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Los Angeles City Hall

Los Angeles City Hall: Our most recommended tours and activities

Los Angeles: Dark History and Haunted LA Bus Tour

1. Los Angeles: Dark History and Haunted LA Bus Tour

Join your guide who is an expert in the paranormal, for an entertaining tour through the dark side of Hollywood and LA. Hear colorful stories of unexplained sightings, famous movie stars, tragic misfortune, secret mafia connections, and much more. Learn the secrets of famous landmarks including the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the burial place of Hollywood greats Mel Blanc, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Burt Reynolds, and many more. Stop at the mysterious Cecil Hotel as seen in the 2021 Netflix documentary. LA City Hall, the Cecil Hotel, and the Charlie Chaplin Studios. Along the way, you’ll separate fact from fiction in famous stories like Richard Ramirez, the Night Stalker, the Hillside Strangler, and the ill-fated Black Dahlia – whose unsolved murder in 1947 is one of America's most fascinating true crime mysteries. Venture out after dark on the only bus tour in LA that specializes in haunted tales and paranormal experiences. Enjoy a bus tour with stops along the way to explore a number of the sites on foot. Some of the locations seen on the tour include Pueblo de Los Angeles, Avila Adobe La Golondrina Cafe, Pico House, Forte Moore, Biltmore Hotel, Hollywood Tower, Knickerbocker Hotel, Roosevelt Hotel, and Charlie Chaplin Studios.

Los Angeles: Self-Guided Tour of Iconic Filming Locations

2. Los Angeles: Self-Guided Tour of Iconic Filming Locations

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Note: This 33+mile-long tour covers the essentials of LA Filming in 2-3 hours With an app that functions as your guide, audio tour, and map all in one, this self-guided driving tour of Los Angeles Filming Locations is flexible and customizable. Choose which spots you want to see most and go right to them. To get started, simply download the app, then follow the audio instructions and route. As an added perk, most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots of interior rooms. Visit the site where Joe Mantell uttered the famous words “Forget it Jake, it’s Chinatown” in Roman Polanski’s all-time classic, “Chinatown,” and take in some striking scenery while you’re there. See a courthouse from “The Dark Knight Rises,” a police station from “Blade Runner,” and a bank from “Catch Me if You Can," all the same building: Union Station. If old-timey sci-fi is more your speed, check out the Los Angeles City Hall, featured in “War of the Worlds” and “The Adventures of Superman.” Take some time to check out the Bradbury Building, where the climactic final showdown takes place in “Blade Runner.” Discover some surprising facts about that famous scene. Banks tend not to fare too well in Hollywood, and this couldn’t be truer of the next stop, where Doc Oc wreaked havoc in “Spiderman 2” and Jim Carrey was robbed in “The Mask.” If you’re into surrealism, you’ll find it at the Palace Theater, which doubled as the mysterious Club Silencio in David Lynch’s mind-bending “Mulholland Drive.” Fans of the supernatural can’t miss the Cicada Club, the setting of one season of “American Horror Story.” Stop at Millennium Biltmore, where the ghostbusters catch their first ghost (and break a few things in the process). If you’ve ever wondered how Hollywood gets away with all its destruction, you’ll get a glimpse of that here. Travelers needing a meal break can dine like Denzel at the Pacific Dining Car, where Denzel Washington’s character takes Ethan Hawke for a meal in the cop thriller “Training Day.” Those with a bad case of nostalgia will definitely want to stop by Echo Park Lake, home to none other than the lagoon from “Gilligan’s Island.” For the contemporary film-lover, this park is also home of Dom’s house in the “Fast and Furious” franchise. Take a step back in time at the Music Box Steps, where Laurel and Hardy performed one of their most iconic bits. Head to The Virgil for a more contemporary musical landmark. This was where Lady Gaga first performed in “A Star Is Born.” Most high schools never see a serious film crew, but it’s part of the culture at John Marshall High School, which has served as a set for everything from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” to “Nightmare on Elm Street.” Finally, pay a picturesque visit to Griffith Observatory. This observatory wasn’t just a filming site for movies like “Rebel Without a Cause” and “La La Land,” it also offers the best views of Los Angeles anyone could ask for. Finish off your tour by getting close to the famous Hollywood sign and seeing the whole city sparkling below.

Los Angeles Twilight Bike Tours

3. Los Angeles Twilight Bike Tours

We light up the bikes, and ride round trip from Grand Central Market to the modern gathering spaces of downtown Los Angeles. Spring Street, with its protected bike lanes, will take you through the Historic Core, past the Last Book Store, and into the South Park neighborhood. Next we'll stop at Crypto Arena, formerly Staples Center, home of The Lakers, The Clippers, L.A. Sparks and L.A. Kings. Next door is L.A. Live with the Microsoft Theater, Grammy Museum and several dining and entertainment venues. We'll ride the designated bike lanes of Figueroa past the skyscrapers that make up L.A.'s skyline, and several shopping and dining destinations. Ride to the Hotel Cecil to hear of the mysterious goings on, including hauntings, murder and more. Little Tokyo is next, with its pedestrian plazas and lively food and anime shops; here we'll take an off bike break with time to explore on foot and grab a snack. As the sun sets we ride to Grand Park with its lighted pathways, palm trees and fountain. Finally we end with a cruise down Grand Avenue, home of the L.A. Opera, Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art. From here its just a few blocks back to Grand Central Market just in time to catch last call at Golden Road Brewery.

Los Angeles: Hollywood Homes & Filming Sites Audio Tour App

4. Los Angeles: Hollywood Homes & Filming Sites Audio Tour App

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! NOTE: This 75+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of the Hollywood & LA Filming Bundle in 5-6 hours. This self-guided tour of Los Angeles Filming Locations is totally flexible, so you get to choose which spots you want to see most and go right to them! Visit the site where Joe Mantell uttered the famous words “Forget it Jake, it’s Chinatown” in Roman Polanski’s all-time classic, Chinatown and take in some striking scenery while you’re there. Want to see a courthouse from The Dark Knight Rises, a police station from Blade Runner, and a bank from Catch Me if You Can? Lucky for you, they’re all the same building: Union Station! If old-timey sci-fi is more your speed, check out the LA City Hall, featured in War of the Worlds and The Adventures of Superman. Or check out the Bradbury Building, where the climactic final showdown takes place in Blade Runner. Plus, get some surprising facts about that famous scene! Banks tend not to fair too well in Hollywood, and this couldn’t be more true of the next stop on this tour, where Doc Oc wreaked havoc in Spiderman 2 and Jim Carrey was robbed in The Mask. Into surrealism? You’ll find it at the Palace Theatre, which doubled as the mysterious Club Silencio in David Lynch’s mind-bending Mulholland Drive. Fans of the supernatural can’t miss the Cicada Club, the setting of a season of American Horror Story, and the Millenium Biltmore, where the Ghostbusters catch their first ghost--and only break a few things in the process. If you’ve ever wondered how Hollywood gets away with all its destruction, you’ll get a glimpse into that here! Travelers needing a meal break can dine like Denzel at the Pacific Dining Car, where Denzel Washington’s character takes Ethan Hawke for a meal in the cop thriller Training Day. Those with a bad case of nostalgia will definitely want to stop by Echo Park Lake, home to none other than the lagoon from Gilligan’s Island. But don’t worry, this park has something for the contemporary film-lover as well, since it’s the location of Dom’s house in the Fast and Furious franchise. Take a step back in time at the Music Box Steps, where Laurel and Hardy performed one of their most iconic bits during a simpler time. Then, head to The Virgil for a more contemporary musical landmark. This was where Lady Gaga first performed in the recent remake of A Star Is Born! Most high schools never see a serious film crew, but it’s part of the culture at John Marshall High School, which has served as a set piece for everything from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Nightmare on Elm Street and beyond. Finally, pay a picturesque visit to Griffith Observatory. This observatory wasn’t just a filming site for movies like Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land--it also offers the best views of Los Angeles anyone could ask for! From here, you’ll be able to get close to the famous Hollywood sign and see the whole city sparkling below. The tour concludes here. Note: Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.

Los Angeles: Downtown Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour

5. Los Angeles: Downtown Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of beautiful and interesting parts of downtown Los Angeles while following clues on your smartphone and solving interesting puzzles along the way. Play with your group as the game guides you through the city. Score points for correct answers and try to get a high score on the leaderboard. See major attractions as well as less-known gems of Los Angeles on this unique interactive tour. Work together with your group to solve the 21 challenges on the scavenger hunt as you walk approximately 2 miles. Play any time that fits your schedule. Explore downtown LA at your own pace. See the happening Olvera Street, the historic Pueblo, Union Station, Pico House, Little Tokyo, and many other interesting and lesser-known sights. Enjoy fun challenges with family and friends that are perfect for all ages.

Los Angeles: City Highlights Guided Bus Tour in Small Group

6. Los Angeles: City Highlights Guided Bus Tour in Small Group

Discover the highlights of Los Angeles on a guided sightseeing tour by bus and on foot. Explore famous sights throughout neighborhoods like Chinatown, Downtown, Grand Avenue, and Hollywood Boulevard. Begin your tour at Plaza Olvera, and head to the Chinatown district. Take a short walk with your guide as you learn about the history of the area and stroll along the oldest street in the city, Olvera Street. Admire wonderful views of its iconic temples, museums, streets, and squares. Then, ride along the famous Grand Avenue until you reach the memorable Walt Disney Concert Hall, also noted for its contemporary architecture. Wander among the skyscrapers of Downtown, and see its City Hall or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Los Angeles. Head next to the Griffith Observatory, where you will enjoy one of the best views of the city. From this beautiful building, gaze in awe Los Angeles skyline from above, or if you prefer, take a picture with the iconic Hollywood sign in the background. Travel down Hollywood Boulevard to discover the outstanding Walk of Fame. See the Chinese Theater, where the movie premieres take place, or the Kodak Theater, where the Oscars are held every year. You will also see the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where Marilyn Monroe stayed for a time. To disconnect a bit from the big city, head towards the coast until you reach the charming city of Santa Monica. Enjoy some free time to stroll along its well-known pier, discover Pacific Park, or walk along the iconic Venice Beach while appreciating the incredible views of the sea, where the tour will conclude.

Los Angeles: Downtown Historic Highlights Bike Tour

7. Los Angeles: Downtown Historic Highlights Bike Tour

Embark on a round trip, easy, bike tour from Grand Central Market, LA's iconic food hall, and downtown's #1 visitor destination. Begin your bike tour learning about Angel's Flight, a functioning, iconic 1901 Victorian era funicular. Before we head out, we'll adjust and test out your 8-speed bike, then roll out on a historic tour of downtown Los Angeles. First, ride through the Historic Core's vintage Vaudeville theater and former banking district. Learn about the loft conversions and history of "Hollywood"-spoiler alert, most of it happened in downtown. Stop at the eerie Cecil Hotel of horrors and hear the mysterious goings on. Cruise through the Civic Center, LA's municipal center, to Olvera Street. We take an off bike break in the city's oldest neighborhood; now full of quaint shops and food kiosks. Next head to Union Station and its 1939 Mission Revival splendor that was the backdrop to the 2021 Oscars Ceremony. Stop at City Hall, you'll recognize it from TV and movies. Ride through Grand Park up to Grand Avenue with its cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Broad Museum. See local gems, architectural highlights, hidden passage ways, film sets, nightlife and restaurant recommendations, you would never find from a car, bus, or a walking tour. Your guide is First Aid certified, and amplified. No straining to hear, or shouting. After a mild bike ride of about 10K, half of which is on flat, protected bike lanes, finish up at Grand Central Market, just in time for lunch at one of over 40 food kiosks.

Downtown Los Angeles self-guided walking tour scavenger hunt

8. Downtown Los Angeles self-guided walking tour scavenger hunt

Are you looking for things to do in Downtown Los Angeles? Our 3-hour self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt will take you around downtown to every major site. You will have challenges to solve every step of the way. Meanwhile, you will also be exposed to the area’s history and many local tips. The Downtown Los Angeles Tourist Scavenger Hunt is a 3.2 km / 2 mi mile self-guided walking tour with 24 varied challenges. It takes 3 hours to complete and ends near the start location. - Learn some local history - Challenge your knowledge: 18 varied challenges - Fun for all ages, kids included - Walk at your own pace: 3.2 km / 2 mi - Take as little, or as much time as you wish to complete your hunt Buy 1 scavenger hunt for your party of 1 to 6 people.

Other Sightseeing Options in Los Angeles City Hall

Want to discover all there is to do in Los Angeles City Hall? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Los Angeles City Hall

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 6 reviews

Inexpensive way to travel the streets of Los Angeles. It would have been good to have more information about the various stops along the way, instead of us having to search for information on the internet.

I had a personal tour as the other guest pulled out - very knowledgeable guide -& I got a great overview of the historic downtown area