Los Angeles isn’t just a sprawling city; it’s a place where the highlights are packed into short, memorable experiences. With just three hours, you can cover iconic sights like the Hollywood Sign or peek behind the scenes of celebrity culture, all without feeling rushed. Among the options we love, the Private 3 Hours Los Angeles Tour stands out for its personalized approach, allowing you to tailor the itinerary to your interests and visit secret spots like a hidden hiking trail for the best Hollywood sign photos. If you’re more into Hollywood lore and glamour, the Authentic 3-Hour Hollywood to Beverly Hills Tour offers a lively look at celebrity homes, the Walk of Fame, and the Beverly Hills Hotel.
For those seeking a mix of sightseeing and a taste of Los Angeles’s culinary scene, the 3-Hour Secret Food Tour of Venice Beach delivers tasty bites from local vendors along the colorful boardwalk. Or, for the adventurers craving something unique, the 3 Hour Camel Trek into the Forest and Ranch combines wildlife and a memorable camel ride into California’s natural beauty. Whatever your style, LA’s compact tours mean you get the most essential sights and stories in just a few hours.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of 3-hour tours tailored to different interests and budgets. Whether you’re after a luxury private experience (Private 3 Hours Los Angeles Tour), a Hollywood and Beverly Hills sightseeing (Authentic 3-Hour Hollywood to Beverly Hills Tour), or a foodie adventure (Los Angeles: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour of Venice Beach), there’s something to fit your style. Some tours are private, offering a customized touch, while others are shared, making for a lively group experience. Notably, unique options like the Camel Trek provide a chance to combine wildlife, nature, and fun.
Below, we break down each tour in detail, highlighting what makes each one special, practical tips, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Private 3 Hours Los Angeles Tour
This tailor-made private tour offers a flexible way to explore Los Angeles in just three hours. The tour is designed for groups of up to 7 people at a flat rate of $499, making it a good value for those wanting a personalized experience. You’ll visit Hollywood Sign, Mulholland Drive, and lesser-known spots like Laurel Canyon, Greystone Mansion, and Park, with stops that highlight little-known stories behind LA’s most iconic attractions. The tour is offered in English, French, and Spanish, which is helpful for international travelers.
What makes this tour stand out is its customizability—it’s not a rigid itinerary but a curated experience that adapts to your interests. The Hollywood Sign stop includes access to a secret hiking trail for unbeatable photos, with no other travelers around. The vehicle is air-conditioned for comfort, and the guide shares stories that go beyond the usual tourist fare. Several reviews mention how engaging and flexible the guide was, making this a top choice for first-timers or those who want a private, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: If you want full control over your LA adventure and prefer a private guide, this tour is hard to beat for its personalized approach and insider stops.
2. Authentic 3-Hour Hollywood to Beverly Hills Tour
For around $49 per person, this privately guided tour offers a thorough look at Hollywood’s glitz and Beverly Hills’ glamour. The tour covers Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and famous filming locations like Greystone Mansion. It also includes visits to celebrity hotspots like Rodeo Drive and the Beverly Hills Hotel, giving you a taste of Hollywood’s legendary lifestyle.
This tour is especially popular, with over 260 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, indicating consistent quality. The guide shares Hollywood lore and secrets, making the experience informative and fun. Guests appreciate how the vehicle’s air conditioning and flexible departure times make it convenient. One reviewer noted, “It was super fun and engaging,” highlighting the lively atmosphere and guide’s storytelling.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a cost-effective, private introduction to LA’s Hollywood and Beverly Hills highlights—ideal if you’re pressed for time but want an immersive experience.
3. Los Angeles: Private 3-Hour Tour by SUV
If luxury and flexibility are your priorities, this private SUV tour offers a highly customizable three-hour experience. For $597, you can explore Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, or Malibu, depending on your interest. The spectacular views from Mulholland Drive and the scenic drive along Sunset Boulevard are included.
This tour shines for its luxury vehicle and ability to tailor stops to your preferences. Whether you’re interested in beach scenes, celebrity homes, or scenic overlooks, your guide will craft an itinerary that suits your vibe. The high price tag reflects a more upscale experience but offers the comfort of a private vehicle and personalized attention. Guests often mention the customized route as a major plus.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a luxury, private experience and the freedom to select their favorite neighborhoods and sights.
4. Private and Exclusive 3 hours Beverly Hills Tour in Hollywood
This small-group, luxury tour stands out for its customized approach and focus on Los Angeles culture. For $599, it includes stops at Hollywood Sign, Mulholland Drive, Laurel Canyon, Sunset Strip, and iconic filming locations. The tour emphasizes storytelling and photo opportunities, with 3-4 actual stops at notable landmarks.
Guests rave about the personalized attention and the guide’s ability to share stories behind each location. The tour also visits Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills, perfect for capturing classic LA images. The smaller vehicle size grants access to locations other tours can’t reach, making this ideal for travelers seeking intimacy and detail.
Bottom Line: If you want a highly personalized, culture-rich experience with excellent photo ops, this tour offers a premium, customized LA adventure.
5. 3-Hour Scandals and Ghost Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills
For those curious about Hollywood’s darker side, this scandals and ghost tour offers a different perspective. For $292.50 per person, you’ll visit Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Greystone Mansion, the Sunset Strip, and other sites tied to Hollywood mysteries.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on Hollywood scandals and haunted spots, appealing to fans of true crime and spooky stories. The guide shares fascinating tales of Hollywood secrets and ghost stories, making it a more theatrical experience. The tour includes bottled water and multimedia presentations, adding to the immersive vibe.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in Hollywood’s secrets and ghost stories, offering an engaging experience that’s different from the standard sightseeing routes.
6. 3 Hour Camel Trek into the Forest and Ranch in California
Looking for something truly unique? This camel trek combines outdoor adventure, animal encounters, and a picnic. For $875 per group, up to 2 people, you ride camels into a forest, then relax around a campfire with pizza, strawberries, and champagne or cider.
What makes this experience stand out is its unusual combination of wildlife and nature. You’ll learn about the animals and enjoy a hands-on ranch visit with over 200 animals. It’s perfect for those wanting a memorable outdoor adventure and a break from typical city tours. The reviews describe it as “an amazing time,” with visitors praising the friendly staff and gentle camels.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers craving an unconventional, outdoor experience with animals, especially couples or small groups seeking a romantic or fun outing.
7. Private 3-Hour Hollywood to Beverly Hills Tour
This small-group tour offers a comprehensive intro to LA’s most recognizable sights. For $450, you will visit Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills Sign, and the Universal City Overlook. The guide shares insider stories about stars, filming locations, and landmarks.
Guests find it ideal for first-time visitors who want a compact, informative experience. The tour’s focus on culture, film, and celebrity locales makes it suitable for those with limited time but high interest in Hollywood lore. The guide’s personal approach and relaxed pace are frequently praised.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for visitors seeking a well-rounded, small-group LA tour with plenty of photo ops and stories.
8. Los Angeles: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour of Venice Beach
If your idea of LA includes food and local flavor, this food tour is perfect. For $95 per person, you’ll sample local delicacies from vendors on the Venice Beach boardwalk and Abbot Kinney Boulevard. It’s a walking experience that reveals culinary creativity and community spirit.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on authentic, local eateries rather than tourist traps. The guide shares insights into Venice Beach’s cultural diversity and the neighborhood’s culinary scene. Reviews mention enjoying delicacies like churros and crostinis, plus the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Bottom Line: Excellent for food lovers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting LA’s best-kept culinary secrets.
9. Shared 3 Hour Los Angeles Tour
This highly rated shared tour ($55 per person) offers an efficient way to see LA’s top sights in just three hours. It includes stops at the Hollywood Sign, Universal City Overlook, and Sunset Strip, with commentary to fill you in on famous film locations and celebrity culture.
The tour’s advantage is its value for money, with many positive reviews emphasizing comfortable, air-conditioned transport and the expert knowledge of guides. It’s perfect for travelers on a budget or those with limited time who want a rundown. One reviewer said, “We saw some of the highlights and felt like we got a real taste of LA.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a quick, engaging tour with good reviews.
$55.00 per person
10. All Day Tour 5.3 Hour
For travelers with a little more time, this full-day tour covers LA’s must-see neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach. At $110.88 per person, it combines transportation, commentary, and multiple stops, making it a cost-effective way to see more in one day.
Guests appreciate the live narration and the chance to visit famous landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame or Santa Monica Pier. It’s suitable for those who want a rundown but prefer a group experience rather than private touring.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want to maximize their time and see multiple LA highlights with a relaxed, guided approach.
11. Los Angeles: 3-Hour Private Driving Tour w/ Local Guide
For those seeking a personalized experience, this private 3-hour driving tour allows you to choose the neighborhoods and landmarks you want to see. Priced at $135 per person, it is ideal for first-timers or travelers with specific interests like Chinatown, Little Tokyo, or Pershing Square.
Your local guide will tailor the itinerary based on your preferences, sharing stories and insights along the way. It’s a flexible and intimate way to explore LA’s diverse districts, making it great for small groups or couples wanting a customized tour.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a personalized, flexible approach with a local guide, this offers a tailored taste of LA.
$135 per person
12. The Real 3 hour VIP Tour with Stops and Photos
This VIP tour emphasizes actual stops and photos at key locations like the Hollywood Sign and the Beverly Hills Sign. For $75 per person, it boasts closer views of the Hollywood Sign and walks through Greystone Mansion and Park.
It’s especially suited for travelers eager for classic LA photos and stories. The guide focuses on photo opportunities and interesting tales, making it a good fit for those wanting to capture memories and learn the ins and outs of Hollywood. Reviewers highlight its personalized approach and attention to detail.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want great photos and authentic stories in a shorter, well-paced tour.
$75.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect 3-Hour LA Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and style. If you’re after a private, customizable experience, the Private 3 Hours Los Angeles Tour offers the most flexibility. Want to see Hollywood’s glamour and star homes? The Authentic Hollywood to Beverly Hills Tour balances storytelling with sightseeing. For food lovers, the Venice Beach Food Tour combines culinary delights with scenic walks.
Budget-wise, the shared tour (Shared 3 Hour Los Angeles Tour) provides a great value, while luxury options like the SUV or exclusive private tours suit travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity.
Timing also matters: if you’re limited on time but want a broad overview, the 3-hour tours are perfect. For a more relaxed visit, consider the full-day options.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles offers an impressive array of short, immersive tours that suit every interest. For a personalized experience, the Private 3 Hours Los Angeles Tour is top. If you’re fascinated by Hollywood’s glamour and scandals, the Scandals and Ghost Tour provides a fun twist. Foodies can’t miss the Venice Beach Food Tour, and adventure seekers will love the Camel Trek.
Remember, these tours fill up quickly—especially during peak seasons—so booking early ensures you secure your preferred time and experience. Whether your goal is photo ops, celebrity spotting, or tasting LA’s best, these short tours will make your three hours in Los Angeles truly memorable.