOOD BLVD , which is the next stop on our half-day tour.  You will get to see THE WALK OF FAME , which covers an astounding 15 city blocks in LA, with over 2600 stars built into the sidewalks. You will also see the TCL CHINESE THEATRE , THE DOLBY THEATRE and get a slice of life in LA as you see LA locals strolling the streets. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and it’s not uncommon to see celebrities out and about at our tour stops.

We’ll also drive down SUNSET STRIP to show you iconic Hollywood spots and venues such as: The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Chateau Marmont Hotel, The Viper Room, The Whiskey a Go Go & The Roxy...just to name a few.

Next, we’ll drive you through a neighborhood that has its own iconic zip code- 90210- which is famous around the world. BEVERLY HILLS is the most filmed city in history, and is well-known as one of the most glamourous and wealthy areas of LA. Even the post office offers valet parking in Beverly Hills, and this illustrious neighborhood isn’t one you should not miss when visiting the city. The tour takes you by the Four Seasons Hotel, formerly known as the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (Remember the iconic hotel balcony moment in Pretty Woman? This is where it happened.)

You’ll also get to see the luxurious shops of RODEO DRIVE , where the rich and famous of LA do their shopping.  Rodeo Drive is the hub of the elite lifestyle, and is an icon in the fashion industry around the world.

he LA Half-Day Tour takes between 4  to 4.25 hours.

​ (The itinerary's order may change based on your hotel location and weather conditions)

 we can show you los angeles in a couple of hours, book your private , our service includes , pick up and drop off at your hotel. free of charge ,     (there is an additional charge for areas out of los angeles, see our faq or contact us ), bottled water., your prefered choice of soft drink (coke, sprite, diet)., private vehicle & your  personal tour guide., additional ammenities., prices per group.

Groups of 1 to 6 Guests $499

Groups of 7+ Guests (please contact us  for pricing) 

contact us 

[email protected]

WhatsApp +18183842531

 "Wonderful tour of Los Angeles, highly recommended"   by Steve M. (Australia)

Power Traveller

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles

Set out on a captivating journey through the heart of Los Angeles with a half-day sightseeing tour that showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks . Enjoy the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, stroll along the renowned Rodeo Drive, and gaze in awe at the panoramic views from the Griffith Observatory. With an experienced guide by your side, uncover the rich history and vibrant culture that make LA a truly unique destination. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this comprehensive tour promises to unveil the city’s hidden gems and leave you eager to explore further.

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles - Key Points

  • A half-day sightseeing tour that covers iconic Los Angeles landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, and Griffith Observatory.
  • Guided commentary from knowledgeable guides to enhance the sightseeing experience.
  • Small group size of up to 24 people for a personalized and intimate tour.
  • Convenient pickup and drop-off at a central location in Hollywood.
  • Flexible cancellation policy with a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.

More tours and experiences nearby.

  • Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
  • The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles
  • Shared 3 Hour Los Angeles Tour

Tour Overview

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles - Tour Overview

The sightseeing tour of Los Angeles allows visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the renowned Hollywood Sign to the bustling Rodeo Drive .

During this half-day excursion, guests will venture to must-see spots like the Santa Monica Pier and the awe-inspiring Griffith Observatory .

Aboard a customized, air-conditioned bus, travelers will enjoy the commentary of a knowledgeable guide who shares insights about each location.

With a maximum of 24 participants, the tour offers a personalized experience.

Backed by hundreds of positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this sightseeing adventure is a fantastic way for first-time and returning visitors alike to discover the best of what Los Angeles has to offer.

Tour Inclusions

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles - Tour Inclusions

An air-conditioned bus with an expert driver guide transports guests throughout the sightseeing tour, providing a comfortable and informative experience. The knowledgeable guide entertains travelers by sharing captivating insights about each iconic location visited, from the Hollywood Sign to the Santa Monica Pier.

A maximum group size of 24 ensures a personalized and engaging outing for all participants.

The tour inclusions provide a well-rounded sightseeing experience:

  • Air-conditioned transportation for a comfortable journey
  • Informative commentary from a knowledgeable guide
  • Stops at renowned landmarks like the Rodeo Drive and Griffith Observatory
  • A small group size for a more intimate and interactive tour

Meeting and Pickup

According to the tour details, the meeting point for the sightseeing tour is located at 7046 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA.

Travelers will gather at this designated starting location before embarking on their half-day journey through the iconic sights of Los Angeles.

The tour will then return to the same meeting point at the end of the excursion, providing a convenient and seamless experience for all participants.

This centralized location ensures easy access and a hassle-free start and finish to the tour.

Detailed confirmation and accessibility information is also provided to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all travelers.

End Point and Return

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles - End Point and Return

At the end of the sightseeing tour, travelers return to the same meeting point at 7046 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA where the experience began. This return to the starting location provides a seamless and convenient end to the tour, ensuring participants can easily depart or continue their exploration of the city after the half-day excursion.

The return to the meeting point offers several benefits:

  • Simplifies transportation and logistics for travelers
  • Allows for a smooth transition to the next activity or destination
  • Provides a familiar and easily accessible ending point
  • Ensures a hassle-free conclusion to the sightseeing adventure

Cancellation Policy

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles - Cancellation Policy

The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy , allowing travelers to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time. This gives customers peace of mind and the freedom to adjust their plans if needed.

The tour is priced competitively, starting from 920.69 SEK, and the company guarantees the lowest price available . Plus, there’s no need to worry about unexpected charges, as the tour price includes all the key elements , such as an air-conditioned bus and an expert guide.

With these traveler-friendly policies, customers can book the tour with confidence and focus on enjoying the sights of Los Angeles.

Pricing and Guarantees

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles - Pricing and Guarantees

Building on the flexible cancellation policy, the tour is priced competitively, starting from 920.69 SEK, and the company guarantees the lowest price available.

With this assurance, visitors can book with confidence, knowing they’re getting the best value for their money.

The tour also offers:

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
  • Lowest Price Guarantee to ensure customers get the best deal
  • Convenient online booking process for easy planning
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

This combination of affordable rates and customer-friendly policies makes the sightseeing tour an attractive option for those looking to explore the best of Los Angeles without breaking the bank.

Customer Reviews

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles - Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for the sightseeing tour of Los Angeles have been overwhelmingly positive , with travelers praising the knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide insightful commentary throughout the experience.

Reviewers consistently highlight the tour’s ability to hit the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the Hollywood Sign to the Santa Monica Pier.

Many customers express satisfaction with the efficient use of time , as the tour manages to cover a significant portion of the city in a half-day format.

Exploring Los Angeles

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles - Exploring Los Angeles

Embarking on the sightseeing tour , visitors can expect to explore the vibrant cityscape of Los Angeles, where iconic landmarks and hidden gems await discovery.

From the captivating Hollywood Sign perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains to the lively Santa Monica Pier with its bustling boardwalk and Pacific Park amusement rides, the tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s renowned attractions.

Travelers will also venture to the opulent Rodeo Drive , known for its high-end fashion and celebrity sightings, and gaze in awe at the majestic Griffith Observatory , providing sweeping panoramic views of the City of Angels.

With an expert guide leading the way, the sightseeing adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Los Angeles’ most celebrated sights.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

  • Griffith Observatory Hike: an LA Tour Through the Hollywood Hills
  • Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus
  • Swan Boat Rental in Echo Park
  • Grand Beach Tour: LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
  • Los Angeles: The Original Hollywood Sign Hike Walking Tour
  • Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food and drink included in the tour.

The tour does not include food or drink. The inclusions are limited to an air-conditioned bus, expert guide, and stops at iconic locations. Travelers are responsible for their own meals and refreshments during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Camera and Take Photos?

Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras and take photos throughout the tour. The knowledgeable guide will even offer tips on capturing the best shots at each iconic location.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. The tour is suitable for families and individuals alike, providing a great sightseeing experience for travelers of all ages.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is generally fixed, but customers can discuss any specific requests with the tour operator. They’ll work to accommodate reasonable changes within the tour’s duration and logistics when possible.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves some moderate walking, with stops at various landmarks and attractions. While the exact amount may vary, travelers can expect to walk for short durations throughout the tour to fully experience the sights.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive 1-Day City Tour in LA
  • Secrets of LA: Premium Speakeasy Experience
  • Best Of Hollywood And Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes
  • Los Angeles Luxury Private Tour For Up To 7 Passengers
  • The Original Celebrity Homes Tour
  • Skyline Twilight Bike Tour
  • Venice Beach LA Food Tour
  • Private Tour of Los Angeles in Luxury SUV With Experienced Guide
  • Hollywood Speakeasy Bar Tour
  • Private Tour of Los Angeles
  • LA in a Day Tour: Hollywood, DTLA & Santa Monica
  • Dolby Theatre Admission Ticket and Tour
  • California Coast and Canyons Helicopter Tour 35 Minutes
  • Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour
  • Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour

This half-day sightseeing tour of Los Angeles offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks.

Visitors will be treated to an immersive experience , with a knowledgeable guide providing insightful commentary throughout.

From the iconic Hollywood Sign to the picturesque Santa Monica Pier, the tour ensures a well-rounded and seamless experience , culminating in a return to the starting point.

It’s an ideal way to discover the best of Los Angeles in a convenient and personalized manner.

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Los Angeles Half-day Tours

Half-day tours in los angeles.

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Top los angeles half-day tours.

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  • It is a visit to the most stylish and iconic streets of Los Angeles in a car that comes with a multimedia customer service.
  • It is a vehicle cruise in a grand style through the Palm - lined streets of Beverly Hills and other mouth - watering streets of the city. Read more
  • Also, it is the locating of your favorite celebrity homes located in these streets as you enjoy the live narration from a professional guide whose stories are meant to keep you fascinated about what you sightsee.

What You'll Do:

  • Sit in a comfortable Mercedes Benz whose seats are equipped with a flat screen TVs and see LA in elegance.
  • Visit home to 4 professional sports franchises - The LA Lakers, LA Clipper of the NBA, The LA Sparks of the WNBA and The LA Kings of the NHL.
  • Be transported grandly to places like: the 720,000 sq ft Los Angeles Convention Center, the historic City Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Victoria homes that featured in many TV shows, the Iconic Hollywood Sign, etc
  • Give your eyes jaw-dropping views of iconic places like the Hollywood Hills and the Full city of Los Angeles from the Mulholland Scenic Corridor.

What It Includes:

  • Tour time up to 4 hours (approx.)
  • Explore alongside a professional guide
  • Cruise in an Air - Conditioned Vehicle
  • Bottled Water
  • Hotel pickup and drop - off only at selected Hotels

Travellers Talk:

  • I am so glad I booked this tour, it was informative, funny, fun - filled, entertaining and well - packaged
  • My family and I opted for this tour and we never regretted we did that - we had the best of fun

Is It Right:

  • A beautiful tour suitable for Family outing or Friends " reunion
  • A must - to - go tour for lovers of Adventure to have the best of what they love to do best
  • Read less Read more

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Down In Hollywood Tour

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Privately Customized Tour of Los Angeles

  • This is a 5 - star package which bombards you with the awesomeness of Los Angeles in a 6 - hour private tour.
  • It is catching the full glimpse of the beautiful streets and picturesque neighborhood of Los Angeles in a private vehicle with seats up to 15 guests. Read more
  • A convenient tour into all of Los Angeles- highlights like the Hollywood Hall of Fame, Rodeo Drive, Downtown Skyscrapers, TCL Chinese Theatres and lots more.
  • Enjoy a personalized sightseeing experience at the Griffith Observatory which gives the best view of Los Angeles as a whole.
  • Stroll through the World's most luxurious brands as they line up the amazing Rodeo Drive as well as Shopping at the Grove with an awesome view of Trains moving through the railway.
  • Soak up the important environment (beaches, neighborhoods, shopping malls, local districts) that hold up the past of Los Angeles and build the present fame it has among the cities of the world.
  • A 6 hours (approx.) tour time
  • Fuel Supplement
  • Handling of Tax on Goods and Services
  • Bottled water
  • Travel with a professional driver and local guide
  • Cruise the awesome city in an Air - Conditioned Vehicle
  • Small group ensures Personalized experience
  • Just as described, we had a great tour round the major streets of Los Angeles and we were pleased with every minute spent
  • This is everything any tourist will want to experience on a visit to Los Angeles
  • A perfect choice for everybody, everyone and anyone who want to have the full hint of Los Angeles
  • The right choice for all lovers of fun - filled adventure

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Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour

  • A dive into various food restaurants, eateries, bakeries, authentic ethnic hubs, food joints, roadside renowned food venues and so on. Read more
  • An included sightseeing expedition of Los Angeles streets and neighborhoods to discover hidden gems and non " popular ghettos.
  • Visit the food eateries recommended by your local guide to see the fascinating architecture of how they were built inside to have a unique food themed atmosphere.
  • Discover the day - to - day foods of Locals and the level each food is placed on the esteem list of the elites.
  • Tour time up to 3 hours (approx.)
  • Tour alongside a Professional local guide
  • Food tasting and sampling
  • It was a tremendous food tour, we had an entertaining food tasting sections.
  • We were able to combine perfectly food tasting and city sightseeing, thanks to the experienced guide.
  • Absolutely right for couple's outing because of the fun it gives as you sample those foods together
  • You can never have more to taste than what you'll taste during this food tasting tour.

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Private limo 5-Hour Tour of Los Angeles and Beach Cities

  • It is a gentle cruise round the streets in a customized Lincoln town car with a duet bar setup for refreshing drinks, wines and beers.
  • Alcoholic Beverages on board
  • A right choice for family's outing and friends " reunion even couples " hangout

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Instagram Walls of LA with Film Studio Artist

  • This is a tour by Warner Bros artists that takes you to the popular Instagram Walls in Los Angeles
  • Here, travelers can enjoy a lot of picture opportunities Read more
  • The tour offers a personalized experience for travelers and is designed to hold a maximum of 1-5 travelers
  • Listen to the true stories about Hollywood from a tour guide that grew up in the neighborhood, painted the sets at the Movie Studios as an adult and a professional game show contestant
  • It's a chance to enjoy a lot of fun and make your friends jealous of your amazing pictures
  • It's fun-filled and will be the time of your life
  • Travelers will be conveyed to their destination in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
  • The tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems, heart conditions, terminal illnesses, and pregnant women
  • The surface of the tour isn't wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers from any part of the world can take part in this tour
  • It's a private tour and only those booked for it will participate
  • The tour was much better than I anticipated
  • The pictures turned out perfectly. It offered good value for money
  • This tour takes travelers way from the norm and offers them a chance to have fun

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The Ultimate Los Angeles Tour - Full Day LA Sightseeing Tour On Electric Bike

  • A super interesting half - day bike tour into almost all the major and minor attractions of Los Angeles scattered around the streets and neighborhoods.
  • An adventure - filled tour with lots of activities into landmarks like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Bel Air and others. Read more
  • An educative tour where you'll hear fascinating stories about each building, street, neighborhood, path, celebrity home and monument you will cycle pass.
  • Join the group of not more than 10 riders to have a personal experience on this 32 - miles (51 - kilometers) distance tour.
  • Put on your safety equipment and ride to over 17 stops/passes including the Third Street promenade, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Melrose Avenue, University of California, Venice Canals Walkway, Greystone mansion and park and so on and so forth.
  • Listen attentively to hear stories from your guide when you get to a historical attraction or legendary building or landmarks.
  • 6 hours (approx.) bike tour
  • Trained Guide (CPR/First Aid Certified)
  • Safety equipment including Helmet and Safety Vest
  • Vehicle assistance if needed
  • Tour Souvenir - Discounted T - Shirts
  • Free on - site storage for your bags and luggage
  • It was a wonderful day spent in the Los Angeles, this tour is highly endorsed for all tourists because I've seen the amazing fun - light in this tour
  • We had the best of times spent with this tour throughout our stay in Los Angeles.
  • A beautiful tour that is well packaged for you and your group to have the best of fun- filled hours
  • A perfect choice for family activity outing or Couples " half - day outing

half day tours los angeles

The Classic LA Tour: Hollywood, Celebrity Homes and Beverly Hills

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E-Bike Tour to Beverly Hills & Hollywood Sign

  • This Is a guided bike tour around Hollywood and Beverly Hills with the sights of highlights like the Bronson Caves, Sunset strip, Hollywood Sign and lots of music venues.
  • An exploration into the electrify city of Hollywood with an included visit to Griffith observatory where you'll see the best view of Los Angeles from a skyscraper. Read more
  • A visit to lots of Hollywood Celebrity homes alongside an informative, friendly and professional guide.
  • Pedal through the homes of Celebrities including Brad Pitt, Madonna, Lucille Ball, Jimmy Stewart, Bella Lugosi, YouTube Stars, Kristen Stewart and lots more.
  • Slide into the movie locations familiar with big screen movies like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Pretty Woman and other interesting movies.
  • See legendary buildings like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Capitol Records Buildings, sight of Hollywood Sign and lots more plus the hearing of historical facts about them all.
  • Pass by well - known clubs that surrounds the area including Viper Room, Whiskey A Go Go, Laugh Factory, Roxy, and so on as well as comedy clubs.
  • A 5 - hours (approx.) tour
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Use of Bicycle
  • Ride equipment like Helmets
  • We had a wonderful experience as well as seeing everything we need to see. It was a well - prepared itinerary.
  • Kudos to the Tour guide, he made everything awesome, Can't thank him enough.
  • Adventure lovers will find this tour interesting - especially bike lovers
  • Yes!!! The perfect choice for intermediate Bicycle Riders to have the best of fun while they grow in their cycling skills

6-Hour Los Angeles City Tour

half day tours los angeles

Santa Monica and Venice Beach Tour from Los Angeles

  • This is a fun - filled tour aimed at giving you the best views of major highlights around Santa Monica on Venice Beach.
  • A cruise in an Air - Conditioned Coach into the luxury homes, the renowned Venice Muscle Beach and more of attractions. Read more
  • A visit to places like the Santa Monica pier, Third Street Promenade, Venice beach Boardwalk, Venice Skate Park and many more.
  • Sit comfortably in the Air - Conditioned Elite Vehicle to soak up the atmosphere that makes Santa Monica a must - to - go place for all tourists.
  • Stroll the sunny waterfront as you listen to your guide who feeds you with historical facts and stories of the amusement rides and the open - air district.
  • Make stops at attractions like the 100 year old Entertainment center called Santa Monica Pier, the 1934 existing Muscle Beach, the gorgeous Malibu Lagoon State Beach, etc.
  • An exclusive 3 - hours (approx.) tout
  • Bottled Water and Chips for refreshment
  • Historical facts telling by a professional local guide
  • Transportation in an Air - conditioned minivan
  • I must say the fact, the tour guide was really knowledgeable complementing the amazing tour with the most interesting facts about the attractions
  • It was nice experience, a must - to - do tour. We had a great time
  • Yes! One of the best tours to opt when you are on a vacation to Los Angeles
  • You would never want to miss this informative, entertaining, fun- filled, amazing, well - packaged tour

Hollywood Grand City Tour

half day tours los angeles

Los Angeles Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour

  • An exploration of LA major highlights in a day as you tour with a small group of people to have a personalized experience.
  • A visit to the coolest places and streets of Los Angeles like the Hollywood, Santa Monica, Chinese Theater, Venice Beach and so on. Read more
  • An elite cruise coupled with live commentary around the scenic buildings, picturesque neighborhoods and popular stops in the beautiful city of Los Angeles.
  • Spend the best of times in places like the Santa Monica Pier where you will have a mouthwatering view of the pacific oceans, also at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum which is the Natural History Museum famous Ice Age fossil evacuation site.
  • Cruise the roads in an Air - Conditioned coach into various landmarks like Melrose Avenue, The Original Farmers " Market, Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatres, The Billion Dollar Greystone Mansion and Park and so on.
  • Pass popular Hotels, Music venues and food - rich restaurants as well as hidden corners where you'll see the real LA local ghettos.
  • A 7 - hours (approx.) elite tour
  • Travel with a Professional Local Guide
  • Cruise in an Air - Conditioned vehicle
  • On - Board Live Commentary
  • It was a lovely tour, the car moved at a reasonable pace making sure we absorb all we needed to absorb in every streets and attractions
  • This is one of the wonderful tours I took in Los Angeles, no regret and highly recommendable
  • A right option for you and your family to have a personalized outing experience
  • A stunning tour with the aim of giving you the best of Los Angeles in a day

half day tours los angeles

VIP Ferrari Tour & Open Bus Celebrity Homes Tour

half day tours los angeles

Shared 4 Hours LA Afternoon Tour With Hollywood Sign and Star Homes

  • This is an afternoon sightseeing trip taking you into the rich history of downtown LA and the uniqueness of their cultural heritage.
  • A tour into the stunning building, jaw dropping sites, fascinating streets that tells so much about Los Angeles past and renovation of their present state. Read more
  • It is also an included visit to Griffith Observatory which is located at the iconic Griffith Park measuring 1,135 feet above the city to give a beautiful view of Los Angeles, Hollywood and the mighty Hollywood Sign.
  • Soak up the electrifying streets of the Historic Downtown District as you move round its fabulous towering skyscraper, historical landmarks, magnificent art galleries and lots.
  • Stroll down the Hollywood Hall 0f Fame where you'll see the handprints and footprints left in the cement by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, R2D2 from Star Wars, John Wayne and many more.
  • Follow the well - planned itinerary which contains stops and pass through places like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown Historic District, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Largest Koreatown in the US, etc.
  • Explore alongside a professional local guide
  • Hotel Pickup and Drop-off in Selected Hotels only
  • Fun - Filled history telling
  • We saw all we needed to see during the period of time and we were satisfied with the guide as well. It was a nice experience
  • The ride was super awesome, my family enjoyed every bit of the tour layout.
  • Yes! An interesting tour any tourist/visitor in Los Angeles must miss
  • A perfect option for friends " hangout as well as couple's afternoon date

Best of Hollywood Food Tour

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Malibu Beach Surf Tour in a Vintage VW Van

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Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles

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LA's BEST-SELLING TOUR: 3.5 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills

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Shared 3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour

8 L.A. night hikes to escape the heat and experience awe

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My coworkers and I were deep in conversation when we all gasped.

We’d crested a hill in Griffith Park, and rising just as we did up the hill was the strawberry moon.

The light red full moon rising over L.A. in June 2023.

All conversation ceased for a moment as we took in the view, the headlights of thousands of drivers on the 5 Freeway, twinkling street lamps and the orange glow from homes in nearby Atwater Village and beyond — and that moon, low in the sky, a reddish tint thanks to its proximity to the horizon.

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That’s when I really fell in love with full moon hikes, standing there eating strawberry-flavored snacks with my giddy colleagues as we celebrated our luck of arriving at Five Points at the perfect moment.

Hiking during full moons, and sometimes just on a nice evening, is a semi-regular ritual of mine. Not only does it offer a different type of sensory experience than daytime treks — including croaking frogs, hooting owls and chirping crickets — but it’s also a more tolerable way to get outdoors during the hottest months of the year.

August’s full moon will be brightest and boldest on Monday. And if you can’t make it on exactly that evening, you can typically hike the night before or after a full moon and get a nice show.

Two dogs sit on a dirt path at night. A bright moon and city lights loom in the distance.

The first thing you need for an evening hike is hiking companions. Don’t get me wrong, I love a solo hike — just me, my dog and my satellite communicator out in the woods. But hiking at night alone isn’t something I would recommend, as many of our native wildlife — including mountain lions, bears and coyotes — are most active then.

The next thing to consider is what gear you’d like to bring. Sturdy hiking boots are helpful because if you trip or stumble, your ankles are more protected. A flashlight or headlamp is good to have, although some hiking groups discourage their usage, unless they come with the option to switch to a red tint, as our eyes are less affected by the longer wavelengths of red light. I like to bring a flashlight with a UV option because it not only saves your nighttime vision but also allows you to see (and avoid) scorpions, which glow under UV light.

As with any hike, you’ll want to check the weather and pack accordingly. My colleagues and I were up at Griffith Park on a particularly windy evening for a full moon hike and were glad we’d layered up. From there, you should bring whatever you usually need on a hike, like poles, snacks and water.

As for where to do a full-moon hike, there is no shortage of options. I look for urban hikes with wide paths to high points with panoramic views of L.A. County. Some hiking spots close at sunset, so you’ll want to check the times that trails are open. When parking, look for gates. You don’t want to come down from your hike to find a locked gate blocking in your car.

If you’d be more comfortable with a group, you’re in luck: There are many organized full moon and night hikes in L.A. County this time of year. I’ve rounded up some of them below:

  • The Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates hosts a monthly moonlight walk, usually on Fridays closest to the full moon. You can join them at 6:45 p.m. Friday at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. The hike leaves at 7 p.m. sharp so being on time is quite important. Learn more at ecnca.org .
  • The Sierra Club Angeles Chapter hosts its moonlight hike on Saturday, meaning the moon will be fairly bright for that outing. This is a moderately paced five(ish)-mile hike through Griffith Park. Sierra Club membership is not required. Arrive by 6:45 p.m. to sign liability waivers. The hike leaves at 7. You can learn more and register at meetup.com .
  • We Explore Earth, a nonprofit outdoors group, will host a free full moon hike from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday in Elysian Park. Participants can also partake in a 30-minute yoga session during the event and stargaze through telescopes that group leaders will bring on the hike. Register at eventbrite.com .
  • TreePeople, an L.A. nonprofit, will host a moonlight hike at Coldwater Canyon Park in Beverly Hills on Aug. 23. It costs $20 per person, kids under 15 cost $10. You can learn more and register at its website .
  • Vasquez Rocks Natural Area hosts a monthly twilight and early full moon hike. The hike is free but donations to the Vasquez Rocks Nature Center Associates are appreciated. August’s event is full (with more than 100 people on its waiting list), but September and October are open for registration.
  • For my Wilders near Riverside or San Bernardino (or for those wanting to explore a new place), the Wildlands Conservancy will host a night hike Saturday at its Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa. You can learn more and register here .

For those who feel nervous about hiking at night but still want to experience the glory of a summer night sky in person, try these options:

  • The Lancaster Museum of Art and History will host a one-mile astronomy-themed tour Saturday through the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve in Lancaster. Weather permitting, there might be telescopes available to gaze through. Register at eventbrite.com .
  • Orange County Parks will host a full moon nature journaling session Sunday in the gorgeous Black Star Canyon. Registration required. Sign up at letsgooutside.org .

I personally enjoy going to Griffith Park for full moon and evening hikes because it offers so many great views. I usually park near the merry go-round. From there, my friends and I usually head to either 5-Points (lower right corner of this map ), or Mt. Hollywood.

Lights from homes, streets and the city stretch out toward the night horizon.

Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park remains my favorite — especially for a full moon hike. It offers panoramic views of L.A. County, and there are picnic tables where you can take a break before heading down.

That said, it’s a popular spot. My friend Laura and I hiked up to Mt. Hollywood one evening and sat quietly admiring the view, commenting on how remarkable it was that we were in a county of 10 million people, in the middle of the city, and yet we were mostly alone in this beautiful place.

Two human silhouettes against a rocky wall.

And then, we heard the thump of a bass. Dozens of hikers covered in glowing necklaces and bracelets emerged from the trail, dancing joyfully. Laura and I laughed really hard. They were such a fun group, I was tempted to ask how I could join. After all, a full moon over Los Angeles is something best appreciated with friends, new and old.

3 things to do

A wide Los Angeles Street filled with bikers.

1. Bike almost seven miles of car-free streets in Hollywood Walk, jog, bike, roller skate or skateboard along 6.6 miles of car-free streets Sunday as CicLAvia takes over the streets of Tinseltown for the nonprofit’s 54th event in L.A. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can traverse the route , which connects East Hollywood, Hollywood and West Hollywood. Visit any of the five hubs along the route for family-friendly activities, restrooms, free water refill stations and basic bike repair. There will also be plenty of spots to eat along the way. Please note that, although certain types of e-bikes are permitted, electric scooters and other nonpeople-powered vehicles are not allowed, outside of motorized wheelchairs and related vehicles for people with disabilities. Learn more at ciclavia.org .

2. Collect data on local wildlife in Harbor City Join jr. urban ecologist Ryan Kinzel from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park (25820 Vermont Ave.) in Harbor City for a so-called BioBlitz. At this L.A. City Recreation & Parks event, you’ll use the app iNaturalist to collect data on species that live around Machado Lake and the rest of the park. Organizers advise you bring sunscreen, water and a charged phone with the iNaturalist app downloaded. Learn more at the L.A. Parks’ Facebook page .

3. Take a free compass and map course in Fountain Valley Getting lost is any hiker’s nightmare. Sports Basement, an outdoor goods retailer, will host a free introductory course to using maps and navigation tools from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Participants will learn how a compass works and how to read topography maps and practice orienting a map and taking a bearing. Register at eventbrite.com .

The must-read

Half Dome at dusk in the distance from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

The death of 20-year-old Grace Rohloff while hiking Yosemite’s Half Dome has reignited debates about how to improve the safety of the iconic outdoors destination. The hike to Half Dome is 14 to 16 miles, and a permit is required to use the cables, installed in 1919, that visitors use to reach the top. You can read part of that debate in our letters to the editor this week. Connie Stewart of Santa Monica argues that National Park Service officials should permanently remove the cables, which are currently available seasonally . “Half Dome is dangerous. And that’s as it should be. National parks aren’t Disneyland; they are part of nature,” Stewart writes. Conversely, Bill Smart of Santa Barbara suggests that the problem lies in too many inexperienced hikers attempting to summit Half Dome. “Let the cables be. Screen permit applicants more carefully, as the danger lies with some of them, not the cables,” Smart writes.

Regardless of where you are adventuring, please be safe out there, friends. When in doubt, turn around. The mountains will be there next time you return.

Happy adventuring,

Jaclyn Cosgrove's signature

After I wrote a local campground guide in May, many of you graciously shared some of your favorites too. I rounded up the five best recommendations here .

I loved the advice from reader Jan Rasmussen, who said she, her husband and their dog head to Table Mountain near Wrightwood in Angeles National Forest over the Fourth of July to escape the explosive sound of fireworks. Brilliant!

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

Sign up for The Wild

We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

half day tours los angeles

Jaclyn Cosgrove covers the (great!) outdoors at the Los Angeles Times. They started at The Times in 2017 and have written about wildfires, culture, protests, crime and county government. In 2022, they managed For Your Mind, a yearlong mental health project. Cosgrove is originally from rural Oklahoma and is a proud Oklahoma State University graduate. They fell in love with the Southern California landscape when they moved here in 2017. They are always looking for the next adventure and welcome your ideas. If their phone goes straight to voicemail when you call, it probably means they’re in the mountains with their beloved dog, Maggie May.

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Watch CBS News

These are the top 10 destinations for Labor Day travel

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: August 19, 2024 / 3:56 PM EDT / CBS News

A popular U.S. destination for Labor Day travel is becoming even more desirable as an end-of-summer season vacation spot.

Seattle is the nation's top Labor Day weekend destination, according to AAA booking data, which found that the city jumped 30% in popularity this year for domestic travelers after also topping the list in 2023. 

Overall domestic travel is up by 9%, according to AAA booking data, while the cost of taking trips within the U.S. is down 2%. 

Americans traveling by car can expect to see savings on gas costs. The typical cost for gasoline now stands at about $3.50 a gallon, compared to the national average of $3.81 over Labor Day weekend a year ago. Overall demand for gas is down, driven in part by the pandemic enabling remote work, which has changed driving habits.

Fewer Americans are planning to travel internationally over Labor Day weekend this year compared to 2023, according to AAA data. While the cost of domestic trips are down slightly, the cost of international travel has jumped 11%, according to AAA.

As far as international destinations, countries in Europe are the most popular vacation spots for American travelers. Eight of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities. 

What is the best time to travel on Labor Day?

Airports and roads will start to get busy beginning on Thursday, Aug. 29, ahead of the Labor Day weekend. Roads are expected to be most congested in the afternoon and early evening on Thursday and Friday, according to Inrix, which provides transportation insights and data.

If you're traveling on Thursday or Friday, aim to hit the road in the morning to avoid traffic jams, experts say. If you aren't taking off until Saturday, it's best to wait until the afternoon to depart. 

"Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers," Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at Inrix, said in a statement. "Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day." 

Traffic is expected to be heaviest in the afternoon on Sunday and on Labor Day, Monday, September 2.

Here are the top 10 domestic and international destinations for Labor Day travel. 

Top 10 domestic destinations

  • Seattle, WA 
  • Orlando, FL
  • Anchorage, AK 
  • New York, NY 
  • Boston, MA 
  • Las Vegas, NV 
  • Denver, CO 
  • Chicago, IL 
  • Juneau, AK 

Top 10 international destinations

  • Vancouver, BC, Canada 
  • Rome, Italy 
  • London, England 
  • Paris, France 
  • Dublin, Ireland 
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands 
  • Barcelona, Spain 
  • Athens, Greece 
  • Mexicali, Mexico 
  • Edinburgh, Scotland 

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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    See all the highlights of LA on a guided tour and get an insider look at its culture, history, and landmarks. Take in the Sunset Strip, Santa Monica Pier, and the Original Farmer's Market.

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    Our Los Angeles half-day tour is the perfect way to see LA in first-class style, comfort, and convenience. Our tour vehicles are all new, clean, and fuel-efficient and stocked with water, soft drinks, and phone charges to give you a comfortable ride and tour experience.

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  17. Half-Day Sightseeing Tour Of The Best Of Los Angeles

    Absorb the captivating essence of Los Angeles through a comprehensive half-day sightseeing tour that showcases the city's most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

  18. 10 TOP Los Angeles Half-day Tours

    A super interesting half - day bike tour into almost all the major and minor attractions of Los Angeles scattered around the streets and neighborhoods. An adventure - filled tour with lots of activities into landmarks like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Bel Air and others. Read more. from €67.30 from €135.66 from €153.19 from €187.75 ...

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    The Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles offers travelers an exciting and informative experience, exploring famous spots and iconic locations in a comfortable and organized manner. With an expert driver guide providing insightful information about the history and culture of Los Angeles, participants can capture the essence of ...

  20. Los Angeles Half Day Highlights Private Tour

    Entrance fees and parking if needed. All prices are set for tours starting and ending within a 10 miles radius of Los Angeles. For pick up outside of the city of Los Angeles such as Burbank, Long Beach, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Malibu, Anaheim or Orange County a long distance surcharge will apply. Please contact me in advance for details

  21. Los Angeles Half Day Private Tour 2024

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    Enjoy a half-day interactive sightseeing experience of the best Los Angeles has to offer with stops at Santa Monica, The Grove and Griffith Observatory.

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    Itinerary. You'll start at. 7044 Hollywood Blvd. 7044 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA. Our Visitor Center is located on Hollywood Blvd @ the corner of Sycamore Ave. Between Sycamore Ave & Orange Drive. See address & details. Pass by.

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    Check out the BEST Los Angeles has to offer on this half-day interactive sightseeing experience! Take a seat on our air conditioned bus customized for sightseeing as our fun & entertaining driver-guide gives you an insider look at LA culture, history, landmarks, and hot spots. Stop at The Santa Monica Pier, The Grove/Original Farmer's Market ...

  25. It's a full moon weekend. Here's where to hike in L.A.

    Jaclyn Cosgrove covers the (great!) outdoors at the Los Angeles Times. They started at The Times in 2017 and have written about wildfires, culture, protests, crime and county government.

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    Americans spending less on travel, Wall Street Journal finds 03:11. A popular U.S. destination for Labor Day travel is becoming even more desirable as an end-of-summer season vacation spot.