Day Trips

Day trips in Los Angeles are designed for visitors who want to see as much of the city as possible in a single day. With 144 options—13% of all tours sold in LA—these tours typically combine major sights like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the beaches, often including transportation and a guide.

Most are full-day excursions, with a median price of $250, but nearly half of the most-booked options are under $100 per person. These tours appeal to first-time visitors, those short on time, and travelers who want a curated experience without the hassle of LA traffic or planning multiple stops.

With 144 day trip options, this is one of LA’s largest tour categories, second only to bus and walking tours. Prices start at $23 for self-guided experiences and reach $149 for guided e-bike tours, with a category median of $250—double the citywide median of $125. However, most group day trips with high ratings cluster between $52 and $97, making them more accessible than the median suggests.

8% of day trips are rated below 4 stars, a slightly higher rate of disappointment than the overall destination average. Compared to walking, food, or historical tours (medians around $63), day trips cost more but cover much more ground and typically include transportation. The higher prices reflect longer durations and the inclusion of several key LA neighborhoods and landmarks in one outing.

Travelers choosing a day trip in LA face a wide range of formats and prices. The lowest-priced options, like the $23 self-guided battleship visit, appeal to history buffs and families but offer little beyond basic entry and a brochure—several reviews mention limited access and underwhelming value for the price.

Most visitors opt for guided city tours by bus or van, with the best-rated and most-reviewed options priced between $52 and $75. These tours consistently hit major stops such as Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Griffith Park. Reviewers praise knowledgeable guides and efficient routing, but some complain about rushed schedules, limited time at key sights, or guides who lack enthusiasm or depth. For example, several 3-star reviews mention not learning much or feeling the commentary was superficial.

Spending more does not always guarantee a better experience. The $97 Long Beach tour offers hotel pickup and a broad itinerary but draws criticism for uncomfortable vehicles and misleading promises about free time. At the top end, the $149 e-bike tour stands out for active travelers who want a more hands-on experience and consistently earns high marks for guide quality, though a few guests found the route more strenuous than expected or had issues with cancellations due to safety.

A fair price for a well-reviewed, full-day group tour is $52–$75 per person. Private or specialty tours can cost several times more, but unless you want a custom itinerary or luxury transport, the best value and satisfaction come from the mid-priced, high-volume group options. Across the board, the main sources of disappointment are rushed stops, lack of access to advertised areas, or guides who fail to engage or inform.