Santa Monica’s most worthwhile tours stick to what this beach city does best: coastal beauty and local character. Skip the Hollywood-focused excursions (you’ll waste precious time in traffic) and instead grab a bike or e-bike for breezy rides along the beachfront paths connecting Santa Monica to Venice Beach. The city’s standout tour options include small-group yacht cruises offering knockout views of the coastline and the “Santa Monica Shuffle” – a clever city-wide scavenger hunt that gets you exploring like a local.
I especially love the guided bike tours between the Santa Monica and Venice Beach piers, where experienced guides share insider stories about the boardwalk scene and colorful neighborhood history. For something special, sunset yacht tours provide a memorable perspective of LA’s coastal gems without the crowds.
Check out our favorite Santa Monica tours below, tested and proven to deliver authentic local experiences.
Key Points
- For scenic coastal views, the Luxury Yacht Experience offers a 2-hour guided tour on a 50-foot yacht, priced at $186 per person.
- The Santa Monica Shuffle Amazing Race & Tour provides an interactive 2-3 hour activity with teams navigating via bike or foot, priced at $89 per person.
- The Santa Monica & Venice Beach Guided Bike or eBike Tour covers 7-8 miles in 3 hours, including visits to the Venice Canals and Muscle Beach, with a 4.9/5 rating.
- The Iconic Landmarks Private Tour offers a 5-9 hour experience visiting the Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Hills, priced at £179.86 per person.
- The Greater Los Angeles Highlights Tour is an 8-10 hour customizable itinerary covering popular attractions, priced at $329 per person and rated 5/5.
Los Angeles: Iconic Landmarks Private Tour
The Los Angeles: Iconic Landmarks Private Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s most renowned attractions. Priced from £179.86 per person, the tour lasts between 5-9 hours and is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour’s highlights include a 30-minute sightseeing and walking tour of the iconic Hollywood Sign, with optional visits to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Hills.
Guests will also enjoy free time for shopping and exploration in Beverly Hills. With over 19 pickup and drop-off locations across West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica, the tour provides a flexible and customizable experience.
Participants will travel in a private vehicle with a professional driver/guide, and gratuities/tips are included. The tour has an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 14 reviews, with positive feedback on the flexibility and individual tour options.
Read our full review: Los Angeles: Iconic Landmarks Private Tour Review
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Private Greater Los Angeles Highlights Tour From Los Angeles
Although the Private Greater Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Los Angeles offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s most iconic sights, the experience can be customized to suit individual preferences.
Priced from $329 per person, the 8-10 hour private tour provides guests with a flexible itinerary, allowing them to spend more time at their desired locations. With a choice of 20 pickup and drop-off points across Southern California, the tour caters to the needs of both local and visiting travelers.
The tour includes visits to landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and the Santa Monica Pier, along with a live, multilingual guide to enhance the experience.
Amenities such as luggage storage, complimentary water, and driver gratuities are included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on customer reviews, this tour is an excellent way to experience the highlights of Greater Los Angeles.
Read our full review: Private Greater Los Angeles Highlights Tour From Los Angeles Review
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Marina Del Rey: Luxury Yacht Experience – Guided Tour – BYOB
Situated in the heart of Marina Del Rey, the Luxury Yacht Experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Southern California coastline from the comfort of a spacious 50-foot yacht.
This 2-hour guided tour, limited to just 10 participants, provides an intimate and personalized way to take in the scenic views of Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and Malibu.
Along the journey, guests may spot dolphins and other marine life, while enjoying complimentary refreshments. The BYOB policy allows for a relaxed and customizable experience.
With flexible departure times between 1pm-5pm, the 5pm “Golden Hour” tour is recommended for the best lighting and photography opportunities.
At just $186 per person, this luxury yacht experience is an excellent value. Bookings can be made easily online, with a pay-later option available.
Guests are advised to dress in beachwear and note that the tour isn’t suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
Read our full review: Marina Del Rey: Luxury Yacht Experience – Guided Tour – BYOB Review
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Santa Monica Shuffle Amazing Race & Tour
- For an exhilarating and interactive way to experience Santa Monica, consider the Santa Monica Shuffle Amazing Race & Tour. This 2-3 hour activity puts participants through a series of challenges as they race through the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Teams navigate the area via bike or on foot, stopping to complete fun and mind-bending tasks along the way. With a 5.0 rating from 35 reviews, this tour offers an engaging and unique way to explore Santa Monica.
Priced at $89 per person, the Santa Monica Shuffle provides an excellent value for the experience. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor seeking an unforgettable adventure, this amazing race-style tour is sure to delight.
With options for both private groups and public bookings, the Santa Monica Shuffle is a must-try for those seeking an active and immersive way to discover all that this vibrant coastal city has to offer.
Read our full review: Santa Monica Shuffle Amazing Race & Tour Review
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La: Santa Monica & Venice Beach Guided Bike or Ebike Tour
An engaging way to explore the vibrant coastline of Santa Monica and Venice Beach is the Santa Monica & Venice Beach Guided Bike or eBike Tour.
This 3-hour tour covers 7-8 miles, starting at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Guided by an English-speaking local, you will visit the historic Venice Canals, Marina del Rey, and iconic sights like the Art Walls and Muscle Beach.
Along the way, they’ll enjoy stunning coastal views and have ample photo opportunities. The tour includes use of a bicycle or electric bike, a mandatory helmet, and a bike bag.
Riders must be at least 13 years old to use the electric bikes. With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 14 reviews, this tour is praised for its excellent guide service and enjoyable ride.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option make booking convenient. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike can appreciate this comprehensive tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
Read our full review: La: Santa Monica & Venice Beach Guided Bike or Ebike Tour Review
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Los Angeles; Private Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
Offering a comprehensive look at the top sights in Los Angeles, the Private Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour allows visitors to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. Priced at €874.16 per group (up to 6 participants), the 7-hour tour provides flexibility, with the ability to adjust time spent at each location.
Highlights include a photo stop at the Hollywood Sign, visits to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre, as well as sightseeing in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach.
Pickup and drop-off are available at 14 locations across the Los Angeles area, with a free range of 10 miles from LAX/Santa Monica. The tour features a live English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned transportation, and complimentary bottled water and soda.
While gratuities aren’t included, the customary tip is 15-20% of the total service cost. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Private Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour offers a hassle-free way to explore the best of Los Angeles.
Read our full review: Los Angeles; Private Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour Review
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Los Angeles: Private Half Day City Tour
Though less comprehensive than the full-day tour, the Private Half Day City Tour of Los Angeles provides an engaging introduction to the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
Priced at £491.94 for up to 6 participants, the 4-hour tour offers a personalized experience with a knowledgeable driver/guide. Highlights include exploring Hollywood Boulevard, visiting the TCL Chinese Theatre, viewing the Hollywood Sign, and cruising down luxurious Rodeo Drive.
Travelers will enjoy complimentary refreshments, private transportation, and free pickup within 10 miles of LAX and Hollywood.
With a perfect 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews, the tour is recommended by visitors from France and the United Kingdom for its helpful guide and interesting commentary.
The flexible booking and free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance further add to the convenience of this private Los Angeles city tour.
Read our full review: Los Angeles: Private Half Day City Tour Review
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Private Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour
For travelers looking to explore the scenic attractions of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, the Private Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour provides an engaging way to experience the laidback coastal vibes.
This 2-3 hour private tour starts at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, taking participants on a guided journey through the charming Venice Canals, the famous Muscle Beach, and the vibrant Marina del Rey.
Along the way, the English-speaking guide shares fun facts and local secrets, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.
Riders can choose between a standard bike or an electric bike upgrade, and the tour includes the use of a bike, helmet, and a bike bag for convenience.
With a maximum of 4 participants, the private nature of the tour allows for a more intimate and tailored exploration of the area.
Priced at $330.75 per group, the tour offers excellent value and a 5-star customer rating, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an active and immersive way to discover the highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
Read our full review: Private Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area offer a variety of tours showcasing the region’s iconic landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether it’s a private guided tour, a luxury yacht experience, or a bike tour, visitors can explore the best of what this dynamic destination has to offer. With so many options, there’s something to suit every interest and budget.