Hollywood to Beverly Hills Self Guided Driving Tour of LA

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• Hollywood Sign (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.

  Admission ticket free
• 1
  Griffith Observatory

  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 • Admission ticket free
• (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.

  Admission ticket free
• Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures (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.

  Admission ticket free
• (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.

  Admission ticket free
• (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.

  Admission ticket free
• 2
  Sunset Boulevard

  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 • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Sunset Strip

  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 • Admission ticket free
• 4
  Rodeo Drive

  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 • Admission ticket free
• 5
  The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa

  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 • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Chateau Marmont

  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 • Admission ticket free
• Hollywood Bowl (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.

  Admission ticket free
• Egyptian Theatre (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 grand cinematic spectacle.

  Admission ticket free
• 7
  Musso & Frank Grill

  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, turning its legendary dining room into a hub where major film industry deals were quietly negotiated.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8
  Hollywood Forever Cemetery

  Located next to Paramount Pictures, this historic 1899 cemetery serves as the final resting place for industry pioneers like Cecil B. DeMille, Judy Garland, and Mel Blanc. During the summer, the grounds transform into a unique community space, hosting popular outdoor film screenings projected directly onto a mausoleum wall.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Pass by)

  This premier cultural institution is famously fronted by Urban Light, an iconic 2008 installation featuring 202 restored vintage street lamps arranged in a striking grid. The glowing artwork has become one of Los Angeles' most photographed landmarks and a highly recognizable backdrop in numerous films and television shows.

  Admission ticket free
• 9
  La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

  Situated in the middle of a modern metropolis, this active excavation site contains natural asphalt seeps that have trapped and preserved Ice Age animals for over 38,000 years. It offers a rare opportunity to witness ongoing scientific research as paleontologists continue to unearth the remains of mammoths, dire wolves, and saber-toothed cats.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

Tags