Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States

Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour

Outty Ranking 565 hoursFrom $75

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$75
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Outty Ranking

56/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour worth booking?

Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour is a 5-hour experience in Los Angeles, United States, from $75 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
56 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
5 hours
From
$75 per person

Explore the highlights of Los Angeles on a 5-hour open bus tour that visits three iconic locations. Stop by the vibrant Santa Monica Pier, grab lunch at the bustling Original Farmers Market, and enjoy panoramic views fro

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the highlights of Los Angeles on a 5-hour open bus tour that visits three iconic locations. Stop by the vibrant Santa Monica Pier, grab lunch at the bustling Original Farmers Market, and enjoy panoramic views from Griffith Observatory. With expert local guides, you’ll cruise past famous landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, and the Sunset Strip, making it a perfect way to discover the City of Angels. This tour is ideal for families and first-time visitors looking for a comprehensive overview of LA's hotspots. - 5-hour open bus tour with three iconic stops - 45-minute stop at Santa Monica Pier and 60-minute lunch at Farmers Market - Expert local guides offering insights into LA's culture and history - Includes views of Griffith Observatory and the famous Hollywood Sign during the drive

    What's included

    Included

    • Admission fees

    Not included

    • Parking fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Begin your tour cruising past Hollywood's icons — the legendary stars in the sidewalk and the historic premiere house.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Pass the legendary Whisky a Go Go, The Comedy Store, and Sunset Boulevard's most famous music and comedy venues.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Glide through Beverly Hills along Rodeo Drive's flagship designer boutiques and tree-lined luxury streets.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Beverly Hills

      Spot the famous "Pink Palace" — a Hollywood icon and celebrity hideaway since 1912.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Step out onto the historic pier on the Pacific Coast — ride the Ferris wheel, walk the boardwalk, or dip your toes in the ocean.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Travel a stretch of America's most famous highway at its western terminus.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Lunch break at LA's beloved 1934 landmark — gourmet food stalls, local vendors, and dozens of cuisines under one roof.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    8. Pass the cultural heart of LA — home to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and historic mid-century architecture.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Catch one of LA's best photo angles of the world-famous Hollywood Sign on the way up the hill.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Griffith Observatory

      Sweeping panoramic views of the LA skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign from the observatory deck.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    11. Pass two more music landmarks — the iconic circular tower and the world-famous outdoor amphitheatre — on the way back.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Los Angeles

    Meet us 15 minutes before tour start time at the location.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet us 15 minutes before tour start time at the location.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Hollywood Tour Bus

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour in Los Angeles, photo 2Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour in Los Angeles, photo 3Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour in Los Angeles, photo 4Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour in Los Angeles, photo 5Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour in Los Angeles, photo 6Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour in Los Angeles, photo 7

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 56

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)78
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Los Angeles.

    How much does Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Los Angeles usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Los Angeles is not rushed.

    Is Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Los Angeles, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour?

    +

    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Los Angeles can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Los Angeles and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory 5-Hour Open-Top Bus Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Los Angeles within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Los Angeles?

    +

    Los Angeles rewards travellers who cluster their bookings by geography rather than by theme. Studio tours and Hollywood walks sit inland, the Malibu and Santa Monica coast runs west, and Griffith Observatory and the canyon hikes work best at dawn or dusk. We weight transport clarity in the ranking here: whether pickup is included changes an LA day more than the tour itself. On Outty we rank every Los Angeles experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hollywood Sign 2.5-Hour Tour with Comedians and Their Dogs, Los Angeles Hollywood Sign Hike: Front, Behind, and Expert Guide, Los Angeles Original 90-Minute Walking Tour to The Hollywood Sign. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

    +

    March to May and September to November, for clear air and open canyon roads. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Los Angeles?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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