10 Most Dangerous LA Neighborhoods

Nicknamed “the Gang Capital of America”, Los Angeles is the home of over 150,000 gang members and consequentially some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America.

Gangs such as Bloods, Crips, MS-13, the Sureños, and over a dozen others are active in the LA area. And with 294 homicides in 2016, the murder rate is relatively high and certain neighborhoods are highly crime-infested.

In Compton, as an example, FBI figures show 1 in every 3 males is either currently in prison or has previously been incarcerated. While the overall tendency has been a steady decrease in crime, LA saw an unexpected crime increase in both 2015 as well as 2016. While violent crime increased by 20 % in 2015 compared to 2014, and increased an additional 10 percent in 2016, according to LAPD data.

For the first time in over ten years, all categories of crime increased in 2015 and 2016 – from violent crimes to property crimes. But fear not, LA crime is almost exclusively linked to gang activity, for instance, as stated by Inglewood Police Detective Bureau Captain, John R. Frazier. Furthermore, violent crime is mostly geographically limited to certain low-income areas with high poverty levels and crime-infested neighborhoods.

This is the list of the “10 Most Dangerous LA Neighborhoods”, according to the LAPD in 2016.

10. Leimert Park

Located in South Los Angeles, Leimert Park has about 12,300 residents in a 1.2 sq. mi. area. Some of this neighborhood’s famous former residents include Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tom Bradley. While the L.A. Metro rail serves this area, LAX transfers by limousine are also common. Leimert Park won the 2016 Curbed Cup winner by L.A. Curbed and won the title “L.A. Neighborhood of the Year.” Our limo services often serve this neighborhood and places such as the Vision Theatre, the World Stage, and the Leimert Park Village.

9. Manchester Square

lax-limo-services — Manchester Square borders LAX

With a population of 12,100 in a one square mile neighborhood, Manchester Square is a small area in South LA. With over 850 veterans, this neighborhood has a high number of formerly active service members. As the community borders LAX, LAX transfers are popular to and from Manchester Square. It’s for the most part a quiet and naturally beautiful and green community but has been the victim of the continued growth of LAX and a high homeless population as well as high crime levels.

8. Athens

Athens is also located in South Los Angeles and has a population of 10,000 in a 1.3 sq. mi. community. With over 252.7 crimes per 10,000 residents, Athens is one of LA’s most dangerous neighborhoods. Popular LA party bus and limousine destinations here include the L.A. Southwest College and the Chester Washington Golf Course.

7. Vermont-Slauson

Over 28,400 live in Vermont-Slauson’s 1.4 square miles, one of the highest population densities in the city. Also located in South L.A., Vermont-Slauson has one of the city’s lowest household incomes and only 3 percent of the city has a college or university degree, one of the lowest rates in the city.

6. Gramercy Park

Gramercy Park is yet another small community of the South region, occupying 1.1 sq. mi. and having a population of about 11,200. Gramercy Park has a high number of gang members and also a high number of veterans. Gramercy Park has a higher average income and higher education levels than Vermont-Slauson but has a large number of gang members contributing to high crime levels.

5. Green Meadows

The fifth most dangerous L.A. neighborhood, Green Meadows, is situated in South Los Angeles and has a population of 30,500 living in a 2.2 sq. mi. area. With only 3.5 % of the population having a higher education and a household income that averages $31,000 per year, Green Meadows is also struggling with gang violence. Unlike Manchester Square, Green Meadows is far from green and is mostly consisting of residential areas.

4. Vermont Knolls

With 349.1 crimes per 10,000 inhabitants, the community of Vermont Knolls is the fourth most dangerous neighborhood in the city. One of LA’s highest population densities – 21,600 people live in the area’s 1.1 sq. mi.

3. Harvard Park

Harvard Park has a population of about 11,000 people residing in 0.6 square miles. The community in South Los Angeles might be most famous for the documentary of the same name which features all the famous baseball players from the community, including Darryl Strawberry and Eric Davis. We visited this community as recently as yesterday to pick up customers for Los Angeles wine tours to Downtown’s San Antonio Winery.

2. Vermont Square

The low-income neighborhood of Vermont Square is located within the South L.A. area and has about 48,000 residents residing in 2.5 sq. mi., making it one of Southern California’s most densely populated areas. The neighborhood might be most famous for being home to the Barack Obama Global Preparatory Academy, but is also one of the city’s most dangerous communities due to the many deadly shootings taking place here.

1. Chesterfield Square

Chesterfield Square has with its 6,400 residents in a 0.6 sq. mi. community been named “the most dangerous neighborhood in Los Angeles” by the LA Times. Having an unusually high violent crime rate, Chesterfield Square is where the most deadly gang massacre took place, namely the 54th St Massacre in 1984.

Other Dangerous Areas

Surprised? Most people would maybe assume to find Skid Row (#34), Compton (#27), or Watts (#14) on this top ten list, but crime in these respective neighborhoods has been on a steady decline.

And while this list is based on violent crimes per 100,000 people, the City of Compton was named the 8th most dangerous city in the U.S. by the FBI in 2010 due to its high number of murders. The homicide rate has decreased since then, and in 2015 Compton experienced its lowest number of homicides in history at fifteen murders.

A whopping 91 percent of the homicides in Compton were committed by a firearm, compared to 68 percent nationwide. While Compton had the U.S. highest murder rate in California in the late 1960s, 46 murders per 100,000 residents, the FBI ranked San Bernardino as the most dangerous city in the state as of 2016. Inglewood, which also was topping the list at one point, is now down to the 10th most dangerous California city.

Is LA Dangerous?

los-angeles-wine-tasting-tours — Prefer something safer? Try a Los Angeles wine tour to Malibu!

But limousine clients shouldn’t be worried. Keep in mind that the total number of homicides in LA was 294 in 2016, down from 349 in 2001. Although crime is on an increase, the 2011 number of homicides was the lowest in over four decades. Knowing that the number of murders was over 1,000 per year in 1991, 1992 as well as 1993, Los Angeles is steadily becoming a safer city over time.

Keep also in mind that the city has gained over a million new residents since 1990. While the murder rate in 2014 was 6.7 per 100,000 residents, the homicide rate as of 1980 was a whopping 34.2 per 100,000. There might still be areas you shouldn’t stroll around in after dark, maybe particularly not alone, but our LA party bus and limo services serve every community throughout the Greater L.A. Area and you can rest assured that you are in safe hands when traveling with us!

Seeing things in perspective is also valuable: while Chicago is the 3rd largest city in America by population, the Windy City had more homicides in 2016 than Los Angeles and New York combined! While we shouldn’t compare ourselves to Chicago, the city with the most homicides in the nation, comparing L.A. to other U.S. cities will likely get us to realize that the City of Angels really isn’t all that dangerous.

While L.A. had a 2015 murder rate of 6.6 per 100,000 residents, the similar comparable figure is significantly higher in St Louis (59.2/100,000), Baltimore (54.9/100,000), Detroit (43.8/100,000), New Orleans (41.4/100,000), Pittsburgh (22.4/100,000), Memphis (21.4/100,000) and most other larger cities in the United States.

Did you know the Greater LA Area also is home to one of America’s safest cities?

Gruesome Secrets of Simi Valley Cults

Simi Valley limousine clients and residents are often unaware of Simi’s disturbing and terrifying cult history. Let us refresh your memory and present to you some of Simi Valley’s most seclusive and dangerous sects through time!

From the rather large Pisgah Grande sect to the smaller Manson followers, many don’t realize the extensive cult history found in and around Simi Valley. Did you for example know that the Pisgah Grande sect operated a hidden colony in the Las Llajas Canyon for years? At one point, the cult had more than fifty houses and over 300 members living in the secluded canyon in northern Simi.

In more recent history, followers of Charles Manson resided in areas surrounding the Santa Susana’s in eastern Simi, and many locals will know the histories from the famous Manson Cave in Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park as well as Spahn Ranch, one of the Manson’s many hangout spots.

The Cults of Simi Valley

the-official-flag-and-top-rated-simi-valley-limo-services-limousine-rentals-ventura-county — Simi Valley’s official flag. We are proud to be located in Simi Valley, California!

Besides Pisgah Grande, yet another Christian fundamentalist sect once residing in Simi Valley was the famous Blackburn Cult. The sect, – which poisoned people, burned former members in ovens and sacrificed animals, – was established in the 1920s and found soon its place in Simi Valley.

The ghost tours at Strathearn Park are a beloved local treasure definitely worth checking out for all Simi Valley limousine and party bus clients, a tour that often includes theatrical shows depicting the lives of the Blackburns. The Divine Order of the Royal Arms of the Great Eleven – or the Blackburn Sect as they’re more commonly referred to, – is among other things known for their killing of former cult member Florance Turner of Monterey Park, CA. In order to “save her from blood malady,” a brick oven was constructed and the cult burnt Turner to her death in the Simi Valley wilderness.

Furthermore, Simi Valley limousine riders will be shocked to hear about the deceased body of 16-year-old Willa Rhoads, which was found by authorities surrounded by numerous sacrificed animals and covered in salt. The seven sacrificed dogs surrounding her body were according to sect members a symbol of the angel Gabriel’s trumpet. LAX sedan service clients and other customers in the LA area might also know of the Blackburns. Before moving to Simi, the sect was located in Downtown’s Bunker Hill, an area may be most visited by contemporary limo services in order to visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Los Angeles City Hall, and other iconic LA landmarks. Besides Simi Valley limousine services, we offer limo services throughout all of Southern California. In addition to Simi, we also have limo- and party bus hubs in Westlake Village, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Palm Springs, and Los Angeles.

limos-for-rent-in-simi-valley-california-limo-services-2016 — We’re a proud sponsor of the 2016 Police/Community Awards Dinner

Despite countless cult members disappearing and violent scenes, authorities were never able to bring the Blackburns to justice. Its founder, May Otis Blackburn (1881-1951) was also a self-declared queen with the ability to communicate with angels… Although a legal case was brought forth against May Otis, the California Supreme Court made the rule that any attempts to limit the cult would be an intrusion of privacy and in violation of the right to religious freedom.

Her book, entitled the Origin of God, was published in 1936 and includes numerous of her proclamations and alleged talks with the divine. Although never charged with murder, May Otis was charged with 12 counts of grand thefts and was later released. Many Santa Barbara limousine and party bus rental customers will wonder: what ultimately happened to the Blackburn Cult? After appealing her case in the early 1930s and due to the 1931 California Supreme Court rule on religious freedom, Blackburn was released from prison and the sect left Simi Valley and relocated to the Lake Tahoe area.

Las Llajas Canyon

Ghost tours at Strathearn Park can be a lot of fun!

While the Manson family and Blackburn sect counted a handful of followers, by far the largest of the Simi Valley cults was the fundamentalist Pentecostal Pisgah Grande sect, founded in Simi’s Las Llajas Canyon, in English and translated to the Canyon of the Wounds.

Here, many will perhaps know that the sect at one point counted more than 300 members living in complete seclusion in their own “village” in northern Simi. Led by Doctor Finis Yoakum, the community on the Marr Ranch Parkland counted over fifty buildings, and locals looking for a party bus rental might recall the sect even having its own post office(!) in the Las Llajas Canyon.

The sect ultimately relocated from Southern California to Tennessee. Today, the Canyon of the Wounds is most often visited for its beautiful nature featuring a nearly 50-acre dam, creeks- and creek-beds, oak woodland, beautiful panoramic views of the city, rolling greenery, and many hills. While enjoying a picnic, photographing, or hiking in today’s northern Simi, there are few hints of the long gone past once dominated by fundamentalists and secret communities. Las Llajas Canyon is located on public lands and you can book limo services or LAX sedan service to this location.

Spahn Ranch

Although closer to Chatsworth, Spahn Ranch straddles the Simi-Chatsworth city borders. The Manson family lived on this ranch through much of 1968 and 1969. At the same time, Spahn Ranch functioned as a movie-filming ranch where a number of movies and TV series were filmed.

An example is the movie Hangfire (1968) featuring Donald Jerome Shea (nicknamed “Shorty”). Shortly after filming the movie, “Shorty” was killed by the Manson family for calling the police to the ranch. He was decapitated at the ranch and his remains were discovered in December of 1969 near Santa Susana Road.

Spahn Ranch is now located within Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park and we still get requests for Simi Valley limousine services with this destination. Customers on local cinematic tours of Simi often love to stop by Spahn Ranch to see the filming locations for some of their favorite movies and television series. Just a few of the TV series filmed here are Bonanza (1959-1973), The Lone Ranger (1949-1957), and Zorro (1957-1959).

Some of the movie classics filmed here include Satan’s Sadists (1969), Hell’s Bloody Devils (1970), The Sadistic Hypnotist (1969), Angels’ Wild Women (1972), The Creeping Terror (1964), Revenge of the Virgins (1959), The Female Bunch (1969), Linda and Abilene (1969), The Ramrodder (1969), Hard on the Trail (1971), One More Train to Rob (1971), Lash of Lust (1972), and many more. More recent movies filmed here are Curio Shop (2014), Inside the Manson Gang (2007), Frankie in Blunderland (2011), 6 Guns (2010), and Inside the Manson Gang (2007).

The address of Spahn Movie Ranch was 12000 Santa Susana Pass Road. We’ve had a Simi Valley limousine trying to find the ranch passed the Santa Susana Pass, but since the address has been changed, seeing the former movie ranch is best by foot in Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, by for example ordering limo services to 10215 Larwin Avenue. We’ve even had tourists utilizing our limo- and LAX sedan service from LAX airport to come to check out Spahn Ranch!

Did you know Transformers (2007) was filmed in Simi? Click here to see a list of the Best Movies Filmed in Simi Valley!

Whether for chauffeured Simi Valley limousine services, Santa Barbara wine tours, party bus bar hopping or any activity, a visit to one of the many historic sect sites in the valley may be horrifying and educational. And for whatever destination, you will arrive and leave safely with our Simi Valley-, LA- and LAX sedan service. Be safe out there!

8 Tips For Playing Pokemon Go in LA! | Pokemon Go Tours of Southern California

THE Pokemon Go fever has arrived with full force in the City of Angels. And downloaded over 10,000 times, the game has already surpassed Twitter and Instagram in the number of users.

With so many clients calling for Pokemon birthday outings or Poke-tours with our limo services, we have made an article, particularly for all you Pokemon fans out there. Do you for example know the best places for playing the game? The areas where rare types are most often spotted, or where you can enjoy three PokeStops at one single location? Or what beautiful LA restaurant by the ocean is also home to a gym and a PokeStop? Or how about the fact that so many venues and eateries are offering discounts exclusively for Pokemon Go players?!

Hang on as we explain some of the best tips and ideas for playing Pokemon Go in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

1. Best LA Hot Spots for Pokemon Players

In such a gigantic metropolis as LA has become, there are hundreds of great places to play the game. But still, some areas stand out. Did you for instance know that the Santa Monica Pier has three PokeStops as well as a gym? With its close proximity to the ocean, water-type Pokemons are abundant here and many have reported seeing extremely rare Pokemons here (see number 3). What’s better than strolling the pier and enjoying a dinner, while taking advantage of the many rare water types found in the area, as well as the gym and three PokeStops for refilling PokeBalls!

Another popular Pokemon Go Los Angeles destination for us has been the Cheesecake Factory in Marina del Rey, where you can enjoy a gym, PokeStop, and water Pokemons, or maybe LA’s number one place for Pokemon: the many theme parks. Take Universal Studios for instance with its twenty PokeStops and many gyms! The adjacent Universal CityWalk in Universal City is a great place to explore even more gyms and PokeStops. So for the kids’ birthday party outing, why not go for an LA party bus to one of the region’s many world-class amusement parks. Disneyland is also said by many to be SoCal’s top destination for playing Pokemon!

2. Take Advantage of Pokemon Discounts

Many of our LA and LAX limousine rental clients have made us aware of the many places that offer great deals exclusively for Pokémon players. An example could be the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles (NHMLA), one of the West Coast’s largest museums and one of L.A.’s most visited attractions.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (MOCA) is also one of the many additional museums offering discounted pricing for Pokémon gamers. The L.A. Zoo has recently introduced its PokéWeek, which will take place July 25 through the 29th where attendees can save $3 on their admission if they have a Pokémon Go app installed. Bragging over 30 PokeStops, catching Pokemon is easy at the L.A. Zoo.

Numerous bars offer Pokémon discounts, including the Hilton L.A. bar in Universal City and the Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica Pier which offers cocktails for $5 for all Poke-gamers. Tag yourself on Instagram with a Pokémon at the Skirball Cultural Center and get the chance of winning four free admission tickets!

3. How To Catch Rare Pokemons in LA

winetasting-in-los-angeles-wine-tours-tastings-2016-at-malibu-family-wines-photo-by-norwegian-photographer-carine-charlotte-andersen — Malibu Family Wines

Many bookings from our Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara limo services ask us what the actual best place is for catching rare Pokémons. While there may be many places for rare types, many Pokémon themed birthday parties have taken place at Santa Monica Beach and the Pier where numerous rare Pokémons have been caught. Some include Electabuzz, Magnemite, Kabuto, and various water-type Pokemon.

We recently also had clients catching a rare Hitmonchan on a Malibu wine tour to the great Malibu Family Wines. Visitors here can take advantage of their two PokeStops, a gym, and numerous Pokemons! The winery also has a safari with its own PokeStop and offers guided Pokemon tours throughout its safari grounds, where camels, alpacas, zebras, bison, and countless other animals roam the gorgeous Malibu Canyons. Searching for Pokemons at nighttime will increase your chances of catching rare and desired Pokemon types. See number 5 for further info on making catching Pokémon easier.

4. Control the Evolving of Eevee

the-ultimate-top-rated-best-malibu-wine-tour-selections-and-la-winetasting — A PokeStop at Malibu Family Wines. Photographer: Carine Charlotte Andersen.

Most of the enthusiastic Pokemon Go crowd booking limos for rent for Poke-hunting grew up during the 1990s during the tremendous success of the Pokémon TV series, cards, toys, Gameboy video games, and so much more. They will also recall that the Pokémon, Eevee, was the only Pokémon with the possibility of evolving into several Pokemons.

While in previous video games, Eevee evolved into Vaporeon with a water stone, Flareon with a fire stone, and became a Jolteon with a thunder stone. These Pokemons are still around in the new game – one water type, one fire type, and one electric type. In the new game, however, there are no fire- and water stones, but you may still control the evolution of the Pokémon. Name the Eevee you want to become a Vaporeon as the name “Rainer.” Want a Jolteon? Name the Eevee “Sparkly.” And if you want a Flareon, rename the Eevee to “Pyro.”

LAX sedan service clients told us recently though that by not naming it, it will still evolve, but you have no say in what Pokémon it evolves into. In other words, you can end up with two Vaporeons instead of a brand new Pokémon. Time will tell whether we will see more recent evolutions such as Espeon, Sylveon, Umbreon, and Leafeon Gladeon in this game’s version.

5. Make Catching Pokemon Easier

Many have ordered limos for rent in order to have a vehicle drive slowly around so all the Pokemons can get caught. All Pokémon Go players will know the frustration of seeing desired Pokemons and PokeStops pass as you’re driving down the freeway. A limousine rental will eliminate these issues and your chauffeur may drive as slowly as needed. Gamers have given us many tips on catching Pokemons while moving, Pokemons fighting back, and Pokemons with high combat power (CP).

For instance, using Razz Berries will ease the Pokemon, making it friendlier and easier to catch. While Pokemons seem to relatively easy be able to get out of the normal Poké Balls, use the Great Ball or even the Ultra Ball for the highest chance of catching the most desired ones you encounter. Use the Incense in order to attract Pokemon to your location, or use the Lure Module by any PokeStop for more Pokemon to appear. Combine the Lure Module and Incense, while hanging out at a place such as the Malibu Café or Malibu Family Wines on a late Malibu wine tour.

The rarest Pokemons seem to appear after night, and these and many more wineries and restaurants offer PokeStops to refill on Poké Balls, Potion, Revives and other necessities.

6. Start With Pikachu

Many 90’s Pokémon fans will recall the original first two Gameboy games – the Pokémon Blue- and Pokémon Red Versions, – while some also remember the later Pokémon Yellow which was released in 1999, three years after the original Gameboy games. While you got the starter Pokémon options of Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander in the original games, Pokémon Yellow added Pikachu as an alternative starter Pokémon.

While many mistakingly believe your options are limited to three – Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Charmander – in Pokémon Go, there is also the Pikachu option in this game as well. Santa Barbara limo clients on a birthday Pokémon hunt told us how you can choose Pikachu: simply by being patient. Ignore the first three as they appear the first time you’re playing, and eventually, Pikachu will appear as your fourth choice for a starter Pokémon.

7. Optimize Egg Hatching

Many mistakingly believe you have to actually walk in order for your eggs to hatch, but as LAX sedan service customers told us: “the quickest way is by driving.” First, you will need to go by a PokeStop or two to pick up Poke-eggs. There are three types of eggs: the ones requiring 2 km of “walking”, the 5 km eggs, and the 10 km eggs.

Hatching the eggs while hiking isn’t just tiresome and unnecessary: eggs will hatch quicker when driving. Why? Because the game actually not only looks at the distance traveled but also looks if you actually traveled in a straight line! In other words, walking in circles around the house might not work! Remember to get additional incubators to begin the hatching process and see the distance remaining before hatching.

8. Curveball Bonuses

Did you know there are different ways of throwing Poke Balls? While a “nice” catch will only give you 10 XP, an “excellent” throw will reward you 100 XP, and a “great” throw will give you 50 XP. But what many don’t realize is the curveball bonus, not only gives you a higher XP, but also a throw that increases your chances of catching the Pokémon!

There are several ways of throwing a curve ball, but holding your finger at the Poke ball while spinning it clockwise or counter-clockwise might be the most common (the super spin). Spin ’til the phone vibrates and sparkles, then throw the ball. The other curve ball, known as the “Arc” is said to have the highest chance of succeeding in capturing the Pokémon. It may take some time to master this throw but begin by swinging your finger in a curve that ends at the Pokémon itself.

A group of friends on a Pokémon Go party with our LA party bus services told us how this throw doesn’t just give you the best-catching bets, but gives you the highest XP per catch and recommended the curveball throws particularly for Pokemon that are relatively far away. Another way of gaining double XP while playing is the use of lucky eggs, especially recommended when battling at the gym or when evolving several Pokemon at once. Evolving while using a lucky egg will double the XP you will receive when a Pokémon evolves.

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Your Californication

One of the most fascinating and mysterious places in America, the City of Angels is where you may encounter world-famous movie stars at the local convenience store. The restaurant waitress might be a part-time actress, and the salesman at the shopping center might just as well be a screenwriter.

You will feel like you are in a movie yourself when maneuvering the city with the sun on your face and palm-lined boulevards in all directions. Maybe the most exciting part about LA is its unique diversity. At the first glance, you may feel L.A. is a superficial glossy paradise. The women may look like Barbie dolls in certain areas, and the men may spend more time at the gym or beach than at work.

But Los Angeles is truly the one place that has everything. The city not only boasts 22 Nobel Prize winners and major research centers but is home to world-class museums, famous galleries, high-caliber art collections, and lively theaters. Let the number one limo rental service present to you the city of contradictions: from Hollywood glamour to earthquakes, New Age bastion, and the Gang Capital of America. Eternal sunshine and blue clear skies to El Niño rainstorms with major mudslides. Beach fun and gigantic forest fires.

An intro to City of Angels

the-Hollywood-Walk-of-Fame-with-LA-limo-services-red-carpet-American-Luxury-Limousine-in-2016 — Amy Poehler at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The mega-metropolis of LA is an experiment that redefines itself each and every day. Offering limos for rent throughout all of Southern California, we serve Los Angeles County’s 10.1 million residents and the more than eighteen million people living in the Greater L.A. Area and its suburbs.

LA’s population comes from more than 150 different countries and speaks over a hundred languages where English or Spanish is the first language for nearly 85 percent of the city population. Other larger languages include Tagalog, Mandarin, Armenian, Farsi, Russian, Cantonese, Korean, and over a hundred others. With over 300,000 Native Americans, the State of California has a higher native population than any other state. While there were over 100 spoken native languages in California in pre-colonial times, the most common native languages today include Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Apache, and Choctaw.

Wanna learn more about the native history of the state? A Thousand Oaks party bus ride to the Chumash Museum in Thousand Oaks can be an educational and exciting experience! Clients can also enjoy seeing ancient Chumash pictographs on various of our Santa Barbara- and Malibu wine-tasting tours. Santa Barbara’s Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park is a particularly interesting stop where you can interpret and nearly touch 1,000-year-old Indian pictographs!

Quintessential LA

los-angeles-international-airport-at-night-by-la-limo-services-and-lax-limousine-service — LAX’s iconic Theme Building.

For countless years, LA has been the place where people cut off from the shackles of their old lives and put everything behind with destination Los Angeles in mind.

As the former mayor Tom Bradley has told LAX sedan clients arriving at LAX and other L.A. airports: “If you’re looking for the place to be free, where you can do the things that are impossible elsewhere, you should head to the City of Angels.” Whether you’re heading here with the hope of making money, as a refugee from persecution, or just here on your Californication, limo services can make your California adventure memorable, luxurious, and adventurous.

We’ve even heard countless times from foreigners arriving and renting LAX sedan rentals services that tell us: “Even flying into LAX is an adventure, especially after dark!” This monster of a widespread metropolis is wider and bigger than most, and with over seventy miles of beaches, the views can be pretty spectacular when you fly in at LAX or other Southern California airports. Limousine rental customers flying into LA can see the more than 6,000 square miles mega city of crisscrossing avenues and boulevards, with patches of green parks – such as America’s largest urban park, Griffith Park.

From Griffith Park, you can also enjoy unbeatable panoramic views of Los Angeles and you can go for a stroll in nearby Griffith Park for the chance of spotting a wild mountain lion in the midst of the metropolis(!)

Giant Size

surf-city-usa-malibu-wine-tasting-tours-by-the-LA-tour-services — Wine-tasting in the Malibu Canyons.

While many don’t realize, LA County is in fact compromised of 88 independent and integrated cities, divided by two larger mountain ranges and connected by various networks of crisscrossing highways. The most scenic drive might be the coastal drive up to the City of Malibu, a beloved destination for everything from dining to Malibu wine-tasting tours to beaching on some of the region’s most scenic beaches.

Enjoy a dinner at Nobu Malibu, Geoffrey’s Malibu, or the Carbon Beach Club Restaurant at Malibu Beach Inn for an unbeatable view of the Pacific Ocean and the even bluer skies. You can also spread out the towel for some sunbathing among the surfers at Zuma Beach, or head to the quiet El Matador State Beach and you might just get a glimpse of the dolphins playing in the Pacific’s waves. From taking a morning bath in the sea you can go for limos for rent heading to Big Bear Mountain for skiing or snowboarding the very same day.

Always take the heavy traffic into consideration. Often caused by the long distances and lack of public transportation services, traffic can often be a pain in LA. Further expansions of highway networks rely on costly earthquake-resistant buildings, but a limousine rental can make your time stuck in traffic more tolerable with state-of-the-art speakers and a full bar, even gaming devices and dancing poles in larger party bus vehicles.

Downtown LA

downtown-Los-Angeles-limousine-rental-shopping-at-olvera-street — Olvera Street in Downtown.

The City of Angels started small. Originally named El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles de Porciúncula, Los Angeles was founded on September 4, 1781, in “the Bay of Smoke” (today’s San Pedro Bay, LA’s main harbor). The founders were approximately forty settlers including two from Spain, numerous Native Americans, African-Americans, and mestizos.

Today, Downtown LA is the best bet if you’re looking for a place to experience authentic Los Angeles. Here you can visit the oldest part of town, known as the El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, or go for a stroll along Olvera Street to hear mariachi bands, shop from the Mexican markets, and enjoy signature Mexican cuisine. Cruising Downtown LA with luxury limo services is guaranteed to give you the “big city” feel.

Enjoy a dinner or drink at one of the many skyscraper restaurants here (the Rooftop Bar is a popular choice) before venturing to the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall for a classical performance or LA Live for some of today’s biggest pop music. Wherever you go, the revitalization of Downtown is apparent. From a sleepy office district of town, Downtown’s increasingly becoming a favorite for people riding with limousine rentals in the state.

LA Nightlife

Downtown-LA-limo-and-limos-for-rent-Los-Angeles-LA-Live-complex — Downtown’s L.A. Live Complex.

The center of L.A. nightlife can be found in the Hollywood area, centered around the Sunset Strip on Sunset Boulevard. The elegance and extreme wealth of places such as Beverly Hills and Bel Air are always interesting to explore. Why not pretend you’re Julia Roberts and go window-shopping on Rodeo Drive as in Pretty Woman (1990)?

In 2010 there were over 270,000 millionaires in L.A. County, and the surrounding suburbs have some of the wealthiest communities in the United States. An example could be Thousand Oaks’ Newbury Park, which boasts America’s 4th largest median household income. No wonder why so many book Thousand Oaks party bus services for their trips to San Francisco, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and other out-of-state cities.

Booking an LA to Vegas limo for your excursion to Sin City might be worth it. Imagine not having to care about the boring long drive, and instead enjoying a party with champagne in the back of stretch limos… But then again, why leave for America’s desert state when you can enjoy the Pacific Ocean’s beauty in the City of Angels?

All the larger boulevards lead to the ocean, including Sunset-, Santa Monica-, Mulholland-, Wilshire- and Venice Boulevards! Enjoy a dinner overlooking the sea at the Santa Monica Pier or take a stroll along the Venice Boardwalk to see the hippies, skater dudes, surfers, and fortune tellers. There’s a spectacular view from the Ferris wheel at the Pacific Park on the pier where you can see miles and miles of ocean as well as beautiful homes and mountains.

Getting in touch with limo services while in Southern California might be the best decision you’ve made in a long time. Being the entertainment capital of the world, cruising the avenues and boulevards by limos offer truly the iconic LA experience. Why not allow yourself a treat and live the life of your favorite celebrity in this fascinating and mysterious mega-town.

Hidden Tropical Paradise Outside The L.A. Coast

Just 26 miles across the sea from L.A. is where you find a tropical island paradise just waiting to be discovered. If you’ve ever listened to “26 Miles” by the Four Peps you may know what island we’re talking about, the magnificent Catalina Island.

Island intro

A beloved resort island for many Angelenos and visitors alike, the town of Avalon and Catalina Island have everything you could possibly be looking for? Looking to spend the night on a beach resort on a Pacific Island? How about trying out the great scuba diving while searching for the iconic orange Garibaldi? How does an inland safari trip sound, with possibilities of various wildlife sightings, including the island buffalo, bald eagles, and if you’re lucky, even the threatened endemic Catalina Island Fox, which is found nowhere else on Earth.

Besides all the great adventures where you get the opportunity to explore the island’s nature and wildlife, the town of Avalon is home to many top-rated restaurants, bars, cafes, neighborhood stores, and more. A visit to Catalina is never complete without a bike rental to explore Avalon and surrounding areas by bike or even golf cart.

From beaching, going on a submarine trip, helicopter fights, skydiving, shopping, and much more, Catalina is definitely the California Channel Island that has it all. While many visit the island from cruise ships docking here on their way to Mexico, the island is easiest visited by one of the many ferries leaving from San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, and elsewhere. Another trending activity has been to fly out to the island’s Airport-in-the-Sky from local airports such as the Camarillo Airport.

Great Dining & Drinking

Considering the island’s small population, Catalina is home to an array of great restaurants. Whether you are into seafood, Mexican, French, or Italian food, there’s always an option in Avalon. For the LA- and Malibu limousine clientele looking for a romantic dining experience, we often recommend the Landing Bar and Grill, or Steve’s Steakhouse.

The Spanish architecture and great Mexican food make the Landing Bar and Grill a great place to dine. This kind of secluded restaurant overlooks Avalon Bay and may be the island’s most romantic restaurant. Steve’s Steakhouse is located upstairs away from the promenade, but also overlooking the bay. Here you can try out the signature Catalina Swordfish, the Catalina Shrimp, or their awesome slowly cooked BBQ ribs. The stunning ocean views make for a romantic night at Steve’s Steakhouse.

Looking for another Catalina special? Check out the Catalina Buffalo Burger at Eric’s on the Pier. Located on the Green Pier, Eric’s has been an LA and LAX sedan service favorite since the early 1920s. Searching for great Avalon seafood? There are many good picks, but we would like to recommend either the Lobster Trap or Bluewater Avalon for seafood. Both restaurants have the catch of the day and a great variety of seafood dishes. The patio at Bluewater Avalon overlooks the Avalon Harbor and the place is also known for its impressive cocktails and craft beer menu.

Many heads to the Lobster Trap for great lobster, draft beer, and live entertainment during weekends. Wanna dine by maybe the most gorgeous island beach? Descanso Beach Club is not just situated on its own beach but has a bigger menu offering everything from burgers to salads, and seafood. Make sure to try the iconic Buffalo Milk for the island’s signature cocktail.

For the finest island dining, head to the spectacular Catalina Country Club. Once a training clubhouse for the Chicago Cubs, this historic 1921 piece of art is a great pick for people looking for a nice meal or drink. Looking for a less expensive dining choice? The Casino Dock Cafe is a cheap pick, but has beautiful views of the Pacific and offers live music during the summer months.

Didn’t make it on a Santa Barbara wine tour? Let’s head to CC Galagher on the Taste of Catalina Food Tours. More into a beer crawl with friends? Try out the locally brewed craft beers at the Catalina Island Brew House. Other bar picks include the Chi Chi Club, Catalina’s only nightclub, and the Hawaiian-style Luau Larry’s on the promenade. The oldest bar is the Marlin Club, a favorite amongst locals, as well as the J.L.’s Locker Room.

Looking to eat and have drinks at the same place? The Avalon Grille offers great burgers and beer. Another choice could be the Sandtrap, directly across the street from the Island Golf Course a little bit inland in Avalon. Here you can enjoy inexpensive but delicious Mexican cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere and best of all, the Sandtrap has a full bar. Alternatively, head to the Catalina Country Club for a late-night drink or try out the various cocktails at Bluewater Avalon or Descanso Beach Club.

Fun Excursions & Activities

Because of its many visitors and tourists, there is always an activity to sign up for on the island. Whether you are into seeing wildlife, exploring the island, going on a submarine ride, or signing up for a helicopter tour – the options are truly endless on Catalina.

Does golfing in a gorgeous island canyon sound interesting? How about bodysurfing in the Pacific on your own secluded beach? Or how about finally trying out jet-skiing? The primary form of transportation on the island is golf carts with a limited number of cars allowed on the island itself. In other words, there is no Los Angeles party bus that can be called for a night of barhopping. But renting an electric bike, paddling bike for two, or an iconic golf cart are definitely the best ways to explore the town of Avalon and beyond.

Among the activities we often recommend are the Cape Canyon excursion, a four-wheel ride through Catalina’s outback wilderness areas, and the Undersea Tour in the Avalon Harbor to see the native underwater ocean life. The Zip Line Eco Tour, which takes you on a zip-line ride over Descanso Canyon and lands by Descanso Beach is also a popular activity. The night ride on the Flying Fish Boat Trip is a unique experience worth looking into. The Behind the Scenes Tour at the island’s signature Casino is a must-see, and the tour also includes visits to the Catalina Island Museum where you can learn more about the island’s intriguing history.

Wanna try out scuba diving? Check out the Sea Trek Undersea Adventure and Snuba. We’ve also transferred numerous LA limo renters who take their professional scuba diving courses on the other side of the island – in the community of Two Harbors, CA. While Two Harbors definitely is more remote than its much bigger counterpart to the east, Two Harbors has a natural feel to it and you’ll have a bigger chance of observing unique wildlife and exploring the great outdoors.

For dining in Two Harbors, look into the Harbor Reef Restaurant. For accommodation, check out the Banning House Lodge or one of the beach cottages for rent! There are also various options for cabin rentals and various campground spots.

While back in Avalon, remember to always obtain a complimentary explorer’s permit and up-to-date maps and information about local wildlife. Permits for hiking and biking in the outback are handed out at the Conservancy Office on Clarissa Avenue. After the permits are in place, venture out for an adventure in Catalina’s outback! Go snorkeling by the island’s greatest snorkeling spots – the Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve or Casino Point Marine Park. Snorkeling gear can be bought at Catalina Divers Supply, rented at Catalina Snorkeling Adventures, or you can venture out on the ocean on a snorkeling trip with Joe’s Rent-a-Boat at the Green Pier. For snorkeling gear on the other side of the island, check out the West End Dive Center in Two Harbors, which also offers kayak rentals.

We’ve had so many LA and Malibu limousine people riding with us telling us about their best experiences on the island. From date massages at the Avalon Massage Therapy to going on an adventure with the Safari Bus looking for animals. Some of the best dates are on our Santa Barbara and Malibu wine tours, so why not try out some unique wine-tasting on the island? Rusack Family’s Santa Catalina Island Vineyards isn’t just gorgeous, but their wine varietals are amazing. Catalina is packed with activities for the whole family. Start planning your island excursions today!

Unmatched Nature & Accommodation

With more than 88 percent of the island’s total area being administrated by the Catalina Island Conservancy, there is a lot of nature to explore on Santa Catalina. Many renting LA limo transfers from us have told us about sighting the endemic Channel Island Fox, a species found nowhere else on the planet.

Other animals include the Island buffalo, bald eagles, snakes, a variety of birds, and more. On the submarine tour, you can explore the surrounding oceans and also get a glimpse of the iconic orange Garibaldi fish.

Did you know there are over 140 species of fauna and flora here found nowhere else on Earth? Whether you rent a bike to explore the outback by yourself, or if you decide on a safari tour or maybe an inland Jeep ride, exploring Catalina’s nature is a must. We recently asked a few people calling the LAX sedan service wanting a ride to the Catalina Express terminal in San Pedro: “Why straight from the airport? Any events coming up?”. The answer was: “No special events, just looking forward to some relaxing days of fishing and enjoying the weather!” A tour of the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is a must-do activity while on Catalina.

While many travel to Catalina just for the day, staying overnight in one of the uniquely Avalon hotels are absolutely worth it, plus you’ll get to experience the island’s sunsets, nightly activities, and events, as well as the gorgeous sunrise and early mornings.

Staying overnight

We have several recommendations for accommodation on the island. If you’d like to stay close to the ocean, look into Hotel Vista del Mar right by the beach. How about a romantic location by the pier? Check out the Hotel Villa Portofino. Prefer ocean-views? Hotel Vista Del Mar might be the hotel for you. Other great options include Aurora Hotel, Hermosa Hotel, Hotel Metropole, and Hotel Avalon. Wanna stay in William Wrighley’s (former owner of the island) former vacation home with gorgeous views of Avalon? The Inn on Mt. Ada might just be the most beautiful hotel on the island.

As an alternative to a Santa Barbara wine tour, go wine-tasting at some of the beautiful hotels with balcony views of Avalon sunsets and the Pacific Ocean. For inexpensive options of accommodation, see Hotel Catalina, Zane Grey, or one of the many great campgrounds, e.g. the Hermit Gulch Campground.

Are you looking for a romantic island getaway to the Island of Romance with your significant other? Or are you looking for a fun excursion for the whole family? Or maybe a few days to the island with friends to explore the various bars and drinking venues? Catalina has it all. Not going to Catalina? Check out our exclusive Malibu wine tours or our beer crawl options in Hollywood. We have a vehicle to fit every need for transportation – whether you need a Los Angeles party bus for twenty friends, or you need a simple sedan for yourself to get to/from the airport.

From sedans, SUVs, stretch limousines, Hummer limos, and party buses, we have Southern California’s largest selection of luxurious vehicles and also offer an exclusive price-match-guarantee for all our new and returning clients. For your transportation to Catalina Island, contact the ferry companies (Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer), or the Island Express Helicopter Service for a helicopter ride to the Airport-in-the-Sky.

4 Most Visited Tourist-Attractions in SoCal

As the top-rated luxury transportation company in Southern California, we transport thousands of tourists on a yearly basis. With more than 14 million foreign visitors per year, the City of Angels has one of the world’s largest numbers of tourists.

For us locals, it is easy to forget all the great landmarks and activities that signify the Greater L.A. Area. We have listened to all the tourists and visitors riding with our services. Here are our customer’s most popular tourist attractions in the city.

4. Sunset Strip

Just making up 1.7 miles of Sunset Boulevard, the Sunset Strip with its flashing neon signs and billboards is one of the most popular LA limo destinations. Besides being the place with the highest density of rock clubs in America, Sunset is also famous for its many rock venues, shops, and nightclubs. Some of the most popular places to visit here include the Viper Room, Whisky A-Go-Go as well as the Rainbow Bar & Grill.

The Viper Room is one of the most famous nightclubs in town, previously run by Johnny Depp and the location of River Phoenix’s death. Marilyn Monroe went on blind dates at the Rainbow Bar, a place where also Guns N’Roses regularly had concerts. Jimi Hendrix performed regularly at the Whisky-A-Go-Go.

Other popular places here include the Sunset Plaza, famous for its European stores and restaurant, as well as the Sunset Tower Hotel and the Standard Hollywood. Famous for its gigantic billboards, it’s not seldom that tourists book an LAX airport sedan just to head to the Sunset Strip to see the billboards. Come to the Sunset Strip to people-watch, head out to the bars, or party all night long. The House of Blues, the Comedy Store, and the Roxy are additional key attractions on the Sunset Strip.

3. Hollywood

Of tourists utilizing our Los Angeles limo service, Hollywood is an incredibly popular destination for various reasons. Besides famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood is also the largest hub for popular culture in the world with film studios and numerous musical performances throughout the year.

Hollywood is also home to some of the greatest nightlife in the city, and many visit the area with limos to skip the hassle of finding a designated driver, deal with traffic, and struggle with finding parking. Having a chauffeured luxury vehicle at hand makes it also significantly easier to go club- or bar hopping to various places throughout the city. Why stay confined to one area, when some of the most happening places are spread throughout the city. Many also decide to order buses to go out on town, for instance, locals ordering a Calabasas party bus to head partying in Hollywood is a common thing. What’s better than drinking and dancing in a bus on your way to the clubs!?

Many have called our representatives and asked about opening times for clubs in L.A. and complain about the nightlife ending early. It is a common misbelief that the nightlife ends at either 2 am or 4 am. That is not true. Avalon Hollywood closes for instance at 5 am on Fridays and not till 8 am on Saturdays, while Downtown’s Exchange L.A. closes at 6 am on Saturdays. And with limousines or party buses of your choice, the party in Hollywood ends when you want it to.

2. Santa Monica

Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Beach and Pier are some of the most iconic L.A. landmarks and attractions. Many come to the Third Street Promenade to experience some of the city’s best shopping. Other Santa Monica attractions include the Pier Aquarium, Muscle Beach, the Museum of Flying, the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome, and many more.

At the Third Street Promenade is for example where you’ll find one of the region’s most popular shopping malls: Santa Monica Place just a few blocks from the beach. After shopping at the promenade, head down 3rd Street Promenade until you reach Santa Monica Beach. This is where you’ll find the famous pier and its amusement park, the Pacific Park. Along the seaside are numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and more.

Just the other day we serviced clients with a Calabasas party bus to head from Calabasas to Santa Monica Beach in style. After partying their way down, without the worry of traffic and parking, they arrived in Santa Monica and biked to nearby Venice Beach to enjoy a locally crafted beer at one of the many beachside restaurants. Prefer wine tasting? Book an L.A.- or Malibu wine tour to experience the best of Southern California wines.

1. Universal Studios & Disneyland

Disneyland in Anaheim is the 7th most visited tourist attraction in the United States and one of the most visited places by our limousines. We even often have customers booking our LAX airport sedan services to head directly to Disneyland from the airports! With more than 16.1 million visitors per year, Disneyland is California’s most visited attraction and a must for anyone visiting Southern California.

Yet another hugely popular amusement park visited by our Los Angeles limo service is Universal Studios and adjacent Universal CityWalk. Here people come to learn about the movie filming at the Universal studio tours, enjoy the cool rides, or stroll along the Universal CityWalk next door to explore the great shopping and restaurants found along this famous street.

Want something faster-going? Six Flags Magic Mountain is a 260-acre amusement park with the highest number of rollercoasters in the United States. Rides such as Viper and Goliath are some of the fastest rollercoasters in the world. Go for one of America’s quickest roller coasters, followed up by a beer and dinner at one of the park’s many restaurants and cafes.

Prefer something for the smaller kids? The younger crowd usually falls in love with Knott’s Berry Farm, a smaller and less crowded amusement park. Many LA limo clients also head south to Orange County and visit North America’s biggest indoor water park, the Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove.

Other popular amusement parks for grownups and kids alike include Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, the Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad, SeaWorld San Diego, Santa Monica’s Pacific Park, Knott’s Soak City in Buena Park, Adventure Park in Anaheim, Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach, and many, many more. Many of the smaller parks are less crowded with fewer lines and oftentimes more affordable.

What is your favorite L.A. landmark? Iconic L.A. landmarks that didn’t make our list include Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, the Getty Museum, L. A. County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Exposition Park, Olvera Street, Venice, Staples Center, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the Hollywood Bowl, the Grammy Museum and many, many more attractions and landmarks found throughout the larger LA Area.