10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Los Angeles That You Shouldn't Miss

September 23, 2021 Hector Krause

Hollywood beckons to tourists who long for a brush with Tinseltown glamor. Tour movie studios, slip your hands into the famous prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or indulge in a celeb sighting at one of LA’s white-hot nightspots. Spot your favorite star while shopping at The Grove, or forget all about the famous eye candy as you take in the iconic artwork at The Getty Center. For a different type of star-gazing, peek through the telescopes at the Griffith Observatory.
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1. Downtown Los Angeles Architecture Tour

630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA LA Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 27 reviews

Explore the styles of Beaux Arts, Renaissance Revival, Art Deco, Modernism and more on this architectural history tour of Downtown Los Angeles by walking the Financial District, Historic Core and the Broadway Theater District!

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By AnnaCPass

Really fun tour, my guide Neil was personable with a wealth of knowledge on all things LA. While I thought I knew some background on these haunted spots, Neil was able to provide lots of new and interesting information. Only negative spot was the infamous Cecil hotel is currently all boarded up with not much to see. Would definitely recommend booking the experience!

2. The Real Hollywood Tour

Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA The Real Los Angeles Tours
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

On our Hollywood tour we go back in time to when the name first appeared on maps in the 1880’s, then we’ll tell you how and why the start-up movie industry first moved to this small farming town in the early twentieth century. By walking the streets of Hollywood you’ll get the chance to discover the many hidden historic sites in the area (such as the oldest house in Hollywood, where Charlie Chaplin’s kids went to school), as well offering you the best up close and personal experiences of such icons as the Walk of Fame, the Capitol Records Building, the Egyptian Theater, the Dolby Theater (the home of the Oscars) and the TCL Chinese Theater where your Hollywood tour ends, in the perfect place to get lunch or get some great shots of the Hollywood Sign for Instagram. * Tour starts at 10am daily * Children under 12 y.o. gain free entry

Inclusions: English guide

Exclusions: Gratuities not included. Please allow 15-20%.

Reviewed By millie4t

I really enjoyed my tour with Damien. I've lived in Los Angeles for a long time but did not know a lot of the history of the city and Damien explained the background of how LA became LA. Stunning views of Los Angeles, from downtown to Santa Monica. Free parking at the Greek Theatre parking lot (when there aren't any events). Bring water (they do give you a bottle), hat, sunscreen. I was lucky and the day was overcast but it can get really hot there. Uphill walk for about 20 minutes so if you're not in shape, this is not the tour for you. Then the rest is pretty easy. Due to COVID, the Griffith Observatory is closed right now so you can't go inside. Good tour for locals (especially if you're not familiar with Griffith Park) and tourists.

3. Private Tour: Hollywood Highlights or Celebrity Homes of Beverly Hills

Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours, 1080 S La Cienega Blvd #108, Los Angeles, CA 90035, USA Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Take a 2-hour private tour of famous Hollywood landmarks or the celebrity homes of Beverly Hills and Bel-Air with an insider guide who combines sightseeing with insightful commentary. You'll discover Hollywood’s history — from its storied past to present day — as you explore Tinseltown at a leisurely pace. Alternatively, learn a bit about the history of Beverly Hills as you’re driven by private vehicle through LA’s most affluent neighborhood. Snacks and bottled water are included with round-trip transport from your hotel.

Inclusions: Narration by a professional private guide, Transport by air-conditioned private vehicle, Bottled water and snacks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By MsSimplyRed

We opted for a 3 hr private tour for our family of 4 + a toddler and it was a great decision! Kenneth was excellent in laying out all our options for a private tour and getting us quickly booked and set up to go. Darnell was a gracious host and showed us what we wanted to see while teaching us about this city. Great job!! Excellent customer service all around.

4. LA in a Day Tour

Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA The Real Los Angeles Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

L.A. is so big – how are you going to see the city in one day? Easy! Join our LA in a Day tour and see 3 completely different neighborhoods of the city - Hollywood, downtown and Santa Monica. There’s no breezing through on buses with a pre-recorded audio commentary playing (which is always out of sync), on this tour we show you the hidden nooks and crannies of the city that other tour companies don’t (including 7 different venues that have held the Academy Awards Ceremony) and give you a feel for the real Los Angeles. We're pioneers of the all day metro and walking tour of Los Angeles. Why did we create it? Because we want you to feel like you're an Angeleno for the day and to fall in love with the city like we did. * Tour starts 10 am daily * Travel on Los Angeles Metro included in ticket price * There’s a big range of food options and all types of diet can be accommodated (vegan, gluten-free etc)

Inclusions: Travel on Los Angeles Metro is included in ticket price., Tour Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities not included. Please allow 15-20%., Lunch/Snacks are not included.

Reviewed By millie4t

I really enjoyed my tour with Damien. I've lived in Los Angeles for a long time but did not know a lot of the history of the city and Damien explained the background of how LA became LA. Stunning views of Los Angeles, from downtown to Santa Monica. Free parking at the Greek Theatre parking lot (when there aren't any events). Bring water (they do give you a bottle), hat, sunscreen. I was lucky and the day was overcast but it can get really hot there. Uphill walk for about 20 minutes so if you're not in shape, this is not the tour for you. Then the rest is pretty easy. Due to COVID, the Griffith Observatory is closed right now so you can't go inside. Good tour for locals (especially if you're not familiar with Griffith Park) and tourists.

5. Hollywood and Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes Tours

The Grove Drive, The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA Glitterati Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Your private 2-hour tour includes the celebrity homes of movie stars and the rich and famous.  See the communities of the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills and Bel Air.  Travel in a discreet luxury black SUV, and customize your tour by your interests.  Each air-conditioned vehicle is equipped with a multi-media iPad to accompany your guide's many talking points.  Your highly-rated professional host will be up to date on the movers and shakers, which makes this tour one of the most accurate when it comes to celebrity real estate. *In the tour details listed above, there are few options that best describe timeframes for stops and drive-by introductions. Plus, there are a handful of locations not listed in available "Attractions." Some attractions may not be accessible on certain days of the year. This tour is a solid 2 hours, and we've laid out a guesstimate on stops and travel time. Remember, this is a private tour, so you're also welcome to fully customize your time.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Private tour

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By jjrpontoni

We absolutely loved and enjoyed our tour of Beverly Hills on Friday! Dan, our tour guide, made it spectacular! We probably saw 50 stars homes! He was so knowledgeable and so funny, we felt like stars being driven around in a nice black SUV! We came all the way from Utah to see the city and for this tour and are beyond pleased! Also saw amazing views of LA from the hills! Was such a perfect day! Definitely recommended this tour company and ask for Dan! Well worth the money!!

6. 5-Hour Limo Tour with Open Bar

Private limo tours by Sunpower
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Your private tour guide is Michael Raines, who has worked for a number of limo companies as a driver and bodyguard to some of the biggest celebrities in the world. A TV personality on his own rite, Michael Raines has starred in two survival shows on Discovery and other Film and TV roles in the past 20 years. Just to hear his celebrity stories is worth the price of the ride!! You will ride in style in 6 passenger Lincoln town car with a duel bar setup for wine, beer and liquor with mixers, chocolates and nuts all complimentary. A Bluetooth stereo so you can use your playlist on your phone, with IPhone and android chargers with cables on the rear deck. Your tour is completely customizable, you tell us what you want to see and we will take you there in style.

Inclusions: Beer,wine,liquor,mixers,sodas and candy We have the best stocked limo in town!

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Reviewed By Penny R

Book today you won’t be disappointed! We loved hearing all of the history of LA and surrounding areas. Mikey knew just when and where we would like to take pictures and always offered to take them for us as well.

7. Hollywood Sign Tour: Walk to the Hollywood Sign

6301 Innsdale Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA Bikes And Hikes LA
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5.0 based on 36 reviews

Departure Time: 10:30 AM We’ll take you in front of and behind the Hollywood sign for an unforgettable experience! With ample opportunities for killer Instagram photos, insider Hollywood History, and a local guide, this hike brags some of the best views in LA. Snag a bird’s eye view of top film studios Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Dreamworks, the Hollywood Walk of fame, and more! Your docent will regale you with Hollywood history while ensuring a safe and exciting climb. This experience will take approximately 2.5 hours, and is suited for guests looking for a challenging, bucket-list outdoor adventure. Perfect for guests looking for a very special, unforgettable Hollywood Sign Hike. HIGHLIGHTS Hollywood Sign (behind and in front!) Panoramic 360° views of all of LA Best photos of the Hollywood Sign to last a lifetime Leave LA fulfilled: get your full fix of insider LA history from the best local guides in Los Angeles!

Inclusions: 2.5-hour hike, Unlimited Instagram photo opportunities, Expert First Aid and CPR certified professional local tour guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities (15 - 20% per person is recommended), Due to COVID-19, guests must provide their own water for this tour.

Reviewed By christigray1

We had the best day with Harris as our private tour guide. We hit 8 cities in 7 hours. I would not want to miss any parts of the ride. You see the hot spots but also the average living areas. I highly recommend the electric bike.

8. Private Romantic Tour in Historic Venice Canals

2325 Eastern Ct, Venice, CA 90291, USA Canal Pals
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Ready to ride in the canals of Venice, Los Angeles? We will be rowing canoes down these famous Los Angeles waterways while learning about the rich history of the Venice of America. This experience is great for couples, pairs and small groups. We will meet at the canals, board the canoes, and then do a 1-hour boat tour with a history of Venice.

Inclusions: Canoe and Paddles

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9. Los Angeles Secret Painted Stairs

3337 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA See LA in a Day
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Tours by See LA in a Day are the best way to explore Los Angeles. Our tours combine the hottest tourist spots with off the beaten path secrets. Many of our guests are LA natives that walk away amazed with how little they knew about their home. Whether you are visiting for the first time or have lived in LA your entire life, our tours will offer you an unmatched LA experience.

Inclusions: At the end of the tour we will visit a local Filipino bakery for an amazing treat!

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10. Historic Core and More Downtown Los Angeles Bike Tour

310 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA Handlebar Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 48 reviews

Our signature tour begins at the iconic Grand Central Market and features the historic highlights of Downtown Los Angeles. We narrate the different eras of Los Angeles as we guide you through Grand Park, to Broadway’s classic theaters, The Broad and MOCA Art Museums, Bradbury Building, Music Center, Disney Concert Hall, Chinatown, Union Station, and City Hall. We break at Olvera Street, with time to wander L.A.’s oldest neighborhood and marketplace. This tour is for visitors looking to see the top 10 tourist destinations, and hidden gems, of DTLA. This tour focusses on history and cultural sites, on an easy, 2.5 hour bike ride. We'll be back at Grand Central Market in time for lunch. This ride is designed for casual bike riders, with much of the tour taking place in bike lanes.

Inclusions: Local guide, Use of bicycle, Use of helmet, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By bludvamp

First off, rest assured that this is an easy bike ride. I was worried about biking downtown, but it was very do-able, even for my MIL, who is pretty new to biking. The tour itself was phenomenal. I came into it knowing nothing about LA’s art district, and I learned a ton. Jennifer not only knows about the art you’ll be seeing, she knows many of the crews and artists, as well as the history of the district. It truly felt like a docent tour. And, because the art changes pretty frequently, you could repeat the tour in a few months and see all new art.

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