• Hollywood Sign - Originally erected in 1923 as a temporary real estate advertisement, this iconic hillside landmark overcame years of neglect to become a global symbol of the film industry. It stands today due to preservation efforts supported by private donors like Alice Cooper and Hugh Hefner, who saved the famous letters from nearby development.
• Griffith Observatory - Situated high in the hills, this public science facility, established in 1935, offers breathtaking views of the Los Angeles basin, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign. With free admission, visitors can explore its 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope, a 1910 Tesla coil, and exhibits that place Earth within the broader cosmos.
• Paramount Studios - Melrose Gate - As one of the last major studios still operating in the traditional Hollywood district, this lot offers a glimpse into the industry’s early days of year-round, controlled production. The surrounding area also holds remnants of RKO Pictures, a pioneering studio that played a vital role in Hollywood’s historic transition from silent films to synchronized sound.
• Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures - Opened in 2021 by the organization behind the Oscars, this museum provides an in-depth exploration of the art, history, and global impact of filmmaking. Visitors can discover an extensive collection of costumes, props, and cameras that trace the journey of how movies are created and shared worldwide.
• Sunset Gower Studios - Once the original Hollywood home of Warner Bros., this historic lot was pivotal during the industry’s rapid transition into the era of talkies in the late 1920s. Today, operating as Sunset Gower Studios, its soundstages remain highly active and are rented out for a wide range of television series, independent films, and streaming projects.
• Walt Disney’s First Studio Location - In 1923, Walt and Roy Disney established their very first California workspace in this modest storefront. It was here that Walt developed The Alice Comedies, pioneering the blend of live-action and animation that launched the global empire of The Walt Disney Company.
• Sunset Boulevard - Stretching from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, this legendary thoroughfare captures the diverse and evolving spirit of the city. It serves as the historic artery connecting the glamour of classic Hollywood studios with the vibrant, fast-paced neighborhoods of the Westside.
• Sunset Strip - Once a loophole just outside city limits, this famous stretch allowed Prohibition-era speakeasies and nightclubs to thrive beyond local police reach. Decades later, it became the epicenter of rock and roll rebellion, solidifying its global reputation as a dense corridor designed for visible, repeated spectacle.
• Rodeo Drive - Originally named after the Spanish phrase for “gathering of the waters,” this legendary street transformed from a quiet residential neighborhood into the world’s most famous luxury shopping destination. While it now hosts high-end boutiques, it was once home to classic Hollywood figures like Gene Kelly, who famously hosted weekend gatherings for his industry friends.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa - Opened in 1912, this luxurious property offered early film stars a private retreat close to the studios but insulated from daily public contact. Its iconic pink façade, palm-lined entrance, and secluded bungalows quickly became the ultimate backdrop for industry meetings and the symbol of Beverly Hills glamour.
• Chateau Marmont - Built in the 1920s to prioritize privacy over spectacle, this legendary hideaway lacks a grand public lobby, allowing guests to slip unseen into their rooms. It has served as a temporary home and refuge for generations of writers, actors, and musicians seeking a discreet sanctuary between projects and reinventions.
• Hollywood Bowl - Nestled in a natural canyon, this iconic open-air venue hosted its first Los Angeles Philharmonic season in 1922 with tickets costing just twenty-five cents. Since then, its famous stage has welcomed nearly every major musical act, creating a communal space designed for audiences to gather and listen under the stars.
• Egyptian Theatre - Opening its doors in 1922, this historic cinema hosted Hollywood’s first-ever movie premiere, establishing the template for the extravagant red-carpet events we know today. Its stunning courtyard and ornate architecture reflect the city’s early fascination with exotic themes and grand cinematic spectacle.
• Musso & Frank Grill - As Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, this 1919 establishment has preserved its classic interior and served as an informal office for legends like Charlie Chaplin and F. Scott Fitzgerald. It even featured the neighborhood’s first payphone, turning its legendary dining room into a hub where major film industry deals were quietly negotiated.
• Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Located next to Paramount Pictures, this historic 1899 cemetery serves as the final resting place for industry pioneers like Cecil B. DeMille, Judy Garland, and Mel Blanc. During the summer, the grounds transform into a unique community space, hosting popular outdoor film screenings projected directly onto a mausoleum wall.
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art - This premier cultural institution is famously fronted by Urban Light, an iconic 2008 installation featuring 202 restored vintage street lamps arranged in a striking grid. The glowing artwork has become one of Los Angeles’ most photographed landmarks and a highly recognizable backdrop in numerous films and television shows.
• La Brea Tar Pits and Museum - Situated in the middle of a modern metropolis, this active excavation site contains natural asphalt seeps that have trapped and preserved Ice Age animals for over 38,000 years. It offers a rare opportunity to witness ongoing scientific research as paleontologists continue to unearth the remains of mammoths, dire wolves, and saber-toothed cats.

• Bonus Walking Tour of Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive (self-guided)
• Bonus Map of Celebrity Homes
• GPS-Activated Audio Guide
• Total Flexibility – start anytime, pause anywhere, explore at your own pace
• Bonus Walking Tour of Hollywood Blvd (self-guided)
• App and Tour Download

• Smartphone (bring your own)

Avoid the crowded buses and discover Los Angeles in your own style with this engaging, self-guided driving tour through Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and more.

This is not just another celebrity homes tour. You’ll explore numerous iconic landmarks, filming locations, historic sites, and hidden treasures—from world-renowned spots seen on screen to places most tourists never even know about.

Travel at your own pace with GPS-triggered audio that reveals the stories behind Hollywood’s biggest stars, legendary sites, and memorable moments in film and pop culture.

Additionally, enjoy two extra self-guided walking tours—one along Hollywood Boulevard and another on Rodeo Drive, offering even more stops and details best appreciated on foot.

Each stop provides additional content to explore later, including:

• expanded stories and behind-the-scenes insights
• curated photos to help identify key locations
• exclusive video clips featuring a seasoned Hollywood tour guide
• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
• One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.