10 Best Los Angeles Tours for First-Time Visitors (2024)

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Planning your first trip to Los Angeles? With so many iconic spots, it can feel a little overwhelming. From Universal Studios to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. But instead of trying to DIY your whole trip, why not let the experts take the wheel (literally) and book a guided tour?

Trust me — I’ve lived in LA for 15 years, and while wandering on your own can be fun, sometimes a guided tour just takes the pressure off. Plus, you’ll probably get some local secrets you wouldn’t have found by yourself.

Here’s my hand-picked list of the best Los Angeles tours you can book, all through my go-to platform for tours — GetYourGuide. I’ve done a ton of tours with them around the world and love how authentic the experiences are.

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Short on time? I’ve made it easy for you and highlighted my favorite tour here:

#1 Top LOS ANGELES TOUR

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Grand Tour of LA

✅ Scenic stop at Griffith Observatory with a photo opp near the Hollywood Sign

✅ Option to see Rodeo Drive & dine at the Grove’s Farmers Market

✅ Explore historic Hollywood, Sunset Strip, & Santa Monica Beach

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1. Universal Studios Hollywood

universal studios hollywood - Best Los Angeles Tours for First-Time Visitors — *photo courtesy of get your guide*

If you’re into movies, rides, and all things Hollywood, Universal Studios is a no-brainer. Not only can you plunge into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or help Optimus Prime save the world, but there’s also the famous studio tour. You’ll get a sneak peek behind the scenes of actual movie sets.

Pro tip: The tram tour is worth it for the behind-the-scenes access alone!

I’ve been here twice, and my last visit was all about Harry Potter (I’m a total fan). Personally, I think you’ve got to include a visit to Universal Studios as part of your LA itinerary.

The best part? Booking through GetYourGuide gets you a skip-the-line ticket, saving you precious time.

🤩 Book your Universal Studios ticket now!

2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour

View of a street lined with buildings and trees at sunset, featuring a prominent water tower in the center against a pink and blue sky. This picturesque scene is often highlighted in the best Los Angeles tours, capturing the city's unique charm and beauty.

If you’re a film buff or just want to dive deeper into the world of Hollywood, you’ll love the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. I took this tour ages ago before I first moved to LA, and I loved it.

Walking through the same sets where Friends and Harry Potter were filmed? Yeah, it’s as cool as it sounds!

You’ll also hear plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from your guide. And, if you’re into Harry Potter, there’s even a chance to pretend you’re flying on a broomstick—perfect Instagram moment, right?

🤩 Reserve your tour for Warner Bros now!

3. Hollywood Sign Walking and Pictures Tour

View from behind the iconic Hollywood sign overlooking the cityscape of Los Angeles, with greenery in the foreground and distant skyline—truly one of the best Los Angeles tours.

It’s not a trip to LA without a selfie in front of the Hollywood Sign, right?

This 2.5-hour walking tour gives you all the iconic views—and you’ll hear some fun stories about LA along the way.

Oh, and did I mention the tour guide is a comedian? So you’ll get some laughs in, too. The views of the city from here are really amazing, so don’t forget your camera!

🤩 Get the best views of LA and see the famous Hollywood sign up close!

4. Big Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

BIG BUS TOUR LOS ANGELES - Best Los Angeles Tours for First-Time Visitors — *PHOTO: GET YOUR GUIDE*

If you’re short on time and want to see as much of LA as possible, the Big Bus Tour is perfect. You’ll cruise through neighborhoods like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and even out to Santa Monica.

You can hop on and off whenever you want, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

The best part? You can choose between a 24- or 48-hour ticket. Super convenient, especially if you don’t want to rent a car or deal with LA traffic (it’s brutal, trust me).

🤩 Save yourself the stress of navigating LA and book the hop-on-hop off bus tour!

5. A Helicopter Tour Above Beverly Hills and Hollywood

helicopter tour los angeles - Best Los Angeles Tours for First-Time Visitors — photo: get your guide

Ready to splurge? The Helicopter Tour is hands down the most exciting way to see LA.

You’ll fly over Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and some seriously fancy mansions. It’s definitely a unique experience and one you’ll remember forever.

I mean, how often do you get to see the homes of the rich and famous from the air?

🤩 Get ready for a wild ride on this incredible, once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour of LA! Book now.

6. Grand Tour of LA

Want to hit all the highlights in one day? The Grand Tour of LA covers spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, The Grove, and Griffith Observatory.

It’s a solid choice if you want a guided experience with more structure than the hop-on, hop-off option.

Perfect if you’ve only got one day to cram in all the LA classics.

🤩 If you’re short on time, book the Grand Tour of LA to see the top tourist spots!

7. Griffith Observatory Guided Tour

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California is one of the best free things to do in LA. With stunning views of the city, this iconic landmark offers a unique experience for visitors.

The Griffith Observatory is iconic, but it’s even better with a guide who can explain all the science-y stuff. You’ll check out exhibits, learn about space, and get to look through real telescopes.

And those sweeping views of the city? Yeah, they’re just a bonus.

It’s definitely a step up from wandering around on your own. This is also one of the more affordable tours on this list if you’re on a tight budget during your visit to LA.

Interested in a night tour instead? See the city lights sparkling in all their glory in this guided night tour of Griffith.

🤩 Book the guided tour of Griffith Observatory and learn all about science!

8. Group Surfing Lesson

group surfing lesson - Best Los Angeles Tours for First-Time Visitors — *PhOTO COURTESY OF GET YOUR GUIDE*

Ever wanted to try your hand at surfing? Venice Beach is the place to give it a shot.

Whether you’re a total newbie or have a little experience, this two-hour lesson is a fun way to hit the waves. Plus, they provide everything—wetsuits, boards, and a ton of encouragement.

Even if you wipe out (which you probably will), it’s all part of the experience.

🤩 Learn how to surf with this engaging lesson in iconic Venice Beach!

9. A Horseback Riding Tour to the Hollywood Sign

horseback riding tour - Best Los Angeles Tours for First-Time Visitors — photo: get your guide

This one’s my personal favorite! Sunset Ranch offers a horseback tour through Griffith Park with views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory.

It’s a quieter, more peaceful way to experience the city — and, you get to hang out with horses! What’s not to love?

It’s also less touristy, which is always a plus.

🤩 Go horseback riding while taking in stunning views of LA in this incredible tour

10. Boat Cruise with Wine & Cheese

marina del rey boat cruise with sea lions - Best Los Angeles Tours for First-Time Visitors — *photo: get your guide*

Many locals say the best way to experience Los Angeles is from the water. With this tour, you can do just that — with wine and cheese involved!

If you can, I suggest booking the sunset slot around 5 PM for some extra romance (or just a gorgeous view). Because nothing says “I’m on vacation” like sipping wine on a boat, right?

🤩 Book this once-in-a-lifetime boat cruise and see LA’s famous coastline!

FAQ About Guided Tours in Los Angeles

What is the best tour of Los Angeles?

The best tour of Los Angeles depends on your interests, but for a comprehensive experience, the Grand Tour of LA is a top choice. It covers iconic spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, and Griffith Observatory in one day, offering a solid overview of the city’s highlights.

Are LA tours worth it?

Yes, LA tours are definitely worth it, especially for first-time visitors. They help you see more of the city in less time while offering local insights you might miss on your own. Plus, many tours include skip-the-line access, saving you time and hassle at popular attractions.

What is the best way to travel around Los Angeles as a tourist?

The best way to travel around Los Angeles as a tourist is with a rental car or by a mix of guided tours and rideshares. Tours, like the Big Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off, let you see multiple neighborhoods without worrying about parking or traffic. For flexibility, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are convenient for shorter trips.

Which area is best to stay in LA as a tourist?

Santa Monica is a great area for tourists because it’s close to Malibu, Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills. It offers easy access to the coast and has a lively mix of smaller museums, galleries, and unique shops. It’s a popular spot for visitors who enjoy a creative and laid-back vibe.

That’s a Wrap: Best Tours in LA

Choosing the right tour can make your first visit to Los Angeles much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Booking one of these tours will help you save time and hassle while you’re visiting LA! If you’re still planning where to stay, check out my guide to the best boutique hotels in LA to find the perfect spot for your trip!