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Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica provided by Surf City Tours

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Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica

See all things to do
See all things to do
Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica
4.5
507
By Surf City Tours
Book in advance
from
AU$131.19
per adult
Reserve now & pay later: Save your spot free of charge with flexible booking.
92% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Full view
Tour snapshot
Duration:
5h 30m
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Hotel pickup offered
Group size:
52
Stroller accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
  • Duration:
    5h 30m
  • Taking Covid-19 safety measures
  • Hotel pickup offered
  • Group size:
    52
  • Stroller accessible
  • Ticket type:
    Mobile
About
Know before you go
  • Duration: 5h 30m
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Available languages
English
What to expect
Know before you go
  • Duration: 5h 30m
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
What to expect
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 63465P1
Important information
Inclusions
  • Live commentary on board
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
  • Safe Luggage Storage Available
Exclusions
  • Cost of Lunch Not Included
Duration
5h 30m
Departure details
  • Traveller pickup is offered.
  • Pickup times vary based on hotel you are located. --Marina Del Rey Hotels are picked up 40 minutes before tour start time. --Venice Beach Hotels pickup 30 minutes before tour start time. --Local Santa Monica Hotels are picked up roughly 15 minutes before tour start time. Please call us for details or if you can't find your hotel on the list.
  • 1654 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA Meet us at Poseidon Surf Shop, just a block south of the Santa Monica Pier on Ocean Ave.
  • Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Walking is Recommended at stops, but not required.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Foldable wheelchair can be stored on vehicle, however wheelchair lifts are unavailable and passenger must be able to get in and out of vehicle with assistance from family, friends.
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 52 travellers
Inclusions
  • Live commentary on board
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
  • Safe Luggage Storage Available
Exclusions
  • Cost of Lunch Not Included
Departure details
  • Traveller pickup is offered.
  • Pickup times vary based on hotel you are located. --Marina Del Rey Hotels are picked up 40 minutes before tour start time. --Venice Beach Hotels pickup 30 minutes before tour start time. --Local Santa Monica Hotels are picked up roughly 15 minutes before tour start time. Please call us for details or if you can't find your hotel on the list.
  • 1654 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA Meet us at Poseidon Surf Shop, just a block south of the Santa Monica Pier on Ocean Ave.
  • Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Duration
5h 30m
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Walking is Recommended at stops, but not required.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Foldable wheelchair can be stored on vehicle, however wheelchair lifts are unavailable and passenger must be able to get in and out of vehicle with assistance from family, friends.
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 52 travellers
Travel safe during COVID-19
Last updated: 29 Sep. 2020
A note from Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica
We have done everything we can to customize our vehicles and adjust the way we operate to ensure your safety and follow state guidelines. Partitions have been installed, and we ask guests to follow your guides instructions during board for a safe & socially-distant entrance and exit of the vehicle!
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Face masks required for travellers in public areas
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Face masks provided for travellers
Itinerary
  • You'll start at
    1654 Ocean Ave
    Or, you can also get picked up
    See Important Information for details
  • 1
    Surf City Tours
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
  • 2
    Hollywood Walk of Fame
    Stop: 60 minutes
    See details
  • 3
    Hollywood Sign
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
  • 4
    TCL Chinese Theatres
    Stop: 60 minutes
    See details
    Pass by
    SUR Lounge
    Sunset Strip
  • 5
    Rodeo Drive
    Stop: 30 minutes
    See details
    Pass by
    The Viper Room
    Whiskey-a-Go-Go
    The Roxy
    Hollywood Bowl
  • You'll return to the starting point
+
–
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
507 reviews
Excellent
443
Very good
28
Average
12
Poor
10
Terrible
14
Maddie B
1 contribution
Perfect tour!
Aug. 2021 • Family
This was the perfect LA tour!! Our guide Chad was super entertaining and didn’t tell any made up stories, just real facts which was very appreciated. This tour covered almost all of the main attractions in the city and felt almost personalized for our group. Definitely recommend this to anyone not familiar with the city, or anyone who wants to see and learn more about the history and current attractions!!
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KB
2 contributions
Fantastic LA Tour with Chad!
Jan. 2022 • Couples
We had an amazing tour with Chad! He was friendly, kind, funny and extremely knowledgeable and interested himself in the information he enthusiastically shared with us. Just a perfect tour all around - especially if you are somewhat limited on time. Although the whole tour was extremely interesting, and it’s hard to pick a favorite part, Melrose street made a surprising impression on me and I hope one day I can explore it even more. The meeting point at the surf shop was also really nice- and you can get coffee there and use their restroom before starting, if you’re not being picked up at a hotel. We ended up parking in the big, main lot for the Santa Monica Pier, which is a five minute walk to the surf shop meeting point. It costs $7 for a day to park there, which was worth it to us for the ease it provided, but perhaps there is free parking somewhere else nearby that we missed. I had researched a lot of tours before choosing this one and I don’t have any regrets, and would do it again!
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Amy B
11 contributions
5 1/2 hours well spent
First and foremost I have to give a super special shoutout to our tour guide KEY!! She MADE this tour for us, so cheerful, passionate and informative. I read a lot of reviews on Chad and was actually hoping for them to be our tour guide but I am so, SO happy we ended up with Key!!

We started off in Santa Monica and left promptly (even though there was a couple who were a no show), Key didn't want to impact on our tour so we headed off after giving them 5 mins leeway! She was so knowledgeable on the area and even took us to places outside of the normal route, she continually checked in with us on where we wanted to stop and for how long each time, it was like our own personal tour of the city even though we shared a bus with probably 8-10 other people. She pointed out certain landmarks and had an abundance of knowledge (even on the more obscure places).
I cannot stress how worth it this tour is, we passed multiple other operators and saw all the people looking gloomy and remaining on their tour vehicles whereas Key could not have been more accommodating to everyone different wants and needs. LA traffic seems like a nightmare to navigate but never did this dull our experience as even when sitting in traffic Key kept us entertained and informed on the surrounding area. Without her this wouldn't have been half as much fun as it was and I truly hope her bosses appreciate that!

Hollywood walk of fame was half closed due to preparations for the Oscars (so my mum missed Elvis' star) but all in all an amazing trip!!
Written 23 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BexJ_13
Swindon, UK85 contributions
Thoroughly recommended
Great tour with Chad as our guide we were picked up promptly from our hotel in Venice beach which was great as it saved us money having to Uber to Santa Monica pier. The vehicle used wasn’t quite the one pictured but still had large open windows to be able to see. Our tour was full so the bus was quite snug if you are on the larger side.

We went to a range of places we wouldn’t have been able to get too on our own without sending a fortune on Ubers. Chad clearly takes his role as tour guide seriously and knew loads about the area and the local celebs. We found brads sense of humour really funny and he was very approachable.

Overall we would recommend this trip to anyone looking to see the celebrity side of Tinseltown! Thank you Chad!
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Flyer60964
1 contribution
Overall good, longer time on the walk of fame please
Jul. 2021
We went on the The Prefect LA TOUR, the guide was friendly and personable, I wish she would of provided more history and less satire. The itinerary was full of stops and covered a vast majority of scenic stops (Rodeo Drive, Hollywood & Walk of Fame) the stop at the Grove (Farmer's Market) was too long, should be shorter and more time on the Hollywood walk of fame. The tour did not provide water/snacks. Overall a good time and great tour.
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nicole G
Westchester County, NY203 contributions
GREAT & perfect LA tour!
We did the five our Los Angeles tour and it was so much fun! Our tour guide Gary was phenomenal and taught us so much about the city. He even gave us a bonus stop to try the local food at a famous taco place that was delicious! Gary was so friendly and had an amazing personality. We stopped at the walk of fame, rodeo drive, and the original farmers market. The farmers market was a true highlight for us because we weren’t expecting it to be so fun and adorable! Definitely recommend bringing a sweatshirt for the morning drive as it is an open air bus on the highway in the wind gets pretty intense. My only critique would be to stop and get pictures of the group with a Hollywood sign as advertised. We only drove through a spot where you could see the Hollywood sign from a distance, We couldn’t stop to get out and take pictures of us with the sign! Other than that it was so much fun. We love seeing all of the celebrity homes and passing through Century city to see Fox Studios!
Written 6 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Harold R
Los Angeles, CA1,649 contributions
Surf City Tour Earthquake
I was so excited about our upcoming LA tour. My wife and I had been on tour with Surf City in 2019 and it was an absolutely awesome experience. This time we had friends with us who had never seen the sights of LA. We have been pumping them up for months about how much fun we would have.

The tour started out fantastically because of Chad our driver. He was so upbeat and lively. As the tour progressed Chad appeared to lose his enthusiasm but Chad was very informative and knowledgeable.

The tour headed further south on some of the places Chad took us. We were interested in the tourist sights you would see on shows like SWAT, 911, NCIS LA and etc.

We didn’t go through downtown to see Staples Center, the new art building or anything downtown. We didn’t go to Griffith Observatory to see the beautiful LA from the hills. We saw the Hollywood sign from a long distance. Chad said it was the closest location that anyone could go. Chad made excuses on why we couldn’t go to Griffith Park/Observatory. He was too busy showing us bars, nightclubs and Mel’s Diner which wasn’t even the original.

We spent too much time at the Farmers Market where the food is terrible and way over priced. We rode in circles around Rodeo Drive. We went to neighborhoods where the houses were not overwhelming huge…. No mansions. Chad said tour buses were not allowed in Belair. No tour of Venice Beach and the canals. No Marina Del Rey area.

I’m sorely disappointed on the product. I’m truly disappointed that we appeared to be rushed at the end. The price of the tour is fair and reasonable. I rather pay more to have a longer time yo see actual updated sights to cherish in my memory. I will definitely recommend and try other tour companies besides Surf City Tours.
Written 3 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Compass39218514441
Hi Future Booker, I've gone back and forth as I feel a bad review should speak for itself and drive us to step up our game even further when based on tangible factors, but this is not that. I won't address everything stated above but just need to clarify a few things. 1. "We were interested in the tourist sights you would see on shows like SWAT, 911, NCIS LA and etc." - I know for a fact that Chad asks all guests if there's anything in particular they are interested in seeing and goes out of his way to try to make it happen. He is a fantastic guide (as anyone can clearly see below), and really prides himself on tailoring his tours for his guests. If there was anything mentioned to him AND close enough to see during the tour he would've done so. 2. "We didn’t go through downtown to see Staples Center, the new art building or anything downtown. We didn’t go to Griffith Observatory to see the beautiful LA from the hills." "No tour of Venice Beach and the canals. No Marina Del Rey area." - None of these locations are included in the tour (or advertised as such). We'd love to show off every neighborhood in LA, but it's not possible (in my opinion) to do in one tour. Of course we can arrange a private tour and customize the itinerary, or set up a walking tour with us for an intimate stroll through these areas. 3. "The price of the tour is fair and reasonable. I rather pay more to have a longer time..." - I couldn't agree more, but if you do want to see more sights than listed please give us a call to set up a private tour. - Adam
Written 8 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
trademark4242
New York City, NY14 contributions
Great tour - would recommend!
We had a great tour with Brandon at the end of May 2021. Not only was he a really funny, considerate and knowledgeable guide but just a really nice guy to chat to and find out a little bit of inside knowledge on Hollywood. He also gave us great locations to check out sunsets & a recommendation for a restaurant (The Water Grill) where we enjoyed the best meal we've had on holiday so far. The tour lasts 5.5 hours but it doesn't feel like that, time flies. You get breaks to do some wandering of your own which is good. Overall, a great way to see lots of LA (without having to deal with the stress of driving yourself) and loads of info and tips! Thanks Brandon & Surf City Tours 👍
Written 1 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Candace F
6 contributions
Felt underwhelmed..
My tour guide Key was great! She seemed to be very proud of her city and knowledgeable about it as well!
However, I feel as though I overpaid for this excursion. It was myself and my 2 year old. Her ticket was about $76 and I personally felt as though it should have been free. Or maybe $20 at most.
The highlight of my trip was Hollywood Blvd but it went by too quickly. I truly enjoyed myself there. I did everything that this tour offered but I just didn't feel like it was worth $162. I tipped Key $20 on top of that.
But the tour itself was a waste of money sadly..and on my birthday.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Compass39218514441
First off Happy Belated Birthday! I’m sorry for the confusion but children 2 and under do ride free. I’ll go ahead and reimburse you for the price of that ticket! Future bookers please note the option to choose an Infant Ticket for children 2 and under. - Adam
Written 4 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jessica M
4 contributions
The perfect tour!
Sep. 2020 • Couples
Our tour guide, Alicia, was beyond amazing! Our tour was a public tour but my boyfriend and I ended up being the only ones on the tour. The 5 1/2 hours is well worth it and our tour guide Alicia made the trip so perfect; she really caters to her tour guests. Anyone who goes on this tour, we definitely recommend Alicia; by far the best tour guide we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you!
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica
Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica price starts from AU$127.98. Discover and book Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica on Tripadvisor
Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica on Tripadvisor
Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica is hosted by Surf City Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Surf City Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica on Tripadvisor