Hollywood Tours? (Los Angeles, Orange, Beverly Hills: how much, hotel, homes)

[Aliciac]

Hi everyone-

I am looking for a reputable tour company while we are in LA in late December after Christmas. I have found a few online but am worried about getting ripped off. Anyone know of any good Hollywood tours? We are on a budget and have found an hour and a half tour for 20 bucks a piece through All Los Angeles Tours.com Looking to see landmarks and or celebrity spots/homes, whatever. Just want to give my son and husband a chance to see LA.

Help!
*originally from Orange County*

[Latchkey Kid]

Call the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for recommendations or see what they know of the company.

[ferretkona]

If you are staying at a hotel have them book it. The auto club can book it as well.

You can get tickets to shows being filmed as well. Check Audiences Unlimited. My wife and I seen the last three seasons on that 70's Show filmed nearly every shooting. We were able to get scripts and have the cast autograph them, we have over 200 signed scripts.

[uptown_urbanist]

If this thread doesn't turn up enough specifics, you could try asking on the travel forum: http://www.city-data.com/forum/travel/ Despite living in Hollywood (and walking past the tour touts every single day) I never did get around to actually taking a tour. It's possible that some non-Angelenos might have some better insights, as tourists are more likely to take those than are the locals. I agree that either booking through your hotel or calling the Hollywood Chamber is a good way to start, though.

If you're interested in Hollywood-specific history, the Hollywood Heritage Society offers walking tours on Saturday mornings. They're pretty historic preservation-focused, but are probably the best deal in town if you're interested in that side of things (i.e. old school Hollywood, and not so much modern celebrities).

[Aliciac]

We aren't staying in LA, but in Orange County as seeing more sights there, just 1 day in LA. (oh I'm a poet! LOL) But will try calling the chamber, thanks for the idea!

Also looking at a lunch place this is more "old Hollywood" feel than spotting Lindsey Lohan if you get what I mean. On a budget here also.

[Latchkey Kid]

I just took a look at that tour online. It's fine, but if you have to get to Grauman's on your own (what part of town are you staying in and will you have a car?), you might just want to walk around yourselves and have a more interesting experience than just driving by the outside of studios. The Kodak Theatre is right next door, and you can see the Hollywood sign from there, The Roosevelt Hotel is down the street, there are other famous theaters (inc. the El Capitan where Jimmy Kimmel is filmed) and landmarks along the way and you'll be on the Walk of Fame as you wander about. And you can have lunch in Hollywood.

And if you have the time, you might get more bang for the buck by simply buying a $5 all-day pass on the metro and going down to Union Station/Olvera St and up to Universal City Walk, etc..

[Aliciac]

We WILL have a car. And don't mind the walking. Safe area? We will be there on a Monday.

[Latchkey Kid]

Oops, something happened to my post about lunch places. I've got somethng in the oven, I'll be right back...

[uptown_urbanist]

Yes, you'll be safe walking around Hollywood during the day. I agree with Latchkey that you might want to just consider going that route. I like the suggestion of incorporating Olvera Street with Hollywood; maybe start in Hollywood, walk down Hollywood Blvd to Vine, hop on the Red Line, get off in Union Station (a landmark itself), then cross the street to wander around Olvera Street (it's literally right across from the station) then just hop back on the train to get back to where you started. The Pig'n Whistle (on Hollywood Blvd by the Egyptian Theater) is very definitely traditional old Hollywood, and isn't bad, especially given the location. I think they have lunch specials, too. Check out the website for some of their history:

Pig'n Whistle

[Latchkey Kid]

Yes, it's safe. Hmm, I'm wondering how much you will pay to park in Hollywood and where. I think you should just park the car and walk around Hollywood by yourselves. You can drive down the strip, it's close. You also can drive down to the Farmer's Market and the Grove if you want to look around or have lunch at the Farmer's Market. You also can drive thru Beverly Hills and look at Rodeo if it's of interest.

As far as Old Hollywood restaurants, the oldest and most legendary still in operation is Musso and Frank's, they have a menu online. There's the Pig N' the Whistle, which is next to the Egyptian Theater and has been restored Pig'n Whistle. Food not so classic the last time I was there. On the strip, there's Carney's dining car housed in an old Amtrak train.