You've flown all the way to Southern California. You're staying near Disneyland. But there's a whole other world just 30 miles up the road — and it's called Los Angeles. Hollywood. Beverly Hills. Venice Beach. The Hollywood Sign. The Griffith Observatory. All within easy reach from Anaheim.
The question isn't whether to do a day trip to LA from Disneyland — it's how. Here's everything you need to know to make it the best day of your trip.
🚌 LA in a Day Tours picks up directly from 75+ Anaheim and Disneyland-area hotels — no driving, no parking, no stress. Hotel pickup starts at 7:00 AM.
Why Do a Day Trip from Disneyland to LA?
If you're spending a week in the Anaheim area, spending at least one full day in Los Angeles is a no-brainer. Here's why:
- It's only 30 miles away — LA is genuinely close, but without a car and local knowledge, it can feel overwhelming
- LA and Disneyland are completely different experiences — LA gives you culture, history, celebrity, ocean, and architecture that Disney simply can't
- The landmarks are iconic — Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach — these are bucket-list stops
- Kids and adults both love it — the variety of stops means there's something for everyone in the group
The Best Stops on an LA Day Trip from Disneyland
A full-day tour from Anaheim covers all of LA's greatest hits in a single 8–9 hour loop. Here's what you'll see:
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Find your favourite stars, photograph Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and soak in the energy of Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood Sign
See the world's most famous sign up close — your guide knows the best viewpoints that most tourists miss.
Griffith Observatory
Panoramic views of the entire city — the skyline, the sign, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean in the distance.
Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive
Walk the most famous shopping street in the world, see the Beverly Hills Hotel, and feel the 90210 glamour.
Farmers Market & The Grove
Lunch at LA's iconic Farmers Market — dozens of food options at all price points in an open-air setting.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Street performers, Muscle Beach, skaters, artists — Venice is pure California culture at its most vibrant.
Santa Monica Pier
The iconic pier, Pacific Park, and the end of Route 66 — one of the most photographed spots in California.
Sunset Strip Drive-By
Narrated cruise past the legendary venues, rock history, and celebrity haunts of West Hollywood's Sunset Blvd.
How to Get from Disneyland to LA — Your Options
What a Full Day Looks Like
Here's a sample timeline for a guided LA day trip departing from the Anaheim/Disneyland area:
Hotel Pickup
We collect you directly from your hotel lobby — no need to find your own way anywhere. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Hollywood & Griffith Observatory
First stop: the Hollywood Hills. See the Hollywood Sign from the best viewpoints, visit Griffith Observatory for panoramic city views, and cruise Mulholland Drive.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Explore Hollywood Blvd, find your favourite stars, photograph Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and see the Dolby Theatre where the Oscars are held.
Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive
Stroll Rodeo Drive, see the Beverly Hills Hotel, and cruise the celebrity-lined streets of Bel Air and Beverly Hills.
Lunch at Farmers Market & The Grove
A full hour to explore the original Farmers Market — dozens of food stalls, restaurants, and cafes at every price point. One of LA's great lunch spots.
Venice Beach & Boardwalk
The boardwalk, Muscle Beach, street performers, Banksy murals, and the canals — pure California culture. One of the most entertaining stops of the day.
Santa Monica Pier
Walk the world-famous pier, see Pacific Park, and stand at the end of Route 66. Great for photos and a final ocean breeze before heading back.
Return Drive to Anaheim
Your guide narrates the drive back through LA and down the freeway — great time to ask questions and hear more stories about the city.
Hotel Dropoff
Back at your Anaheim hotel, rested and full of memories. Plenty of time to freshen up for dinner or an evening at the parks.
Tips for the Best LA Day Trip from Disneyland
Book in advance
Our Anaheim tours are popular, especially during peak season (summer, spring break, holiday periods). We recommend booking at least a week ahead to secure your preferred date.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking at each stop. Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are essential — avoid heels or sandals without support.
Dress in layers
LA mornings can be cool, especially near the coast, but it warms up significantly by midday. A light jacket or hoodie that you can tie around your waist is perfect.
Bring spending money for lunch
Lunch at the Farmers Market is on your own — budget around $15–30 per person depending on what you order. There are options for every budget.
Charge your camera
You'll have countless photo opportunities throughout the day — the Hollywood Sign, Griffith views, Rodeo Drive, Venice Beach sunlight. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged.
Don't worry about parking
One of the biggest advantages of a guided tour is never having to think about parking. In LA, parking can add $20–40 per stop — that cost alone makes a guided tour great value.
💡 Pro tip: If you're visiting Disneyland for multiple days, we recommend doing the LA day trip on a day when the parks are likely to be busiest (typically weekends and holidays). It's a great way to skip the crowds while still making the most of your SoCal trip.
Is This Tour Good for Kids?
Absolutely. Our LA tours from Anaheim are very family-friendly. Kids typically love Venice Beach (the performers and energy are endlessly entertaining), the Hollywood Sign viewpoints, and Santa Monica Pier. The Farmers Market lunch stop has something for even the pickiest eaters.
Children 12 and under have their own pricing: $99/child (Mon–Thu) or $109/child (Fri–Sun) for hotel pickup. The tour is designed with a mix of active exploration and riding, so it works well for most ages.
Meeting Point Option — Don't Have Hotel Pickup?
If your Anaheim accommodation isn't on our hotel pickup list, you can also join the tour at our Anaheim meeting point at the Anaheim Garden Walk (in front of McCormick & Schmick's), 321 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802. Check-in is at 7:30 AM. Check the Anaheim Garden Walk website for current parking rates.
Meeting point pricing: $109/adult (Mon–Thu) · $119/adult (Fri–Sun) · $99/child 12 & under.
Ready to See LA from Anaheim?
Hotel pickup from 75+ Anaheim & Disneyland-area hotels. Full day in LA — Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach & more.
Book Anaheim Tour Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
How far is Disneyland from Los Angeles?
Disneyland in Anaheim is about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles. In a tour bus, it typically takes 45–60 minutes each way, depending on traffic. We time departures to avoid the worst of the rush.
What time does the Anaheim tour depart?
Hotel pickups begin at 7:00 AM. The meeting point check-in at Anaheim Garden Walk is 7:30 AM. The tour runs approximately 8–9 hours total including the drive to and from LA.
Which hotels do you pick up from in Anaheim?
We pick up from 75+ hotels in the Anaheim and Disneyland area, including most major hotels on Harbor Blvd, Disney Way, Katella Ave, and surrounding streets. See our full hotel pickup list to check your hotel.
Can I do Disneyland and LA in the same day?
We don't recommend it — both deserve a full day of your attention. Our LA tour runs 8–9 hours and you'll return to Anaheim in the early evening, leaving time to rest before another big park day.
Is lunch included?
A one-hour lunch stop is included at the Farmers Market and The Grove — but food is purchased separately. There are dozens of options at all price points. Complimentary bottled water is provided throughout the day.
What if it rains?
LA has very little rain — the famous sunshine is reliable most of the year. If unusual weather occurs, the tour still runs as planned. Most stops have covered areas and the narrated bus time is always enjoyable rain or shine.