Burbank might be famous as the entertainment hub of Southern California, but it’s also a fantastic gateway for exploring the Hollywood glamour and nearby coastlines. What sets Burbank apart is its convenient location and access to unique aerial experiences that give you a fresh perspective on the city’s attractions. If you’re looking to see Hollywood from above or get a bird’s-eye view of California’s stunning beaches, the area has some memorable options. We’re particularly fond of the 10-Minute Hollywood Sign Helicopter Tour—not just for its brevity but for the breathtaking views of LA’s most famous icon. Plus, it’s a quick way to tick the Hollywood sign off your bucket list with a couple of loops over the hills and celebrity mansions.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the top helicopter tours available in Burbank, explaining what makes each special and who they’re best suited for. Whether you’re on a tight schedule, traveling with family, or craving a VIP experience, these tours offer something for every type of visitor.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout helicopter tours that showcase different aspects of Los Angeles and its coastline:
– The 10-Minute Hollywood Sign Helicopter Tour offers a quick, spectacular view of the Hollywood sign and the city’s iconic hills. []
– The 30-Minute Coastline Helicopter Tour takes you over Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey, with ample time to soak in the beaches and coastal mansions. []
– The 20-Minute Hollywood Celebrity Helicopter Tour provides a VIP view of Hollywood landmarks, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air, perfect for pop culture lovers. []
1. 10-Minute Hollywood Sign Helicopter Tour
Rated 4.9/5 with 121 reviews, this short helicopter ride is perfect if you want a quick but stunning view of the Hollywood sign and the city below. For just $159 per person, you’ll soar over the Hollywood Hills, Griffith Park, and Universal Studios, all while listening to live commentary through your audio headset. The tour’s brevity makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a swift adrenaline rush.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on the Hollywood sign—something most visitors only see from afar or on the ground. From thousands of feet in the air, you’ll see the sign’s massive scale and get a sense of its placement within the sprawling cityscape. The pilot’s stories about the sites you fly over add a personal touch, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing. During sunset, the views become especially magical as the glow over the Pacific Ocean adds a golden hue to the landscape.
Because of its affordability and quick format, this helicopter ride is a great introduction to LA’s skyline. It’s best suited for travelers who want a memorable snapshot of Hollywood without committing hours. The only potential downside? The short duration means you won’t get to see everything, but for many, that’s a small price to pay.
Bottom Line: A fast, affordable way to get a bird’s-eye view of Hollywood—perfect for first-timers or those with tight schedules.
2. Los Angeles: 30 Minutes Helicopter Tour of the Coastline
This 30-minute tour is an excellent choice for travelers eager to take in the full beauty of LA’s beaches and coastal neighborhoods. Starting from Burbank, you’ll take off and head over the Santa Monica Mountains before gliding along the coast, offering panoramic views of Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades. For $555 per person, this tour offers substantial flying time—giving you a thorough look at the Southern California coastline.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the coast. You’ll see the lively Santa Monica Pier from above, then cruise over Marina del Rey, where luxury homes line the water. The tour also includes close-up views of Venice Canals, a surprising slice of Europe in LA, and the famous Santa Monica Pier’s amusement rides. These sights are especially striking in clear weather, and many guests comment on the “unbeatable perspective” they gained.
This tour is ideal if you’re interested in coastal scenery and want to include both beach scenes and ocean views. The high price reflects its longer duration and the exclusivity of helicopter sightseeing—making it a good splurge for those wanting a comprehensive aerial tour. It’s less suited for budget travelers, but for the scenery and the experience, many find it worth the cost.
Bottom Line: A longer, scenic flight that captures the essence of LA’s beaches and coastal homes. Perfect for those who want to see it all from above.
$555 per person
3. Los Angeles: 20 Minutes Hollywood Celebrity Helicopter Tour
At 40 minutes and priced at $499 per person, this Hollywood celebrity tour combines iconic Hollywood sights with VIP treatment. It’s the best pick if you want a more comprehensive look at LA’s star-studded neighborhoods and Hollywood landmarks. This tour includes overviews of Universal Studios, the Hollywood Bowl, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, all from a privileged aerial perspective.
What makes this tour special is the focus on celebrity hotspots—flying over Beverly Hills and Bel Air, you get to see the mansions where Hollywood’s biggest stars live. The pilot shares stories about Hollywood’s history and the famous residents, making the experience both entertaining and educational. Many reviews highlight the “glamorous views” and the chance to see LA’s luxury homes from above as a highlight.
This tour offers a good balance of iconic landmarks and celebrity culture, making it ideal for pop culture fans or those wanting a taste of LA’s glitz without a long flight. The longer duration offers more value than shorter rides, though it’s at a higher price point. It’s best suited for travelers who want a VIP experience and enjoy stories about Hollywood’s stars.
Bottom Line: A VIP-style helicopter ride perfect for Hollywood fans and those wanting an in-depth view of LA’s celebrity scene.
$499 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these helicopter tours, consider your budget, schedule, and what you most want to see. The 10-Minute Hollywood Sign Helicopter Tour is perfect if you’re short on time but still want that iconic view. If coastal scenery and beaches are your focus, the 30-Minute Coastline Tour offers a more extensive look at LA’s famous shoreline. For a Hollywood-centric experience with a touch of celebrity glamour, the 20-Minute Hollywood Celebrity Tour delivers both landmarks and star-studded neighborhoods.
Think about your flight comfort level and whether you prefer a quick snapshot or a longer, more detailed experience. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot and ensure a smooth travel experience.
In summary, Burbank is a hub for some truly memorable aerial tours that showcase Hollywood’s glamour and California’s stunning coastlines. Whether you want a quick thrill, a scenic coast ride, or a VIP Hollywood experience, these options cover all bases. For first-time visitors, the Hollywood Sign helicopter ride offers an unmatched, iconic view. If you’re after an all-encompassing coast and beach experience, the coastline tour is hard to beat. And for Hollywood stars and glamour lovers, the celebrity helicopter tour provides a glittering perspective on LA’s most famous neighborhoods.
Whatever your choice, booking early and planning your preferred time will help ensure you get the best experience possible. Happy flying!