Long Beach offers excellent tour options that smartly combine local attractions with expert guidance. The 8-hour Los Angeles city tour stands out as our favorite – it’s practical and thorough, covering all essential Hollywood sights with a well-timed lunch break. For a quicker yet meaningful experience, the Los Angeles Highlights Tour packs major attractions into a half-day, including the historic Coliseum and stunning Griffith Observatory views.
We’re especially impressed by the Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour – it’s educational and provides an intimate look at local marine life without the tourist crowds. The East Village Craft Cocktail Tour deserves special mention for its authentic neighborhood experience and knowledgeable local guides.
Let’s explore these top-rated Long Beach tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive 8-hour small-group experience covering popular destinations in Hollywood and Los Angeles.
- The Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach provides a half-day guided tour showcasing key attractions like the Griffith Observatory and Santa Monica.
- The Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours cater to cruise passengers, offering a full-day sightseeing itinerary with convenient departures from the cruise terminals.
- The Long Beach Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour allows visitors to observe marine life and the Queen Mary during a 1-hour boat tour.
- The East Village Craft Cocktail Tour offers an intimate 2.5-hour exploration of Long Beach’s craft cocktail scene in the city’s East Village Arts District.
For those interested in exploring Los Angeles from Long Beach, the Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour provides a rundown of the city’s top attractions.
This small-group tour, limited to 14 people or less, allows travelers to experience the iconic sights of Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach at an affordable price starting from $122.06 per person.
The tour’s itinerary includes visits to the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Dolby Theatre, among other notable landmarks.
Participants will also have the opportunity to stroll along the vibrant Venice Beach boardwalk and explore the upscale shops of Rodeo Drive. Lunch at the famous Mel’s Diner on the Sunset Strip is an optional addition to the experience.
With round-trip transportation from Long Beach hotels in an air-conditioned van and a knowledgeable guide providing informative commentary, this tour offers a hassle-free way for first-time visitors to see the best of Los Angeles.
Read our full review: Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour From Long Beach Review
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Los Angeles Highlights Tour From Long Beach
Curious travelers seeking an immersive introduction to the highlights of Los Angeles can embark on the Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach. This half-day guided tour, limited to a maximum of 14 participants, whisks visitors from Long Beach to explore iconic LA landmarks, movie filming locations, and the bustling streets of Hollywood.
The tour covers key stops like the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the scenic Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Along the way, knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary and anecdotes, creating a relaxed and intimate experience.
Travelers will appreciate the round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes Benz coach, as well as the flexibility of hotel pickup from various locations in the Long Beach area. Priced starting from $122.06 per person, this tour offers a budget-friendly way to discover the best of Los Angeles in a small-group setting.
Read our full review: Los Angeles Highlights Tour From Long Beach Review
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Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours
What might the Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours offer cruise passengers? This full-day sightseeing experience takes travelers to key attractions like Downtown Los Angeles, TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood Boulevard, Griffith Observatory, and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Guests can explore diverse neighborhoods including Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills, with opportunities to photograph the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The tour departs from the San Pedro or Long Beach cruise terminals at 9 AM, with drop-off options at LAX, back at the ship, or at local hotels. With a maximum capacity of 55 travelers, the tour includes lunch, museum entrance fees, and local taxes.
While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is stroller-friendly and offers infant seats.
Reviews are mixed, with an overall rating of 3.8 from 13 customers. Praise goes to the knowledgeable guides, but some criticize the excessive highway time and limited exploration at certain stops.
Suggestions include allowing more time at popular spots and improving pickup coordination. The tour offers cruise passengers an efficient way to see LA’s top sights.
Read our full review: Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours Review
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Long Beach Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour
The Long Beach Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour offers cruise passengers and visitors a unique opportunity to explore the marine life and bustling port activities of the Long Beach harbor.
This 1-hour tour departs from Dock #7, providing a maximum capacity of 45 travelers. Priced at $30.00 per person, the tour includes snacks and landing fees, allowing guests to view sea lions, seals, and the iconic Queen Mary.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals. Infants must sit on laps, and most travelers can participate.
Customer reviews offer a mixed experience, with positive feedback on the crew, views, and eco-tour experience, but some concerns about limited marine life visibility, loud music, and crowded conditions.
Though the duration of fish viewing and overall value received mixed reviews, the tour remains a popular option for those seeking a budget-friendly and eco-conscious glimpse into Long Beach’s vibrant harbor.
Read our full review: Long Beach Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour Review
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East Village Craft Cocktail Tour
Travelers seeking to explore Long Beach’s vibrant craft cocktail scene can embark on the 2.5-hour East Village Craft Cocktail Tour. For $81.03 per person, this tour takes guests to four top spots in the East Village Arts District, where they can enjoy tapas, trivia, and famous filming locations like those seen in La La Land.
The tour includes beverages, snacks, and a local guide with cocktail expertise. Guests are guaranteed to skip long lines and receive a walking guide with coupons, as well as a Beach City Food Tours gift. However, gratuities aren’t included, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants must be at least 21 years old.
The tour starts at 4:30 PM at the James Republic inside the Courtyard Marriott and ends at Padre. While restrooms and seating are available at all stops, guests may need a light dinner after the tour.
With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, this craft cocktail experience provides an intimate and personalized way to explore Long Beach’s vibrant nightlife.
Read our full review: East Village Craft Cocktail Tour Review
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City Tour of Los Angeles From Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals
This full-day tour from the Long Beach and San Pedro cruise terminals offers an excellent opportunity for cruise ship passengers with limited time to explore the iconic sights of Los Angeles.
Operated by Sunseeker Tours, the tour includes round-trip cruise terminal transfers, air-conditioned transportation, and a professional guide, all for $152.83 per person.
The itinerary highlights famous landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and Griffith Park Observatory, with free time to explore, dine, or shop at your own pace.
Stops also include Venice Beach and Mel’s Diner for lunch, along with a ticket for the Angels Flight. The tour provides convenient drop-off options, including LAX airport and hotels near LAX.
While the tour receives overall positive reviews for its knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, some customers have noted issues with time management, suggesting more time at certain locations.
Nonetheless, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Los Angeles for cruise ship passengers with limited time.
Read our full review: City Tour of Los Angeles From Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals Review
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Sum Up
Long Beach offers a variety of tours to suit different interests and budgets. From city sightseeing to ecotours and craft cocktail experiences, there’s something for all. Whether you’re looking for a rundown of Los Angeles or a more specialized experience, Long Beach’s tour options provide an excellent way to explore the area and make the most of your visit.