Best Helicopter Tour in Los Angeles
FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll blow on adult things like legal addictive substances (caffeine-infused drinks) and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support. See my privacy policy.
Ready to book a helicopter tour in Los Angeles?
In this article, I’m going to highlight all the best helicopter tours in Los Angeles and surrounding areas like Long Beach and Malibu, so you can pick the one that works best for you.
Our Top Pick: Best Helicopter Tour Los Angeles
At about 502 square miles (1300 ms), Los Angeles is a sprawling city with unlimited sites to see.
I live here and haven’t seen everything I want to see…yet!
The best way to visit and see Los Angeles is on this Hooray for Hollywood Helicopter Tour – the only way to appreciate LA’s vastness – and the most efficient.
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
The best helicopter ride in Los Angeles is Hooray for Hollywood Helicopter Tour with a perfect 5 Star Rating!
Quick Guide: Los Angeles Helicopter Tours
✓ And famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater
✓ Private Champagne toast and dessert
✓ Likely to sell out!
Best Helicopter Tours in Los Angeles
1. Hooray for Hollywood Helicopter Tour 🚁 (Best Tour)
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 30 minutes | ✅ Book it!
Why choose this tour? It includes a bit of everything Hollywood, and is the best, most complete Hollywood tour of them all — with everything included except gratuity for the pilot (it’s customary to tip your pilot).
The Hooray for Hollywood Helicopter Tour includes:
✅ Explore Hollywood from above
✅ Fly over Hollywood and Beverly Hills Mansions
✅ The world-famous Hollywood Sign
✅ A bird’s-eye view of famous streets like Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard
✅ Fly over famous Hollywood landmarks like TCL Chinese Theatre (Grauman’s) and Dolby Theatre
What past guests have said:
Highly recommend this tour to anyone in the area searching for a great experience. The pilot and staff were very informational about the sights that we visited. I can’t want to go back! – Steven (see more reviews)
2. Los Angeles Helicopter Tour with Romantic Mountaintop Landing
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 45 minutes | ✅ Book it!
Why choose this tour? This tour is unique because you land on a secluded mountain in Malibu, where you and your partner enjoy champagne and dessert. This is truly a wonderful way to experience Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Helicopter Tour with Romantic Mountaintop Landing includes:
✅ Land on a secluded mountain in Malibu
✅ Enjoy champagne and dessert at the pit stop in Malibu
✅ Take in stunning views of Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and the Hollywood sign
✅ Private tour is just for two, plus a captain
What past guests have said:
My hubby and I booked this romantic helicopter tour of LA in November 2022 and it’s one of the best adventures we’ve ever experienced. – Seema (see more reviews)
3. Private Helicopter Tour of Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, and Long Beach
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 30 minutes | ✅ Book it!
Why choose this tour? This tour highlights the stunning California Coastline, including Long Beach – with everything included except gratuity for the pilot (it is customary to tip your pilot).
The Private Helicopter Tour of Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, and Long Beach includes:
✅ Sweeping views over the breaks at Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan beaches
✅ Then swoops above the exclusive harbor in Marina del Rey
✅ Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the slender Santa Monica Pier
✅ Return to Long Beach past Hawthorne, Torrance and the Galaxy Stadium while enjoying sweeping western panoramas of the Pacific Ocean
What past guests have said:
The tour was beautiful and the pilot provided great detail regarding historical facts and places. I would highly recommend this company and people to experience a ride. – Mariah (see more reviews)
4. Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 15 minutes | ✅ Book it!
Why choose this tour? This is a short tour, so if you want to avoid being in the air for a long time, this one is for you. You’ll see the LA coastline from the sky with an exciting 15-minute tour from Long Beach on a private helicopter. This tour is popular and likely to sell out. Book in advance.
The Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach includes:
✅ Swoop above the iconic Queen Mary ocean liner
✅ Hover over downtown Long Beach
✅ Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the imposing Queen Mary that’s moored in the city’s bustling port
✅ Take in seaward views of Catalina Island and the curving Pacific coastline
What past guests have said:
Amazing experience! But don’t ask how long they’ve been flying lol, apparently pilots get asked that a lot and have a fun answer every time – Victoria (see more reviews)
5. Private Helicopter Tour of Beaches & Downtown Los Angeles from Long Beach
⭐️ RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 45 minutes | ✅ Book it!
Why choose this tour? This is a bit longer, clocking in at 45 minutes, and gives you a bit of everything!
The Private Helicopter Tour of Beaches & Downtown Los Angeles from Long Beach includes:
✅ Take in exquisite vistas of the Pacific coast
✅ Views of the Hollywood Hills and the San Gabriel Mountains
✅ Fly up the coast past Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey, bank over Santa Monica pier then head for downtown
✅ Enjoy a fully-narrated tour of downtown
What past guests have said:
From start to finish the whole trip was amazing. Highly recommend to everyone for special occasions or just because. Will be back again! – Pedro (see more reviews)
Weather Conditions During A Helicopter Ride in Los Angeles
You’re likely wondering about safety measures on helicopter rides in Los Angeles.
This experience requires good weather. If the tour you booked gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
The operators of helicopter tours are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and they adhere to strict safety standards.
Are helicopters safe?
According to the FAA Aviation Accident Database,
“We know from the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team’s latest numbers that the helicopter sector has a fatal accident rate of approximately 0.63 per 100,000 hours, based on a five-year moving average. That’s well below the overall general aviation rate of approximately 0.94.”
The operators of helicopter tours are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and they adhere to strict safety standards.
However, like any form of aviation, there is always a small level of risk involved.
It’s important to choose a reputable tour operator with a good safety record and follow all instructions provided during the tour.
What are the Average Helicopter Tour Prices in Los Angeles?
The average price from the five tours on this list is about $350 USD. The lowest is $180 USD, and the highest is $564 US for two adults.
🚁 Wondering, How many people fit in a helicopter? That is determined by weight, not the number of people. Due to limitations of the aircraft, passengers weighing 300 lbs or more or groups with a total weight exceeding 580 lbs cannot be accommodated.
A minimum of two adults are required for most tours.
Helicopter Ride in Los Angeles Reviews
All the tours featured in the article are Five Star tours, or near-Five Star tours with very high ratings. If you choose another helicopter tour, make sure to read reviews before booking.
Best Helicopter ride in los angeles
Helicopter Ride in Los Angeles: Meetup and Pickup Place
Wondering, Where is the meeting place for a helicopter ride in Los Angeles?
Three tours on the list meet in Long Beach, one in Burbank, and one in Van Nuys. The activity usually meets back at the starting point.
Where is Long Beach in Relation to Los Angeles?
Long Beach is approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Los Angeles, and is part of the Gateway Cities region.
Where Is Burbank in Relation to Los Angeles?
Burbank is a city in the southeastern end of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County, California. Located 12 miles (19 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
Where is Van Nuys in Relation to Los Angeles?
Van Nuys is a neighborhood in the central San Fernando Valley about 20 miles from Los Angeles.
What is the best way to get to the meeting point for a helicopter tour?
You have two options: 1) rent a car in Los Angeles and drive to the meeting place in Long Beach, Van Nuys, or Burbank, depending on where your tour leaves from, or 2) take an Uber or Lyft.
The first option is the most cost-efficient.
I recommend renting a car when visiting Los Angeles. I only use and recommend Discover Cars when I rent a car anywhere. They search for the best price for you and have a FREE cancelation policy which I love in case my plans change.
🏆 BEST LOS ANGELES CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS
When booking your Los Angeles car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars. They search both international corporations and local LA companies, so you get the best deal.Driving in Los Angeles is not for the faint of heart!
However, driving to Long Beach, Van Nuys, and especially Burbank is not that bad. Just make sure you have Google Maps pulled up and a cell phone holder in your car to keep everyone safe.
Best Helicopter ride in los angeles
Helicopter Ride in Los Angeles: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time to take a helicopter ride in Los Angeles?
The weather in Los Angeles is moderate all year round, but we do have a rainy season.
The rainy season in Los Angeles is from October 15 to April 15, but the heaviest rainfall is usually from December through February.
You’d want to avoid the rainy season for helicopters tours.
Are helicopter tours worth the money?
While helicopter tours can be expensive, they are absolutely worth the money and a great way to see a sprawling city like Los Angeles.
What time of day is best for a helicopter tour?
Any air travel is highly dependent on weather conditions. Many pilots find that the winds are at their calmest during morning and evening hours.
Do you tip a helicopter tour pilot?
Tipping the pilot or driver is customary whenever you go on any tour/excursion, whether by car, bus, boat, or helicopter. Unless you think they did a terrible job and don’t feel it’s appropriate to tip.
How long does a 25 mile helicopter ride last?
Your flight will last for approximately 15 minutes.
Are helicopter tours bumpy?
Bumps or turbulence in helicopters are basically non-existent. Without getting into an aerodynamic lesson, a helicopter’s response to light and medium turbulence is completely different to a plane.
How do I prepare myself for a helicopter ride?
Great question. Getting ready to get on a helicopter can be a bit anxiety-inducing.
Here are some ways to prepare yourself for the ride:
- Focus on reducing your anxiety.
- Trust the Pilot and the helicopter.
- Always listen to the Pilot.
- Be aware of in-flight safety measures. Pay attention to the pilot’s safety briefing before takeoff.
- Dress in your most comfortable clothes. Wear closed-toe shoes and pants.
- Don’t panic in the rare case of turbulence.
Are helicopter rides cold?
The temperature decreases by approximately 5 degrees per 1,000 feet, but wind can create a more pronounced cooling effect.
Helicopters feature internal temperature control systems that often utilize engine heat to keep the cabin warm during flights in chilly conditions.
Final Thoughts: Best Helicopter Ride in Los Angeles
A helicopter tour over Los Angeles offers a truly remarkable experience for several reasons.
Firstly, it provides a unique and unparalleled perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, and downtown skyline. From high above, you can appreciate the vastness and beauty of the city’s sprawling landscape.
When planning your visit to Los Angeles, you’ll want to include one of these amazing helicopter tours!
Read More About California
- The Best Private San Francisco to Napa Tour
- Napa Valley in the Fall
- The Catalina Island Ferry: Everything You Need to Know
- Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island
- How to Plan a Road Trip in 19 Steps
- Renting a Golf Cart on Catalina Island
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
![21 Silver Lake Restaurants: A Local’s Guide to the Best Places to Eat [2026]](https://californiagirltravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Untitled-design-74-768x432.jpg)
