The Hollywood Night Tour, Close Up
In short: Los Angeles: Hollywood Night Tour with Griffith Observatory is a 1.5-hour evening tour in English in an open-top vehicle, according to its description. It checks in at 1738 N Orange Dr, just off Hollywood Boulevard, drives the boulevard past the Dolby, TCL Chinese, El Capitan and Pantages theatres, follows Sunset Boulevard and stops for 30 minutes at Griffith Observatory.
What it is
An evening drive that takes in the lit theatres of Hollywood Boulevard and ends up above the city at Griffith Observatory, with views over Los Angeles. The listing notes that routes may change because of Greek Theatre events or traffic.
The route, as the listing gives it
- Check-in at 1738 N Orange Dr, just off Hollywood Blvd.
- Hollywood Boulevard, past the Dolby Theatre, TCL Chinese Theatre, El Capitan Theatre and Pantages Theatre; the listing also names the Egyptian Theatre and Amoeba Music.
- Sunset Boulevard.
- Griffith Observatory: a 30-minute stop, with views over the city.
Griffith Observatory on a Monday
The listing notes that the Observatory is closed on Mondays but its outdoor areas remain open. According to griffithobservatory.org, admission to the Observatory is free and it is closed on Mondays, so a Monday booking means the stop is spent outside the building.
What it shows of the Walk
The tour drives the boulevard rather than walking it, so the stars are seen from the vehicle. Visitors who want to stand on particular stars can walk the boulevard beforehand; visiting at night covers the Walk after dark, and safety tips gives practical advice for the evening.
Who it suits
Visitors with an evening free who want the boulevard lit up and a view over Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory without arranging transport up the hill. At 1.5 hours it fits after a day on foot.
The listing does not state wheelchair access, and it does not allow luggage or large bags. The sunset walk covers the hills on foot earlier in the evening.
What travellers mention
Chrysanthi from Greece mentions the observatory. Michael from the UK describes a funny guide and a brilliant evening, Cynthia from Germany mentions lots of information, and Andrea from the UK mentions local knowledge.
Practicalities
Included
- Guide in English
- Open-top vehicle, per the description
- 30-minute stop at Griffith Observatory
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Not allowed, per the listing
- Luggage or large bags
- Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
Start times: check the calendar in the booking widget. The listing asks travellers to bring a jacket and a charged phone. Bus tours from the boulevard sets this tour beside the daytime open-air bus.
Evenings in an open-top vehicle and at the Observatory can be cool. The listing’s jacket advice applies even after a warm day.
Two alternatives
Open-air busHollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour
Walk + hikeHollywood Sunset Walk: Hidden Gems & Scenic Views of LA
Frequently asked questions
Does the night tour go inside Griffith Observatory?
The listing gives a 30-minute stop at Griffith Observatory with views over the city. On Mondays the Observatory is closed, but its outdoor areas remain open, the listing notes. Things to do nearby lists other stops.
Where does the Hollywood night tour start?
Check-in is at 1738 N Orange Dr, just off Hollywood Blvd. How to get there covers the Metro stations along the boulevard.
Is the Walk of Fame safe to visit in the evening before the tour?
Hollywood Boulevard is a busy commercial street. General city advice applies: keep valuables close and stay on busy, lit blocks. Safety tips has more.