If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles and want a way to see the city through the eyes of a local, a private, customizable tour might just be what you need. This particular experience offers the flexibility to craft your own adventure, or leave it to a passionate guide to show you around. With a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 14 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find value in this personalized approach — especially those who want to go beyond the typical tourist spots and really get a feel for LA’s unique neighborhoods and vibe.
What sets this tour apart is its customization. You decide what interests you most, whether that’s iconic landmarks, trendy neighborhoods, or hidden gems. Plus, for groups up to four, there’s an optional private car, making it easier to cover more ground comfortably. On the downside, the price per person is around $97.95, which isn’t cheap, but it could be a worthwhile splurge for those wanting a tailored LA experience. This tour works best for curious travelers who enjoy flexibility, personalized attention, and are eager to explore at their own pace.
Key Points

- Flexible Itinerary: Your guide crafts the route based on your interests, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Private & Intimate: Only your group participates, providing a more relaxed, tailored environment.
- Optional Car Upgrade: For groups up to 4, there’s an option to include a private car, making longer distances more comfortable.
- Duration Choices: Tours range from 2 to 8 hours, fitting different schedules and energy levels.
- Focus on Local Insights: Guides are passionate locals who share authentic tips and stories, giving you a deeper understanding of LA.
- Easy Accessibility: Meet at your accommodation and get tips on navigating the city afterward.
Setting the Scene for Your LA Adventure
This private tour’s biggest selling point is its completely personalized approach. Unlike cookie-cutter groups or bus tours, this experience invites you to decide what matters most. You might want to see Hollywood’s famous landmarks, explore trendy neighborhoods like Venice or Santa Monica, or discover lesser-known spots that only locals frequent. The guide’s job is to adapt on the fly, making sure you get the most out of your time.
Think about the value of a local’s insight—knowing the best places to eat, where to shop, or the secret spots away from the crowds. The reviews are full of praise for the guides’ professionalism and their readiness to accommodate requests. Sharon B. raves about her guide, Yuny, who picked them up exactly on time in a clean, comfortable vehicle, and tailored the day to meet their requests, making it a seamless experience.
While the base price is around $97.95 per person, expect to pay for a highly customized and intimate experience. For travelers who appreciate getting the inside scoop from someone who truly knows the city, this can be a good investment. It also offers the convenience of meeting at your accommodation, saving you the hassle of figuring out transport on your own.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Los Angeles
The Customizable Itinerary in Detail

The tour’s flexibility is what really makes it stand out. Since there’s no fixed itinerary, your guide will design the route based on your personal interests. If you’re someone who prefers to explore the hip neighborhoods or “see the iconic sights,” your guide can incorporate that. Conversely, if you’re more into discovering local hangouts or hidden parks, they can include those too.
Meet where you’re staying to get familiar with your neighborhood, a feature that’s especially helpful if you’re new to LA. Guides will share tips on how to get around, which routes are best, and where you might want to visit later on your own. And if you opt for the car upgrade, you’ll find that covering larger areas with greater comfort is a plus, especially during the warmer months or for those with mobility concerns.
What makes this even more appealing is the ability to include ticket bookings for attractions, saving you time and hassle. Whether it’s a studio tour or a visit to a museum, your guide can help sort out those details — a real time-saver.
What to Expect From Your Guide

The reviews highlight guides like Philip and Yuny, who are described as professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. They’re eager to share not just the famous sights but also personal stories and local insights, which help create a more authentic experience.
For example, Marco A. mentions spending a “beautiful day” with Philip, enjoying multiple neighborhoods and attractions while taking many memorable photos. That kind of personalized, relaxed vibe is exactly what you can expect when you opt for a private, customized tour.
Guides are also praised for their timeliness and organization, ensuring your day runs smoothly — an important factor when planning a busy sightseeing schedule.
The Details Matter: Duration, Price, and Group Size

Choosing between a 2-hour or an 8-hour tour depends on how much of LA you want to see and your available time. For a quick overview, a shorter tour might be enough, but if you want in-depth exploration, longer options are well worth it.
The price of about $97.95 per person includes a private tour, with the optional private car adding extra comfort for groups up to four. This is a good deal considering the personalized attention, especially if you value having a guide craft your experience based on your interests. Remember, this isn’t a generic sightseeing bus — it’s a tailored, private adventure that can truly make your visit more meaningful.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want control over what they see and do, rather than following a fixed itinerary. If you’re a small group or couple looking for a private, intimate way to discover LA, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s also suited for those who appreciate local insights and want to skip the touristy clichés.
While it’s not specifically designed as a family tour or for very young children, the flexibility might make it suitable for slightly older kids or teens, especially if they’re interested in the city’s sights and stories. Just keep in mind that the tour involves walking and vehicle travel, so plan accordingly.
Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Los Angeles we've examined
- Hollywood Fame & Celebrity Homes Self-Guided Audio Bundle Tour
- Los Angeles Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour
- The Heart of Los Angeles Dreamland: A Self-Guide Tour in Culver City
- Self guided Driving Tour between LA and San Diego
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide
- Best in LA: Private, Full-Day, Guided Sightseeing Tour
The Sum Up
In the end, this private, customizable Los Angeles tour offers a compelling way to experience the city through the eyes of a local. It’s especially valuable if you’re someone who enjoys personalization, appreciates local tips, and prefers to avoid overly rigid schedules. The guides receive high praise for their professionalism, knowledge, and friendliness, making the experience feel more like exploring with a well-informed friend than a generic tour group.
The option to include a private car for groups up to four adds a layer of comfort and convenience, perfect for covering more ground or simply traveling in style. With a flexible duration, this tour can fit a variety of schedules, whether you only have a couple of hours or a whole day.
If you’re eager for an authentic, tailored introduction to Los Angeles — one that helps you navigate the city confidently and discover its hidden corners — this private tour might just be the perfect choice. Just remember to book well in advance, as it’s popular — on average, travelers reserve about 41 days ahead.
Los Angeles : Private Custom Tour with A Guide (Car Option)
“This tour was absolutely perfect! Yusnierky picked us up at hotel exactly on time in her beautiful & clean vehicle. We had plenty of room and she …”
FAQ

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. The guide will craft the route based on your preferences, focusing on what interests you most.
Is there a private car option?
Yes, for groups up to 4, you can choose to include a private car, making longer distances more comfortable.
Where does the tour start?
Your guide can meet you at your accommodation, which is especially convenient if you’re new to LA or staying in a central location.
How long does the tour last?
You can select from 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 hours, depending on how much of the city you want to explore.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a private guide, a customized itinerary, and meeting at your accommodation. Ticket booking assistance is also available.
Are drinks or food included?
Not unless you choose to take a break during the tour. You’ll need to bring your own snacks or plan meals separately.
Is this tour good for a first-time visitor?
Yes, it’s designed to give you a thorough and authentic introduction to LA, perfect for newcomers wanting to get their bearings.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if done at least 24 hours in advance, giving you peace of mind to plan flexibly.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically targeted at kids, the flexible, private nature makes it adaptable. Just consider the walking and driving involved.
What makes this tour stand out?
The level of customization, the passionate guides, and the opportunity to see both well-known and hidden spots make it a memorable way to explore LA.
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- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide
- Self guided Driving Tour between LA and San Diego
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