“These speakeasy bars are so secret, even the drinks whisper their recipes to the bartenders.” -Tour Guide on a Private Los Angeles Tour

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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!

"Will my kids have fun?" A question synonymous with Private Los Angeles Tours! -

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:

1. 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!

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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!

AI & Hollywood - the good, the bad, and the "who knows?"

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.

1. 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!

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

The most famous Marilyn Monroe dress!

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)

History of the Playboy Mansion

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.

Golden Dragon Parade

Happy Lunar New Year!

Did you know that the Golden Dragon Parade, which takes place each year in LA’s Chinatown, is one of the most long-standing events in the city’s history? This year’s parade on February 1, 2020 will mark the 121st Annual Golden Dragon Parade!

To put it in perspective, the parade has been around longer than

• The Tournament of Roses (1902)

• The Hollywood Bowl (1922)

• The Academy Awards (1929)

Perhaps even more impressive, it is the longest-running Lunar New Year parade outside of China.

It began as a unit within the city’s larger La Fiesta de Los Angeles parade, until the 1940s when La Fiesta came to an end. But the Chinese Chamber of Commerce quickly took over, and made it into what it is today. Now with over 110,000 spectators lining the parade route and thousands more viewing the TV broadcast each year, it has become the biggest Lunar New Year event in Southern California.

Along with floats, the parade features dragon dancers, current and former Miss Chinatowns, and celebrity Grand Marshals - maybe the most notable being Bruce Lee in the 1970's. Since then other Grand Marshalls have included David Carradine and Keye Luke from the television series “Kung Fu”, Hugh Hefner (for the Year of the Rabbit, of course!), Lindsay Wagner from “Bionic Woman”, Kieu Chinh from “Joy Luck Club”, and Garrett Wang from “Star Trek Voyagers”.

For more information about this year’s parade visit Golden Dragon Parade.

For a detailed history of the parade check out this article in LAist.

And for information about a customized Private Tour of LA’s Chinatown click here.

The long dragon stands at rest in the street for the La Fiesta de Los Angeles parade, 1901. (The California Historical Society and University of Southern California Digital Library)