Things to do in Santa Monica, California (CA): The Best Tours

July 26, 2021 Madelene Haan

The beaches of Santa Monica attract all sorts of visitors-- don't be surprised to see families playing on the sand next to a boot-camp fitness class with a barking instructor. Visit the Santa Monica Pier, a haven of shops, restaurants, and carnival attractions (including a Ferris wheel) atop a wooden wharf. By night, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be, bustling with activity from moviegoers, party animals, and talented street performers.
Restaurants in Santa Monica

1. Private Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beaches

Pedal or Not Electric Bike Tours, 214 Pier Ave east of Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA Pedal or Not... Electric Bicycle - Tours
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5.0 based on 29 reviews

Get a taste of Santa Monica and Venice on this private tour by electric bike. A great experience for locals and visitors alike. You'll cruise along the beach bike path enjoying the sun, ocean view and energetic atmosphere of Santa Monica and Venice Beach on your easy-to-use electric bike. Stop for photo opportunities at top Santa Monica attractions including Santa Monica Beach, the Santa Monica Pier as background and the spot where Hollywood celebrities partied in the Golden days of Hollywood. Hear fun stories about the city’s pop culture and history from your guide. You will roll on to vibrant Venice to see the skate park, street art and the bustle of the crowd on the ocean front walk, then off to the Venice canals before a final stop at Muscle Beach and zipping back to the shop.

Inclusions: Use of electric bike and helmet, Bottled water, Professional guide, Photo memories package ($30 value), PPE - mask and light plastic gloves available upon request, PPE - small 1 oz hand sanitizer on bike for your use

Exclusions: Gratuities (+-15% as guideline if you enjoyed your tour)

Reviewed By 667aaliyab

Our bike tour with Barb was the perfect addition to our Santa Monica vacation. She gave us amazing facts while traveling up and down Venice Beach, Muscle Beach & Santa Monica Pier. The best part was we didn’t have to pedal.

2. California Coast and Canyons Helicopter Tour

16425 Hart St, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA Group 3 Aviation
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Take a breathtaking 30-minute helicopter flight above the Santa Monica Mountains and down the southern California coastline. See world-famous beaches like Venice Beach boardwalk and Muscle Beach, elite residential areas in Malibu and Pacific Palisades, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Inclusions: Private tour

Exclusions: Gratuities, Tips/Gratuity - it is customary to tip your pilot

Reviewed By wahooniffer

Peter took me and my boyfriend (it was his birthday) on an amazing ride, it was a great experience!!

3. Los Angeles Private Tour

ParkPlace Cali Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Movie Star Homes, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive Private Tour covering the most important and fun hotspots in Los Angeles with stops for photos and meals. Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey and Malibu We will show you the best of LA's famed beaches with stops at the Piers to take in the sun and stroll on the sands.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Transport by private vehicle, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By James Edmond S

There were Notes but actual phone missing and, unknown as to the involved reviewing wanted thanks,jes..

4. 5-Hour Limo Tour with Open Bar

Private limo tours by Sunpower
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Your private tour guide is Michael Raines, who has worked for a number of limo companies as a driver and bodyguard to some of the biggest celebrities in the world. A TV personality on his own rite, Michael Raines has starred in two survival shows on Discovery and other Film and TV roles in the past 20 years. Just to hear his celebrity stories is worth the price of the ride!! You will ride in style in 6 passenger Lincoln town car with a duel bar setup for wine, beer and liquor with mixers, chocolates and nuts all complimentary. A Bluetooth stereo so you can use your playlist on your phone, with IPhone and android chargers with cables on the rear deck. Your tour is completely customizable, you tell us what you want to see and we will take you there in style.

Inclusions: Beer,wine,liquor,mixers,sodas and candy We have the best stocked limo in town!

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Reviewed By Penny R

Book today you won’t be disappointed! We loved hearing all of the history of LA and surrounding areas. Mikey knew just when and where we would like to take pictures and always offered to take them for us as well.

5. 2-Hour Private Marina del Rey and Santa Monica Harbor Cruise

13701 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, USA BayWatch Boat Charters Los Angeles
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Our classic two hour harbor cruise departs all throughout the day, offering guests a unique and private experience! Tour Marina del Rey’s luxurious harbor, passing by multi-million dollar yachts. Turn up the music, enjoy a beverage, and have fun with BayWatch Boat Charters! Hop board "Cowboy," a luxury 30' center console with premium features and amenities. Enjoy a 4-hour Private Santa Monica and Malibu Coastal Cruise, a 2-Hour Private "Fun in the Sun" Marina del Rey Harbor Cruise, or a 2-Hour Private Sunset Cruise. The vessel can handle any conditions and has comfortable seating areas, a stereo system, and night lights. Bring any food or beverages to make your trip more enjoyable. Your charter includes a captain and can accommodate up to 6 guests. Enjoy a luxury harbor cruise or ocean excursion and get a local crew that will offer an unprecedented experience.

Inclusions: Private Captain, All Fees and Taxes

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6. Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour

Santa Monica Beach Bicycle Rentals, 1428 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA The Real Los Angeles Tours
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

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 the history of the famous neighborhoods you’re passing through. We’ll have your bicycles ready when you arrive for the Santa Monica and Venice Bike tour, then we’ll head down to the beach. The tour passes by famous Santa Monica Pier, before stopping at Muscle Beach. Then we cycle to the beautiful canals. There’s a stop on hip Abbot Kinney Boulevard for juice or coffee, before we head up Main St. Our final stop is Santa Monica City Hall and Tongva Park. * Tour starts 10am daily * Bicycle hire included in price * Children under 5 y.o. can go in a child’s seat for $10 on the day (no ticket required)

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Tour Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities not included. Please allow 15-20%., Snacks

Reviewed By millie4t

I really enjoyed my tour with Damien. I've lived in Los Angeles for a long time but did not know a lot of the history of the city and Damien explained the background of how LA became LA. Stunning views of Los Angeles, from downtown to Santa Monica. Free parking at the Greek Theatre parking lot (when there aren't any events). Bring water (they do give you a bottle), hat, sunscreen. I was lucky and the day was overcast but it can get really hot there. Uphill walk for about 20 minutes so if you're not in shape, this is not the tour for you. Then the rest is pretty easy. Due to COVID, the Griffith Observatory is closed right now so you can't go inside. Good tour for locals (especially if you're not familiar with Griffith Park) and tourists.

7. Hollywood Sign Tour: Walk to the Hollywood Sign

6301 Innsdale Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA Bikes And Hikes LA
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5.0 based on 36 reviews

Departure Time: 10:30 AM We’ll take you in front of and behind the Hollywood sign for an unforgettable experience! With ample opportunities for killer Instagram photos, insider Hollywood History, and a local guide, this hike brags some of the best views in LA. Snag a bird’s eye view of top film studios Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Dreamworks, the Hollywood Walk of fame, and more! Your docent will regale you with Hollywood history while ensuring a safe and exciting climb. This experience will take approximately 2.5 hours, and is suited for guests looking for a challenging, bucket-list outdoor adventure. Perfect for guests looking for a very special, unforgettable Hollywood Sign Hike. HIGHLIGHTS Hollywood Sign (behind and in front!) Panoramic 360° views of all of LA Best photos of the Hollywood Sign to last a lifetime Leave LA fulfilled: get your full fix of insider LA history from the best local guides in Los Angeles!

Inclusions: 2.5-hour hike, Unlimited Instagram photo opportunities, Expert First Aid and CPR certified professional local tour guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities (15 - 20% per person is recommended), Due to COVID-19, guests must provide their own water for this tour.

Reviewed By christigray1

We had the best day with Harris as our private tour guide. We hit 8 cities in 7 hours. I would not want to miss any parts of the ride. You see the hot spots but also the average living areas. I highly recommend the electric bike.

8. Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway)

522 Clarinada Ave, Daly City, CA 94015, USA SpectrumXP
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Welcome to the GPS-enabled driving tour of California’s famous Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway! This self-guided audio tour stretches between San Francisco and Los Angeles, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world! This self-guided audio tour allows you to explore Highway 1 with maximum flexibility and value. Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! Within 30 min, we'll send you two things: a unique password and an app. Download the app onto your phone and enter the password. Then download the tour inside. Start at the first stop and follow the instructions! Stick to our route for the best experience. This tour doesn’t include entrance to attractions along the route. Check pandemic rules before your visit. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever! ALERT: Highway partially closed due to storm damage.

Inclusions: GPS Map, Audios and Text, Online Support

Exclusions: Admission to Paid Attractions

Reviewed By GrandTour632361

please fix the app the navigation does not work it is impossible to get back on the route if you get off please tie it in with a GPS system or something for the love of god this was excruciating we spent 2 hours and pretty much saw the buffalo bayou river because we looped around it so many gosh darn times xoxo

9. VIP Hollywood and Beverly Hills Day Tour

23000 Newport Coast Dr, Newport Coast, CA 92657, USA Have Fun Tours
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5.0 based on 150 reviews

Have Fun Tours has been in business for over 12 years. As native Californians, we have extensive knowledge of local tourist spots and hidden gems. We leverage our familiarity with the places where we tour to create a one-of-a-kind VIP experience for you and your loved ones. We tap into our network of reputable companies, popular theme parks, and influential people in Hollywood and surrounding areas to provide you with exclusive travel deals. Aside from public tours, we offer special private trips that feature once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. We always come up with new ways to design tours that match your thirst for adventure. With the Hollywood Tour, the coup d'etat is our stop by the live outdoor taping of a TV show, Access Hollywood, hosted by our dear friend, Mario Lopez. This is limited to Wednesdays through the end of the year until January 1, 2020 when it will be available M - F. We also offer SPANISH speaking tours.

Inclusions: Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By mollyd44

We took the private tour to Temecula from Newport Beach. Lou was wonderful. Very attentive and provided awesome info about the area and various spots along the drive. We were able to visit two wineries, taking our time at each, and a long lunch (with more wine). We could have gone to more wineries if we wanted to; just would have had to have shorter stays at each. He made sure we were comfortable and taken care of at each stop. We had a wonderful time.

10. Private Luxurious Tour of Los Angeles

ExperienceFirst
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5.0 based on 53 reviews

Experience the very best of Los Angeles with an expert tour guide while riding in a luxurious vehicle on this 6 hour private and custom tour. You will be immersed in the history, culture, and excitement of LA. Snap a pic with the Hollywood Sign, walk along Venice Beach, drive down Rodeo Drive, fit your hands and feet in the famous impressions on Hollywood Blvd, play on the Santa Monica Pier, catch celebrities and drive by their homes, and so much more. Choose our standard itinerary or customize your own for an additional cost! This is the best way to way to experience LA with a private guide and vehicle.  Pick up and drop off at your hotel is included inside LA County. Extra charge for pickup outside of LA.

Inclusions: Entertaining, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Guided visit of Los Angeles

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Entrance fees, if any

Reviewed By tylannam2021

Best wine trip ever! Chris was absolutely amazing as our guide! Your wine tour is not life with out Chris as your guide! He was extremely professional and accommodating to all of our need! The tour at Rosenthal was the biggest highlight! The cheeseboard and wine was unmatched! The tour is worth every penny and you won’t regret it!

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