Los Angeles: Universal Studios Entry with Hollywood Bus Tour

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of walking in the footsteps of stars and getting behind-the-scenes glimpses of blockbuster movies, this tour could be just what you need. Combining a scenic Hollywood sightseeing bus ride with the excitement of Universal Studios Hollywood, it promises a full day packed with iconic sights and Hollywood magic.

What we love about this experience is how it balances celebrity spotting, historical landmarks, and theme park thrills. Plus, the convenience of a guided tour means you won’t waste time figuring out the logistics. However, a potential hiccup is that some reviewers found the bus tours less engaging, and traffic in LA can slow things down.

This experience suits travelers who want a rundown of LA’s famous sights combined with the fun of a world-class theme park. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Hollywood enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the mix of scenery, stories, and rides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines Hollywood landmarks, celebrity homes, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
• Guided Convenience: Live or multilingual audio guides enhance storytelling and understanding.
• Flexible Options: Pairing with the Hop-On Hop-Off tour offers extra flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Time Considerations: Allow sufficient time for each component, especially celebrity homes and studio tour.
• Value for Money: At $224 per person, it’s a full-day package that appeals to those wanting a mix of sightseeing and entertainment.
• Some Drawbacks: Reviews mention traffic delays and less engaging bus commentary, so manage expectations accordingly.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Hollywood Landmarks and Celebrity Homes

The tour kicks off with an open-air bus journey through LA’s most famous neighborhoods, including Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. You’ll cruise past extravagant estates and iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, Sunset Strip, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The guides, available in multiple languages, share fun stories and tidbits about Hollywood history and celebrity gossip. For instance, one reviewer noted that the guides are friendly and helpful, though some wished for better coordination at the kiosk.

Photographers will love the stops; the Hollywood Sign offers prime photo opportunities, and the commentary adds context, making it more than just a scenic drive.

Celebrity Homes Tour

The highlight for many is the guided Celebrity Homes tour. It lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, giving you a chance to see where stars live and hear insider stories. Reviewers mention that guides like Javier and Maria are knowledgeable, making the experience more engaging.

However, some travelers, like Claire from France, felt it was a bit rushed and outdated, citing that the tour doesn’t focus enough on movies and more on celebrity shopping spots. Still, for fans eager to catch a glimpse of LA’s luxurious residences, it’s a memorable part of the day.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Universal Studios Hollywood

After the city tour, the day shifts gears to the much-anticipated Universal Studios Hollywood. The general admission ticket grants access to rides, shows, and real movie sets. The park is home to immersive attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and The Secret Life of Pets.

The Studio Tour is a standout feature—this behind-the-scenes look at actual film sets enriches the movie magic. Expect to see landmarks like the Revenge of the Mummy and Fast & Furious sets, all narrated by guides with film industry insights.

Extra Flexibility: Hop-On Hop-Off

For travelers who prefer to explore LA at their own pace, the optional Hollywood Red Route Hop-On Hop-Off is available. This adds about 2 hours of sightseeing, with buses running every 45-60 minutes. You can hop off at places like Rodeo Drive, La Brea Tar Pits, or The Grove & Farmers Market.

This flexibility is perfect for those who want to linger longer at favorite spots without worrying about transportation or timing. Some reviewers found the bus windows a bit dirty and the system to connect headphones not perfect, but overall, it offers a good way to extend your day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

• Universal Studios Hollywood General Admission (access to rides and shows)
• Access to Universal CityWalk for shopping and dining
• Guided Hollywood sightseeing and landmark stops
• Celebrity Homes bus tour with live or multilingual guides
• Wi-Fi on the bus (if selected)
• Mobile tickets accepted, no printing needed

Not Included

• Food and shopping are not included—plan to budget extra for meals
• Hotel pickup or drop-off—you’re responsible for getting to the meeting point

The meeting point is at the Starline Tours Visitor Center inside Ovation Hollywood Shopping Mall, making it easy to find if you’re already in the city.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

Despite overall positive remarks, some reviews highlight areas for improvement. For example, one traveler from Canada mentioned issues with ticket validity and bus window cleanliness, illustrating that operational hiccups can happen. Another noted that the bus commentary isn’t always synchronized with what’s visible, detracting from the experience.

On the positive side, many travelers appreciated the friendly staff and the stunning views. One reviewer from Italy described the experience as “beautiful” and emphasized that it’s a “must-do” for visitors to LA.

The movie studio tour is especially praised for giving a real behind-the-scenes look, with some guests citing it as a highlight. The fact that the tour includes real film sets makes it much more than just a theme park ride.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Start early: Given LA traffic and the time needed for celebrity homes, arriving at the kiosk early helps maximize your day.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Expect walking and standing, especially at the theme park.
• Bring a charged smartphone: For photos, mobile tickets, and possibly using the Wi-Fi if available.
• Plan your meals: Food isn’t included, and Universal Studios can be busy—consider bringing snacks or planning meals ahead.
• Allow enough time: Allocate at least 2-2.5 hours for the celebrity homes tour, and plan your park visit accordingly.
• Be patient with traffic: LA traffic can be unpredictable, so factor in extra time for the drive to the studios.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals to first-time visitors wanting an entry-level experience of Hollywood’s glamor and movie magic. It’s ideal for those who prefer guided sightseeing with minimal planning, especially if you want to combine city sights with a theme park experience in one day.

Families, pop culture fans, and those craving a comprehensive LA day trip will find this package valuable. However, if you’re after an in-depth, focused studio or celebrity homes experience or want to avoid traffic delays, you might look for customized or smaller tours.

Final Thoughts

This combined Hollywood and Universal Studios tour offers a balanced day of sightseeing and entertainment at a reasonable price of $224. It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one experience with the convenience of tickets and commentary included. Despite some critiques about traffic and commentary, many visitors leave with memorable photos, behind-the-scenes stories, and a taste of Hollywood’s allure.

If you’re looking to tick multiple LA highlights off your list with minimal hassle, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to pace yourself, be flexible with timing, and keep your camera ready for star sightings and movie set moments.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to meet at the Starline Tours Visitor Center inside Ovation Hollywood Shopping Mall.

How long does the celebrity homes tour last?
Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, giving you ample time to see the neighborhoods and hear stories about the stars’ residences.

Can I buy tickets on the day of the tour?
Yes, mobile tickets are accepted, and booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.

What languages are available for the guided tour?
Guides are available in Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese.

Is the Universal Studios ticket valid for one day?
Yes, the general admission ticket grants access for a full day to rides, shows, and studio sets.

Can I pair this with the Hop-On Hop-Off tour?
Yes, you can choose to add the Hollywood Red Route Hop-On Hop-Off tour for extra flexibility.

Are food and souvenirs included?
No, these are not included, so plan to bring extra money or pack snacks.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes, and consider layers as outdoor areas can vary in temperature.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is inside the Ovation Hollywood Shopping Mall at the Starline Tours Visitor Center, easily accessible from the city.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Hollywood’s glitz and the excitement of Universal Studios, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a full day of star-studded adventure and cinematic magic.

You can check if your dates are available here: