Best Helicopter Tours in Los Angeles for Couples
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LA looks different from 2,000 feet. The Hollywood sign, the coastline stretching from Malibu to Long Beach, downtown towers rising out of the haze. A helicopter tour gives you the perspective that driving the 405 never will.
Helicopter tours in LA typically launch from Santa Monica, Long Beach, or Van Nuys. Most cover the Hollywood sign, downtown, the coastline, and celebrity neighborhoods in 12 to 20 minutes. It's fast, it's loud (you'll wear a headset), and it's the kind of thing you'll talk about for weeks. If you're also planning water activities, check out our LA sunset cruises guide.
We've sorted through the options below: standard sightseeing flights, sunset coastline flights, doors-off photography tours, and premium packages. Prices, tips, and the best times to fly are all covered. If you're building a full LA date itinerary, our Los Angeles date planner can help.
Top-Rated Helicopter Tours
These are the highest-rated helicopter experiences in Los Angeles. Each route covers different landmarks and durations.
LA Private Doors-Off Aerial Photography Helicopter Adventure
Be prepared for the experience of a lifetime when you soar above all that Los Angeles has to offer for 60 minutes on a doors-off, glare-free aerial helicopter photography flight. Leaving Long Beach, heading straight to Downtown Long Beach and the the Queen Mary ship. Then, over the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to the famous Vincent Thomas Bridge, seen in the movie 'Gone in 60 Seconds' with Nicholas Cage. From there you will see the USS Battleship Iowa and head around the magnificent Palos Verdes Peninsula. Then up to the Manhattan Beach Pier, skimming along the waves through LAX and up to the famous Venice Beach. Upon reaching the iconic Santa Monica Pier you will head inland over Beverly Hills, UCLA, and Hollywood before cruising by the timeless Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. Then you will head over to the Dodgers Stadium and Downtown LA, marveling at the height of the US Bank building, the tallest on the West Coast, before heading back to Long Beach.
Hollywood Sign and Coast 35-Minute Helicopter Tour in Los Angeles
Combining both city and beaches. This is a great helicopter tour if you want to see some amazing City Landmarks, including major Hollywood Studios; ‘Tinsel Town’, and the Hollywood sign with a flight above LA’s most famous and most visited beach & pier; Santa Monica!
Joshua Tree National Park Private Adventure from Los Angeles
Join us for an unforgettable private day trip from Los Angeles where we will pick you up from the hotel or the airport to explore the stunning Joshua Tree National Park, designed for a small group of up to 5 people to ensure a personalized experience. This adventure is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking to experience the breathtaking beauty of the desert in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Hollywood and Beaches 50-Minute Helicopter Tour
Enjoy a breathtaking flight above LA on this 50 minute tour. A helicopter flight above Hollywood for an up-close view of the Hollywood Sign and Downtown L.A. Sights can include Topanga Cyn, Malibu Pier & Surfrider Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Dodgers Stadium, Staples Center, Griffith Park Observatory, The Hollywood Bowl and much more!
Malibu VIP Multi-Adventure Experience
Leave the tourist trail behind and explore Malibu’s most stunning hidden locations in a private, guided experience. Ride in a powerful Ford Raptor through scenic canyon roads, rugged off-road climbs, and tranquil stops—featuring exclusive access to nature spots, local wine tasting, and unforgettable ocean views.
Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach: See Catalina, Queen Mary
Cruise over downtown Long Beach and the historical Queen Mary on this private helicopter tour. You'll then soar over the port of Long Beach and Los Angeles while climbing up to get spectacular views of Catalina and the L.A. Basin.
Scenic Sightseeing Flights
The standard LA helicopter sightseeing tour covers the greatest hits: Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, downtown LA, Beverly Hills, and the Santa Monica Pier. You fly at about 1,500 feet, which is high enough to see the full layout of the basin but low enough to pick out landmarks clearly. Most flights run 12 to 15 minutes.
Expect to pay $150 to $250 per person for a standard tour. Most operators seat 4 to 6 passengers per flight. The helicopter circles the landmarks, so both sides get photo opportunities.
What you'll see
- •Hollywood sign up close from an angle you can't get on foot
- •Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Hills
- •Downtown LA skyline and Staples Center
- •Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach from above
A sightseeing flight makes a great addition to a full date night. Fly in the afternoon, then grab dinner in Santa Monica while the sun sets over the Pacific.
Sunset & Romantic Flights
LA sunset flights follow the coastline from Santa Monica to Palos Verdes, catching the sun dropping into the Pacific. The city lights coming on across the basin create a second show. If there's one flight worth paying extra for, it's this one.
Budget $250 to $350 per person for sunset-specific slots. They cost more because demand is highest during this window. Some operators offer champagne add-ons or private flight options for couples. A private sunset flight for two runs $600 to $900 total, which splits to a reasonable per-person cost for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Best for
- Anniversaries and proposals
- Couples who want the Pacific Ocean sunset backdrop
- Birthday or celebration dates
Good to know
- Sunset shifts with season (5 PM winter, 8 PM summer)
- Marine layer can affect visibility, especially May and June
- Champagne add-ons available at most operators
If you're planning something special, a sunset flight pairs perfectly with a romantic dinner afterward. Land at the heliport, walk to a nearby restaurant, and keep the evening going.
Premium & Extended Tours
For couples who want more than the standard loop, extended tours (20 to 30 minutes) add the Malibu coastline, the Getty Center, UCLA, and celebrity homes in Bel Air. You cover twice the ground and see parts of LA that most people only know from a car window.
Doors-off photography tours are exactly what they sound like. The helicopter doors are removed, giving you unobstructed views and zero glass glare for photos. You're harnessed in securely, but the open-air rush is intense. These run $250 to $400 per person and are wildly popular with photographers.
Private charters for two are the top-tier option. You get the entire helicopter, choose your route, and fly on your schedule. Budget $600 to $1,200 depending on duration. If you're celebrating an anniversary, this is the kind of thing that becomes the story you tell for years.
More Romantic Experiences in LA
Beach picnics, sunset sails, and rooftop bars. Pair with a helicopter tour for the full LA experience.
Downtown LA Lights: Your Private Sunset and Night Helicopter Tour
Sunset, dusk and nighttime are three incredible times to see Downtown Los Angeles and its surroundings. Incredible lights and sunsets abound will make your journey one to remember! LA sunsets with the iconic downtown LA skyline are a view that you'll never forget as you may even see the Hollywood sign and a complete panorama of LA on clear sunsets. See the massive US Bank Building, the home of the Lakers, the Disney Concert Hall, LA Live and many other cool sites as you travel it comfort. Be sure to bring your camera!
Ultimate Tour of Los Angeles by Helicopter
The Ultimate Tour of Long Beach and Los Angeles takes you on a grand lap of the big city. The tour begins in Long Beach Airport and it stretches all the way to Santa Monica, Hollywood Sign and Downtown LA. Travel up the coastline of Long Beach and around San Pedro and Palos Verdes. This helicopter tour continues up the coast along the beautiful Los Angeles beaches of Torrance and Redondo Beach. After passing Manhattan Beach and the LAX International Airport the route makes a turn in Santa Monica. From Santa Monica you are flown over the 405 Freeway and the mountain top that houses the beautiful Getty Museum, by UCLA, Beverly Hills and on towards Hollywood. You'll travel by the famous Hollywood sign and Griffith Park Observatory on your way to the Dodgers Stadium and Downtown LA. This is the best way to experience the full scale of Los Angeles from the sky. This all-encompassing route will leave you feeling as though you have been reintroduced to the great city of Los Angeles.
Grand Los Angeles 65-Minute Helicopter Tour
The ultimate helicopter tour of Los Angeles- The Grand Tour. During this flight we offer you the best of L.A., starting with a flight west out off the San Fernando Valley and Calabasas head South into Malibu Canyon. Enjoy the natural beauty of Santa Monica Mountains and views of the Pacific Ocean and islands off the coast. Fly the coastline from Point Dume along the Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice beaches. A helicopter flight is the best way to see LA’s top attractions from a bird’s eye perspective. Fly high above Sunset Boulevard through Hollywood and get up-close views of the world famous Hollywood sign. Also on the flight enjoy the Mansions of Bel Air and Beverly Hills and a close up view around Down town LA, a day time flight there is simply no better way to see the famous (and infamous) sights of Los Angeles than from a helicopter.
What to Expect on Your First Flight
Never been in a helicopter? Here's exactly what happens so there are no surprises.
Duration
Plan for 45 minutes to 1 hour total. That includes check-in (arrive 30 min early), a safety briefing (5 min), and the flight itself (12 to 20 min depending on route).
Pricing
Budget $150 to $350 per person. Standard sightseeing is cheapest. Sunset and doors-off tours cost more. Private charters run $600 to $1,200 for the helicopter.
Safety Briefing
You'll get a safety briefing, be fitted with a life vest, and meet your pilot. Weight limits apply, usually 250 to 300 lbs per passenger. Operators will ask your weight at booking.
Departure Points
Most LA tours depart from Santa Monica Airport, Long Beach Airport, or Van Nuys Airport. Santa Monica is closest to the coast and the most popular launch point for scenic coastline flights.
Best Time to Book
LA weather and visibility make a big difference in your experience. Here's what to target.
Peak Season (May to October)
Best visibility once the marine layer clears, usually by noon. Longest days with sunset flights running as late as 8 PM. Highest demand and prices. Book 5 to 7 days ahead minimum.
Best for: Sunset flights and coastline tours
Off-Season (November to March)
Clearest air after rain. Santa Ana winds bring the best visibility of the year, with sharp views all the way to Catalina Island. Better prices and easier availability.
Best for: Clearest visibility and better value
Morning flights (before 10 AM) tend to have the best visibility regardless of season. Afternoon haze builds up over the LA basin, especially in summer. For pure clarity, a morning flight after a Santa Ana wind event is hard to beat.
Tips for Couples
LA has a few quirks (hello, marine layer) that are worth knowing before you book. These tips apply to any flight, but they're especially handy if you're planning a first date you want to nail.
A helicopter tour makes a great "H" for your alphabet dating list. Just saying.
After the Flight: Where to Eat
Most helicopter tours in LA end near the coast. You'll be buzzing with adrenaline and hungry. Here are two spots that match the energy.
LA Helicopter Coastline Tour
The Lobster
Seafood $$
LA Sunset Helicopter Flight
Elephante
Mediterranean $$
Ready to explore Los Angeles?
Build your full LA date itinerary. Helicopter tour plus dinner, drinks, or a sunset walk on the pier.
About the Author
Sarah JohnsonLead Content Writer
Sarah writes about first dates, communication, and budget-friendly dating. Her focus is practical stuff: what to say, where to go, how to not spend $200 on a Tuesday.
She tests every date idea she recommends. If it doesn't pass the "would I actually do this?" test, it doesn't make it into a guide.
View all articles by Sarah →More Date Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
Prices range from $150 to $350 per person. A standard Hollywood sign tour runs $150 to $250. Sunset coastline flights cost $250 to $350. Private charters for two start around $500 to $1,000.
If that's above your budget, check out our cheap date ideas for alternatives that still feel like an event.
It can. The marine layer is a bank of low clouds that sits along the coast, especially in May and June (locals call it "May Gray" and "June Gloom"). It usually burns off by noon, so afternoon and evening flights are less affected. If the layer is thick, operators may delay or cancel coastal routes. Have a backup ready, like one of these indoor date ideas. Morning flights to Hollywood and inland areas are less impacted.
Yes. LA helicopter tours fly directly past the Hollywood sign at roughly eye level from about 1,000 feet. You get a perspective that's impossible from the ground or the Griffith Observatory trail. Most standard tours include the sign, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Hills as core stops.
The Hollywood route focuses on inland landmarks: the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, downtown LA, Beverly Hills, and celebrity neighborhoods. The coastline route follows the Pacific from Santa Monica to Palos Verdes, covering beaches, the PCH, and the Santa Monica Pier. Some extended tours combine both for 20 to 25 minutes.
Book at least 3 to 5 days ahead. Weekend sunset slots during summer sell out a week or more in advance. Weekday flights are easier to grab on shorter notice. Most operators include free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so booking early carries no risk.