Los Angeles in 1 Day for Families - Photo stop at the Beverly Hills sign
In Collaboration with Hollywood City Tours. Updated on January 31, 2026.
A family-friendly, guided open-top bus tour through Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. See the Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Capitol Records and more — with a relaxed pace and short photo stops designed for families with young children.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Hollywood City Tours, inspired by the tour The Original Hollywood Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Photo stop at the Beverly Hills sign
- Stunning views of the Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Hills
- Pass iconic sites: Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Capitol Records, Rodeo Drive
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Hollywood City Tours for a family-friendly open-top bus tour. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding.
Meet & Check-in — Hollywood City Tours (arrive 15 min early)
Arrive at the meeting point to check in, use restrooms and get seats on the open-top bus. Staff will confirm names and give a brief safety talk before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early for a smooth check-in — meeting point: 6609 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.
- Parking tip for families: all-day parking is commonly available at 1528 Schrader Blvd (mention Hollywood City Tours) — pack a small stroller blanket to keep kids comfortable when boarding.
- Use the restroom at check-in — there are limited facilities on the bus; bring small snacks and water for younger kids.
Hollywood Walk of Fame — Drive & brief stop
See the famous stars along Hollywood Boulevard from the open-air bus; a short chance for photos where traffic allows.
Tips from local experts:
- If a quick step-off is allowed, keep strollers folded — sidewalks can get crowded; pack a small carrier for toddlers.
- Point out favorite characters to kids (Disney, animation, TV stars) to make the stop memorable and engaging.
- There are quick snack kiosks nearby if you need a toddler-sized treat after the stop — keep small bills handy.
TCL Chinese Theatre — Photo pass-by
See the legendary handprints and footprints at TCL Chinese Theatre from the bus as you cruise down Hollywood Boulevard.
Tips from local experts:
- Many families enjoy searching for animated-film or superhero celebrities — give kids a checklist before the trip.
- If the bus stops briefly, follow staff instructions for safe stepping down — sidewalks may have uneven pavement.
- The area has public restrooms inside nearby shopping areas if you need a quick change for little ones.
Dolby Theatre — Drive-by (Oscars venue)
Catch a look at the Dolby Theatre from the bus — the home of the Academy Awards and a great photo opportunity.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a compact stroller umbrella in your bag — sudden sun is common in May and the open-top bus offers little shade.
- Explain simple Oscar trivia to kids (e.g., 'This is where movie prizes are given!') to keep them interested.
- If weather is warm, apply sunblock before boarding — shaded seats are limited on top decks.
Capitol Records Building — Iconic music landmark
View the unique tower-shaped Capitol Records Building as you continue your Hollywood drive — quick photo opportunity from the bus.
Tips from local experts:
- Point out the building's round shape to curious kids and mention famous musicians who recorded here to spark conversation.
- Keep ear protection handy for toddlers if your family plans later concerts; the building is a good teaching moment about music history.
- If anyone needs a restroom soon, ask the guide — they will indicate the best upcoming stop or nearby facilities.
Hollywood Bowl — Scenic concert venue view
Enjoy a view of the Hollywood Bowl, one of the world’s most famous outdoor concert venues, from the bus as you head into the hills.
Tips from local experts:
- Explain to kids that big outdoor concerts happen here — families with slightly older children may want to return for a family-friendly show.
- Seats near the top deck can get windy — bring a light jacket for kids even on warm days.
- There are restroom facilities near the Bowl if the guide allows a short break near this area; ask the guide for timing.
Hollywood Hills — Scenic family drive
Take in sweeping views of Los Angeles and spot hillside homes — a relaxed stretch to point out landmarks and let kids enjoy the scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- This stretch includes winding roads — if children get car-sick, have motion-sickness remedies ready and sit forward if possible.
- Use this quieter stretch to tell simple Hollywood stories to younger kids (famous actors lived here) and keep them entertained.
- Keep cameras ready for quick snapshots — the bus may not stop but offers good vantage points of the hills.
Mulholland Drive Scenic Route
Drive along Mulholland Drive for panoramic views of the city and valley — a scenic family-friendly stretch with frequent photo opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sunglasses and hats — bright spring sun reflects off city surfaces on Mulholland.
- This is a great time for kids to stretch legs — ask the guide if there’s a safe short viewpoint stop for a family photo.
- Keep small reusable water bottles handy; tour guides may not provide beverages on the bus.
Hollywood Sign — Viewpoint from the bus
Get a stunning panoramic view of the Hollywood Sign from vantage points along the route — one of the tour’s show-stoppers.
Tips from local experts:
- For the best photos with children, bring a small step stool or ask the guide for a lower viewpoint if possible when the bus stops.
- Noise and wind at viewpoints can unsettle infants — keep a favorite blanket or toy to calm them during photo moments.
- Dress in layers: mornings can be cooler in the hills even in May; a light fleece for kids is handy.
Drive into Beverly Hills — family-friendly neighborhood drive
Cruise tree-lined streets and spot celebrity homes on the approach to Beverly Hills — a relaxed part of the tour good for conversation with kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep expectations realistic about celebrity sightings — focus on architecture and gardens to keep kids engaged.
- This stretch can be long; use it as quiet time — hand coloring sheets or simple quizzes about houses to occupy children.
- If anyone needs a restroom, mention it now — the guide can often make a short stop near family-friendly cafés.
Rodeo Drive — Glamour & window-shopping drive-by
See the luxury storefronts and famous boutiques on Rodeo Drive from the bus — a quick photo run of Beverly Hills’ most famous shopping street.
Tips from local experts:
- If kids want to step off, ask the guide — sidewalks are stroller-friendly but can be busy; consider a short supervised stop.
- Bring a small notebook — older kids might enjoy sketching fancy shop windows as a keepsake.
- There are family-friendly cafés a short walk away if you want to extend time here after the tour — note opening times for May weekends.
Beverly Hills Sign — 10 minute photo stop (family photo moment)
Official photo stop at the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park — a short, supervised chance for family photos and a bathroom break if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is stroller-friendly — fold or lock strollers near the park pathways to keep walkways clear for families.
- Use this 10-minute break to change diapers or refill water bottles — public restrooms are nearby in the park area.
- Capture a family photo on the grass rather than blocking the sign for others; local guides can help position the group quickly.
Chateau Marmont — Sunset Boulevard pass-by
Catch a glimpse of the storied Chateau Marmont hotel from the bus as you begin the Sunset Strip portion of the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Explain to older kids (if appropriate) that this hotel has a long Hollywood history — keep comments age-appropriate.
- This area can be busier in the evenings; on a daytime family tour it’s quieter and better for photos.
- Top-deck seating gives the best angle for photos of the hotel façade — arrive early on the bus to claim seats.
Whisky a Go Go — historic music venue pass-by
See the iconic Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip — talk about rock history and famous bands to entertain older kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep younger children close — sidewalks can be narrow on Sunset Boulevard; the bus provides a safer vantage than walking.
- If your family enjoys music, bring a quick playlist of classic hits to play afterward in the car for continuity.
- This site is best seen from the bus — avoid trying to enter venues with small children during daytime tours.
Rainbow Bar & Grill — Sunset Strip rock 'n' roll landmark
Drive by the Rainbow Bar & Grill and learn quick, family-friendly stories about famous musicians who dined here.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this pass-by to teach kids a simple music history fact — short stories keep them engaged without long waits.
- Sun protection matters on the open-top bus — hats and sunscreen help during May daytime tours.
- If anyone needs a snack, note nearby cafés on Sunset for after the tour — guides can recommend family-friendly options.
The Comedy Store — pass-by (brief history moment)
Pass the legendary Comedy Store and point out how many famous comedians started here — a fun talk moment for older kids and teens.
Tips from local experts:
- Comedy clubs are evening venues; during the day it’s a safe, low-crowd photo opportunity from the bus.
- If you have teens, share a light, family-safe anecdote the guide provides to keep them interested.
- Ask the guide about upcoming family-appropriate comedy events if you’re staying in the city longer.
Laugh Factory — Hollywood comedy landmark (drive-by)
See the Laugh Factory from the bus — another famous comedy venue on the tour route.
Tips from local experts:
- This is another quick pass-by for photo ops — don’t plan a long visit here with small children.
- If a child gets restless, the guide often allows short storytime-style facts about the venue to keep them entertained.
- If you plan to return, book evening shows in advance — family-friendly nights fill quickly.
Guitar Center (RockWalk) — music-shop pass-by
View the Guitar Center and its RockWalk area from the bus — a music-lover’s highlight for older kids and aspiring guitarists.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have a budding musician, consider a short stop after the tour — Guitar Center often allows kids to look at guitars under supervision.
- This area is stroller-friendly if you choose to disembark later — secure prams out of the way on sidewalks.
- For families with limited time, grab a souvenir postcard here rather than a bulky item to carry on the rest of your trip.
Return & Disembark — Arrive back at Hollywood City Tours
Arrive back at the original meeting point to disembark. Guides will answer questions, provide local tips and help with photos or directions to family-friendly nearby cafés.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a nearby relaxed meal after the tour — consider family-friendly diners within walking distance of the meeting point to avoid another drive.
- If you parked, allow a few extra minutes to collect belongings and strollers before heading to the car.
- Ask the guide for kid-friendly walking routes nearby (short, shaded walks) if you have time before naps or the next activity.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 18 |
| Total Places | 18 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Shopping, Culture, Experience |
