Lost Souls of Hollywood Blvd: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour

If you’re looking for a spooky yet flexible way to explore Hollywood’s haunted past, the Lost Souls of Hollywood Blvd tour offers just that — an audio-guided adventure you can do on your own schedule. This $9.99 experience uses your smartphone to bring ghost stories and haunted tales to life as you stroll through the heart of Los Angeles’ entertainment district. With 16 points of interest over a 1.5-mile route, it’s a budget-friendly way to add some supernatural sparkle to your Hollywood visit.

One of the things we really like about this tour is its flexibility. Unlike traditional guided walks that run on set times, you can start whenever you want and go at your own pace. Plus, with a GPS map and trivia prompts, you’re kept engaged and moving smoothly from landmark to landmark. However, it does require a smartphone and optional headphones — so you’ll want to be comfortable with tech and walking. This experience is perfect for curious ghost enthusiasts, solo explorers, or those who love discovering Hollywood’s darker corners without the pressure of a group.

Key Points

• Self-Paced Flexibility: You can do it anytime, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Affordable Price: At just $9.99, it offers a cost-effective way to explore haunted Hollywood.
• Rich Storytelling: Guided by three podcasters, each stop is filled with intriguing tales.
• Interactive Experience: Trivia prompts keep your mind engaged as you walk.
• Convenient Tech: GPS route and auto-play commentary enhance the experience.
• Ideal for Ghost Fans: Ghost stories, haunted landmarks, and historical insights for thrill seekers.

The Lost Souls of Hollywood Blvd is a smartphone audio tour that takes you along Hollywood Boulevard, highlighting its haunted sites and spooky histories. Designed by Tripvia Tours, it offers a mix of ghost stories, celebrity hauntings, and old Hollywood legends, all narrated by three lively podcasters. The entire experience is crafted to be self-guided and interactive, giving you control over your pace and timing.

The cost is modest at $9.99 per person, providing access to audio content you can download and listen to anywhere, anytime after purchase. The tour’s emphasis on flexibility is key — you’re not tied to a schedule, which makes it perfect for spontaneous or busy travelers. Whether you want a quick stroll or a leisurely exploration, this tour adapts to your rhythm.

Why We Like It

One of the standout features is the live GPS map that directs your route and automatically plays commentary as you approach each landmark. We loved the way it combines storytelling with navigation, so you’re never lost or confused about where to go next. The trivia game adds a playful challenge, encouraging you to recall stories and engage more deeply with the sites.

The tour covers some of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, TCL Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds, and the Egyptian Theatre — all famous for their histories and ghostly legends. The narration offers interesting tidbits, like the ghosts still seen wandering around the Hollywood Roosevelt or the spirits haunting the wax museum.

Each stop on this tour offers its own unique ghost story or historical tidbit, making the walk both eerie and educational. Here’s what you can expect at each point:

Yamashiro Hollywood

This is the starting point, where the tour’s ghostly guides “introduce” themselves via your smartphone. The location itself, with its stunning gardens, sets the tone for a spooky adventure. You’ll hear stories about Hollywood’s haunted past and get your first taste of the ghostly tales that lie ahead.

The Magic Castle

Though not included in the ticket price, this private club is legendary for its unusual charm. The tour explains why it’s considered one of the “most unusual private clubs in the world,” and shares stories of the ghost who entertains visitors with piano tunes long after death — a fun, ghostly twist.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

A highlight, this historic hotel is renowned for its ghostly legends. We appreciated learning about the spirits that are said to still haunt its halls, and the fact that it’s one of the oldest continually operating hotels in LA. The narration brings the ghost stories to life, making it feel like you’re walking through a haunted Hollywood history book.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Famous for its wax figures, this museum’s reported ghostly visitors add an eerie layer to its celebrity-filled halls. The story of a ghost haunting the wax museum creates a fun juxtaposition between Hollywood glamour and ghostly whispers.

TCL Chinese Theatre

Walking into the courtyard, you’ll hear stories of haunted screenings and ghostly apparitions reportedly seen during movie premieres. The theater’s legendary status as a movie palace also fuels its spooky reputation.

Hollywood & Highland

Here, the tour recounts the tale of Hollywood’s first heartthrob who’s still seen lurking around the area. It’s a playful reminder that Hollywood’s history isn’t just on film but in spirited form.

Hollywood Wax Museum

More ghost stories tied to wax figures and ghostly patrons wandering the halls, adding to the mystique of Hollywood’s ghostly reputation.

The Egyptian Theatre

This historic venue’s fascination with non-American cultures is highlighted alongside stories of ghostly patrons who fill the halls, increasing its haunted allure.

Musso & Frank Grill

The oldest restaurant in Hollywood, dating back over a century, is said to be haunted — with stories of ghostly sightings and lingering spirits in its vintage interior.

Vogue Theatre

With stories of two specific ghosts still “residing” here, this stop offers a glimpse into Hollywood’s long-standing ghostly residents.

Hudson Hollywood Apartments

Legend has it that actors who had difficulty finding housing during Hollywood’s golden era have never left, lurking in the shadows of these historic apartments.

Pacific 1-2-3 (Warner Brothers)

Here, we learn about the four Warner brothers and their film legacy. One brother, in particular, is said to still be around, “frustrated” and lingering, which adds a humorous touch to the ghostly stories.

Boardner’s by La Belle

Off the main Hollywood strip, the bar’s regular ghostly clientele makes for a fun, spooky detour. The guide shares stories of celebrities and locals who haunt this popular spot.

Hollywood & Vine

A walk along this famous street reveals the ghost of a star who still waits on a bench, hopeful to catch a bus or see a familiar face — a charming ghost story blending Hollywood fantasy with real history.

Hollywood Pantages Theatre

This iconic theatre, called the “last true movie palace,” is said to be haunted by a loved one who keeps returning after death. The stories evoke a sense of Hollywood nostalgia and spectral presence.

What to Expect: Experience and Value

Because this tour is completely self-guided, you get to decide when and how long you explore each site. The downloadable audio means no network connection is needed during the walk, making it ideal if you’re worried about data or signal issues. The live GPS map minimizes confusion, and the optional trivia keeps the experience engaging without turning it into a scripted group tour.

The duration varies based on your pace — most take about 1 to 2 hours to complete — but there’s no rush. You can linger at your favorite sites or skip ahead if something doesn’t catch your interest. The walking distance is manageable, around 1.5 miles, making it accessible even for those with moderate fitness levels.

The customer service from Tripvia Tours is accessible via phone and email, which adds peace of mind. The tour is designed to be yours to keep, so you can repeat it or explore the sites later, making it a good value for the price.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One reviewer, Les_G, called it a “great podcast” with “lots of history about downtown LA,” emphasizing that the self-paced nature was the best part — “sometimes I want to check out the buildings and do some exploring.” Others noted that the knowledgeable guides helped bring the ghost stories alive, especially the commentary about haunted Hollywood hotels and landmarks.

Most agreed the tour’s audio guides and GPS features worked well, though some mentioned that access to certain attractions like Madame Tussauds or the Chinese Theatre might depend on seasonal closures, which is beyond the tour’s control. The feedback suggests it’s a fun, flexible way to enjoy Hollywood’s spooky side without the expense or hassle of traditional guided tours.

If you’re a fan of ghost stories, Hollywood history, or simply enjoy exploring at your own pace, this smartphone ghost tour hits many right notes. The affordable price makes it accessible, especially for budget-conscious travelers wanting a spooky, immersive experience. Its self-guided format suits independent explorers who prefer to control their timing, with the added bonus of engaging trivia and an easy-to-navigate GPS map.

It’s particularly well-suited for those seeking a light-hearted ghost story experience with a touch of Hollywood glamour. However, if you prefer live guides or group interactions, this might not meet your expectations. Also, since attractions can sometimes be seasonally inaccessible, checking opening hours beforehand is wise.

This tour offers a balanced mix of spooky tales, Hollywood charm, and practical flexibility. Whether you’re a ghost enthusiast or just curious about Hollywood’s haunted legends, you’re likely to find it a memorable, fun addition to your LA adventures.

Can I do this tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available for download and use at any time after purchase, giving you total flexibility to start whenever it suits you.

Do I need special equipment?
You’ll need a smartphone or tablet to access the audio, and optional headphones to enhance the experience. The audio plays from your device’s speaker if headphones aren’t used.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the walking distance is around 1.5 miles, and travelers should have moderate physical fitness, but it should be manageable for most.

Are the attractions open year-round?
While the tour covers many famous landmarks, access to some attractions may vary due to seasonal or operational reasons. Always check before your visit.

Is customer support available if I run into issues?
Yes, customer service via phone and email is provided, so help is available if you encounter technical difficulties or have questions.

What if I want to repeat the tour?
Since the experience is yours to keep and enjoy anytime, you can repeat the tour or explore the sites at your leisure.

How long does the tour usually take?
Most participants spend about 1 to 2 hours completing the route, but you can take longer if you wish to linger or explore in more depth.

This smartphone ghost tour provides a fun, flexible way to uncover Hollywood’s haunted secrets without the constraints of scheduled group tours — perfect for curious, independent travelers seeking spooky stories with a Hollywood twist.