Los Angeles: Hollywood & Beyond Helicopter Tour

Flying high over Los Angeles offers an entirely new appreciation for the city’s iconic sights. This Hollywood & Beyond Helicopter Tour provides a 40-minute journey that takes you over some of Southern California’s most celebrated neighborhoods and landmarks — from the sparkling shores of Santa Monica to the glamour of Beverly Hills, with a spectacular flyover of the Hollywood Sign and the bustling ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

For around $449 per person, this experience isn’t just about the views; it’s about seeing LA’s sprawling cityscape, its famous sites, and the coastline all at once. We love how this tour combines the thrill of flying with an intimate look at Hollywood’s legendary hills, the stylish streets of Rodeo Drive, and the vibrant port areas that are vital to LA’s economy and charm. The small-group setting (limited to 7 participants) ensures a more personalized experience that feels exclusive without the hefty price tag of private charters.

One of the biggest advantages? The breathtaking aerial views. You’ll see the Hollywood Sign from the sky, which is often obscured by fog or trees when on foot, and get a real sense of the city’s layout from above. The narration by your pilot adds context and colors your understanding of what you’re seeing, making the experience both fun and informative.

A possible consideration? The 40-minute duration might feel brief to some, especially considering the price, but it packs a lot of sights into that time. If you’re looking for a more extended adventure, this might be a quick highlight rather than a full day’s tour. Plus, seating is based on weight and balance, so if you or your travel companions are over 300 pounds, an extra seat must be purchased, which could influence your group’s seating arrangement.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy stunning aerial views, have a limited amount of time to explore LA from above, and want a mix of Hollywood glitz with scenic coastline. It’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to get a helicopter perspective of Los Angeles’ most famous sites, or anyone celebrating a special occasion who wants to see the city from a different angle.

Key Points

• Unparalleled views of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the Pacific Ocean.
• Bird’s-eye view of Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park, and the LA skyline.
• Vivid insight from the pilot’s commentary enhances the experience.
• Short but comprehensive 40-minute tour with many highlights.
• Small group size ensures a more intimate and personalized adventure.
• Departure from Long Beach at the Maverick Helicopter Terminal offers easy access.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The journey begins at the Maverick Helicopter Terminal at Queen Mary in Long Beach, a location that’s both historic and convenient for travelers. Once checked in, you’ll be assigned a seat based on your weight. The small group setting makes it feel more like a private flight, and the pilot’s commentary throughout keeps you engaged and informed, helping you identify landmarks and understand their significance.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting over Long Beach gives an immediate sense of the city’s scale and activity, with views of the busy ports, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, and the skyline. It’s an impressive introduction to LA’s economic heartbeat, especially if you’re interested in the city’s trade and logistics.

As you fly inland, your flight path takes you over Sunset Boulevard, the famous stretch of road known for its entertainment history. You’ll see the Getty Museum, set against a backdrop of rolling hills, and then head towards the Hollywood Hills. This area is home to the most glamorous residences, and spotting the mansions of Bel Air and celebrities’ homes from above is a highlight.

The Hollywood Sign is arguably the star of the show. From the sky, it’s much larger and more impressive than you might expect, and it’s far more visible than from crowded streets or hiking trails. The pilot’s narration might include tidbits about the sign’s history and recent renovations, enriching your understanding.

Moving westward, you’ll fly over Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and the UCLA campus. The sight of luxury cars, designer boutiques, and lush greenery is a reminder of LA’s reputation for wealth and style.

Universal Studios and the Hollywood Bowl come into view in the distance, along with Dodgers Stadium, offering a sense of LA’s diverse entertainment landscape. Passing over Griffith Park and the Observatory provides a panoramic backdrop that makes the city spread out before you in all its vastness.

The final part of the ride takes you southward toward Downtown LA, where the skyline, LA Live, and Crypto.com Arena come into view. The city’s mix of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers is striking seen from above.

The tour wraps up with a flyover of Long Beach, including the downtown area, famous for the Long Beach Grand Prix and the Queen Mary, now a floating hotel and museum. Seeing these landmarks from the sky cements your understanding of Los Angeles as a city of contrasts — bustling port, entertainment hub, upscale neighborhoods, and scenic coastlines.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the stunning views as the highlight, with one traveler from Germany exclaiming, “Sau geil,” which roughly translates to “super cool.” Such enthusiasm underscores how memorable this experience is. They also appreciate the professionalism of the pilot and the fact that the tour is limited to small groups, making for a more intimate and less commercial feel.

Some mention that the brief duration is both a perk and a drawback: it’s enough to see the highlights but might leave some wishing for a longer flight. However, the value is seen in the opportunity to see so much in a relatively short time, especially considering the helicopter’s exclusive vantage point.

Practical Details That Matter

Pricing at $449 might seem steep at first glance, but when you consider the cost of helicopter charters and the unique access to LA’s most famous neighborhoods, it offers fair value. The inclusion of taxes and fees ensures transparent pricing, and the pilot-guided narration adds a lot of educational value for enthusiasts.

Booking early is advisable, as the limited group size fills quickly, especially in peak times. The tour operates mostly in the morning and afternoon, offering flexibility in planning your day. Remember, you need to bring a valid photo ID for check-in, and travelers over 300 pounds will need to purchase an extra seat.

Children under age 2 are not allowed, and those with altitude sickness should consider their health before booking. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or anyone expecting a long or leisurely sightseeing day — it’s all about a quick, immersive flight.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager to see LA’s most iconic sights from above, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive aerial overview, or folks celebrating a special occasion who want a memorable experience. It’s also perfect if you’re interested in Hollywood’s glamour, coastal scenery, or port activities.

However, if you prefer longer tours or ground-based sightseeing, this might serve better as a quick, thrilling highlight rather than the sole way to explore LA’s diverse neighborhoods.

The Sum Up

This helicopter tour of Los Angeles offers a compelling combination of stunning views, informative narration, and small-group intimacy. You’ll gain a new perspective on a city famed for its sprawling neighborhoods, scenic coastlines, and vibrant entertainment scene. While the duration may leave some wishing for more, it’s a perfect snapshot of LA’s highlights — especially for those short on time but eager for an unforgettable aerial perspective.

In essence, this experience is best suited for adventure seekers, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a photo-worthy view of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and beyond. It’s a chance to see LA from a vantage point that few experiences can match — all while enjoying the thrill of flying high above California’s most iconic sights.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter tour?
The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes, offering a quick but packed overview of LA’s most famous landmarks.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The departure point is the Maverick Helicopter Terminal located at Queen Mary Terminal in Long Beach.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the helicopter flight, pilot commentary, and taxes/fees. It does not include hotel pickup or a second seat for passengers over 300 pounds.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
Children under 2 years old are not allowed on the tour. People with altitude sickness should consider their health before booking.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid passport or ID card for check-in.

Do I get to choose my seat?
Seating is based on legal weight and balance, and you might not sit with your party if you are over the weight limit or if the plane’s balance requires it.

What if I weigh over 300 pounds?
You will need to purchase an additional seat, which could impact your group’s seating arrangement.

When does the tour operate?
Most tours are available in the morning and afternoon, but check availability when booking.

Will I see the Hollywood Sign?
Absolutely. One of the tour’s highlights is a clear, close-up view of the Hollywood Sign from the sky.

This helicopter tour provides a unique, breathtaking way to see Los Angeles’ most celebrated sights. It’s an experience that combines the thrill of flight with the beauty of California’s iconic scenery, perfect for making your trip truly unforgettable.

You can check availability for your dates here: