Tour Stories Blog
Father's Day is a time to honor and appreciate the special dads in our lives. If you're searching for unique and unforgettable gifts, look no further than the vibrant city of Los Angeles. This blog post presents a curated selection of extraordinary Father's Day gift ideas, all sourced from local Los Angeles businesses. From handcrafted adventure kits to premium wines and yacht charters, these gifts embody the spirit and creativity of the city. Celebrate Father's Day with flair by choosing one of these remarkable gifts that are sure to make lasting memories.
Iron & Resin's California Adventure Kits: Ignite your dad's sense of adventure with Iron & Resin's California Adventure Kits. These handcrafted kits feature apparel, tools, and accessories inspired by the California lifestyle. Let your dad explore the great outdoors in style and embrace the spirit of adventure. Explore the collection at www.ironandresin.com.
Baxter of California's Artisanal Grooming Set: Elevate your dad's grooming routine with Baxter of California's Artisanal Grooming Set. Crafted in Los Angeles, this set includes premium shaving cream, beard oil, and skincare essentials. Give your dad the gift of self-care and help him look and feel his best. Discover the set at www.baxterofcalifornia.com.
Go Get Em Tiger's Locally Roasted Coffee: Treat your dad to the rich flavors of Los Angeles with Go Get Em Tiger's Locally Roasted Coffee. Sourced from the finest beans and roasted in Los Angeles, these small-batch, specialty coffees offer a delightful morning ritual. Choose from a variety of single-origin beans and unique blends. Find your favorite roast at www.gget.com.
P.F. Candle Co.'s Hand-poured Candles: Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with hand-poured candles from P.F. Candle Co. These thoughtfully crafted candles, made in Los Angeles, feature enticing scents and beautifully designed vessels. Set the perfect ambiance and fill your dad's space with warmth and relaxation. Browse the selection at www.pfcandleco.com.
Limited Edition Art Print by Shepard Fairey: Capture the essence of Los Angeles through the iconic artworks of Shepard Fairey. Choose a limited edition art print that resonates with your dad's interests and style. These prints represent the vibrant art scene of the city and make for a unique and meaningful gift. Explore the collection at www.obeygiant.com.
Angel City Brewery's Craft Beers: Raise a glass to your dad with craft beers from Angel City Brewery. Brewed in the heart of Los Angeles, these locally crafted beers offer a diverse range of flavors and styles. Whether your dad is an IPA aficionado or a fan of classic lagers, Angel City Brewery has a brew to satisfy his taste buds. Discover their offerings at www.angelcitybrewery.com.
Compartes Chocolatier's Artisanal Chocolates: Indulge your dad's sweet tooth with artisanal chocolates from Compartes Chocolatier. Handmade in Los Angeles, these chocolates are crafted with premium ingredients and offer unique flavor combinations. Delight your dad's senses with a box of these exquisite chocolates. Indulge in their creations at www.compartes.com.
Hollywood Classic Wine's Premium Wine Selection: Toast to your dad's special day with a bottle of premium wine from Hollywood Classic Wine. Explore their curated collection of exceptional vintages sourced from this exclusive Hollywood vineyard adjacent the iconic sign. Choose from an array of reds and whites to create a memorable wine experience for your dad. Find the perfect bottle at www.hollywoodclassicwine.com.
Elite Adventure Tours' Yacht Charter Experience: Take Father's Day celebrations to the next level with a luxurious yacht charter experience by Elite Adventure Tours. Treat your dad to a day of opulence, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Los Angeles coastline. Create unforgettable memories aboard a private yacht charter. Book a charter at www.eliteadventuretours.com.
This Father's Day, go beyond ordinary gifts and celebrate with flair by choosing remarkable presents from Los Angeles. From handcrafted adventure kits to premium wines and unforgettable yacht charters, these gifts reflect the creativity and spirit of the city. Show your dad how much he means to you by selecting a gift that embodies the unique essence of Los Angeles. Celebrate Father's Day in style and create cherished memories together.
Milo & Olive - Breakfast Pizza
A tour story that never ends. Being in the private Los Angeles tour business means that we have to deal with a certain amount of “pizza pride.” Along with that comes commentary like, “We heard Los Angeles pizza sucks?” When this happens we understand the assignment clearly. We have to get our clients to shove some great pizza into their face!
Here’s a small, delicious list! First up is Prime Pizza. Their pizzas are the real deal, with a crispy yet chewy crust, tangy sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. They even offer vegan options for those who prefer it.
Next up, we have Milo & Olive. This spot is a pizza oasis in the middle of LA. Their crust is thin and crispy, and their sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. They have a great selection of toppings, but our favorite is their signature A.G.C.T. with arugula, garlic confit, fontina, parmesan, mozzarella, truffle oil!
Last but certainly not least, we have Pizzeria Mozza. Thank you Nancy Silverton! This place is an LA icon for a reason. Their crust is fluffy and chewy, their sauce is rich and flavorful, and their cheese is like a warm hug. They have a variety of pizzas to choose from, including some unique options like the squash blossom and burrata pizza. And don't even get me started on their butterscotch budino dessert.
Now, let's talk pizza pride. If you dare to say that any of these pizzas "sucks," then we respectfully suggest that perhaps you simply don't like pizza. But for the rest of us who truly appreciate a good slice, these pizza spots are a must-visit when in LA.
Music almost always plays a part in customizing Private Los Angles Tours for our clientele! We've handpicked 16 must-visit locations across the city that have played a significant role in shaping the iconic music scene. So, buckle up and join us on this musical journey through time as we explore legendary venues, hidden gems, and everything in between.
The Troubadour: A historic venue that has hosted legends like Elton John and Joni Mitchell.
The Roxy Theatre: A Sunset Strip staple with a rich history dating back to the 1970s.
Whisky a Go Go: An iconic rock venue on the Sunset Strip that has played host to legendary acts like The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and countless others since its inception in 1964.
The Greek Theatre: An open-air venue nestled in Griffith Park with a stunning natural backdrop.
The Hollywood Bowl: The legendary outdoor amphitheater known for its distinctive band shell design.
The Viper Room: A storied rock venue that has hosted countless emerging and established acts.
The Echoplex: A hip, intimate venue showcasing indie bands and up-and-coming artists.
The Teragram Ballroom: A beautifully restored, historic theater with a diverse lineup of live music.
The Orpheum Theatre: A stunningly restored, historic theater that hosts concerts, plays, and other live events.
The El Rey Theatre: An art deco theater showcasing a mix of music, comedy, and film screenings.
The Fonda Theatre: A historic venue with a rooftop bar and a reputation for hosting cutting-edge talent.
The Mint: An intimate, legendary venue known for hosting eclectic live music since 1937.
The Moroccan Lounge: A cozy venue with an exotic atmosphere showcasing emerging artists.
The Belasco: A stunning, historic venue in downtown Los Angeles known for its ornate architecture and diverse lineup of live music, theatrical performances, and special events.
The Bootleg Theater: A performance space that features a mix of live music, theater, and dance.
The Palladium: A legendary music venue located in Hollywood. It has hosted performances from artists like Prince, The Rolling Stones, and Nirvana.
There you have it! Our diversified list of 16 must-visit locations for an unforgettable private tour of Los Angeles' most legendary music venues. Whether you're a casual music fan or a die-hard enthusiast, we love to showcase all-things-music on our Private Los Angeles Tours!
The Wolves - DTLA
Sometimes finding a good speakeasy is like trying to find Waldo in a crowd of thousands, except Waldo is a secret door and the crowd is about 4 million people in the City of Angels! We digress. On Private Los Angeles Tours, clientele will often express to us in one way or another that they do not want to “feel touristy” or that they want to go “somewhere special” that even the average Los Angelian may not know about. While categorically there are many different ways to respond, nothing quite “checks the boxes” like the vibe of classic speakeasy.
The Varnish - We're starting off with a classic speakeasy bar located in Downtown LA. You'll need to enter through the back of Cole's French Dip restaurant and look for an unmarked door. Once you're inside, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time to the prohibition era.
The Edison - This speakeasy bar is a former power plant that's been transformed into a stunning space. To enter, look for a small plaque on the outside of the building. Once you're inside, you'll be surrounded by vintage decor and live entertainment.
The Slipper Clutch - This speakeasy is located in the heart of Hollywood, and you'll need to enter through a vintage shop. Look for the neon sign that says "Record Shop" and head to the back. Inside, you'll find a jukebox, pool table, and plenty of retro decor.
The Del Monte Speakeasy - This hidden gem is located in the basement of the Townhouse bar in Venice Beach. Look for a small door and make your way downstairs to find a vintage-style speakeasy with classic drinks.
No Vacancy - This speakeasy in Hollywood is set in a historic mansion with a vintage circus theme. There are multiple rooms to explore, each with its own unique atmosphere. Look for a small sign outside to find the entrance.
The Roger Room - This speakeasy in West Hollywood is known for its extensive cocktail selection and vintage decor. Look for the small sign outside and head in for a cozy space with dim lighting.
The Wolves - This speakeasy in Downtown LA has a minimalist decor with a focus on high-quality cocktails. The entrance is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled for a small door.
Remember, these bars are hidden for a reason, so don't go shouting about them from the rooftops. Kidding. Do whatever the hell you want, just tell them an awesome tour guide sent ya! Cheers to a great night out in LA!
Happy kids, happy tour. It’s as simple as that. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. That's where a private tour comes in! Not only will you have the convenience of transportation, but your tour guide will help you make the most of your time in the City of Angels.
Here are some fun and kid-friendly activities to consider on your private tour:
Universal Studios Hollywood: If your family loves theme parks, then Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit destination. From thrill rides to kid-friendly attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, there's something for everyone here. Trust us and do the VIP Tour!
The California Science Center: If your family loves science, then the California Science Center is the perfect destination. With interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages, including the Space Shuttle Endeavour, your family will have a blast exploring the wonders of science.
Griffith Observatory: For families who love space and astronomy, the Griffith Observatory is a must-visit destination. With stunning views of the city, interactive exhibits, and telescopes for stargazing, your family will be able to explore the wonders of the universe in a fun and engaging way.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens: The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great destination for families who love animals and nature. With over 1,400 animals from around the world and a botanical garden with over 800 plant species, your family will have a wild time exploring the wonders of the natural world.
Santa Monica Pier: The Santa Monica Pier is a classic destination for families. With carnival games, rides, and attractions like the Pacific Park amusement park and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, your family will have a blast spending the day at the beach.
The Getty Center: For families who love art and culture, the Getty Center is a must-visit destination. With a vast collection of European and American art, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of the city, your family will have a blast exploring the world of art.
The Petersen Automotive Museum: Car enthusiasts of all ages will love exploring the Petersen Automotive Museum. With over 300 vehicles, ranging from classic cars to modern supercars, your family will have a blast exploring the world of automobiles.
Kidspace Children's Museum: The Kidspace Children's Museum is a great destination for families with young children. With hands-on exhibits and activities designed for kids ages 1-10, including a climbing wall, water play area, and interactive exhibits about nature and science, your family will have a blast exploring the world of play.
Griffith Park: For families who love the outdoors, Griffith Park is a must-visit destination. With miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the city, as well as attractions like the Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles Zoo, your family will have a blast exploring the wonders of nature.
The Aquarium of the Pacific: Located in nearby Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a great destination for families who love marine life. With over 12,000 animals from over 500 species, as well as interactive exhibits and touch tanks for kids to explore, your family will have a blast exploring the wonders of the ocean.
No matter what your family's interests are, Los Angeles has something for everyone. With a private tour, you can make the most of your time in the city and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Book your private tour today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Wow! This has been an unavoidable conversation on our private Los Angeles tours. We are ready to talk about it! Or are we? Wanting to remain objective as professionals in the tourism industry, we have to look at this as - the good, the bad, and the “who knows?” So, as we see it….
The Good (maybe)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already having an impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, and its influence is likely to continue growing. Here are some areas that we see as “good.” Maybe.
Better audience analysis: AI can be used to analyze data from social media, streaming platforms, and other sources to gain a better understanding of audience preferences and behavior. This information can be used to make better decisions about what movies to make and how to market them. A quicker way to give the people what they want!
Improved special effects: AI can be used to create more realistic and sophisticated special effects. For example, deep learning algorithms can be used to create computer-generated imagery (CGI) that is indistinguishable from real life. A long as it stays in the movies and we know the difference going in, a good thing!
Streamlined production: AI can help streamline the production process by automating certain tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, and even scriptwriting. Mostly good. Call us old-fashioned but we like our stories written by good old human beings.
Personalized content: AI can be used to create personalized content based on individual viewer preferences. For example, Netflix is already using AI to recommend movies and TV shows to its users based on their viewing history. This changes the entire concept of “other people also watched” to a much more robust function.
New storytelling techniques: AI can be used to create new and innovative storytelling techniques, such as interactive movies or choose-your-own-adventure-style content. Maybe good. Maybe weird.
With a big “maybe” stamped on it, there is good potential for AI to revolutionize Hollywood. However, just like the devil that sits on the opposite shoulder, there are concerns.
The Bad (without question)
Elon Musk has expressed concerns about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and has called for caution in its development. Musk believes that if AI is not properly regulated, it could pose an existential threat to humanity. One of the reasons why Musk wants to pause AI development is the potential for AI to become superintelligent and develop goals that are misaligned with human values. This could lead to scenarios where AI takes actions that are harmful to humanity, either intentionally or unintentionally. Musk has referred to this as the "AI control problem" and believes that it is crucial to solve this problem before AI becomes too advanced. He has also expressed concerns about the potential for AI to be used as a weapon in warfare, as well as the potential for AI to exacerbate wealth inequality and other social issues. Musk's concerns about AI stem from a belief that it is a powerful technology that could have unintended consequences if not properly regulated and controlled. By pausing AI development, he hopes to create a space for researchers and policymakers to carefully consider the ethical implications of AI and ensure that its development proceeds in a way that benefits humanity as a whole.
The “Who Knows?” (just for fun)
Who knows, maybe private Los Angeles tours will be conducted by robots that escort you around major cities and have evolved into being able to give a good hug.
When we have a Marilyn Monroe fan on a private Los Angeles tour it’s pretty exciting for us because there is no shortage of stories and places to showcase. We have several tricks up our sleeve! One famous Los Angeles celebrity story involves Marilyn Monroe and her iconic white dress from the movie "The Seven Year Itch." In the film, Monroe famously stands over a subway grate, with the wind blowing up her dress. The scene became an instant classic and has been referenced and parodied in countless films and TV shows over the years.
What many people don't know is that the scene was actually filmed in New York City, not Los Angeles. However, when the film premiered in Los Angeles, the city went wild for Monroe's performance and the iconic dress. The dress itself was designed by William Travilla, a Hollywood costume designer who was known for his glamorous and sexy designs.
After the film's premiere, Travilla kept the dress in his personal collection, and it eventually ended up in the hands of a private collector. In 2011, the dress was auctioned off for a staggering $4.6 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces of film memorabilia ever sold.
The dress remains a beloved piece of Hollywood history and a symbol of Monroe's enduring appeal and beauty.
Sept. 9, 1954 file photo Marilyn Monroe re film: “The Seven Year Itch.” (AP Photo/Matty Zimmerman, File)
Craig’s Los Angeles
With more than half of our private Los Angeles tours being customized before our guests arrive at LAX, securing reservations for our clients at the most popular restaurants is something we are happy to do. Craig’s has been at the top of the list for a long time, and for good reason. This hot-spot has been in operation since 2011. It is known for its upscale American cuisine, celebrity sightings, and a trendy atmosphere. The restaurant is owned by Craig Susser, a longtime restaurateur who previously co-owned Dan Tana's, a popular Italian restaurant in West Hollywood. Susser opened Craig's Restaurant in the same location as Dan Tana's after the latter restaurant moved to a new location. Craig's Restaurant has since become a hotspot for celebrities and locals alike, with its classic American menu featuring dishes like steaks, chops, and seafood, as well as a bar serving signature cocktails. In recent years, Craig's Restaurant has also become known for its philanthropic efforts, hosting events and fundraisers for various charitable causes.
Photo: Jim Bartsch
We get a lot of questions about the Playboy Mansion on our private Los Angeles Tours and helicopter charters. The Playboy Mansion is a large estate located in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1927 by architect Arthur R. Kelly for Arthur Letts Jr., the son of the founder of the Broadway department store. The mansion was designed in the Gothic-Tudor style and features 29 rooms, a wine cellar, a screening room, a game room, a gym, a tennis court, and a swimming pool.
In 1971, the Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner purchased the mansion for $1.1 million and made it his home. The mansion became the headquarters of Playboy Enterprises and was also used for many of the company's events and photo shoots.
Over the years, the mansion became known for its lavish parties and celebrity guests, and it became a symbol of the Playboy lifestyle. Many famous celebrities, including actors, musicians, and athletes, attended parties at the mansion, and the Playboy bunnies became an iconic part of the brand's image.
In 2011, the mansion was put up for sale, but Hugh Hefner continued to live there until his death in 2017 at the age of 91. The mansion was eventually sold to Daren Metropoulos, the son of a billionaire investor who had previously bought the neighboring property in 2009.
Since the sale, the mansion has undergone renovations, and it is now primarily used as a private residence. However, the iconic swimming pool and other parts of the estate have been used for events and photo shoots, continuing the legacy of the Playboy Mansion as a symbol of glamour and luxury.
