Los Angeles · SANTA MONICA TOURS

The 15 Best Santa Monica Tours & Days Out

40 tours  ·  from $10

The pier is free and takes an hour, so the money goes on getting beyond it. These 15 cover the bike path south, the city runs that start here, and the water, each priced with its meeting point.

Full-Day LA Tour: Santa Monica, Hollywood and Beverly Hills - Griffith Observatory delivers the best view
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Full-Day LA Tour: Santa Monica, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

1.Full-Day LA Tour: Santa Monica, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,431 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $95Our pick

Spend about seven hours touring Los Angeles by open-window bus, with stops at Santa Monica Pier, the Original Farmers Market, Griffith Observatory, and Hollywood. Guides such as Sammy and Alana add local stories, food tips, and Hollywood trivia. Expect plenty of driving, tight timing, and a return to Sunset Boulevard.

“I always use Viator for my travel planning. Professional, timely service, great communication and easy refund policy.”

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Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica - Starting beside Santa Monica Pier
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Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica

2.Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,124 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Travel from Santa Monica in an open-top convertible bus with live commentary from guides such as Bee, Chad, Josh, and Kent. Stop at the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Sign, and a farmers market. Hotel pickup is available from select local hotels.

“This tour was great ! We got to see so many highlights of LA! Bee was an awesome tourguide, very knowledgeable and has done her research! We did this mid December, so because it’s an open top vehicle it gets pretty chilly even mid day, I’d take a blanket perhaps. To be fair the van isn’t something that is luxury and was older, but it did what was intended and doesn’t take away from the tour itself just preparing you.”

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Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice - Starting near Main Street and the beach
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Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice

3.Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 458 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $89

Spend three hours riding a Pedego electric beach cruiser from Santa Monica to Venice and back. Guides including Barb, Steph, Stephen, and Molly lead small groups of up to six past the pier, canals, Muscle Beach, skatepark, and beach paths. Pedal yourself or let the motor help.

“We had a great time! Stef was a great tour guide and we were lucky and had an amazing sunset! Most definitely recommend this tour.”

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Half Day Best of Los Angeles Tour from Santa Monica - Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive in a single 30-minute stop
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Half Day Best of Los Angeles Tour from Santa Monica

4.Half Day Best of Los Angeles Tour from Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Start at Santa Monica’s Shore Hotel for a guided 5.5-hour loop through Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Museum Row, the Farmers Market, and Griffith Observatory. Guides such as Shawn, Sam, Talib, and Chad are praised for humor, local detail, and smooth driving. Lunch and shopping at The Grove cost extra.

“We took the half day tour with Talib this week - our first visit to LA and we just wanted a whistle-stop tour of the main sites. This was the perfect trip - not too long and a great way to tick off some must-sees during our short visit. However, the highlight of the experience was Talib - this guy is a superstar - funny, gracious, really knowledgeable and just a all-round nice person. Some Hollywood mogul should pick him up as a host of something because he just has that electric character that can't be taught. We enjoyed seeing the major sites, particularly the views from the Griffith Observatory,…”

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All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica - The Original Farmers Market: lunch with a separate bill
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All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica

5.All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · 7 hours (approx.)

Cover LA’s big sights in one day by coach, from Santa Monica Pier and the Farmers Market to Griffith Observatory and Hollywood. Guides such as Sammy and Alana add local stories, though traffic, open-sided vehicles, and short stops can affect comfort and timing.

“Sammy is an excellent tour guide. His personality made the time go by in a flash while getting a history of L.A along the way.”

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Santa Monica: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Home Tour - Rodeo Drive offers glamour, even without a shopping budget
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Santa Monica: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Home Tour

6.Santa Monica: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Home Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 163 reviews · 3h 30m · from $47

Travel from Santa Monica through Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Mulholland Drive, and the Sunset Strip with guides such as Brian, Bee, and George. You’ll stop at the Beverly Hills Sign and Hollywood Walk of Fame, while the open-air bus gives you clear photo views and a local guide’s stories.

“Bee was fabulous , funny , knowledgable and engaging . Fantastic tour”

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Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica - Crossing Santa Monica and the Westside
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Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Travel from Santa Monica through Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Mulholland Drive, and the Sunset Strip in a small open-air bus. You get 30-minute stops at the Beverly Hills Sign and Hollywood Walk of Fame, with guides such as Bee, Brian, George, and Joel sharing local stories along the way.

“Excellent for the price , driver was very knowledgeable about the area and a great personality for the tour!!”

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1.5-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica - The water session and the promise of riding a wave
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1.5-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

8.1.5-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $140

Meet Kapowui Surf Lessons at the Venice-Santa Monica border for a private 1.5-hour lesson. You’ll spend 30 minutes on beach instruction, then surf with an instructor using supplied boards and wetsuits. Liam and Alex are named instructors praised for patient, clear coaching.

“It was an amazing time! Liam was the best instructor and so patient with our nephews! We would do it again!”

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Shared 2 Hour Small Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica - Your first 20 to 30 minutes on the sand
2-Hour Experiences, Los Angeles Surf Lessons, Santa Monica Tours, Surf Lessons in Santa Monica, Tour Reviews

Shared 2 Hour Small Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

9.Shared 2 Hour Small Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85

Meet Fun Surf LA near Santa Monica Beach for a two-hour lesson with 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, 50 to 60 minutes in the water, and extra practice time. Foam boards and wetsuits are included. The lesson suits beginners and intermediate surfers age 12 and up.

“Fun instructors, very chill, best jokes, best rock-skipping technique (& low-key competition), showed us multiple ways and options to get on the surfboard and stay on for waves, kept us safe in the water, and all around made sure it was a great time on the beach surfing! The cool instructors also wear really cool surfing hats -- now I want one! And mineral reef-safe sunscreens for the win!! 10/10 A++ would book and do again!”

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Los Angeles: Santa Monica and Venice eBike Tour - Starting on Pier Avenue, not at the pier
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Los Angeles: Santa Monica and Venice eBike Tour

10.Santa Monica and Venice eBike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 139 reviews · 3 hours · from $89

Join Barb or Stef for a three-hour, small-group e-bike ride through Santa Monica and Venice. Cruise beneath the Santa Monica Pier, see Muscle Beach, the skatepark, canals, murals, and beach houses, with pedal assist available when the wind or crowds make riding harder.

“I loved the tour with Barb - it was fun, educational, and insightful!”

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Santa Monica: Bike and eBike Rentals with Map - Choosing between a hybrid bike, eBike, or tandem
Cycling Tours, E-Bikes, Los Angeles Bike and E-Bike Tours, Santa Monica Tours, Tour Reviews

Santa Monica: Bike and eBike Rentals with Map

11.Santa Monica: Bike and eBike Rentals with Map

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 128 reviews · 2 - 8 hours · from $22Best value

Pick up a Cannondale hybrid bike, eBike, tandem, or child attachment near Santa Monica Pier, then follow the map along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Ride to Venice Beach, the historic canals, Marina del Rey, Muscle Beach, and colorful Art Walls at your own pace.

“Super friendly staff, and very willing to share suggestions for a tourist. Good value for having the bike all day.”

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Santa Monica: Los Angeles Open-Air Van Tour with Stops - Starting in Santa Monica and heading toward Beverly Hills
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Santa Monica: Los Angeles Open-Air Van Tour with Stops

12.Santa Monica: Los Angeles Open-Air Van Tour with Stops

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 107 reviews · from $90

Spend 5.5 hours touring Los Angeles from Santa Monica in a convertible open-air van. Guides such as Kent, Bea, and Richard share local stories as you stop in Beverly Hills, at the Original Farmers Market, along Hollywood Boulevard, and near the Hollywood Sign.

“Bea was an excellent driver and guide for Our tour today of the Beverly Hills area and the Hollywood area. She had interesting stories regarding celebrities where they lived and where they died. we got to see the infamous Diddy house and where Taylor Swift lives. Bee was very informative and enjoyable. I would recommend this tour for anyone who would like to see the highlights for this Los Angeles area.”

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2-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica - Meeting the lesson at Venice Beach
2-Hour Experiences, Los Angeles Surf Lessons, Santa Monica Tours, Surf Lessons in Santa Monica, Tour Reviews

2-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

13.2-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $145

Meet Kapowui Surf Lessons at the Venice-Santa Monica border for a two-hour beginner lesson. Your instructor supplies the board and wetsuit, teaches safety and technique on the sand, then works with you in the water. Dale is praised for patient, supportive coaching.

“Dale was excellent - he was very patient and supportive while trying to learn the ins and outs of surfing!”

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Discover California Donut Culture: Santa Monica’s Sweetest Tour - Sidecar Doughnuts brings a more polished style
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Discover California Donut Culture: Santa Monica’s Sweetest Tour

14.Discover California Donut Culture: Santa Monica’s Sweetest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Join a guide such as Chad, Sam, Libby, or Jasmine for a sweet walk through Santa Monica. You’ll sample breakfast donuts at Randy’s and Sidecar, try churros and possibly birria tacos at Papi Churros, then finish near the pier or Third Street Promenade.

“Chad was great. He was friendly, informed, and funny. It is a great way to explore Santa Monica and the treats were delish. Highly recommend.”

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Private EBike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beaches - Santa Monica State Beach and the long coastal ride
Cycling Tours, E-Bikes, Los Angeles Bike and E-Bike Tours, Private, Santa Monica Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Venice Beach Tours

Private EBike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beaches

15.Private EBike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

Ride a private electric-bike route from Santa Monica to Venice with guide Barb or a member of the Pedal or Not team. Expect beach paths, the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Canals, Muscle Beach, skateboarding, street art, photo stops, water, helmets, and edited tour photos.

“Barb was an excellent, friendly guide. She had pictures to accompany her history lessons of the sites we were visiting. We really appreciated the water and snack that went along with our ride! We had never ridden an e-bike but she made learning all the different styles easy! The e-bikes were so fun and we had great weather. We’ll definitely be doing this again!”

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New in Santa Monica Tours

★ 5.0Venice and Santa Monica French Bicycle TourFrom $11213 reviews
★ 4.5Hollywood, DTLA and Santa Monica Full-Day Walking and Metro TourFrom $13511 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Celebrity Homes, Santa MonicaFrom $5526 reviews
★ 5.0Scenic Santa Monica Electric Mountain Bike Tour (Beginner)From $1697 reviews
★ 4.4Santa Monica & Venice Beach Guided Bike or eBike TourFrom $7124 reviews
★ 5.0Santa Monica: Group Surf Lesson4 reviews
★ 3.7Santa Monica: Ghosts and Phantoms of the Pier Walking TourFrom $246 reviews
★ 4.6Santa Monica Donut Adventure by Underground Donut TourFrom $709 reviews
★ 4.6Santa Monica: Best of LA Tour with 3 Iconic StopsFrom $5916 reviews
★ 5.0Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway TourFrom $1996 reviews
★ 4.8Santa Monica: Hollywood & Beyond Helicopter TourFrom $4995 reviews
★ 3.7Heal The Bay Aquarium in Santa MonicaFrom $1010 reviews
★ 5.0Beach E-Bike Ride Redondo Beach to Santa MonicaFrom $759 reviews
★ 4.9Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike AdventureFrom $7923 reviews
★ 4.7Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach Tour.From $3496 reviews

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