LA Getaway
Los Angeles, USA
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Escape the cliché! See the best of LA in just a day while getting off the beaten path and discovering the city’s lesser known sites. This LA overview gives you both landmark icons and secret gems, taking you from Hollywood to Santa Monica, with the Farmers Market and Beverly Hills in between. Explore on foot and by public transit as you ride alongside locals and get a feel for what it really means to live in Los Angeles. Sure, you’ll see the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, and Venice Beach (can you really come to LA and not see them?!), but you’ll also visit a hidden garden oasis on Hollywood Boulevard, learn about film and television history at a local media museum, and ride bikes along the Pacific Ocean’s famous beach path.
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Highlights
- Explore the hidden corners of legendary Hollywood Boulevard and learn about the birthplace of film
- Visit the Original Farmers Market for some LA nostalgia and a tasty lunch break, locals-style
- Indulge your inner celeb in Beverly Hills with a stop at a delectable bakery and a stroll along glamorous Rodeo Drive
- Cruise along the coast from the Santa Monica Pier to Venice’s Muscle Beach while soaking up some SoCal sunshine
- Experience what it means to live like an LA local, with rides on transit and stops at favourite city haunts
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Schedule details
- Duration: 8-9 hours
- Meeting point:
6801 Hollywood Blvd., next to the escalator/staircase by Forever 21
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.00 AM
- Ending point:
Santa Monica Pier
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking tour guide; Metro transportation during the tour; community garden donation; cupcake tasting; museum entrance; bike rental.
Exclusions: Lunch; additional food and drink; souvenirs; tips and gratuities; return transport to start point.
On this Los Angeles city tour, you’ll begin in Hollywood, LA’s birthplace of film, and see the Chinese Theater and Dolby Theater with their iconic Hollywood sign backdrop. Glimpse your favourite stars on the Walk of Fame… or maybe even in person! Once you’ve seen what the strip has to offer, we’ll head off the beaten path to Hollywood local hotspots, to the hidden gems even some residents don’t know about, like a secret garden right on Hollywood Boulevard.
Then it’s time to jump on a local bus for a quick ride down Fairfax to an LA institution that’s over 80 years old. The Original Farmers Market began in 1934 as a makeshift gathering of local farmers selling fresh produce out of trucks. Today, the market is a melting pot of tantalising food stalls, old-fashioned vendors, fresh produce, and lots of local atmosphere! Lunch is at your own cost, giving you full freedom to choose from the vast array of delicious foods available.
After our lunch break, we take a quick bus to the heart of Beverly Hills. You’ll taste a treat from a world-famous cupcake bakery, then check out whatever costumes, sets, and props are on display at a local media museum. Finally, stroll one of the most renowned shopping streets in the world, Rodeo Drive.
Leaving Beverly Hills, you’ll ride through West Los Angeles, passing through the high-rises and UCLA neighbourhoods of Westwood and Brentwood. You can also use this chance for a quick nap or to strike up a conversation with a local.
Once in Santa Monica, take in a view of the Pacific then set off for a quintessential LA experience on a laidback Cali beach cruiser (bicycle). Soak up the local culture, SoCal sun, and Pacific breeze on this leisurely 10-kilometre ride from the Santa Monica Pier to lively Venice Beach, home to Muscle Beach, funky shops, and eclectic locals. This easy pedal along the beach is a rewarding end to your LA getaway.
Finish your Los Angeles city tour at the Santa Monica Pier, where your guide will assist you with finding public transportation or a taxi to your next destination. Or, if you still have the energy, stay and explore Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade and vibrant nightlife.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking tour guide; Metro transportation during the tour; community garden donation; cupcake tasting; museum entrance; bike rental.
Exclusions: Lunch; additional food and drink; souvenirs; tips and gratuities; return transport to start point.
Dress standard: Los Angeles is typically a warmer climate, but it can be cool in the morning, late afternoon, or along the coast in the winter. Light layers, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended year round, as is comfortable footwear for walking.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusive. Children younger than 6 are permitted at no extra cost, however this is a long tour so if you wish to bring your kids with you, we suggest you discuss this with the local operations team before hand by ringing the local hotline number or email info@losangelesurbanadventures.com
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Local contact
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