Self-Guided Hollywood to Beverly Hills Tour in Los Angeles

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 Pass by

   Erected in 1923 as a temporary real estate advertisement, this hillside monument survived decades of neglect to become the universal symbol of the film industry. It stands today thanks to preservation efforts backed by private donors like Alice Cooper and Hugh Hefner, who rescued the iconic letters from nearby development.

2. Stop 2

   Perched high in the hills, this 1935 public science facility offers unparalleled views of the Los Angeles basin, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign. Admission is free, allowing visitors to explore its 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope, a 1910 Tesla coil, and exhibits that place Earth within the larger cosmos.

   20 minutes

3. Stop 3 Pass by

   As one of the last major studios still operating in the traditional Hollywood district, this lot provides a glimpse into the industry's early days of year-round, controlled production. The surrounding area also bears traces of RKO Pictures, a pioneering studio that played a crucial role in Hollywood's historic transition from silent films to synchronized sound.

4. Stop 4 Pass by

   Opened in 2021 by the organization behind the Oscars, this museum offers an in-depth look at the art, history, and global impact of filmmaking. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of costumes, props, and cameras that trace the journey of how movies are created and shared with the world.

5. Stop 5 Pass by

   Once the original Hollywood home of Warner Bros., this historic lot was instrumental during the industry's rapid transition into the era of talkies in the late 1920s. Today, operating as Sunset Gower Studios, its soundstages remain highly active and are rented out for a wide array of television series, independent films, and streaming projects.

6. Stop 6 Pass by

   In 1923, Walt and Roy Disney set up their very first California workspace in this modest storefront. It was here that Walt developed The Alice Comedies, pioneering the blend of live-action and animation that launched the global empire of The Walt Disney Company.

7. Stop 7

   Winding from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, this legendary thoroughfare captures the diverse and evolving spirit of the city. It serves as the historic artery connecting the glamour of classic Hollywood studios with the vibrant, fast-paced neighborhoods of the Westside.

   15 minutes

8. Stop 8

   Once a loophole sitting just outside city limits, this famous stretch allowed Prohibition-era speakeasies and nightclubs to flourish out of local police reach. Decades later, it became the epicenter of rock and roll rebellion, cementing its global reputation as a dense corridor designed for visible, repeated spectacle.

   15 minutes

9. Stop 9

   Originally named after the Spanish phrase for "gathering of the waters," this legendary street evolved from a quiet residential neighborhood into the world's most famous luxury shopping destination. While it now hosts high-end boutiques, it was once home to classic Hollywood figures like Gene Kelly, who famously hosted weekend gatherings for his industry friends.

   15 minutes

10. Stop 10

    Opened in 1912, this luxurious property offered early film stars a private retreat close to the studios but insulated from daily public contact. Its iconic pink façade, palm-lined entrance, and secluded bungalows quickly became the ultimate backdrop for industry meetings and the symbol of Beverly Hills glamour.

    5 minutes

11. Stop 11

    Built in the 1920s to prioritize privacy over spectacle, this legendary hideaway lacks a grand public lobby, allowing guests to slip unseen into their rooms. It has served as a temporary home and refuge for generations of writers, actors, and musicians seeking a discreet sanctuary between projects and reinventions.

    5 minutes

12. Stop 12 Pass by

    Nestled in a natural canyon, this iconic open-air venue hosted its first Los Angeles Philharmonic season in 1922 with tickets costing just twenty-five cents. Since then, its famous stage has welcomed nearly every major musical act, creating a communal space designed for audiences to gather and listen under the stars.

13. Stop 13 Pass by

    Opening its doors in 1922, this historic cinema hosted Hollywood's first-ever movie premiere, establishing the template for the extravagant red-carpet events we know today. Its stunning courtyard and ornate architecture reflect the city's early fascination with exotic themes and cinematic grandeur.

14. Stop 14

    As Hollywood's oldest restaurant, this 1919 establishment has preserved its classic interior and served as an informal office for legends like Charlie Chaplin and F. Scott Fitzgerald. It even featured the neighborhood's first payphone, making it a hub for industry deals and Hollywood gossip for over a century.

    15 minutes

15. Stop 15

    Located next to Paramount Pictures, this historic 1899 cemetery is the final resting place for industry pioneers like Cecil B. DeMille, Judy Garland, and Mel Blanc. During summer, the grounds host outdoor film screenings projected onto mausoleum walls, blending Hollywood history with community entertainment.

    15 minutes

16. Stop 16 Pass by

    This cultural landmark features Urban Light, an installation of 202 vintage street lamps arranged in a striking grid. It’s one of LA’s most photographed spots and has appeared in countless films and TV shows, making it a must-see for visitors and locals alike.

17. Stop 17

    In a natural canyon, this ongoing excavation site reveals Ice Age animals trapped in natural asphalt seeps for over 38,000 years. Visitors can observe scientific research and see fossils of mammoths, dire wolves, and saber-toothed cats being uncovered in real time.

    20 minutes

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

6833 Hawthorn Ave is the site of Hollywood High School, on the corner with Highland Avenue. It is between Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard.

Cancellation & confirmation