When it comes to exploring and sightseeing, LA offers pretty much everything to see and do under the sun. Given the city’s sprawling expanse, a tour is a great way to tick off some of the multitude of possibilities. If shuffling on to a bus with a crowd of camera toting tourists and a droning guide is not your idea of a good time, don’t be put off. Sightseeing tours in Los Angeles range from the overwhelmingly energetic (up for a run, anyone?) to the downright creepy. And with the right guide, you can see things that you didn’t even know existed.

Even if you are a long-time resident, take a tour and immerse you in the city’s unique history and culture. From walking tours of Hollywood’s most famous movie studios to whirlwind bus tours that will take you from the city to the beach and everywhere in between, there is something here for most tastes. Many of the larger sightseeing companies offer numerous bus and walking tours covering different aspects of LA and its surrounding areas. If you want to cover a lot of ground in one go or don’t have a lot of time to spare, combination tours will save you some money and allow you to pack a lot of punch into your day of sightseeing.

The following is an overview of the different types of tours available and some of the companies that offer them. For more information on local tours and tour operators, contact the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau (213 624 7300, www.seemyLA.com).