Santa Monica Beach and Pier Tours and Activities
148 Reviews
Set along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica has two claims to fame: the Santa Monica Beach and pier. At Santa Monica Beach, miles of sand host playgrounds, parks, picnic areas, staffed lifeguard stations, and the original Muscle Beach. Nearly 8 million visitors frequent the area each year, most of whom follow the boardwalk to the Santa Monica Pier, whose neon-lit arch and ferris wheel are instantly recognizable from film and TV.
The Basics
Visit Santa Monica Beach on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and stroll to the end of the pier to see the sweeping arc of Santa Monica Bay, from Malibu to Palos Verdes. Dig your toes in the sand and watch the crowds go by, or get active with activities such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and beach volleyball. For a bit more mobility, rent an electric bike or join a beach Segway tour. Families can enjoy a multitude of kid-friendly restaurants and shops, pet sea stars and sea urchins at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, or purchase tickets to Pacific Park to take a ride on the ferris wheel. Santa Monica is also a stone’s throw from downtown Los Angeles; visit on a full-day bike or coach tour of the LA area to see highlights such as Hollywood Boulevard and Beverly Hills.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and water if you plan to spend a long day in the sun.
- Smoking is prohibited at the beach.
- Leashed pets are welcome.
- Handicap parking is available on the pier. To access the water’s edge, wheelchair users can rent sand wheelchairs from Perry’s Cafe and Beach Rentals.
How to Get There
Santa Monica is 17 miles (27 kilometers) west of downtown Los Angeles. Parking is plentiful, especially on Main Street, 2nd Street, and 4th Street between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard. Public transportation via buses is also readily available.
When to Get There
Santa Monica Beach and Pier are open year-round. The weather is mild throughout the year, but summer’s balmy temperatures and sunny skies bring crowds of vacationers. Visit outside of summer for lower prices and more availability.
Pacific Park and the Pacific Wheel
Located on the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park is an amusement park packed with rides, games, food, and shopping. The iconic Pacific Wheel has appeared in more than 500 movies, television shows, music videos, commercials, and magazine editorials. Come nightfall, the wheel is illuminated by more than 174,000 LED lights that display dynamic, computer-generated light shows.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California 90401, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Admission to the beach and pier is free, although some attractions may charge for entry.
70 Tours and Activities to Experience Santa Monica Beach and Pier
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Private Full Day Tour of LA: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice
23
Ideal for visitors with a limited amount of time in the city, this tour allows you to see the highlights of Los Angeles in a single day. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, get a good view of the “Hollywood” sign, cruise Rodeo Drive, walk on the Santa Monica Pier, and much more. A private guide picks you up and returns you to your hotel or Airbnb and offers insight about the city throughout the day.
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From
$195.00
Price varies by group size
From
$195.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica
128
Visit many of Los Angeles’s highlights and landmarks on one fun and convenient outing. Learn about LA history and culture—its historic filming locations and crime scenes, celebrity homes and trendy restaurants—from a narrator as you traverse the city in a convertible bus. Stop at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, a farmer's market for lunch, and the Hollywood Sign on this easy and affordable tour.
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From
$89.25
From
$89.25
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
1278
From the Hollywood sign to the celebrity mansions of Beverly Hills, Los Angles is so full of iconic sights it can be tricky to see them all. This guided tour seamlessly transports you by coach to all of the city's top attractions—from Santa Monica Pier to the Sunset Strip—so that you don't need to worry about missing a thing.
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From
$89.00
From
$89.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Santa Monica and Venice Beach Tour from Los Angeles
10
See the hotspots around Santa Monica and Venice Beach on this tour by air-conditioned coach. Led by a local guide, make stops at the Third Street Promenade, the Santa Monica Pier, Venice’s Muscle Beach, the luxury homes of Malibu and more. Your guide provides fun and factual commentary about Los Angeles as you take in the views and top attractions.
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From
$159.00
From
$159.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Coastal Tour of Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Malibu
1
If you’re staying in inner-city LA and on a tight schedule, it can be difficult to find the time to get out to the city’s vibrant coastal neighborhoods. Instead of hiring a car or planning a complicated chain of buses and trains, this flexible sightseeing tour fits into any schedule. Get picked up at a time that works for you and drive around Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu in a luxury SUV, your guide on hand to point out the quirky and beautiful highlights of each neighborhood.
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From
$243.56
Price varies by group size
From
$243.56
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Los Angeles Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker Bus Tour
810
Discover Los Angeles on your own terms thanks to this convenient hop-on, hop-off bus excursion covering the city’s top highlights. Enjoy the sun from the open top of your bus, offering 360-degree vistas of the surrounding landmarks. Best of all, your hop-on, hop-off excursion covers more than 50 locations throughout the city, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Hollywood and downtown L.A. You can also choose between a 24-, 48-, and 72-hour ticket options and plenty of convenient departures, thanks to its 365-days-a-year operation schedule.
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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The Best of LA Tour from Anaheim or LA: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Beaches
184
Explore Hollywood, Los Angeles, and beyond on this all-day guided excursion from Anaheim, downtown L.A., or North Hollywood. After a convenient hotel pickup, head out with a knowledgeable guide and experience classic sites and neighborhoods like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, Memorial Coliseum, Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier.
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From
$89.00
From
$89.00

The Ultimate Los Angeles Bike Tour
187
Get an intimate look at the diverse neighborhoods of LA during this small-group cycling exploration. Join a group of no more than 10 riders for a 32-mile (51-kilometer) adventure through areas like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Bel-Air, and Beverly Hills, listening to insightful and entertaining stories from your guide as you cycle. During the trip, you’ll also stop in Venice Beach, where you can buy lunch, and take a guided walking tour of historic Greystone Mansion. A hybrid road bike, safety equipment, and bottled water are also included.
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From
$163.47
From
$163.47
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Luxurious Tour of Los Angeles
53
Experience Los Angeles in style and sophistication on a private tour, ideal for travelers seeking a personalized experience. During this custom tour, tick off iconic LA sights such as Venice Beach, the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Beach and Pier, Sunset Strip, and many more. Amend your itinerary according to your preferences and stop for as long or as little as you like at iconic Los Angeles landmarks. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
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From
$265.65
Price varies by group size
From
$265.65
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Los Angeles Highlights Tour
49
Discover the best of Los Angeles during this 7-hour highlights trip covering Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Skip the hassles of driving in traffic as your expert guide helps you sample all that LA has to offer. First head to the beach to explore Santa Monica Pier and counterculture vibes of Venice. Then spend the afternoon discovering iconic Hollywood sights like the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. Finish the day amidst the designer boutiques and celebrities of Beverly Hills. A guide, snacks and air-conditioned minivan transport are included.
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From
$199.00
From
$199.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Santa Monica Private Tour with Restaurant and Bar Stops
1
Eat and drink like a Hollywood VIP during this 5-hour restaurant and bar tour in Santa Monica aboard an electric-powered Cadillac Escalade limo. Join a small group of no more than 14 guests as you’re whisked to the restaurant of your choosing for lunch or dinner. After your meal, continue the fun with a stop at your choice of bar or lounge in this fun-filled neighborhood. A local guide, live on-board commentary during your drive and round-trip hotel transport are covered.
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From
$347.85
per group
$61.39 savings
From
$347.85
per group
$61.39 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Private Customized Layover Tour of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica
23
Customize your tour during and make the most of your layover in Los Angeles. Your tour guide meets you at the airport and takes you to discover the city in just 4 to 5 hours. Explore 3 iconic locations: see Beverly Hills, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Boulevard or any other destination on the list. Your guide makes sure you’re dropped off in time for your connecting flight.
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From
$400.00
per group
From
$400.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Private 3-Day Los Angeles Tour: Downtown LA, Hollywood and Santa Monica
1
Explore the best of L.A. with this 3-day tour. In downtown Los Angeles, visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Bradbury Building, the Central Library, and more. Lunch in the Farmer’s Market and see the city skyline. On day 2, visit Rodeo Drive, The Grove, Sunset Strip, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stroll along the Santa Monica Pier and admire coastal views on the final day of your tour.
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From
$633.34
per group
From
$633.34
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Sightseeing Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxurious SUV
12
See Los Angeles in style with a 5-hour private tour in a spacious vehicle. Watch for celebrities as you cruise the Walk of Fame past the iconic Chinese Theater, and navigate the roads of Beverly Hills as you spot the stars’ sprawling mansions. Continue along Rodeo Drive and the vibrant Sunset Strip, then hit downtown to see the city’s most famous sports centers, concert halls and museums. Finish your trip at the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll take in Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier and miles of perfect, palm-lined beaches.
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From
$403.85
per group
From
$403.85
per group

3 Hour Venice Beach Bike Tour
13
Spend three hours pedaling around Venice Beach like a local: on a beach cruiser. With the bike, helmet, water, and bike basket to store your belongings, you can follow your guide on a tour designed to show you the best of the area. Ride along the Santa Monica bike path, making stops to see the highlights and learning about the area's history and culture through guided commentary.
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From
$70.77
From
$70.77
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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2 Hour Venice Beach Bike Tour
3
Bohemian Venice Beach is a city within a city, home to artists and writers, bodybuilders and techies. To really experience this quirky neighborhood, try this guided Venice Beach bike tour, and check out the neighborhood's top sights, in just a couple hours. See everything from the Pacific Ocean and canals, to street vendors and Muscle Beach. Add an optional craft beer and hors d'oeuvres experience at the Venice Beach Suites for a tasty end to your ride.
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From
$60.52
From
$60.52

VIP Hollywood and Beverly Hills Day Tour
149
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.
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From
$130.00
From
$130.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Los Angeles Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour
66
Explore one of America’s coolest cities on a highlights tour of Los Angeles. During this 7-hour tour, visit cool neighborhoods such as Venice Beach, Hollywood, and Santa Monica as well as iconic landmarks like the Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Sign. Drive around the ‘City of Angels’ in an air-conditioned coach and listen to live commentary on board from your guide.
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From
$183.59
Price varies by group size
From
$183.59
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

30 Minute Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Los Angeles
Flytographer 30 Minute Vacation Photoshoot
Connect with a local professional photographer in Los Angeles and capture your most memorable moments during this private photoshoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Los Angeles, including where to eat and what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality, vacation photos.
The best souvenir ever.
…More
From
$272.44
per group
From
$272.44
per group

60 Minute Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Los Angeles
Flytographer 60 Minute Vacation Photoshoot
Connect with a local professional photographer in Los Angeles and capture your most memorable moments during this private photoshoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Los Angeles, including where to eat and what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality, vacation photos.
The best souvenir ever.
…More
From
$381.42
per group
From
$381.42
per group

90 Minute Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Los Angeles
Capture your time in LA as you want to remember it, without worrying about blurriness, overexposure or even just a thumb over the camera lens. Choose anywhere in Los Angeles and meet up with a professional photographer for your own private session. Whether you’re remembering your honeymoon or a great family vacation, get beautifully-shot, beautifully-staged photographs at a range of LA landmarks to share with everyone back home.
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From
$544.88
per group
From
$544.88
per group

120 Minute Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Los Angeles
Flytographer 120 Minute Vacation Photoshoot
Connect with a local professional photographer in Los Angeles and capture your most memorable moments during this private photoshoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Los Angeles, including where to eat and what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality, vacation photos.
The best souvenir ever.
…More
From
$708.34
per group
From
$708.34
per group

Classic Car Tour of Los Angeles
31
Hit the Los Angeles roads feeling like you’re in a Hollywood movie on this one-of-a-kind private tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Drive around Tinseltown in a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, the wind in your hair as you explore these glossy neighborhoods and stop for photo ops at landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, the Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hear stories about the famous people that made this city, and the celebrities that live here now, from your dedicated guide.
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From
$615.39
per group
From
$615.39
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury SUV/Minivan. Experienced Tour Guides.
10
We invite you to spend a day in Los Angeles on a private tour in a luxury minivan which can seat up to 7 passengers with energetic and charismatic tour guide. Unwind and relax as you passing through the mansions of celebrities in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Your dreams will come true as you drive through scenic streets of LA to see Hollywood sign, find your favorite stars on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and and get a cup of coffee or juice at a celebrities' hot spot. This will be a tour you will remember forever. It's a private tour, so you can customize it however you want. We always consider our clients' interests in special requests.
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From
$610.26
per group
From
$610.26
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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