Tour Stories Blog
Nestled within the heart of Los Angeles lies the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, a verdant paradise that served as a backdrop for the iconic film "Jurassic Park." Imagine walking through the same lush landscapes where dinosaurs once roamed in one of the most thrilling scenes of the movie.
Elite Adventure Tours offers you a unique opportunity to explore this and other cinematic landmarks with our Signature Private Ground Tours.
Welcome, gastronomic adventurers and street food savants, to the ultimate guide to the Los Angeles food truck scene. You're about to embark on a culinary road trip, minus the actual driving because, let's be honest, navigating LA traffic for a taco isn't everyone's idea of a good time. That's where we, Elite Adventure Tours, come in, but more on that later. Let's hit the gas on this delicious journey through the top 10 food trucks that LA has to offer!
Welcome to Los Angeles, the city where dreams come to nap! If you're planning a visit, brace yourself for an adventure unlike any other. Here, the traffic moves slower than molasses in January, and the stars on the sidewalk outnumber the stars in the sky. But fear not! This guide will help you navigate the City of Angels with a smile on your face and possibly a taco in your hand.
Los Angeles is not just famous for its sunny skies, sprawling beaches, and star-studded sidewalks. It's also a paradise for health enthusiasts and smoothie lovers, boasting an array of spots that serve up some of the most delicious and nutritious blends you'll ever taste. At Elite Adventure Tours, we're excited to combine the thrill of exploring LA with the delight of sipping on the city's finest smoothies. Join us on a Signature Private Los Angeles Tour, and we promise to include a smoothie stop that will refresh and energize you for the adventure ahead!
Directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, navigating their lives across the fantastical Barbieland and the very real landscape of Los Angeles. Since its U.S. debut in July 2023, the film has amassed nearly $1.5 billion worldwide, setting records as the top-grossing movie of 2023, Warner Bros.' most successful release ever, and the 14th highest-grossing film of all time. It's in the running for eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Original Song with hits like "I'm Just Ken" and "What Was I Made For?"
Los Angeles, a city synonymous with glitz, glamour, and the grandeur of the film industry, has a storied past that has captivated the imagination of millions around the world. The evolution of Hollywood from its humble beginnings in silent films to the blockbuster hits that dominate the global box office today is a tale of innovation, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of storytelling. Join us as we delve into the rich history of Hollywood and discover how you can experience the heart of the entertainment capital through Elite Adventure Tours' exclusive Hollywood-themed tours.
Happy New Year from Elite Adventure Tours!
We really enjoyed this compilation video from YouTube channel "People are Awesome," that features a hundred of the most breathtaking, heart-pounding, and awe-inspiring moments captured on video in 2023. It’s a celebration of human potential, showcasing incredible feats of strength, agility, and courage from around the globe.
Our passion is to curate unique and unforgettable experiences for our clients each and every year! This video aligns perfectly with our ethos – it's all about pushing boundaries, exploring new horizons, and embracing the thrill of adventure.
Join us on an adventure in 2024! Inspired by these incredible feats? We invite you to create your own unforgettable experiences with Elite Adventure Tours. Whether it’s exploring the rugged landscapes of the great outdoors, indulging in the luxury of an exclusive private Los Angeles tour, yacht, jet or helicopter charter, we are here to make your adventure dreams a reality.
Wishing you a year of adventure and joy!
Stay Awesome, Stay Adventurous!
Elite Adventure Tours
Played in the Long Beach Arena, the first game in the history of the Kings franchise took place on October 14, 1967. In this inaugural match, the Kings emerged victorious against the fellow expansion team, the Philadelphia Flyers, with a final score of 4–2. The game was played in front of an audience of 7,023 fans.
During their early days, the Kings played 14 home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena while awaiting the completion of their permanent home, the Forum. This arena holds a special place in the team's history.
It's quite common for our guests who enjoy our private Los Angeles Tours to express a keen interest in attending a Kings hockey game or visiting some of the iconic sports arenas in the area, such as the Forum or Dodger Stadium. For those looking to take their experience to the next level, our private helicopter charters offer a unique opportunity to not only witness these historic sites from the air but also land in VIP style in downtown Los Angeles, making it a memorable addition to their Kings game day experience.
Helmetless, Kings play their first home game in the Long Beach Arena on October 14th 1967
On October 6, 1880, the University of Southern California opened its doors to its first students. Fifty-three young men and women were enrolled in its two departments, the “academic” or preparatory department and the college department, later referred to as the College of Liberal Arts. Today, USC is home to more than 48,000 students and over 4,400 full-time faculty within its 23 schools and academic units, and is located in the heart of one of the biggest metropolises in the world. For nearly two decades, we have been dedicated to offering exceptional private Los Angeles tours tailored to parents and prospective students exploring esteemed universities such as USC, which was founded in 1880.
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!
Our Private Los Angeles Tours are just blooming! Pun Intended. The 2023 superbloom is expected to be one of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers in recent memory, and there are many ways to experience it up close and personal. Here are some of the best ways to add some bloom to your private Los Angeles tour.
Visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is one of the most popular places to see the superbloom in action. Located just north of Los Angeles, this 1,700-acre reserve is home to a stunning display of bright orange California poppies. Visitors can take guided tours, hike along the reserve's many trails, and even attend wildflower festivals.
Charter a Private Helicopter
For a truly unique perspective on the superbloom, consider taking a helicopter tour. You'll be able to soar over the fields of wildflowers, getting an unforgettable bird's-eye view of this natural phenomenon. Many Los Angeles tour companies offer helicopter tours, and some even provide special tours during the superbloom season.
While Joshua Tree National Park is best known for its otherworldly rock formations, it's also a great place to see the superbloom. Visitors can hike along the many trails in the park, taking in the colorful displays of wildflowers as they go. Don't forget to bring your camera, as the views here are truly breathtaking.
Explore the Santa Monica Mountains
The Santa Monica Mountains are another great place to experience the superbloom. This rugged range of mountains is home to a wide variety of wildflowers, including lupines, poppies, and mustard. Visitors can hike along the many trails in the area, taking in the stunning views along the way.
Take a Private Wildflower Tour
If you want to make the most of your superbloom experience, consider taking a dedicated wildflower tour. Many Los Angeles tour companies offer these specialized tours, which take visitors to the best locations for wildflower viewing. You'll have the chance to learn about the different types of flowers you're seeing, as well as their cultural and historical significance.
If you're willing to venture a little farther from Los Angeles, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a must-see destination during the superbloom season. Located in the Colorado Desert, this park is home to a wide variety of wildflowers, including desert lilies, sand verbena, and lupines. Visitors can take guided tours, hike along the park's many trails, or simply take in the stunning views from their car.
Visit the Channel Islands
Finally, for a truly unique superbloom experience, consider visiting the Channel Islands. These rugged, remote islands off the coast of Los Angeles are home to a variety of endemic wildflowers that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the islands, exploring the many trails and taking in the stunning coastal views.
No matter how you choose to experience the 2023 superbloom, it's sure to be a sight you'll never forget. So why not add some bloom to your Private Los Angeles Tour and experience the beauty of wildflowers for yourself?
On our private Los Angeles tours, politics inevitably come up! Oh what fun! As tour guides, the name of the game is always staying politically neutral. You know, like at Thanksgiving dinner! So, in that spirit, we shall leave no star unturned, especially when it comes to the hilariously contentious saga of Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Join us on a side-splitting journey through the wacky world surrounding this infamous piece of sidewalk real estate. You'll laugh, you'll cry (from laughter), and you'll wonder how a star could cause so much chaos.
The Unlikely Rise to Stardom
Once upon a time, in the far-off land of 2007, real estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his role in producing and starring in "The Apprentice." Little did anyone know, this seemingly innocuous chunk of brass and terrazzo would go on to generate more drama than an entire season of the show itself!
Fun Fact: The Hollywood Walk of Fame spans over 15 blocks and has over 2,600 stars. That's a lot of brass and terrazzo!
A Star's Life of Crime
Despite its glitzy appearance, Trump's star has had a life filled with crime and misdemeanors. It's been vandalized, smashed, and defaced more times than we can count. The star has endured everything from pickaxes to spray paint, and even a tiny border wall. It's a living testament to the age-old adage: fame comes at a price.
Hilarious Anecdote: Trump's star once had a street artist place a gold-plated toilet next to it, inviting the public to "Take a Trump!" We can't make this stuff up!
The Great Wall of Trump's Star
In 2016, street artist Plastic Jesus erected a miniature concrete wall, complete with barbed wire and tiny "Keep Out" signs, around Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 6-inch-high wall was a tongue-in-cheek nod to Trump's promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. It quickly became a viral sensation, drawing crowds and sparking discussions on social media.
Fun Fact: The tiny wall was left in place for several hours before being removed, giving passersby ample time to snap photos and appreciate the satirical statement.
The Battle for Trump's Star
Trump's star has become the center of a great debate: should it stay or should it go? The arguments on both sides have led to an endless stream of internet memes, comedic skits, and viral videos. It's become the ultimate pop culture battleground, and everyone's got an opinion – even the pigeons who occasionally make their mark on the star.
LOL-worthy Quote: "If Trump's star gets removed, can we replace it with a more accurate representation? Like a dumpster fire?" – Anonymous
The Star-struck Entrepreneurs
As with any internet phenomenon, there's always someone looking to make a quick buck. A plethora of Trump star merchandise has emerged, from t-shirts to coffee mugs, keychains to bumper stickers, and even replica stars for those who dream of creating their very own Walk of Fame. It's a strange, hilarious world where capitalism and comedy collide.
Comedic Product Review: "This Trump star coffee mug is perfect for sipping your morning covfefe. Highly recommended!"
Summing it up
The tale of Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a bizarre, hilarious, and undeniably entertaining rollercoaster ride. From its contentious origin to the endless debate surrounding its existence, it's a story that keeps on giving. So, the next time you find yourself strolling down Hollywood Boulevard, take a moment to marvel at the star that launched a thousand memes – and don't forget to snap a selfie!
While booking a tour with us would be the most fun way to see Donald Trump’s star, it would be rude for us not to tell you where it is located since you read this far!
Donald Trump star on the Walk of Fame: 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, near the Hollywood and Highland Center.
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.
