Private Full Day LA Tour from Long Beach

If you’re thinking about seeing Los Angeles without the hassle of planning every detail, a private guided tour like this one from Long Beach might be exactly what you need. It promises a full day packed with some of LA’s most famous sights—think Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the beach scene—all in a comfortable, private vehicle. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or colleagues, it offers a seamless way to explore the city with a knowledgeable guide at your side.

What we really like about this tour is the flexibility it offers—up to 14 guests can join and get a personalized experience, and the tiered pricing makes it more affordable the larger your group is. Plus, the day is well-paced, balancing sightseeing with enough free time to soak in the atmosphere. On the flip side, the full-day schedule means a lot of time on the road, which might be tiring if you’re not used to long tours. Still, for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free LA experience, this one’s worth considering.

This tour is best suited to travelers who want a curated overview of LA’s highlights without the stress of navigating on their own. It’s ideal if you’re interested in seeing iconic landmarks, the glamorous shopping streets, and the lively beaches—all in one day. Keep in mind, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan that in advance, but the stops at places like The Farmers Market and Santa Monica Pier make for excellent photo opportunities and memorable moments.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Perfect for small groups who prefer a more intimate, personalized experience.
• Comprehensive itinerary: Covers LA’s biggest sights—from Hollywood to Venice Beach—ensuring you see the essentials.
• Guided commentary: Your knowledgeable tour guide adds context and fun facts, making each stop more meaningful.
• Flexible for groups: Tiered pricing encourages larger groups, lowering the cost per person.
• All-day comfort: An air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water keep you comfortable during the long day.
• Limited included meals: Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly for your preferred dining options.

This tour is designed to give you a solid overview of Los Angeles, packed into about 8.5 hours. We’ll start from Long Beach, heading north along the coast and into the city’s core. The journey begins with some scenic views of the LA Harbor and skyline, setting a great tone for the day ahead. The route then takes you through Downtown LA, offering glimpses of Exposition Park, USC, and the Crypto.com Arena—perfect for those who enjoy seeing urban landscapes unfold from a comfortable vantage point.

The highlight at the start of the day is Griffith Observatory. Sitting on the hillside, it offers sweeping views of the city and an iconic shot of the Hollywood Sign. The observatory itself is free to enter, which is a bonus, and the setting provides plenty of opportunities for memorable photos. The guide will point out the best spots for snapping the Hollywood Sign—definitely a must-see for first-timers.

Next, you’ll stroll along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame. Walking the stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll see stars embedded in the sidewalk honoring celebrities from film, music, and TV. It’s a lively atmosphere, with street performers and souvenir vendors—an unmistakably Hollywood vibe. While the walk can get crowded, it’s a snapshot of LA’s entertainment culture.

After Hollywood, the tour takes you to Melrose Avenue, known for its trendy street art and boutique shopping. It’s a quick drive but offers a taste of LA’s creative side—perfect if you want to see some of the city’s more eclectic neighborhoods.

The Food Stop at The Farmers Market & The Grove

One of the highlights of this tour is the visit to The Original Farmers Market and The Grove for lunch. There are over 35 food stalls offering everything from gourmet bites to casual eats, so you can pick whatever sounds good. Since meals aren’t included in the ticket, this gives you flexibility to choose your favorite cuisine and explore at your own pace.

The Farmers Market has a lively, local vibe and plenty of photo ops, especially with its vintage signage and colorful stalls. The adjacent mall, The Grove, is also worth a quick look—famous for its outdoor setting and historic fountain, it’s a favorite spot for both travelers and locals alike.

Cruising Sunset and Rodeo Drive

Post-lunch, the tour guides you along the Sunset Strip, an iconic stretch known for its nightlife, music venues, and celebrity hotspots like Whisky a Go Go and The Viper Room. Even if you’re not a nightlife enthusiast, driving this stretch gives you a good sense of LA’s entertainment history.

Next, you’ll visit Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, the epitome of luxury shopping streets. While you won’t be doing a full shopping spree, it’s fun to see the high-end boutiques and imagine what it might be like to stroll among the wealthy. The guide usually points out notable stores and celebrity homes—adding a splash of Hollywood glamour to your day.

Leaving the glitz behind, the tour continues through Century City, LA’s business hub, giving you a peek at the city’s role as an entertainment and corporate center.

Beach Days: Santa Monica and Venice

No LA experience is complete without a visit to its beaches, and this tour hits two of the most iconic spots. First up is the Santa Monica Pier, with its colorful Ferris wheel and lively atmosphere. It’s great for photos and just soaking in the coastal vibe. You’ll have some free time here to walk around or grab a quick snack.

Then, the highlight for many is Venice Beach, known for its bohemian spirit and colorful boardwalk. Watch skaters perform tricks at the famous skatepark, see street performers, and soak in the eclectic scene. It’s a lively area that captures LA’s laid-back, creative energy.

Practical Details and What Travelers Are Saying

This tour includes a fully narrated experience by a local guide, adding context and fun facts along the way. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a real blessing on a hot day, and bottled water plus snacks are provided—keeping everyone comfortable during the long drives.

While the itinerary is packed and covers a lot of ground, some reviews mention that the day can feel somewhat rushed, especially if you’re trying to take a lot of photos or linger at each stop. However, many appreciate the efficiency of seeing so many highlights in one day without the hassle of booking multiple tickets or driving themselves.

The fact that the tour is private and only for your group means you can tailor the experience somewhat or ask the guide to focus more on areas of particular interest. Plus, the tiered pricing makes it more economical for larger groups—something to consider if you’re traveling with friends or family.

Is This Tour Worth It?

The value of this tour lies in its convenience and breadth. For around $180 per person, you get a full day of sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and access to some of LA’s most famous landmarks. If you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the city, this guided experience takes a lot of the stress out of planning.

However, keep in mind that it’s a fairly packed schedule—if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore each spot in detail, you might find it a bit rushed. Also, since lunch isn’t included, you’ll need to budget for that separately. The tour is ideal for first-time visitors to LA, those who want a broad overview, and anyone who appreciates having a guide to fill in the stories behind the sights.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly family-focused, the tour’s relaxed pace and sightseeing stops can be enjoyable for older children and teens interested in Hollywood and beaches. However, it’s a long day, so consider your children’s stamina.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera or smartphone for photos. Since lunch isn’t included, pack snacks or plan to buy something at the stops.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so your guide can potentially tailor it slightly to your interests, but the main stops are part of the standard itinerary.

How long is the drive between stops?
Most of the day is spent in the vehicle, with the guide narrating and offering insights during the drives. Expect some long stretches, especially between Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While the data doesn’t specify accessibility, service animals are allowed, and the vehicle is air-conditioned, which suggests some level of accessibility. It’s best to check directly with the provider if you have specific needs.

What is the booking cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start won’t be refunded.

This private full-day LA tour from Long Beach offers a well-rounded way to experience the city’s must-see sights without the stress of planning. It’s especially valuable if you’re new to LA or traveling with a group that appreciates the ease of guided transportation and commentary. The tour hits all the highlights—Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach—and provides plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

While it’s a busy day with some long stretches on the road, the comfort of a private, narrated experience makes it worthwhile for many travelers. If you’re looking for a structured way to get a taste of Los Angeles’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, this tour could be a good fit. Just remember to plan your meals ahead, wear comfortable clothes, and keep your camera ready for a day full of classic California sights.