LA: TMZ Celebrity Tour & Big Bus 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour

If you’re dreaming of spotting celebrities and strolling through iconic LA neighborhoods, the LA: TMZ Celebrity Tour & Big Bus 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour promises a day packed with star power and sightseeing. While the experience boasts a good mix of entertainment, sightseeing, and the chance to see Hollywood’s most famous icons, it also has some quirks worth knowing before you book.

What makes this tour appealing? First, we love the entertaining TMZ-style celebrity insights that make the Hollywood visit more engaging. Second, the flexibility of a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus allows you to explore LA at your own pace, hopping off at must-see locations. Third, the luxury, climate-controlled buses with features like phone chargers and live news screens add to the comfort.

However, a potential downside is that the TMZ tour itself isn’t a hop-on hop-off, meaning you’ll experience it as a set tour rather than flexible stops. Also, some reviews suggest timing issues and inconsistent guide experiences. Still, if you’re keen on a broad LA overview plus celebrity spotting, this combo is worth considering.

This experience works best for travelers who want a combination of celebrity culture, iconic sights, and flexible touring options. It’s suitable for those with limited time in LA, families, and anyone interested in a fun, informative day in Hollywood.

• Celebrity Insights: Enjoy entertaining stories about Hollywood stars with a live guide during the TMZ tour.
• Flexible Exploration: Use your 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket to visit LA’s top sights at your own pace.
• Comfort & Convenience: Ride in modern luxury buses equipped with climate control, chargers, and screens showing TMZ news.
• Iconic Landmarks: See famous sites like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Rodeo Drive.
• Celebrity Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for stars in their natural LA habitat—cafes, parks, and neighborhoods.
• Mixed Reviews: Expect some variability in guide quality and timing, but overall a fun, star-studded day out.

The TMZ Celebrity Tour — Hollywood’s Inside Scoop

Starting from the Hard Rock Café, the TMZ tour runs for about 2 hours, and a live guide will keep you entertained with stories about Hollywood celebrities, locations, and the latest gossip. The tour is conducted on a customized luxury bus with leather seats, screens showing TMZ news, and amenities like A/C and phone chargers at every seat. You’ll feel like a VIP as you cruise through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Sunset Strip.

The guide’s commentary is often highlighted as a bright spot—one reviewer praised a guide for being “amazing,” while others mentioned some guides being less memorable. The tour’s focus on celebrity hotspots makes it fun, especially if you’re into star culture or trying to spot a famous face. You’ll pass by hotspots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Rodeo Drive, and the guide will share stories about their history and the stars who frequent them.

Authentic insight: Several reviewers note that you can catch glimpses of stars walking their dogs or grabbing coffee, especially along Beverly Hills streets. But don’t count on guaranteed celebrity sightings; it’s more about the ambiance and stories.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus — Your LA Day, Your Pace

After the TMZ tour, your ticket grants you access to the open-top double-decker bus for 24 hours. You can hop on and off at multiple stops, including major sights like Griffith Park, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA.

The buses are modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with free phone chargers—a boon for those wanting to keep their devices alive for photos or navigation. The Big Bus app can help you plan your route and check schedules, making it easier to customize your day.

One point from reviews: the hop-on hop-off experience is well-organized, but timing can sometimes be an issue. A reviewer from the Netherlands mentioned waiting for almost an hour for a bus, so keep an eye on schedules and be prepared for some waiting periods.

What You’ll Love

• Easy access to LA’s top sights: From the Hollywood Sign to Santa Monica Pier, your ticket makes exploring straightforward.
• Comfort and tech features: The buses are well-equipped with amenities, making longer rides comfortable.
• Multi-language audio guide: Available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, this adds an educational layer to your sightseeing.
• Flexibility: The 24-hour window allows you to plan your own day, whether you want to start early or explore into the evening.

What to Be Aware Of

• Timing hiccups: Some reviews mention delays or longer waits between buses, which can cut into your sightseeing time.
• Guide variability: While some guides are praised, others might not meet the same energetic or informative standards.
• Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the departure point.

One traveler noted their disappointment with the timing, saying they had to wait an extra 45 minutes to start their tour, which impacted their overall experience. Conversely, another highlighted the “amazing” guide and the fun of catching glimpses of celebrities out and about.

The TMZ tour’s uniqueness lies in the live commentary and exclusive stories, making it more engaging than standard city tours. However, some felt that the TMZ tour was similar to the hop-on hop-off ride, just with a different focus, which could be a plus or a minus depending on your interest level.

• Duration: The TMZ tour lasts about 2 hours, while the hop-on hop-off ticket is valid for 24 hours.
• Meeting Point: The tour departs from the Hard Rock Café; you must redeem your voucher there. The hop-on hop-off buses are accessible at various stops along their route.
• Pricing: At $99 per person, this combo offers a decent value for those wanting a mix of celebrity culture and sightseeing.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s advisable to contact the provider beforehand for specific needs.
• Booking & Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.

Do keep in mind that children under 3 are not suitable for this tour, and alcohol or drugs are not permitted on the buses.

This LA combo tour blends the allure of Hollywood’s star-studded streets with the freedom of exploring LA on your own schedule. The TMZ celebrity segment adds a fun, insider element, perfect for those who love gossip, glamour, and stories about stars. Meanwhile, the hop-on hop-off bus extends your sightseeing, giving access to LA’s sprawling neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.

The overall value hinges on your expectations. If you’re after authentic celebrity spotting and lively commentary, the TMZ tour can be a real treat—just keep your expectations flexible regarding direct star encounters. The hop-on hop-off component delivers solid sightseeing flexibility, although timing issues might require patience.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors eager to get a broad overview of LA’s hotspots, families wanting a comfortable way to navigate the city, or pop culture fans wanting the Hollywood experience with added convenience. For solo travelers or those on a tight schedule, it offers a practical, entertaining way to see the city’s highlights.

Is the TMZ Celebrity Tour a hop-on hop-off experience?
No, the TMZ tour is a set guided tour that lasts about 2 hours. The hop-on hop-off bus is separate and allows you to explore at your own pace for 24 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?
The TMZ Celebrity Tour departs from the Hard Rock Café. Your voucher can be exchanged at any stop on the hop-on hop-off route for the bus tickets.

Can I hop on and off the bus anytime during the 24 hours?
Yes, your ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time you activate it, allowing you to explore LA’s sites at your convenience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 3 years old are not recommended. There are no specific mentions of children’s activities, but the tour is generally family-friendly.

Are there multilingual options available?
Yes, an audio guide is included in several languages, including Spanish and Chinese, making it accessible for international travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. Since the buses have phone chargers, keep your devices powered for photos and navigation.

The LA: TMZ Celebrity Tour & Big Bus 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour offers a lively glimpse into Hollywood’s glitz combined with the flexibility to explore LA’s diverse neighborhoods. It’s a practical, fun-packed way to see the city’s iconic spots while catching some celebrity buzz along the way. While timing hiccups and guide variability are worth noting, the overall experience is well-suited for travelers seeking entertainment and convenience.

If you’re a fan of Hollywood stories, want to see LA from a comfortable bus, and enjoy a bit of celebrity spotting, this combo tour could be a highlight of your trip. Just keep your expectations balanced—sometimes, the magic is in the moments and stories, not guaranteed star sightings.

You can check if your dates are available here: