The 12 Best Two-Hour Experiences in Los Angeles

1.2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 461 reviews · from $45Our pick

Ride through Hollywood, past the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood sign, Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills, with a certified guide handling the traffic and commentary. The bus tour lasts about two hours and takes up to 23 people. Guides have included Sal, Steve and Freddy, but assignments vary. Bring a jacket for the open bus, and keep expectations flexible: the sign can look distant or disappear in fog.

“The experience was fun, the driver was so entertaining with his comments and music. The weather was great. Highly recommended tour”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.2-Hour Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills Open Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 290 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Ride an open bus through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Laurel Canyon and nearby areas on an approximately two-hour tour from 6607 W Sunset Blvd. Guides such as Sam, Disco, Steven and George have brought the route to life with film stories, music and humor. Expect passing views, not a full set of photo stops, and dress for wind in the hills.

“Great experience to take a look around LA and learn more about the history and what is happening now. Sam was our driver and host and did a great job, with a sense of humor!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.2-Hour Hollywood Trail Horseback Riding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 256 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Ride a calm, guided trail through Griffith Park with Sunset Ranch Hollywood, starting near Hollywood Boulevard. Your two-hour outing includes a horse, helmet and guide, plus views of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory and downtown LA. No riding experience is needed, but the trail runs near steep edges, so it is not a good fit if heights make you uneasy.

“Amazing experience. I recommend for everyone. The guide Cass was amazing, sharing so much information abut the park and the history of different part of LA. Definitely worth going.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.2 hour Inside Adventure Tour on Catalina Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 230 reviews · from $86

This two-hour ride takes you about ten miles into Catalina’s protected interior in a custom safari vehicle, with an onboard guide sharing island history and wildlife details. You’ll stop at Airport-in-the-Sky to visit the Conservancy Nature Center and look down on a Native American gathering site. Bison, deer, bald eagles, and Catalina Island foxes may appear, but sightings are not guaranteed.

“Tim was amazing and very enthusiastic. The views of the island were awesome. We didn’t see bison so that was a bummer.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Shared 2 Hour Small Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85Top rated

At Fun Surf LA, you get a two-hour beginner-to-intermediate lesson at Santa Monica, with 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction followed by coached water practice and time to keep trying. An 8- or 9-foot foam board and wetsuit are included. Groups are limited to four, and instructors named in past lessons include Jackson, Nico, Melanie, and Jonathan.

“We had an amazing time! It was our first time surfing and Jonathan was an excellent teacher. We got to see some leopard sharks in the water too!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.2 1/2 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Bel Air

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews

Explore Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, with a guide and a route you can tailor to your interests. David Rogers is the guide named in the tour details. Expect photo stops, Hollywood history and drives past celebrity homes, not entry to private properties.

“David is an outstanding tour guide, and we highly recommend him. He expertly navigated us through all the fascinating parts of Los Angeles, sharing captivating historical insights along the way. The tour was not only comfortable but also felt very safe. He accommodated our preferences for pickup and drop-off locations, enhancing the convenience of our experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.LA Half Day City Tour and 2-Hour Celebrity Homes Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

This English-language combo starts and ends near the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with a city tour and a celebrity-homes segment in a group of up to 14. Expect stops at Santa Monica Pier, the Original Farmers Market, The Grove and Griffith Observatory, plus a distant view of the Hollywood Sign. Guides named by past riders include Chad, Jeff, Talib and Kelly.

“Running commentary very good with Shawn & Paul? The Celebrity homes was good. Shame there weren't places to stop at in the next tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.2-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $145

Start with 30 minutes of beach instruction on board basics, waves, safety, etiquette, and pop-up form, then head into the water with a local surf instructor. The lesson meets near the Venice and Santa Monica border and includes your surfboard and wetsuit. Dale is one instructor associated with the experience, though your teacher may vary.

“Dale was excellent - he was very patient and supportive while trying to learn the ins and outs of surfing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.2 Hour Private Tour of Avalon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews

Take a private two-hour golf cart tour of Avalon with a local guide. You’ll see viewpoints and quieter corners of town, hear stories about Catalina’s past and present, and have time to pause for photos. Guides have included Chris, Carol, Mark, Joy, Michael, and Sarah. Pickup from your accommodation is offered.

“This is a must do when visiting Catalina Island. So much better than renting a golf cart and exploring on your own. Chris our guide was a local and was fantastic with his knowledge of the island and was cool to hang with. Just do it…you won’t be sorry!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.2-Hour Private Group Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 76 reviews · 2 hours

You and up to five companions get a private two-hour cruise aboard a 42-foot motor yacht from Rainbow Harbor. Expect views of the Queen Mary, Long Beach Port, and the coast, with a possible swim near Island White. Captain Ryan is often at the helm and takes professional photos. Bring your own picnic and drinks, but leave red wine at home.

“We had booked this for our marriage anniversary. It was super nice, Ryan himself is a very professional person. He goes above and beyond helping us make it more memorable. Moreover he took some of the best pictures of our LA trip with his professional camera, I would like to come here again next time I’m visiting La.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.2-Hour Kayak or Paddleboard with Sea Lions in Marina del Rey

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

Meet your guide at Mother's Beach for a two-hour kayak or stand-up paddleboard trip through Marina del Rey. Learn basic paddling and safety, then head toward the main channel to look for sea lions, birds, dolphins, and notable boats. The group is capped at seven, and guides have included Walker, Tyler, Josh, Nate, and Tanya.

“Walker was a fantastic guide, really helpful and friendly. We had a leisurely ride through the Marina, feeling very safe and managed to get up close and personal with the very cute sea lions! It was a great experience and I’d highly recommend it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.2 Hour Private Tour – Hollywood and Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $167

Spend two hours with a private guide in a luxury black SUV, touring celebrity neighborhoods and landmarks from Rodeo Drive to the Hollywood Hills. Guides such as Ben, Craig, Jim, and Mark share film and music stories, answer questions, and can adjust the route to your interests. Families get a scavenger hunt with prizes.

“Our tour with Mark was great. He was friendly, courteous, and extremely knowledgable. Driving through the Hills of LA in an air-conditioned SUV on a warm and sunny afternoon was a huge plus. Would definitely recommend the tour, and ask for Mark.”

Check availability →Read our full review