LA Highlights Tour

You will meet your tour guide at the Westside Pavilion and get comfortable in one of our late model, climate controlled vehicles as we discover some of the highlights that the West Coast has to offer. We begin our experience with a brief drive to the beautiful neighborhood of Venice Beach. Once a seaside resort town, this surfer’s paradise is crisscrossed with canals, just like its Italian namesake. Venice is the center of counter culture in LA and is home to some of the most eclectic and bohemian residents. Stroll down the vibrant Venice Boardwalk and enjoy its street vendors, artists and performers as we learn about the birth of skate boarding and surfing culture and make our way towards the iconic Santa Monica Pier . Along the way you will see the "Baywatch" headquarters, Muscle Beach, pass by the local Freak Show (literally AND figuratively) and let the laid back ambiance of Venice Beach wash over you. We will then head a few minutes north to Santa Monica and learn about its interesting history and how it was largely shaped by the Great Depression. On the iconic pier you will be dazzled by the local flavor: live music, laughing children, happy travelers and carnival noises will heighten your senses and you will quickly come to understand why this is a beloved part of the city. The famous hippodrome where Marilyn Monroe's ghost is said to roam will have you squinting at every woman dressed in all black with over-sized sunglasses and floppy hat. Try your luck at one of the carnival games and feel instantly transported back in time. The pier is modeled after New York City's Coney Island but it offers a certain West Coast flair that can only be found in California. Finally, snap a photo beneath the landmark sign and say you made it to the end of Historic Route 66 before we return to LA proper. Once back in Los Angeles enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Original Farmers Market with several tasty food options before embarking on the second half of today's journey. Now it’s time to glitz it up in the center of cosmopolitan LA for part II. We will cruise by La Cienega’s Restaurant Row and see some of the world’s most famous restaurants! The Original Lawry’s, Matsuhisa, The Bazaar and my personal favorite, The Stinking Rose (this one you will smell first since it’s an all garlic restaurant). We will view legendary institutions like the Saban Theater, home to many famous plays, musical events and filmed television segments from shows such as “Glee”. Along the way we’ll cruise the Miracle Mile and see some of LA County’s Museum of Art (LACMA) outdoor exhibits such as the “Urban Lights” installation made famous in movies like “No Strings Attached”. Right next door we will behold the wonder that is the La Brea Tar Pits - a natural pit of tar that has trapped prehistoric animals over the centuries and now displays their large, dinosaur like fossils throughout the park. As we make our way into Hollywood proper we will pass many notable locations… Jim Henson Studio: home to the Muppet’s, the towering headquarters of the Church of Scientology, The Pantages: LA’s Broadway Theater, Capitol Records, and of course, the iconic Hollywood Sign. Count the stars on the Walk of Fame, and fit your hands and feet into the impressions of legendary actors and actresses in front of Sid Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Don’t forget to strike a pose as we walk up for our grand entrance at the Dolby Theater where the Oscars are held. Now for our cruise down Sunset Boulevard, one of LA’s major arterial streets that connect Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Along the way we will see iconic venues such as The Whiskey A Go-Go, The Viper Room, The House of Blues and hear the legends of some of the worlds most famous rock stars: The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, The Ramones, Aerosmith and many more! We’ll wrap the day up scoping out the homes of the stars in glamorous Beverly Hills. Who knows who you might spot strolling these palm tree-lined streets? Join your guide and walk on the actual grounds of billion dollar estate Greystone Manor and experience first hand what it’s like to live such a opulent lifestyle. We will drive past impressive estates such as the Playboy Mansion, the homes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Orlando Bloom, Simon Cowell and many, many more. As our journey comes to an end we’ll go out on a high note and visit the premier shopping spot in America: 90210’s Rodeo Drive. Stock up on luxury before our relaxing ride back to Westside Pavilion and the close of your incredible LA experience.