Hollywood and Beyond Helicopter Tour from Long Beach

Our review focuses on the Hollywood and Beyond Helicopter Tour, a popular choice for those eager to see Los Angeles from a whole new angle. While we haven’t flown ourselves (yet!), what’s clear from the feedback and details is that this 1-hour 30-minute experience is a fantastic way to combine adventure with sightseeing, especially for first-timers or anyone wanting a memorable aerial overview of LA’s most famous sights.

We love how this tour hits many of LA’s highlights in just 40 minutes of actual flight time — a compact, value-packed window. The views over the Hollywood sign, Santa Monica Pier, and downtown LA promise a photo op at every turn. The professional narration and skilled pilots seem to make the experience smooth and engaging. Plus, the chance to see the busy Ports of Long Beach and LA from above adds a fascinating industrial contrast to the glitz of Hollywood.

One thing to consider is the tour’s weight restrictions and group size limits — it’s a small, intimate experience, which can be a plus or a drawback depending on your preferences. Also, it’s not inclusive of hotel transfers, so you’ll need to organize your own transport to the meeting point.

This helicopter tour is best suited for travelers who crave a unique, bird’s-eye view of LA’s iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want a rundown or if you’re celebrating a special occasion looking for a memorable experience.

Good To Know

• Stunning Aerial Views: Experience Los Angeles from above, passing over Hollywood, Santa Monica, and downtown LA.
• Expertly Guided: Pilots are experienced, offering narration that enriches the sightseeing.
• Convenient Duration: The 40-minute flight packs in many sights, making it a good value for a quick, memorable adventure.
• Limited Group Size: Small helicopter capacity ensures a more personal experience but requires booking in advance.
• Accessibility & Restrictions: Weight limits and ID requirements are important to keep in mind.
• Good Weather Necessary: The experience depends on clear skies; poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

In-Depth Review of the Hollywood and Beyond Helicopter Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at 1175 Queens Hwy in Long Beach, a straightforward location accessible by car or local transport. Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, you’ll want to plan your own way there, especially if you’re staying in LA proper. The check-in process appears smooth, handled by Maverick Helicopters California, a reputable operator known for professionalism.

What the Tour Includes

For $381.01 per person, you’re paying for a 40-minute helicopter flight with all fees and taxes covered. This price is fair considering the premium nature of helicopter sightseeing and the opportunity to see LA from above. The tour is capped at seven passengers plus the pilot, which means you’ll likely enjoy a more intimate experience without the large crowds found on bus tours.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Santa Monica Pier: The tour kicks off with a flyover of the iconic pier, giving you sweeping views of the bustling boardwalk and Pacific Ocean. It’s a classic shot for photographers and first-timers alike, with some reviewers noting the view is especially spectacular from a helicopter perspective.

• Hollywood Sign: No surprise that this is a highlight. The pilot’s narration will likely point out the sign and perhaps share some tidbits about its history — a crowd favorite, as one reviewer mentioned. Seeing it from above offers a perspective that makes the famous letters even more impressive.

• Downtown LA: Passing over LA’s heartbeat, you’ll glimpse LA Live, the LA Coliseum, USC campus, and Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers and Kings. The aerial view captures the city’s sprawling nature and vibrant energy, which is hard to appreciate from the ground.

• Vincent Thomas Bridge & Getty Museum: Flying over the Vincent Thomas Bridge offers a striking view of the port area, and heading over Sunset Boulevard and the Getty Museum paints a picture of LA’s cultural wealth and scenic diversity.

• Dodger Stadium & Queen Mary: The stadium’s unique roof and seating are visible from above, while the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner, adds an element of vintage charm to the skyline.

The Experience: What to Expect

Travelers will likely find that the professional narration adds depth to the experience, with pilots sharing interesting facts and pointing out landmarks. The 40-minute flight time feels well-paced — long enough to see a good range of sights but short enough to keep the experience exciting and manageable.

One reviewer, Robert M., praised the “well organized, well piloted, well narrated” nature of the tour, highlighting the professionalism of the crew. He also mentioned the potential to include Malibu, which isn’t part of this particular itinerary but underscores how much LA can offer aerially.

Views and Photography

Photographers will love the opportunity to capture panoramic shots of LA’s skyline, beaches, and ocean. The vantage point over the Hollywood sign, in particular, is a once-in-a-lifetime shot that’s hard to replicate from the ground.

Practical Considerations

• Weight Restrictions: Passengers are limited to 300 lbs. If you exceed this, you’ll need to purchase an extra seat, payable on the day of the tour.
• Group Size and Seating: With a maximum of 7 travelers plus the pilot, seating is allocated based on FAA weight and balance regulations, which might mean you’re not seated next to your friends or family but still in close proximity.
• ID and Safety: All passengers 18+ must show photo ID, and the tour operator maintains strict policies regarding intoxication, prioritizing safety.
• Weather Dependency: The tour requires good weather; if skies are cloudy or rain is forecasted, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

Customer Feedback and Authentic Insights

Feedback from those who’ve experienced this tour confirms its quality. One reviewer called it a “great bird’s-eye view of LA,” appreciating the professional narration and smooth piloting. Many travelers said they felt the experience was well worth the cost, especially given the exclusive perspectives and photo opportunities provided.

Some noted that fitting in Malibu might be difficult due to flight time constraints but appreciated the comprehensive coverage of LA’s main sights. The limited group size and attentive pilot narration seem to elevate the experience, making it more personal and informative.

The Sum Up

The Hollywood and Beyond Helicopter Tour from Long Beach offers a premium, compact way to see some of LA’s most iconic sights from an unbeatable vantage point. Its well-organized nature, experienced pilots, and stunning views make it an appealing choice for visitors wanting a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

While it’s not the cheapest tour available, the value lies in the bird’s-eye perspective, personalized atmosphere, and the chance to capture extraordinary photos of LA. It’s especially suited for those celebrating a special occasion, first-time visitors eager to get their bearings, or anyone with a love for aerial photography.

This tour works best for travelers who are comfortable with small group experiences, can meet the weight and ID requirements, and are prepared for weather-dependent scheduling. If you’re seeking a quick, immersive look at LA’s highlights, this helicopter ride might just be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

• How long is the helicopter flight? The flight lasts approximately 40 minutes, providing ample time to see multiple landmarks.
• What landmarks will I see? Expect to fly over Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, downtown LA, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, Getty Museum, Dodger Stadium, and the Queen Mary.
• Is there a group size limit? Yes, a maximum of 7 passengers plus the pilot, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Are there weight restrictions? Yes, passengers must weigh less than 300 lbs. Otherwise, an extra seat is required.
• Do I need to bring ID? All passengers 18 and older must present a photo ID at check-in.
• What if the weather is poor? The tour requires good weather, and cancellations due to weather will be rescheduled or refunded.
• Can I see Malibu? Not on this specific tour, but other options may include Malibu or longer routes.
• Are meals or hotel transfers included? No, only the flight, fees, and taxes are covered. You need to arrange your own transportation.
• How far in advance should I book? Most travelers book about 50 days ahead, as spots fill quickly.
• What if I weigh more than 300 lbs? You will need to buy an additional seat, payable on the day of the experience.

In essence, this helicopter tour offers a fantastic, well-organized way to take in Los Angeles from a new height, combining stunning views with expert narration. It’s perfect for travelers who want a memorable, picture-worthy adventure that provides a fresh perspective on LA’s iconic sights.