Sunset Strip True Crime and Haunted Tales Walking Tour

The Sunset Strip True Crime and Haunted Tales Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of Los Angeles’ notorious past. Participants can discover iconic locations like the Chateau Marmont and uncover the dark secrets behind the glamorous facade of Hollywood. With chilling tales of infamous figures and a blend of history and visuals, this tour appeals to those intrigued by the darker side of Tinseltown. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or simply curious about LA’s haunted heritage, this walking tour promises an immersive and unforgettable experience.

This experience made our article of Discover 16 Great Walking Tours In Los Angeles.

Contents show

Key Points

This 2-hour guided walking tour explores the notorious history and haunting tales of Sunset Strip, focusing on crime and celebrity culture.
Visitors will visit iconic locations like the Chateau Marmont, Sunset Tower Hotel, The Comedy Store, and The Viper Room, learning about their infamous pasts.
The tour covers stories of notorious figures such as Charles Manson, Bugsy Siegel, and Lindsay Lohan, enhancing the experience with a slideshow.
The Chateau Marmont’s drug overdoses, celebrity trysts, and infamous residents, including John Belushi and James Dean, are highlighted.
The Sunset Tower Hotel’s haunting ghost stories, celebrity guests, and Art Deco architecture provide a glimpse into Hollywood’s glamorous and tragic history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Sunset Strip True Crime and Haunted Tales Walking Tour" is a 2-hour guided exploration of the infamous Sunset Strip in Los Angeles.

Priced from £30.15 per person, the tour is conducted in English. The meeting point is outside Starbucks at 8000 Sunset Blvd, and free validated parking is available at the shopping center.

With a 24-hour free cancellation policy, the tour allows visitors to experience LA’s history of crime and celebrity culture through knowledgeable guides.

Highlights include stops at the Chateau Marmont, Sunset Tower Hotel, The Comedy Store, and The Viper Room, accompanied by a slideshow.

Love the evening vibe? Here are more after-sunset activities we've covered in Los Angeles

Highlights of the Tour

The tour highlights include exploring infamous locations on the Sunset Strip, such as the Chateau Marmont, Sunset Tower Hotel, The Comedy Store, and The Viper Room.

Participants will hear stories of notorious figures like Charles Manson, Bugsy Siegel, and Lindsay Lohan, gaining a unique perspective on LA’s history, focusing on crime and celebrity culture.

The tour includes a slideshow with photos to enhance the storytelling.

A slideshow of photos enhances the captivating storytelling throughout the tour.

From the Zankou Chicken Murders to the tragic death of River Phoenix, the tour provides an immersive experience for history and true crime enthusiasts.

Exploring the Chateau Marmont

Chateau Marmont stands as an iconic landmark along the Sunset Strip, its storied history etched into the fabric of Los Angeles’ celebrity culture. This boutique hotel has long been a haven for the rich and famous, offering privacy and discretion. During the tour, guests learn about the scandalous incidents that have occurred within its walls, from drug overdoses to celebrity trysts.

| Infamous Residents | Notorious Incidents | Notable Features |

| — | — | — |

| John Belushi | River Phoenix’s death | Exclusive suites |

| Lindsay Lohan | Britney Spears’ meltdown | Lush gardens |

| James Dean | Marilyn Monroe’s last photoshoot | Vintage Art Deco design |

The Chateau Marmont’s reputation as a sanctuary for the elite and the notorious continues to captivate visitors seeking a glimpse into the dark underbelly of Hollywood’s past.

The Sunset Tower Hotel and Its Secrets

After exploring the scandalous history of the Chateau Marmont, the tour moves to another iconic Sunset Strip landmark – the Sunset Tower Hotel.

Built in 1929, this Art Deco gem has hosted a who’s who of celebrities, including Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra, and Elizabeth Taylor.

The Sunset Tower Hotel, an Art Deco marvel, has welcomed a litany of legendary celebrities through its doors over the decades.

The tour guide shares tales of the hotel’s storied past, including the alleged ghostly presence of former resident Bugsy Siegel.

Guests learn about the hotel’s glamorous heyday, as well as the more recent celebrity mishaps and tragedies that have occurred within its walls.

The group then continues on to explore the dark underbelly of the Sunset Strip.

More Great Tours Nearby

Uncovering the Comedy Store’s Mafia Ties

As the tour winds its way down the Sunset Strip, the guide leads the group to The Comedy Store, a legendary comedy club with a storied past.

The guide reveals the club’s connection to the mafia, highlighting three key points:

The Comedy Store was originally owned by Sammy Davis Jr.’s brother-in-law, Rudy Altobelli, who’d ties to the Italian-American mafia.
In the 1970s, the club was taken over by Mitzi Shore, who was known to have close relationships with various mob figures.
The Comedy Store’s location on the Sunset Strip made it a prime target for criminal activities and influence.

Into exploring Los Angeles on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

The Viper Room: A Haunting Legacy

The tour now makes its way to the final stop – the Viper Room, a venue forever etched in infamy.

Once a popular nightclub frequented by the rich and famous, it gained notoriety in 1993 when actor River Phoenix died of a drug overdose on its sidewalk.

The Viper Room’s descent into infamy – where Hollywood’s elite succumbed to the darkness of substance abuse.

The tour guide recounts the tragic details, highlighting the club’s dark history of substance abuse and untimely deaths.

Visitors are sobered by the haunting legacy of the Viper Room, a stark reminder of the perils that can lurk beneath the glitz and glamor of Hollywood’s underbelly.

Scandals and Tragedies at the Oppenheim Group

Leaving the haunting legacy of the Viper Room behind, the tour group now makes its way to the Oppenheim Group, a prominent real estate brokerage firm featured in the popular Netflix series "Selling Sunset".

The Oppenheim Group has been the center of several scandals and tragedies, captivating audiences worldwide:

Christine Quinn’s infamous feud with Chrishell Stause, marked by accusations of bullying and betrayal.
The mysterious disappearance of Amanza Smith’s ex-husband, leaving her to navigate the complexities of single parenthood.
The shocking revelation of Jason Oppenheim’s private life, shedding light on the challenges of maintaining relationships in the spotlight.

Sunset Plaza: a Glimpse Into La’s Celebrity Culture

Continuing along the iconic Sunset Strip, the tour group now arrives at Sunset Plaza.

This high-end shopping district offers a glimpse into Los Angeles’ celebrity culture. Dotted with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and galleries, the plaza attracts A-list clientele seeking the latest fashions and dining experiences.

Tour guests will hear stories of celebrities spotted at the plaza, from paparazzi chases to exclusive events. The guide will also point out architectural details that contribute to the area’s glamorous ambiance.

As the group takes in the sights and sounds, they gain a deeper understanding of the celebrity-driven nature of this iconic stretch of Sunset Boulevard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is only available in English. It does not mention any other language options being offered. The information provided focuses solely on the English-language version of the Sunset Strip True Crime and Haunted Tales Walking Tour.

Can We Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Tour or Is Advance Booking Required?

Advance booking is recommended for this tour, as tickets may not be available for purchase on the day. The tour has limited capacity, so securing your spot in advance is advised to avoid disappointment.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Groups?

The tour website doesn’t mention any specific discounts for students, seniors, or groups. However, it’s always worth contacting the tour operator to inquire about any available discounts or special offers that may apply.

Are There Any Accessibility Options for Guests With Mobility Challenges?

Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility challenges. The itinerary involves walking between several locations on the Sunset Strip. There are no accessibility options available for this experience.

What Is the Policy for Rescheduling or Cancelling the Tour Due to Personal Reasons?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If guests need to reschedule for personal reasons, they should contact the tour provider as soon as possible to see if accommodations can be made.

The Sum Up

The Sunset Strip True Crime and Haunted Tales Walking Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the darker side of Hollywood’s history. From the notorious Chateau Marmont to the haunting legacy of The Viper Room, this captivating tour takes participants on a journey through LA’s most intriguing and chilling stories, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the city’s complex past.