The 15 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city built on spectacle, from its glittering sky-high buildings to the sprawling beaches and iconic landmarks. Few ways to truly comprehend its size and diversity are as exhilarating and memorable as taking to the skies in a helicopter. Whether you’re after a quick glimpse of Hollywood’s glamour or a long, luxurious tour of the California coast, LA’s helicopter options are surprisingly varied. Some tours focus on the famous sights like the Hollywood Sign and Beverly Hills mansions, while others sweep along the coastline or land atop Malibu’s mountains.
What makes LA’s helicopter tours special is the ability to see the city’s highlights from perspectives impossible from the ground. The views of downtown LA at sunset, the Hollywood Sign close enough to touch, and the rugged beauty of the coast all come alive from above. Plus, many tours include live commentary, making your aerial sightseeing both informative and fun. These experiences are perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply seeing the city in a way that transforms your trip from ordinary to unforgettable.
1. Beverly Hills and Hollywood: Helicopter Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Beverly Hills and Hollywood: Helicopter Tour offers a comprehensive 20-minute flight over LA’s most famous neighborhoods. It’s a favorite among travelers who want a quick, yet spectacular, overview of Hollywood’s glamour. Starting from Orbic Air Helicopter Tours, your pilot will take you past celebrity mansions, over Universal Studios, and right up to the Hollywood Sign. The tour also includes sweeping views of coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean — a reminder of LA’s unique geography.
Guests often comment on the friendly, professional pilots and the live commentary that adds context to the scenery. The tour’s highlights include Hollywood’s glamorous homes, the Hollywood Sign, and Universal Studios, all seen from a peaceful, high vantage point. The price of $199 per person makes it a good value for a quick introduction to LA’s most iconic sights. This tour is especially suited for first-timers or those with limited time but a desire for a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: A short but stunning overview of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, perfect if you want a taste of LA’s glitz without a long commitment.
2. Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach
For around $199, the Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach provides a 15-minute personalized flight from Long Beach. This tour is ideal if you want a more exclusive, tailored experience that features aerial views of the Queen Mary, Battleship Iowa, and the busy port. The narration throughout keeps you engaged, and because it’s private, you won’t share the experience with strangers.
Guests rave about the smooth ride and the informative pilot, Tanner, who made the trip special. The itinerary includes swooping over Belmont Shore, Shoreline Village, and Downtown Long Beach, with spectacular seaward views of Catalina Island. It’s a quick but memorable way to see the LA coast from above, especially suited for those who love maritime scenery and want a short, intimate flight.
Bottom Line: A personalized coastal experience that’s perfect for maritime fans or those seeking a private, relaxed introduction to LA’s waterfront.
3. Los Angeles at Night 30-Minute Helicopter Flight
The Los Angeles at Night 30-Minute Helicopter Flight offers a different perspective — the city glowing in evening lights. This 30-minute tour provides a panoramic view of downtown LA, the Hollywood Hills, and landmarks like the Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign. Flying after sunset, the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks are bathed in glowing amber and twinkling lights, creating a truly magical scene.
Rated nearly perfect, guests highlight the friendly crew and the smooth flight, often describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Valentine’s Day package, with champagne and sweets, makes it a popular choice for couples celebrating romance.
Bottom Line: A breathtaking way to see LA’s lights, particularly suited for special occasions or those who want a unique evening view.
4. California Coastline Helicopter Tour
The California Coastline Helicopter Tour hits the mark for its comprehensive 30-minute flyover along the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific Ocean. The tour takes in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and the Getty Center, with a focus on the scenic coast and affluent neighborhoods.
Guests mention the stunning views over the coast and the professional pilot who expertly points out landmarks like the beaches of Santa Monica and the rugged Santa Monica Mountains. At $299, it offers a solid balance of duration and value, especially for those wanting to combine city and coast scenery in one flight.
Bottom Line: Perfect for coastal scenery lovers, this tour showcases the best of LA’s beaches and hillside homes on a manageable 30-minute flight.
5. Los Angeles: Private 1-Hour Sightseeing Helicopter Tour
The Private 1-Hour Sightseeing Helicopter Tour offers a longer, more in-depth view of LA’s top sights. For $620 per person, it’s a significant investment but delivers a full hour of aerial exploration over Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica Pier, and beyond.
Guests rave about the epic views of celebrity homes, the Hollywood Sign, and the scenic flight over Malibu’s coast. The itinerary includes flying over Bel Air, downtown LA, and the Sunset Strip, giving travelers a rundown. This tour is best suited for those who want a detailed look at LA from above and don’t mind the higher price.
Bottom Line: A premium experience offering extensive views of LA’s most famous neighborhoods, ideal for travelers who want a deep dive.
6. Experience Private Helicopter Attractions of Los Angeles
This 50-minute private helicopter ride combines sightseeing with a touch of adventure. It’s perfect for those seeking a thrill, flying over landmarks like Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Sign, and Hollywood Bowl. The tour includes a flight over celebrity neighborhoods and the Griffith Observatory, offering excellent photo ops.
Guests praise the friendly guides and the opportunity to see LA from a rarely accessed perspective. The tour’s length and engaging narration make it suitable for adventure seekers and first-time helicopter riders alike. While the price is higher at $649, many consider it worth the memorable scenery.
Bottom Line: A dynamic, scenic ride best for visitors wanting an active, engaging experience of LA’s must-see sights.
7. Los Angeles Romantic Helicopter Tour with Mountain Landing
For couples celebrating a special moment, the Romantic Helicopter Tour with Mountain Landing offers 1.5 hours of scenic beauty, including a private Malibu mountaintop landing. After flying over LA’s landmarks, you’ll land for a toast, dessert, and a rose, making it an ideal romantic getaway.
Guests say it’s an “amazing experience” and note the attentive service, with some using it for proposals or special celebrations. The $649 price reflects the exclusive experience and mountain landing. The views of Malibu coastline and city lights are simply stunning.
Bottom Line: The perfect choice for those wanting a romantic, luxurious helicopter experience with a memorable mountain landing.
8. Downtown LA Lights: Your Private Sunset and Night Helicopter Tour
This 35-minute private sunset and night tour provides a glowing aerial view of LA’s iconic skyline and landmarks like Dodger Stadium and Griffith Observatory. It’s a top pick for sunset chasers and night photography enthusiasts.
Guests love the feeling of flying in their own private helicopter and the chance to see LA’s illuminated skyline from above. The tour includes views of famous neighborhoods and the city’s impressive skyscrapers, all bathed in sunset or night lights.
Bottom Line: An intimate, visually stunning way to experience LA at dusk or after dark, ideal for romantic evenings or photo buffs.
9. Hooray for Hollywood Helicopter Tour 35 Minutes
Rated a perfect 5 stars, the Hooray for Hollywood Helicopter Tour is a 35-minute celebrity-themed flight. It offers close-up views of the Hollywood Sign, mansions, and iconic streets like Sunset Boulevard.
Guests mention the outstanding pilot Peter and the comprehensive route that covers Hollywood’s highlights. It’s a great choice for travelers who want Hollywood’s glamour from the air, with a focus on star-studded sights. The $420 price is competitive for a tour of this length and quality.
Bottom Line: A fun, star-studded flight for lovers of Hollywood and celebrity culture, with excellent reviews and a lively itinerary.
10. Hollywood & Beaches Helicopter Tour 50 Minutes
This 50-minute private tour combines city and coast, flying over Hollywood landmarks, then down to the beaches of Santa Monica, Malibu, and beyond. It’s suited for travelers wanting a broader view of LA’s famous attractions and beaches.
Rated a perfect 5, guests highlight the views of the Hollywood sign, Dodgers Stadium, and the Santa Monica Pier. The tour is especially appealing for those who want to experience LA’s diverse scenery in one flight, with a minimum of two passengers at $525 each.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice to combine city and beach scenery in a single, memorable flight.
11. California Coast and Canyons Helicopter Tour 35 Minutes
Rated 5 stars, this California Coast and Canyons Tour offers a scenic 35-minute flight over Topanga Canyon, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Malibu. It’s perfect for those who want a deep dive into the natural beauty and rugged terrain around LA.
Guests love the views of Venice Beach, Malibu’s coastline, and the Hollywood Hills. The tour provides a rundown, making it ideal for first-timers and scenery lovers. The $420 price makes it a solid value for a scenic, well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent scenic tour emphasizing LA’s coastline, mountains, and beaches in a short, focused flight.
12. LA Helicopter Tour with Malibu Landing
For a luxurious experience, the LA Helicopter Tour with Malibu Landing takes you on a 2-hour journey with a stop in Malibu for sightseeing and photos. It’s the most extended tour on our list, with a price of $925, but it includes a Malibu helipad stop for stunning coastal views and photo ops.
Guests praise the flexibility, with some mentioning the champagne and the high-quality service. It’s suited for those celebrating a special occasion or seeking a premium, full-day adventure that combines city, coast, and mountain vistas.
Bottom Line: The ultimate LA helicopter tour for luxury travelers wanting an extended, land-and-air experience.
13. Private Helicopter Ride to Hollywood Sign
If your main goal is to see the Hollywood Sign close-up, this Private Helicopter Ride to Hollywood Sign is a short 10-minute flight focusing on that iconic landmark. Perfect for taking unforgettable photos, this tour offers a close-up view of the Hollywood Sign, with the pilot positioning the helicopter for the perfect shot.
Guests emphasize the unique photo opportunity and the brief, high-impact nature of the flight. It’s a great add-on or quick experience for those with tight schedules wanting a dramatic shot of LA’s most famous sign.
Bottom Line: A quick, dramatic way to see the Hollywood Sign up close and get that picture-perfect shot.
14. Private Helicopter Tour of Beaches & Downtown LA from Long Beach
Rated 4.5 stars, this 45-minute private tour offers a full circuit from Long Beach, flying over beaches, downtown, and Hollywood. It’s a versatile option for travelers wanting a detailed aerial overview of LA’s highlights in one package.
Guests mention the friendly crew and the variety of sights, including Santa Monica Pier, UCLA, and Marina del Rey. The tour’s comprehensive route at $360 per person makes it good value for those seeking an extensive city and coast experience.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, private flight ideal for those wanting to maximize their LA aerial experience.
15. Grand Los Angeles Helicopter Tour 65 Minutes
Finally, the Grand Los Angeles Helicopter Tour is the longest, most comprehensive experience on our list. With over an hour of flying, it covers everything from the Hollywood Sign and Malibu coast to downtown LA and the Sunset Strip. The route includes views of the beaches, mountains, and the LA skyline, culminating in a true grand tour.
Guests highlight the professionalism of the pilots and the extensive scenery, noting the high price but also the memorable scope of the experience. It’s suited for travelers who want an in-depth, all-encompassing aerial tour.
Bottom Line: The ultimate in LA helicopter tours, ideal for enthusiasts and those seeking a complete bird’s-eye view of the city’s many facets.
How to Choose Your Los Angeles Helicopter Tour
Choosing the right helicopter experience depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you’re pressed for time but want a quick taste of Hollywood glamour, the Beverly Hills and Hollywood Tour delivers iconic sights in 20 minutes. For romantic celebrations, the Romantic Helicopter with Mountain Landing or the Night Flight add memorable touches like landings and champagne.
Travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of LA and coastlines should consider the 1-hour sightseeing tour or the Grand 65-minute tour. Budget-conscious visitors may prefer shorter trips, while those celebrating a special occasion might opt for the Malibu landing.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular sunset or holiday tours. Also, check the weather forecast — clear days mean better views and more reliable flight times.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles offers a remarkable range of helicopter tours, from quick flights over Hollywood to full coast-to-coast adventures with mountain landings. For a true taste of LA’s diversity, the Private 1-Hour Tour and the Grand LA Tour stand out as excellent choices. Meanwhile, romantic couples will find the Mountain Landing Tour perfect for special celebrations.
Whatever your preference, booking your helicopter tour early ensures you get the time slot you want. These aerial adventures turn LA’s famous sights into unforgettable memories—so don’t miss your chance to see the city from above.