Celebrity-spotting in Los Angeles isn’t hard—you just have to know where to look!
If you’re not sure where to stop when you see Los Angeles via bus rental, here are some of the best places in Hollywood where your group of sightseers could run into their favorite stars:
Franklin Village
This often-overlooked yet quaint neighborhood offers a relaxing change of pace if your sightseers need a break from the city’s bustle but still want to spot celebrities. Catch an improv show at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (who knows which comedians will be workshopping new material here!), or grab a crescent at La Poubelle (a cute French bistro beloved by the likes of Robert Pattinson, Amanda Seyfried, Mila Kunis, and more).
Mulholland Drive
Though this iconic scenic highway is well worth the drive for the sweeping views of the downtown skyline and a peek of the famous Hollywood Sign, if you’re just here to see celebrity mansions you won’t be disappointed. Many legendary stars—from John Lennon to Madonna to Demi Moore—have claimed a Mulholland Drive address, and admiring the sprawling exteriors and well-maintained estates from the street can be a great way to spend an afternoon with out-of-towners.
There’s plenty of preset Hollywood sightseeing tours that frequent The Drive, but there’s no harm in renting your own private shuttle service if you want something a little more personal. That way, you’ll be able to take the drive at your own pace, add as many or as few stops as your group wants, and ensure your ride has all the amenities your group might need along the way (free WiFi for posting your pictures to Instagram, panoramic windows for better views, you name it).
Runyon Canyon
If you’re traveling with “outdoorsy” types and don’t mind breaking a sweat, definitely add Runyon Canyon to your LA itinerary. This canyon park is one of the closest green spaces to West Hollywood, so your group may just bump into local residents like Orlando Bloom, Natalie Portman, and Channing Tatum while on the trails. And even if celeb-spotting doesn’t pan out, your group can still enjoy some quality dog-spotting throughout the park’s 90 acres of off-leash and pooch-friendly zones.
Studio City Famer’s Market
Every Sunday, the stretch of Ventura Place between Radford Avenue and Laurel Canyon comes to life with pop-up vendors selling street food, local boutiques showcasing their wares, and even a petting zoo with pony rides. On any given weekend, you’re sure to see at least a few actors relaxing with their families between shoots—just be respectful and give them some space on their day off.
Live Studio Tapings
Having trouble finding celebrities while out and about? Try catching them in their element: in front of a camera. Not only is being a part of a live studio audience free to the public, but depending on the studio, your group can even get paid to watch your favorite actors at work.
And availability depends on the type of show you want to catch where it is filmed—for example, seats at most Los Angeles-based talent show programs are reserved through specific ticket selling brokers, but you can reserve your spot for some talk shows by checking their website. Many tickets need to be reserved months in advance, so be sure to do your homework before you start planning.
The Walk of Fame
Sometimes, Lady Luck is simply not on your side, and you won’t see any celebrities on your Hollywood bus tour. If all else fails, ask your driver to drop you off at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Then, at least, your friends can find their favorite celebs’ stars on the sidewalk, snap a selfie with them, and hop back on your celebrity sightseeing bus rental to enjoy some sweet AC on your way back to the hotel.