Los Angeles: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Travelers looking to get a broad sense of Los Angeles often turn to hop-on, hop-off bus tours for a flexible way to see the city’s biggest sights. The Los Angeles Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus, offered by Big Bus Tours Los Angeles, promises the freedom to explore LA’s most iconic landmarks on your own schedule, all while enjoying panoramic views from a bright red double-decker bus. This review offers a detailed look at what to expect, based on hundreds of traveler experiences and insights.

What makes this tour appealing? We love the versatility of the hop-on, hop-off system, allowing you to pause at your favorite spots. The informative digital commentary brings LA’s neighborhoods and history to life, and the stunning open-air views from the bus make sightseeing a visual treat. But, it’s worth noting that LA traffic and bus frequency can sometimes affect timing, so planning your day around the schedule is a good idea. This tour suits first-time visitors eager to tick major landmarks off their list or anyone wanting a relaxed, overview-style look at LA’s sprawling neighborhoods without the hassle of driving or parking.

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Key Points

Flexible Exploration: Hop on or off at any of the numerous stops across the city, tailoring your sightseeing day.
Comprehensive Routes: Two distinct routes—Red and Blue—cover Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and more.
Informative Commentary: Digital guides in multiple languages provide engaging background stories.
Great Views: The open-top bus offers excellent photo opportunities and unobstructed views of landmarks like the Hollywood Sign.
Value for Money: The pricing includes unlimited hop-on, hop-off access for 1-2 days, plus extra tours like Celebrity Homes or TCL Chinese Theatre (if booked).
Limited Personal Interaction: No live guides or hotel pickups are included, so self-planning is needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Looking for more options in Los Angeles? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Starting Point and Schedule

The tour begins at the Big Bus Center located at Hollywood Boulevard, with the first departure at 10:00 AM. This early start is ideal for making the most of your day, especially if you plan to hop off at several stops. The last trip leaves at 4:30 PM, so pacing your day is important. The Beach Shuttle, offering access to Santa Monica and Venice Beach, departs from Beverly Gardens Park at 10:45 AM, with last departures around 3:45-4:15 PM.

Unlike guided tours with set itineraries, this experience emphasizes freedom and flexibility. You can hop off, explore a neighborhood at your leisure, and then catch the next bus when ready. This setup is especially handy for those who want to combine sightseeing with spontaneous shopping, dining, or relaxing on the beach.

The Routes and Stops

The tour features two routes—Red and Blue—each highlighting different parts of LA. The Red Route takes you through Hollywood, Beverley Hills, and Sunset Strip, while the Blue Route focuses on Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and the coast.

Some of the key stops include:

Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre: Where stars line the sidewalks and the famous cinema hosts premieres.
LA County Museum of Art and Museum Row: Perfect for culture lovers, with access to renowned exhibits and galleries.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour: For movie buffs wanting behind-the-scenes magic.
Rodeo Drive: The shopping paradise for luxury brands and window shopping.
Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach: Known for their eccentric artists, street performers, and lively atmosphere.

From reviews, travelers love the stunning views of the Hollywood Sign and the chance to capture photos with iconic backdrops. One reviewer happily noted, “The open-top bus provided amazing views of landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Rodeo Drive.”

Commentary and Guides

The digital commentary is a highlight. It provides entertaining and educational insights in multiple languages, and many reviews praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff. For example, travelers mentioned guides like Ollie, who made the Celebrity Homes tour engaging with humor and tailored stories.

While no personal tour guide is present on the bus, the audio commentary adds plenty of context, especially helpful for first-timers unfamiliar with LA’s neighborhoods.

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The Value of Being Able to Hop Off

The ability to hop off at any stop is the biggest draw. For instance, some travelers took advantage of this to explore the La Brea Tar Pits or browse luxury shops on Rodeo Drive before hopping back on. One reviewer shared, “We did the two-day pass and enjoyed ample time to see and walk around places like Santa Monica and Hollywood.”

However, a common complaint from reviews is that bus intervals can be unpredictable, especially during peak traffic hours, which could mean some waiting time. It’s advised to download the Big Bus app to track buses and plan accordingly.

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Extra Tour Options

Upgrade options like the Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour add a layer of glitz, taking you through celebrity neighborhoods and offering glimpses into LA’s luxurious side. Travelers loved this extension, noting that it was both fun and informative, shifting focus to Hollywood’s famous residents.

The Practicalities

Price-wise, at $56 per person, the tour provides good value, especially when considering the access to multiple routes and additional tours. It’s ideal for those wanting a rundown without the costs and logistics of renting a car or booking multiple guided tours.

While the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, the central meeting point at Hollywood Boulevard is accessible and well-known. Souvenir earbuds, digital commentary, and the flexibility to plan your day make it an easy, relaxed way to see LA.

What to Expect From Your LA Bus Tour

Panoramic views from the open-top bus make for great photo opportunities, especially during clear weather.
Multiple stops across Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and beyond allow personalized exploration.
Audio commentary ensures you learn about LA’s landmarks without a guide speaking in real time.
Timing and traffic can impact your schedule. Buses operate from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with intervals of about 30 minutes, but delays are possible.
No hotel pickup means you’ll need to plan your transportation to the starting point.
Additional tours like the Celebrity Homes or TCL Chinese Theatre add extra value if booked.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This hop-on, hop-off experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of LA’s major sights without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. It’s also ideal for families and groups who appreciate the freedom to explore at their own pace, or solo travelers looking for an easy, informative way to see the city.

If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer guided, in-depth tours, this might feel a little too flexible or superficial. But for those wanting a relaxed, sightseeing-oriented day with plenty of photo opportunities and personal exploration, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Los Angeles Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour by Big Bus Tours offers a practical and visually engaging way to get to know LA’s sprawling neighborhoods. You’ll love the stunning views, helpful audio commentary, and freedom to tailor your day. It’s a smart choice for first-timers, families, or anyone who wants a laid-back overview of the city’s highlights without the hassle of driving or parking.

The main caveat is traffic and bus frequency—LA’s notorious congestion can sometimes lead to delays, so staying flexible is key. Still, with some planning, this tour delivers excellent value and a memorable snapshot of LA’s iconic sights.

If you’re looking to combine sightseeing with spontaneity and enjoy LA from a comfortable, open-air bus, this experience will suit you perfectly. For a budget-friendly, flexible, and fun introduction to the city, it’s hard to beat.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your way to the designated meeting point on Hollywood Boulevard.

How long does the tour last? The tour operates from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with buses arriving approximately every 30 minutes. The duration for a full loop depends on traffic but expect about 2-3 hours.

Can I hop on and off at any stop? Yes, your ticket grants unlimited hop-on, hop-off access within the validity period, allowing you to explore as much or as little as you like.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour mentions wheelchair accessibility, but it’s advisable to confirm specific needs when booking.

What languages is the audio guide available in? The digital commentary is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Is this tour suitable for families? Absolutely. The relaxed nature and scenic stops make it family-friendly, with plenty of photo opportunities and stops for kids to enjoy.

Are there any extra charges for tours like Celebrity Homes? The Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour is an upgrade, and prices vary depending on the package selected.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, especially during warmer months, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring stops.

How do I know when to get off? You can listen to the digital commentary for guidance, or keep an eye on your schedule and plan to hop off at your desired stops. Using the Big Bus app can help track bus arrivals.

Can I buy tickets on the day of? Yes, tickets are available for purchase at the Big Bus Center or at any designated stop, but booking online is recommended for better prices and avoiding lines.

In summary, this hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a flexible, scenic, and informative way to see LA’s top sights. While traffic can sometimes cause delays, the ability to explore at your own pace and enjoy iconic views makes it a compelling choice for many travelers. Whether you’re new to the city or simply want an easy overview, this tour balances value, comfort, and convenience.