Helter Skelter Tragical History Tour

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is strongly suggested as tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets may be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

Is this tour suitable for children?

This tour does discuss some topics that may not be appropriate for children (murders, prostitution, and suicide). Colorful language does apply. Children are not recommended to attend the tour, but are welcome if you would like to bring them. Keep in mind that children must have a full priced ticket in order to attend.

What happens if it rains?

Since the tour takes place in an enclosed, climate-controlled vehicle, you'll be comfortable no matter what the weather brings. We have large windows on either side, so your visibility won't be impaired.

What kind of bus will the tour be on?

Your tour will take place on a climate controlled 13 seater mini bus. Your guide will also be driving and will tell you all about the sites on the tour using a microphone.

What exact locations do we visit?

We visit the Tate and LaBianca murder residences, as well as sites related to the day-to-day aspects of the victims' lives, such as victim Jay Sebring’s hair salon, the El Coyote restaurant where the Tate group had their “last supper”, and the bicycle shop where victim Abigail Folger purchased her yellow bike the afternoon of her murder. On the other side of town, we retrace the final steps of Rosemary and Leno LaBianca, victims of the second night of murders. Additionally, you'll see where the murderers threw their clothing and hosed off after the murders and where they threw the murder weapon out the window of their car. You’ll see a house that was “creepy crawled” by the Manson family, well before the murders, when they would break in to random homes to burgle or just rearrange things!

Are there any stops on the tour?

The only stop on the tour where we will get out of the bus will be a restroom stop about halfway into the tour. We will use the restroom where George Michael got arrested!

Is this a good sightseeing tour of L.A.?

Because this tour focuses mainly on the Manson and Menendez murders, the sites we will visit will be very specifically related to those murders. The tour is not a general sightseeing tour of LA, but will show you some secret gems of the city that many do not know of. Try our tour to experience a different and behind the scenes type of sightseeing!

Will I still enjoy the tour if I'm from the area?

Yes! Our tours are unique and give you behind the scenes information on the locations we will see. You will learn a lot of new things about your home town.

Who will be my guide?

While Scott Michaels, founder of Dearly Departed Tours, still runs many of the tour himself, there is no guarantee that he will be the guide on your particular tour. However, all guides have been trained by Scott personally! They are very knowledgeable and dedicated to providing you with the ultimate tour experience.

Are there bathrooms on the bus?

Unfortunately, we do not have bathrooms on the bus. But we do have a scheduled bathroom stop during the tour, where you can reenact George Michael's most shocking moment.

Can I bring food or drinks on the bus?

You are more than welcome to bring nonalcoholic beverages with you on board, but we ask that you do not bring any food or alcoholic drinks on board with you.

Can we take pictures?

The windows on the bus are tinted, and pictures usually come out fine, providing you turn off the flash.

Is there room to stow my belongings on board?

There is limited room on board the bus to store your belongings. There will be room under your seat for smaller items, but please do try to bring only what you will need with you to the tour.

What should I wear?

Whatever you want. The tour takes place on an enclosed, climate-controlled vehicle, so you'll be comfortable during your trip.

Is the bus handicapped accessible?

If you have limited mobility and a collapsible wheelchair, we should be able to accommodate you and assist you into the bus. However, if you have a non-collapsible wheelchair or no mobility, unfortunately our bus is not equipped to be able to accommodate you. Please let us know whether or not you will need assistance upon purchasing your tickets.

Do I get any celebrity memorabilia with the tour?

Yes. You will receive a rock from the actual fireplace of the Tate house, which Scott Michaels, the founder, himself obtained when the original house was razed in late 1993.

Are tours conducted in English only?

Yes, our tours are only conducted in English.

Where does the tour finish?

We return to our starting point, near Sunset Boulevard and Cassil Place.

Can I book the whole bus for my group?

If you'd like to book the entire bus for your group, all you need to do is purchase all 12 seats on the bus and the price will automatically be discounted. Then the bus will be booked for only your group! The bus can hold up to 13 guests at full capacity.

Are gift certificates available for the tour?

Yes! Gift certificates for Dearly Departed tours make a great and unique surprise. Each one is personalized to the lucky stiff, complete with the gift-giver's name, and authenticated. To purchase a gift certificate, click “Contact DDTours” to the left of the page.

Can I book a tour for more than 13 people?

A group larger than 13 may be possible. If you're interested in a private tour for such a large group, please click “Contact DDTours” to the left of the page to inquire further.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Other Policies

Tour may not be suitable for small children.

Although we do not have any specific age restrictions, the content of the tour is mature in nature. Please use your discretion when bringing children on the tour.

Dearly Departed Tours