Los Angeles: 3-Hour Private Driving Tour W/ Local Guide

Just when you thought you knew Los Angeles, this private driving tour with a local guide unveils the city's unexpected charms and hidden gems.

Los Angeles is a diverse and vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Exploring its iconic neighborhoods on a private driving tour led by a local guide offers a unique opportunity to discover the city’s hidden gems. From sampling delicious cuisine in Chinatown to marveling at architectural wonders in the Arts District, this tour promises to provide a well-rounded and memorable experience. What’s more, the flexibility of a customized itinerary allows visitors to tailor the tour to their specific interests and preferences.

This experience made our article of What Are The Best 3 Hour Tours In Los Angeles? Our Top 12 Picks.

Key Points

los-angeles-3-hour-private-driving-tour-w-local-guide

  • A 3-hour private driving tour of Los Angeles with a live English-speaking guide for a customized and personalized experience.
  • Explore vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Tokyo, sampling local cuisine and visiting historic sites.
  • Marvel at iconic downtown LA buildings and architectural heritage while experiencing the city’s diverse culture and history.
  • Convenient pickup from centrally located hotel lobbies and transportation in a private, air-conditioned car or minivan.
  • Flexible "reserve now, pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private driving tour of Los Angeles provides a comprehensive 3-hour experience for first-time visitors seeking an overview of the city’s top attractions.

Priced from $135 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and offers a "reserve now, pay later" option.

Pickup is from centrally located hotel lobbies, and a live English-speaking guide leads the customized experience.

The tour highlights include visits to Chinatown, Union Station, Little Tokyo, and Pershing Square, showcasing the city’s diverse culture, history, and local flavors.

Tour Highlights

los-angeles-3-hour-private-driving-tour-w-local-guide

The tour highlights a diverse range of attractions across Los Angeles. Visitors can:

A diverse range of attractions across Los Angeles, allowing visitors to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and rich cultural heritage.

  1. Explore the vibrant Chinatown, sampling local cuisine, visiting the Thien Hau Temple, and strolling through the historic Olvera Street.

  2. Discover the Japanese-American community in Little Tokyo, including the Japanese Garden, Koyasan Buddhist Temple, and the Go For Broke Monument.

  3. Marvel at the iconic buildings in downtown LA, such as the Central Library, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, and the Bradbury Building, while capturing the city’s rich architectural heritage.

Throughout the tour, guests will experience the local flavors, scenic views, history, and culture that make Los Angeles a dynamic and captivating destination.

Chinatown Experience

los-angeles-3-hour-private-driving-tour-w-local-guide

Visitors can explore vibrant Chinatown with stops at Central Plaza and West Plaza. They’ll have the chance to sample local cuisine like Peking duck and boba tea at their own expense.

The tour also includes a visit to the Thien Hau Temple and Hop Louie Bar, offering insights into the neighborhood’s culture and history.

Plus, the tour takes guests through Olvera Street and El Pueblo at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, as well as a tour of Union Station and the Avila Adobe Museum to learn more about the city’s past.

Little Tokyo Exploration

los-angeles-3-hour-private-driving-tour-w-local-guide

Next, the tour explores the Japanese-American community in Little Tokyo.

Visitors discover the vibrant neighborhood, visiting sites like the Japanese Garden, Koyasan Buddhist Temple, and Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple. They also view the Go For Broke Monument, which honors Nisei veterans.

Plus, the tour takes them to the Union Center for the Arts and the Home is Little Tokyo mural. Guests have the option to extend the tour to downtown LA, passing by the Civic Center and Bunker Hill.

  1. Visit Japanese Garden, Koyasan Buddhist Temple, and Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple.

  2. View Go For Broke Monument honoring Nisei veterans.

  3. Check out exhibits at Union Center for the Arts and Home is Little Tokyo mural.

More Great Tours Nearby

Downtown LA and Arts District

los-angeles-3-hour-private-driving-tour-w-local-guide

After exploring the rich cultural heritage of Little Tokyo, the tour now turns its focus to the dynamic downtown LA and vibrant Arts District. Visitors will marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Central Library, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, US Bank Tower, and Wilshire Grand Center. The historic core offers a glimpse into the city’s past, with the Eastern Columbia Building and iconic theaters. Photo opportunities abound at the Ace Hotel and Bradbury Building. The tour concludes at Pershing Square or returns to the hotel, as discussed with the guide.

| Downtown LA Highlights | Arts District Highlights |

| — | — |

| Central Library | Ace Hotel |

| Millennium Biltmore Hotel | Bradbury Building |

| US Bank Tower | Pershing Square |

Customized Itinerary

los-angeles-3-hour-private-driving-tour-w-local-guide

How would you like to customize your tour experience?

The knowledgeable guide is happy to tailor the itinerary to your preferences.

For instance, you can:

  1. Explore additional neighborhoods like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Santa Monica.

  2. Spend more time at specific attractions that interest you, such as the Getty Center or the La Brea Tar Pits.

  3. Incorporate a food tour, stopping for local specialties like In-N-Out Burger or gourmet food trucks.

The guide will work closely with you to create a personalized tour that showcases the best of Los Angeles according to your interests and schedule.

Pickup and Transportation

los-angeles-3-hour-private-driving-tour-w-local-guide

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your centrally located hotel lobby in Los Angeles.

Your private driver will greet you and escort you to the comfortable vehicle for your 3-hour tour. The transportation is provided in a private, air-conditioned car or minivan, ensuring a personalized and efficient experience.

You’ll have the freedom to sit back, relax, and let your knowledgeable guide handle the driving while you take in the sights.

Throughout the tour, your guide will provide commentary and recommendations tailored to your interests, making the most of your time in the city.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

los-angeles-3-hour-private-driving-tour-w-local-guide

The tour is priced from $135.00 per person. This private driving tour offers excellent value with the following features:

  1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

  2. Reserve now and pay later option available for added convenience.

  3. All taxes and a friendly local guide are included, with optional gratuities.

The pricing and cancellation policy provide flexibility and assurance for travelers.

Whether booking in advance or last-minute, this tour delivers a personalized Los Angeles experience at a reasonable rate with generous cancellation terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

los-angeles-3-hour-private-driving-tour-w-local-guide

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

The tour is a private driving experience, so children are generally allowed. However, parents should consider the tour’s pace and content to ensure it’s suitable for any younger participants.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, as the transportation used during the tour can accommodate guests with mobility needs. The local guide is also happy to assist wheelchair users throughout the experience.

Can We Make Stops for Souvenirs or Shopping?

Yes, the tour can accommodate stops for souvenir shopping and browsing local stores. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility to customize the itinerary based on the traveler’s interests and preferences.

Do We Get to Interact With the Local Guides?

Yes, you’ll get to interact with the local guides throughout the tour. They’ll provide live commentary, answer questions, and offer personalized recommendations based on your interests to enhance your overall experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. The tour overview states that the Little Tokyo Exploration portion includes an option to extend the tour to downtown LA, passing additional landmarks and attractions.

The Sum Up

This private driving tour offers a unique and engaging way to discover the vibrant culture and rich history of Los Angeles. With a knowledgeable local guide, visitors can explore iconic neighborhoods, sample delicious local cuisine, and marvel at architectural gems and scenic views. The flexible itinerary and convenient hotel pickup make this tour a convenient and memorable way to experience the diversity of LA’s heritage.

📍 This experience made our list of the 12 best 3 Hour Tours in Los Angeles

You can check availability for your dates here: