Los Angeles is a city that practically invites walking. Its diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and scenic spots make exploring on foot both practical and rewarding. Whether you’re eager to snap the perfect Hollywood Sign photo, savor local bites in Venice Beach, or uncover the spooky tales of Tinseltown, there’s a tour that fits. I’ve especially enjoyed walking the Hollywood Sign trail, where the views of the Pacific and the Hollywood Hills are stunning, or wandering through Downtown LA’s architecture and murals. The city’s mix of glamour, history, and street art makes it perfect for foot-based adventures. Plus, many tours are short enough to fit into a busy schedule — perfect for maximizing your LA trip.
For example, the Los Angeles Original 90-Minute Walking Tour to The Hollywood Sign combines ease, iconic views, and expert guidance, making it ideal for first-timers. And food lovers will appreciate the Venice Beach Food Tour, which offers a delicious way to explore local eateries. No matter your interests, LA’s walkable neighborhoods and vibrant streets will keep your camera and appetite busy.
1. Los Angeles Original 90-Minute Walking Tour to The Hollywood Sign
At number 1, this Hollywood Sign walking tour offers a relaxed way to reach the icon that’s become the symbol of LA. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and is narrated by a guide who leads you on the easiest route up Griffith Park. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Downtown LA, Lake Hollywood, and the Pacific coastline, all while your guide shares fun facts and LA tips. The hike is straightforward — wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera for plenty of photo opportunities. Notably, the guide is CPR certified, ensuring safety on this scenic trek.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of beautiful vistas and accessible walking. You’ll get the best view of the Hollywood Sign in LA, plus a birds-eye look at Griffith Observatory and the city skyline, making it a perfect intro for first-time visitors. Reviews highlight the friendly guides and great photo ops, with guests noting that the hike is suitable for families and teens. If you want a leisurely, expert-led walk that delivers Hollywood’s most iconic symbol, this is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, scenic hike with excellent views and informative commentary.
2. LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
At number 2, this Venice Beach food tour takes you through one of LA’s most colorful neighborhoods. For around 3 hours, your guide will lead you past popular food stands and hidden gems loved by locals. You’ll sample dishes like poke, tacos, crostini, and even wine, all while learning about Venice Beach’s history and culture. This tour offers a chance to enjoy authentic flavors while discovering the area’s quirky vibe.
What sets this apart is its small-group format and focus on local favorites, making it more intimate and personalized. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the variety of tasty stops, including fish tacos and empanadas. The tour is perfect if you love food, street art, and lively neighborhoods, giving you a taste of Venice’s creative spirit along with its culinary highlights.
Bottom Line: A delightful way to combine gastronomy with sightseeing in LA’s most eclectic beachside district.
3. Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour: True Crime & Creepy Tales
Number 3 on the list is this haunted Hollywood tour, which offers a spooky spin on LA’s famous neighborhood. Over about 2 hours, you’ll visit haunted theaters, hotels, and landmarks associated with ghost sightings and true crime stories. Highlights include the TCL Chinese Theatres, the Hollywood Sign, and the Dolby Theatre, where tales of Marilyn Monroe’s ghost and the Hollywood Ripper are woven into the walk.
What makes it special is the blend of spooky stories with LA history, making it perfect for fans of both ghost stories and true crime. The small group size enhances the experience, and reviews praise guides for their storytelling skills and engaging personalities. If you’re interested in a fun, eerie tour that adds a darker layer to Hollywood’s glitter, this one’s a hit.
Bottom Line: A perfect pick for thrill-seekers and anyone curious about Hollywood’s mysterious side.
4. LA: Express Hollywood Sign Guided Walking Tour with Photos
Number 4 features this Hollywood Sign guided walk, designed to celebrate the sign’s centennial. This 1-hour tour combines storytelling with professional photos, capturing your moment beneath the icon. Led by a showbiz guide, you’ll ascend to the best viewpoint and learn fun facts about Hollywood’s history.
This tour is especially appealing for its quick pace and photo focus—afterward, you’ll leave with professional pictures of your Hollywood Sign experience. With a rating of 4.9 out of 5, guests love the friendly guide and the chance to enjoy LA’s skyline and Hollywood Hills. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time but want memorable photos and insider info.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a brief, fun, photo-rich Hollywood Sign experience.
5. Hollywood: Walking and Hiking Sunset Tour with LA Views
Number 5 offers this Sunset Hollywood tour, blending sightseeing with a scenic hike. Over about 2 hours, you’ll explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and local neighborhoods before hiking through Griffith Park for sunset views of the Hollywood Sign and LA skyline. The guide shares lively stories about Hollywood’s history along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of city sights and nature, ending with the magical glow of sunset. Guests mention the knowledgeable guide and the stunning panoramic views. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a little adventure after sightseeing and want to see LA in a more relaxed, natural setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for sunset chasers and outdoor lovers seeking a mix of city and nature.
6. Get Your Own Star with The Walk of Fame Experience in Los Angeles
The Walk of Fame experience at number 6 is a fun, personalized activity. You can have your name displayed on a Hollywood star, with an on-site photographer capturing your moment in a professional photo and video. It’s a quick, 25-minute experience, but one that leaves a lasting souvenir. The photos are digital and immediately sent to your device.
What makes this experience memorable is its personalized touch and the chance to feel like a real star, even if just for a moment. Reviewers mention how it made birthdays and special occasions extra memorable. It’s best suited for those wanting a unique keepsake from Hollywood.
Bottom Line: An easy, fun activity perfect for celebrating a special day or making a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
7. Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour
Number 7 features this Santa Monica donut tour, which satisfies your sweet tooth in style. Over 2 hours, you’ll visit top donut spots like Randy’s Donuts and Sidecar Doughnuts, sampling a variety of treats including churros and birria tacos. The tour ends at the Santa Monica Pier, with optional stops at Third Street Promenade.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on specific tasty stops and the lively guide sharing LA’s donut culture and local stories. Guests love the quality of the donuts and the relaxed pace, making it suitable for families and anyone craving sugar. It’s an excellent combo of food and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a sweet start to their LA day with a flavorful tour.
8. Downtown Los Angeles History and Architecture Walking Tour
Number 8 is this DTLA architecture tour, which uncovers LA’s urban transformation. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll see landmarks like the Los Angeles Central Library, Union Station, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. The guide shares stories about the city’s evolution, gentrification, and notable buildings.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on architecture and local stories, offering a different perspective from typical Hollywood sightseeing. Reviewers highlight the guide’s inside knowledge and the chance to explore often-overlooked parts of downtown. It’s best for architecture buffs and history enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those interested in LA’s urban development and design.
9. Los Angeles: Express Hollywood Sign Guided Walk & Photo Tour
This Hollywood Sign walk is a quick, 90-minute experience that combines sightseeing and photography. Led by a top-rated guide, you’ll enjoy up-close views of the Hollywood Sign and learn about its history. Guests love the professional photos provided afterward, capturing their memorable moment.
The tour is designed for families and travelers of all ages, with a focus on fun and picture-taking. Rated 4.6 out of 5, it’s a reliable choice for those short on time but still wanting a quality Hollywood Sign experience.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a quick, photo-rich Hollywood highlight.
10. Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste
At number 10, this Downtown LA food tour is a culinary journey through LA’s oldest public market and historic Broadway. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll taste specialties at major spots like the Grand Central Market and the Bradbury Building, with a local guide sharing stories along the way. Tasting everything from tacos to desserts, it’s a full-flavored way to explore LA.
What makes this tour special is its combination of famous landmarks and authentic food. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide and the variety of dishes. It’s suited for food lovers who want to combine sightseeing with great eats.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, tasty way to experience Downtown LA’s history and culinary scene.
11. Downtown Los Angeles: Culture and Arts Walking Tour
Number 11 offers this DTLA arts tour, highlighting museums, landmarks, and architecture. Over 2 hours, it includes visits to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Bradbury Building, and Union Station, with insights into LA’s cultural growth. The guide discusses gentrification and the city’s creative evolution.
What makes it standout is its focus on arts and culture, appealing if you’re interested in the city’s artistic side. Reviewers mention the guide’s engaging storytelling and the opportunity to see lesser-known cultural sites.
Bottom Line: Great for art and history buffs wanting an insider’s look at LA’s evolving cultural scene.
12. Hollywood: Make Your Own Star Walk of Fame Photo Experience
Number 12 is this personalized Hollywood star, where you get your name on a real star. In just 15 minutes, you’ll pose with your own terrazzo and brass star, with photos and videos taken by a professional photographer.
This experience is perfect for a quick, fun souvenir. Guests say it’s a memorable birthday or special occasion activity, especially since you leave with professional images. It’s best suited for those looking for a unique Hollywood keepsake.
Bottom Line: Short but memorable, ideal for celebrating a special moment.
13. Hollywood: the Real Walking Tour
Number 13 offers this real Hollywood tour, exploring the city’s roots. Over about 2 hours, you’ll see historic landmarks like the oldest house in Hollywood, the Egyptian Theatre, and the Walk of Fame, all while hearing stories about Hollywood’s transformation from farmland to fame hub. The small group setting makes it personal and engaging.
Tour guide Damien is praised for his knowledge and storytelling, making this a favorite for those wanting an authentic insight into Hollywood’s past. It’s perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors alike.
Bottom Line: An authentic, character-rich tour for those eager to learn Hollywood’s true story.
14. Sunset Strip True Crime and Haunted Tales Walking Tour
Number 14 is this Sunset Strip crime and haunt tour, which takes you into LA’s darker stories. Over 2 hours, you’ll visit landmarks like Chateau Marmont and the Viper Room, hearing about mobsters, murders, and Hollywood scandals.
What makes this tour different is its focus on true crime and celebrity scandals, perfect if you’re into LA’s secret stories. Reviewers mention how engaging the guide is and how the stories add a different dimension to LA’s glitzy reputation.
Bottom Line: For those interested in LA’s darker tales and notorious history, this tour is a compelling choice.
15. Hollywood: Haunted Walking Tour, True Crime, Creepy Tales
This haunted Hollywood tour offers ghost stories and creepy legends. Over 2 hours, you’ll explore haunted hotels like the Knickerbocker and hear tales of Houdini, Marilyn Monroe, and serial killers. It’s a good pick for fans of spooky stories and Hollywood legends.
Guests appreciate the guide’s storytelling skill and the chance to see landmarks associated with Hollywood’s ghostly tales. The tour is lively and fun, especially around evening hours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for night owls and ghost story enthusiasts.
16. Los Angeles: Arts District Street Art, Graffiti Walking Tour
Number 16 features this Arts District street art tour. Over 2 hours, you’ll see over 100 murals, building-sized art, and hidden graffiti gems. The guide explains the stories behind LA’s creative murals and how the district evolved into an art hub, visiting spots like ArtShare and The Container Yard.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on contemporary street art and the chance to see some of LA’s most vibrant murals. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the chance to learn about LA’s artistic community from local masters.
Bottom Line: Excellent for street art fans seeking an in-depth look at LA’s modern mural scene.
How to Choose the Perfect Walking Tour in Los Angeles
When deciding between these options, consider your interests: Are you drawn to Hollywood’s glamour and history? Opt for a Hollywood Sign hike, or if food is your passion, the Venice Beach or Santa Monica donut tours deliver delicious bites. For history buffs, the Downtown LA architecture or Hollywood’s real story are excellent options. Haunted and crime-related tours are perfect for evening adventures, like the Hollywood haunted or Sunset Strip crime experiences.
Budget, time availability, and personal interests will guide your choice. For example, if you only have an hour, the Hollywood Sign photo offers a quick but memorable experience. If you want a comprehensive day, combine a food tour with a cultural walk.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles offers a range of walking tours that suit every interest and schedule. From iconic Hollywood Sign hikes to immersive food adventures and spooky ghost stories, you can tailor your experience to what excites you most. The Hollywood Sign and Venice Beach food tours are perennial favorites, offering both iconic views and authentic local flavor. For a more cultural or mysterious side, consider the Downtown LA architecture or haunted tales.
Remember, booking early is always wise, especially during peak travel seasons. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or thrill-seeker, LA’s walking tours promise memorable moments and plenty of stories to take home.