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Home/USA/California/Santa Monica/Santa Monica Beach and Pier

Ultimate Santa Monica Beach & Pier Travel Guide

Escape to the sun-drenched shores of Santa Monica Beach and Pier, where iconic Pacific Coast vibes meet endless adventure. Immerse yourself in the ultimate California coastal experience, from thrilling amusement park rides on the historic pier to relaxing bike tours along the scenic coastline. Whether you are seeking breathtaking sunset views, guided sightseeing tours, or family-friendly fun near Venice Beach, our curated experiences offer something for everyone. Discover local gems, enjoy world-class entertainment, and create unforgettable memories in this premier Southern California destination. Book your dream Santa Monica getaway today!

4.79/5 avg ratingFrom $48.20 per person117+ unique experiences92% free cancellation

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.79★ average

Based on 19,373 pooled reviews with ~94% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$99–$649 typical

Median price is $265, with a full spread of $48–$1,199

Tour Type

Tour Type

Sightseeing & Cultural

Sightseeing makes up 73% of options, with 68% focused on culture

Tour Length

Tour Length

6 hours median

Typical durations range from 1.4 to 9.4 hours

Booking Perks

Booking Perks

92% free cancellation

96% of tours also offer instant confirmation

Best Value

Best Value

Bike Tours

Averages 4.95★ at $145, which is at or below the typical price

38 Products

Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica

Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica

5.5 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.98 (337 reviews)
97.99%
2.01%
Great touramazinghighly recommend
Viator
$69
Book now
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Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica
Summary

Experience a one-of-a-kind sightseeing adventure through the famous neighborhoods of Los Angeles on this 5.5-hour VIP-style tour. Starting from the Santa Monica Pier with our fun and entertaining driver guide, you’ll travel in a premium mini-coach to see LA’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods,...

Inclusions
  • Audio Guide in 11 languages - Powered by an App that we will help you download on your phone.
  • Expert Driver Guide.
Itinerary
  • Santa Monica
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Westfield Century City
  • Rodeo Drive
  • Beverly Hills
  • West Hollywood
  • Sunset Strip
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • The Hollywood Visitor Center
  • TCL Chinese Theatres
  • Fairfax District
  • Melrose Avenue
  • The Original Farmers Market
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art
  • La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
  • Griffith Park
  • The Greek Theatre
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica

Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica

3.5 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.91 (303 reviews)
95.45%
4.55%
Great touramazingvery funny
Viator
$59
Book now
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Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica
Summary

Experience Hollywood’s most popular sightseeing tour, which is now starting from Santa Monica! Discover the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles on our Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour! Starting and ending at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, this 3.5-hour journey takes you on an unforgettabl...

Inclusions
  • Audio Guide in 11 Languages - Powered by an App we will help you download on your phone.
  • Self Guided Hollywood Walk of Fame Walking Tour
  • Open Air Tour Bus
  • Expert Driver Guide
Itinerary
  • Santa Monica
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Rodeo Drive
  • Beverly Hills Sign
  • Beverly Hills
  • The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa
  • Hollywood Hills
  • Mulholland Drive
  • Hollywood
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • The Hollywood Visitor Center
  • West Hollywood
  • Sunset Strip
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Grand LA Tour 7 Hour Open Bus Adventure from Santa Monica

Grand LA Tour 7 Hour Open Bus Adventure from Santa Monica

7 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.96 (148 reviews)
99.24%
0.76%
100 percent recommendamazingGreat trip
Viator
$95
Book now
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Grand LA Tour 7 Hour Open Bus Adventure from Santa Monica
Summary

Explore the vibrant essence of Los Angeles on this 7-hour open-air bus tour that captures the city's most iconic sights. Visit four must-see locations including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, the historic Original Farmers Market, and the stunning Griffith Observatory for pan...

Inclusions
  • Bus Tour
Itinerary
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • The Original Farmers Market
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour

Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour

2 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellationLikely to sell out
5 (16 reviews)
100%
0%
amazingfunhighly recommend
Viator
$95
Book now
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Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour
Summary

Let us do the work by joining our Santa Monica and Venice Bike Tour, letting you relax and enjoy the quintessential L.A. pastime, cycling the area on a Beach Cruiser. That way you can experience the famous boardwalk and canals, go to some hidden spots that only locals like us know of and learn about...

Inclusions
  • We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.
  • Tour Guide
Exclusions
  • Gratuities not included. Please allow 15-20%.
  • Children under 5 y.o. can go in a child’s seat for $25 on the day (no ticket required).
Itinerary
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Santa Monica State Beach
  • Venice Beach
  • Venice Canals Walkway
  • Abbot Kinney Boulevard
  • Main on Main
  • City Hall
  • Third Street Promenade
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you may miss the tour., By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by The Real Los Angeles Tours terms of service., Guests must be wearing appropriate footwear (no flip-flops)., Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking., This a bicycling tour and we move at a reasonable pace. You must be in appropriate physical condition and able to ride a bicycle on the road.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour

Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour

3 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.89 (27 reviews)
98.25%
1.75%
amazingFUNamazing tour guide
Viator
$72
Book now
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Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour
Summary

Enjoy the best of Los Angeles with this three hour guided bike tour that begins in Santa Monica near the famous Santa Monica Pier! Take in the ocean breezes, visit the historic Venice Canals, ride through Marina del Rey, take pictures with the Art Walls, and explore Muscle Beach. The sunny Californi...

Inclusions
  • Guided Bike Tour
  • Bike Bag
  • Helmet (Mandatory)
Itinerary
  • Muscle Beach Venice Gym
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Marina del Rey
  • Tongva Park
  • Venice Beach Boardwalk
  • Venice Skatepark
  • Palisades Park
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour

Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour

2 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.88 (41 reviews)
98.08%
1.92%
greatfunhighly recommend
Viator
$199
Book now
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Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour
Summary

Explore Santa Monica and Venice Beach by Segway on this attraction-packed morning or afternoon tour. See top area attractions including the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk. Riding a Segway allows you to cover much more ground than walking and to blend in with the quirky, colorful character of...

Inclusions
  • Bottles Water and Small Snacks
  • Use of Segway and safety equipment (helmet)
  • Narration by professional guide
  • 30-minute Segway Orientation
Exclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
  • Muscle Beach Venice Gym
  • Heal the Bay Aquarium
  • Santa Monica State Beach
  • Pacific Park
  • Venice Beach
  • Venice Skatepark
  • Venice Beach Boardwalk
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please provide your contact information (i.e. email, phone number) in the Special Requirements box at time of booking, Minimum age is 8 years. Riders 8 to 15 years must have a parent present to both sign a waiver and participate on the tour., Riders 16 to 17 years must have a parent present to sign a waiver but are allowed to ride without a parent present., Maximum is 250lbs (113kg), Pregnant woman are not allowed to participate, While this tour is not physically demanding, you must have a decent level of fitness and be able to climb stairs without assistance, Tours operate rain or shine
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Private Rickshaw Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Private Rickshaw Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

1 hrPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.81 (31 reviews)
95.6%
4.4%
amazinghighly recommendamazing experience
Viator
$120
Book now
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Private Rickshaw Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach
Summary

We will offer you a truly local experience, with a personalized tour given by a local guide. You will have a nice ride through the beaches and streets of the famous Santa Monica and Venice Beach areas. You will enjoy fresh ocean breezes and laid back riding with a local guide. We will take 2 people ...

Itinerary
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica
  • Venice Beach Boardwalk
  • Venice Skatepark
  • Muscle Beach Venice Gym
  • Palisades Park
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Small pets are welcome, Small children are welcome, may incur an additional fee, Good for those with limited mobility, has a step and can load at curb
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Full Day Iconic Sites Tour of LA from Santa Monica with Six Stops

Full Day Iconic Sites Tour of LA from Santa Monica with Six Stops

7.5 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.73 (15 reviews)
88.14%
11.86%
great touramazingVery knowledgeable
Viator
$99
Book now
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Full Day Iconic Sites Tour of LA from Santa Monica with Six Stops
Summary

Explore the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles in one full day starting from our convenient location in Santa Monica. This comprehensive tour covers must-see attractions like Hollywood, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Griffith Park and the Hollywood sign allowing you to experience the v...

Inclusions
  • Carefully curated routes that visit the most welcoming and visitor-friendly parts of Los Angeles
  • Driver/guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels only (if option chosen)
Exclusions
  • Lunch
  • No luggage please, personal sized carry-on only.
  • Parking
Itinerary
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Venice Beach
  • Rodeo Drive
  • The Original Farmers Market
  • The Grove
  • Sunset Strip
  • Whisky-a-Go-Go
  • The Viper Room
  • The Roxy
  • Griffith Park
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Hollywood Sign
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please note: The Observatory is closed on Mondays and the Park is sometimes closed for filming so as an alternative the tour may go to Mulholland Drive and/or The Hollywood Bowl, Children must be accompanied by an adult, If you want to be on the same bus as a another group, please contact us immediately after submitting the booking., No luggage larger than a backpack is allowed on board and we do not store luggage, Please contact us if you need a bus with a Wheelchair lift or have an ADA requirement., Umbrella strollers that fold are acceptable, nothing larger that cannot fold, Travel Agents: Please provide guests' contact information in booking (mobile/email), Tours are in English only, Seating is not pre-assigned but we attempt to get groups close together on the vehicle
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour

3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour

3.5 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.61 (87 reviews)
89.04%
10.96%
great tourso funawesome
Viator
$55
Book now
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3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour
Summary

From the Sea to the Stars on the Walk of Fame and back, we have you covered if you’re short on time. Our Hollywood Hopper tour covers celebrity homes, movie studios, filming locations, & more with a stop at the Hollywood Sign Overlook & the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This 3½-hour tour will have you rub...

Inclusions
  • Professional guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Safe Luggage Storage Available
Itinerary
  • Surf City Tours
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Rodeo Drive
  • Sunset Strip
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Hollywood Sign
  • Hollywood Bowl
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Foldable wheelchair can be stored on vehicle, however wheelchair lifts are unavailable and passenger must be able to get in and out of vehicle with assistance from family, friends., Walking is Recommended at stops, but not required.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle

Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle

12 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.62 (39 reviews)
87.98%
12.02%
Absolutely great tourExcellent!a pleasure
Viator
$225
Book now
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Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle
Summary

We love to show our guest Los Angeles with all the highlights and hidden gem's to create a unique experience for out guests. Explore the sprawling city of Los Angeles with tour guide on this customizable private tour. See the best of Hollywood, the Walk of Fame, Grau man's Chinese Theater and The ...

Inclusions
  • Driver/guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Exclusions
  • OPTIONAL: Gratuities
  • OPTIONAL: Tip for the driver
Itinerary
  • TCL Chinese Theatres
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Muscle Beach Venice Gym
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Venice Beach
  • Union Station
  • Rodeo Drive
  • Chinatown
  • Bradbury Building
  • The Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Sunset Boulevard
  • Calle Olvera
  • Walt Disney Concert Hall
  • Dolby Theatre
  • Venice Canals Walkway
  • Bunker Hill Steps
  • Hollywood Bowl Museum
  • Crypto.com Arena
  • Microsoft Theater
  • Lucky Strike at LA Live
  • Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, A maximum of 15 people per booking., Please note any requests in Special Requirements upon booking, Orange county requires additional fee departing on the location. Please inquire with supplier prior to booking.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Santa Monica Beach and Pier.

Heal the Bay Aquarium
Learn more

Heal the Bay Aquarium

350 m away • from $125

Santa Monica Place
Learn more

Santa Monica Place

750 m away • from $165

Third Street Promenade
Learn more

Third Street Promenade

900 m away • from $70

Los Angeles Palisades Park
Learn more

Los Angeles Palisades Park

1.9 km away • from $45

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Among the 34 options we compare across booking platforms, roughly half (53%) are private tours, which may suit those looking for a more tailored experience. You will also find a variety of group activities that range from short outings to full-day excursions.

Prices vary significantly depending on the level of service. Most tours fall within the $76–$250 range, though the total spread across all listed options goes from about $29 to $1,288.

It is often worth booking ahead, as about 15% of the options we compare are flagged as likely to sell out. Additionally, 100% of the tours we look at offer instant confirmation, making last-minute planning easier.

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Across 970 pooled reviews from various platforms, the landmark holds an average rating of 4.7★. Travelers frequently describe their time as amazing, fun, and excellent.

The duration depends on the specific itinerary, but most activities last around 3 hours. You can find shorter options starting at about 1 hour and more extensive tours that run up to 7 hours.

Yes, sustainability is a notable feature here. More than any other category, about 53% of the tours we compare are tagged as eco-friendly, allowing travelers to choose more environmentally conscious ways to explore the area.

Yes, there is a good level of variety for international travelers. The options we compare are offered in 8 different languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Russian, Korean, and Chinese.

Use the Metro E Line rail service. It is much faster than driving and avoids coastal congestion.

Try the public structures on 2nd Street. They are often cheaper than private lots directly on Ocean Avenue.

The area is generally well lit. However, stay on main streets and keep your belongings close at all times.

Los Angeles Palisades Park1.9kmVenice Beach3.6kmVenice Canals (Venice Canal Historic District)4kmMarvin Braude Bike Trail6.3kmGetty Villa7.4kmHammer Museum7.6kmGetty Center8.1kmMuseum of Tolerance (MOT)10.3kmRodeo Drive11.1kmBeverly Hills12kmGreystone Mansion and Park13kmRobertson Boulevard13km
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