Hop on and hop off tour

Question

Hello. We have just arrived in Santa Monica and only have 2 nights. My wife and I are active and we have our 16 year old son.

Would like to do a half day tour or less of some LA highlights on Thursday. Rodeo drive, walk of fame, Melrose Ave

Is it best to do a hop on hop off bus ride? And if so which is the best one?

Answer

For a short visit to Los Angeles with just 2 nights, a hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) bus tour can be a convenient way to see the main highlights without worrying about traffic, parking, or navigation. Since you’re active and traveling with a 16-year-old, you can combine the tour with walking at select stops for a more immersive experience.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Options:

Starline Tours: One of the longest-running HOHO operators in LA. They offer routes covering Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, and Santa Monica. Frequent buses make it easy to hop on and off, and guides provide entertaining commentary. Ideal if you want a classic LA experience and plan to stop at Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Melrose Ave.
Big Bus Tours: A newer HOHO option with red double-decker buses. Routes cover Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica with clear stops and online/mobile ticketing. Often has a flexible schedule with the ability to hop on and off for a half-day tour. Good if you prefer modern buses and multilingual audio guides.
Open-Air Sightseeing Tours: If weather is nice, consider an open-top bus for unobstructed views of landmarks and a more “California” experience. Both Starline and Big Bus offer this option.

Suggested Half-Day Itinerary:

Start at Hollywood Blvd: Walk along the Walk of Fame and see TCL Chinese Theatre.
Hop on the bus to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills for window shopping and a short stroll.
Next stop: Melrose Avenue for trendy shops, street art, and a quick snack.
If time allows, continue to Santa Monica Pier to catch sunset views before heading back to your hotel.

Tips:

Purchase tickets online in advance for convenience and often small discounts.
Plan your route in advance: decide which stops you want to walk around versus just view from the bus.
Allow at least 3–4 hours for a half-day tour, including walking at the main stops.
Check the bus schedules in advance; some stops are limited in frequency, especially mid-week.

Overall, a hop-on-hop-off bus is an excellent way to maximize sightseeing in a short time without the stress of driving and parking in LA. Both Starline and Big Bus are reputable, so the choice can depend on bus style preference, exact stops, and departure convenience from Santa Monica.

Hop on and hop off tour

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