Hop on hop off bus tours
Is it necessary to book a hop on hop off bus before we go to Santa Monica? We are only there for 3 days before we go to Hawaii.
For a short 3-day visit to Los Angeles with a stop in Santa Monica, booking a hop-on hop-off bus in advance is not strictly necessary, but it can offer convenience and help maximize sightseeing if you want a structured approach without dealing with traffic or figuring out public transport. These tours are most useful for first-time visitors who want an overview of the city’s main attractions in a limited timeframe.
Since you are only there for a few days, consider the following:
- If your plan is to focus on a few areas like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood, it might be easier to drive or use rideshares rather than rely on a full hop-on hop-off circuit.
- Many companies allow you to purchase tickets online or at the first stop, so you can be flexible rather than committing beforehand.
- Hop-on hop-off buses can save time navigating traffic and parking, but in LA, distances are long, so you might still spend a lot of time in transit.
Alternative approaches:
- Consider renting a car for your stay if you plan to explore Santa Monica, Venice, and Hollywood. Parking is available at key tourist spots and gives you more flexibility.
- For Santa Monica specifically, biking or walking along the pier and beach areas is very convenient and scenic, without needing a bus.
- Rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft can supplement your itinerary for areas that are not walkable, saving the cost of a full bus ticket.
In summary, booking a hop-on hop-off bus in advance is optional. If you prefer a guided, all-in-one sightseeing experience and want to avoid planning logistics, it can be helpful. But for a short visit with a focus on Santa Monica and nearby attractions, a combination of walking, biking, and rideshares may be equally effective and more flexible.
More Los Angeles Travel Questions
- First time in L.A should we move hotels
- Family trip - first couple of days in LA before Disneyland
- Question about taking Uber/Lyft to Griffith Observatory
- Omni Downtown
- Help please!! Georgia family heading to LA for a week.
- Hiring a car LAX first time
- LA Public transport - is it safe?
- average Uber time from Universal Shearton to LAX ?
- Canyon (?) hikes "as seen on TV"
- Airport arrival time - LAX-YYC at 7am
- beautiful restaurant
- LAX using passages behind security
The attractions mentioned in this question
Popular Destinations
Popular Travel Questions
- Is it worth visiting Catalina with my dog?
- Looking for a good mtn to climb with kids
- Help with Itinerary please
- Luxury Resort-Style Apartment communities In Chandler AZ!
- Do I need to reserve SUV in mid-September?
- Terranea Resort with toddler (age 3+)
- Nanning trip report, part 1
- Dragon Boat Festival weekend
- Whale watching?
- Image Location - Tesla & Mt. Whitney
- Hiking in the Tehachapi/Stallion Springs area
- Bart