Tips for Booking Private Tours in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling city, and its best sights are rarely close together. Between freeway traffic, parking headaches, and hard-to-find hidden spots, a private tour can turn a stressful day into a relaxed one. Here are our top tips for booking the right private tour.

1. Decide What You Want to See

Start with your interests. Are you drawn to the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, the mansions of Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, or Old Hollywood history? A private tour lets you shape the itinerary around your answers instead of following a fixed script.

2. Choose the Right Length

Tours range from about two hours to multiple days. A short tour works well for a focused theme such as celebrity homes, while a three-to-four-hour city overview covers more of the highlights. If you want to see it all, consider a full-day experience that combines the Hollywood and Westside areas.

3. Book Early, Especially in Busy Seasons

Holidays, awards season, and summer fill up quickly. Reserve your tour as soon as your travel dates are set, and confirm your pickup location and time. Pickups are typically offered from hotels, venues and residences across the city.

4. Ask About Pricing, Group Size, and Vehicles

Private tours are often priced by the hour, with rates that depend on group size. Ask what is included, whether any surcharges apply, and what vehicle you will ride in. Comfort matters on a long day, so look for a clean, spacious, air-conditioned vehicle with room for your whole party.

5. Look for a Knowledgeable, Local Guide

The guide makes the tour. Read recent reviews, and look for guides who are LA natives, adjust the route on the fly, and share stories beyond the usual canned facts. Hotel concierges are another good source of recommendations.

6. Come Prepared

• Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, since coastal and hillside temperatures can differ.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera or fully charged phone.
• Share any mobility needs, dietary preferences, or must-see stops ahead of time.
• Be flexible: a great guide will know the best photo spots and timing to avoid crowds.

About Tour Du Jour of Beverly Hills

Tour Du Jour is a Beverly Hills-based private sightseeing company founded by LA natives who wanted a better way to show the city they love. We have been showing guests Los Angeles for more than 25 years, and Los Angeles Magazine has named us the “Best Private Tour of Los Angeles.”

Our most popular offerings include the 3.5-hour LA Story signature city tour, the Celebrity Homes Tour through Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, and Bel-Air, the West Side Story tour of Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu, the Golden Age of Hollywood tour, and the full-day Ultimate LA experience. Every tour is customized and guided in a Lincoln Navigator, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Ready to Book?

Let us design the perfect Los Angeles day for you. Email info@tourdujour.net, and visit tourdujour.net to see tours and rates. We are available daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM for email and phone requests.