Santa Monica Beach and Pier Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Santa Monica Beach and Pier in 2026?

Access to Santa Monica Beach and Pier is free. However, the 12 Pacific Park amusement rides require tickets, ranging from US$8-US$15 per ride or US$40 for an unlimited ride wristband ($20 for children 7 and under). Parking is US$7-US$18 daily, depending on the lot, season, and day.

Q: What are the best times to visit Santa Monica Beach and Pier to avoid crowds?

The earlier in the day you visit, the smaller the crowds will be. Weekdays are less busy than weekends. The off-season months, from November to March, are generally less crowded. Avoid summer weekends, holidays, and late afternoons when tourists and locals flock here. Nearby parking lots fill up quickly in summer.

Q: What’s there to do at Santa Monica Beach and Pier?

Santa Monica Beach and Pier features Pacific Park amusement rides—including the iconic Ferris wheel—arcade games, snack vendors, and restaurants. The beach offers swimming, surfing, volleyball courts, and the original Muscle Beach workout area. You can rent bikes to explore the beachfront path, fish from the pier, and watch street performers.

Q: Does the Santa Monica Beach and Pier have parking?

Yes, there are multiple parking options available for the Santa Monica Beach and Pier. The main pier deck lot charges hourly and daily rates, with other beach parking and public parking lots within walking distance. Generally, the further you park from the pier, the cheaper the rates.

Q: Is Santa Monica Pier better during the day or at night?

Whether the pier is better by night or day depends on what you want to experience. Daytime offers beach activities, clear coastline views, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Nighttime means beautiful sunset views, illuminated Pacific Park rides, a more romantic ambiance, and cooler temperatures. The pier is especially magical at sunset.

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

Departing from Santa Monica Pier, this sightseeing tour offers a structured introduction to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Hills without navigating city traffic yourself. Travel by open-air bus while a guide provides commentary on celebrity homes, filming locations, and notable Los Angeles landmarks. Designed for efficiency, the tour combines scenic driving with scheduled stops, making it a practical option for visitors based in Santa Monica.

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

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(305)

from $59

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(6,564)

from $99

Price varies by group size

Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica

See Los Angeles’ most recognized neighborhoods and landmarks in a structured tour departing from Santa Monica. Travel by mini-coach with a guide who provides commentary throughout, reducing the need to navigate traffic or coordinate multiple stops independently. Designed for efficiency, this itinerary balances guided transport with scheduled free time, making it a practical option for visitors who want a broad city overview.

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Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(337)

from $69

Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour

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 California weather makes this tour a fun and beautiful experience for culture enthusiasts and history buffs. Our guides will provide you with fun facts, surprising secrets, and photo opportunities while you soak in the beauty of Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Upgrade your tour to an electric bike for an easier ride! This guided tour takes about 3 hours and is perfect for families, friend groups, couples, and solo riders! Get the local feel while you learn on this relaxed ride! Attachments like tag-a-longs and trailers are not permitted on this tour.

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Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(27)

from $72

Santa Monica Pier Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

No trip to sunny Los Angeles is complete without a visit to the Santa Monica Pier, and no visit to the Pier is complete without this self-guided audio walking tour! As you stroll along this bustling pier, you’ll dig deep into its history, from its humble origins to devastating storms and ambitious amusement parks. Spot the historic Santa Monica Pier Carousel and Pacific Park before making your way to the very end of the pier, offering unbeatable views of the ocean and Santa Monica Beach. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

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Santa Monica Pier Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

30 to 59 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(2)

from $10

Best of LA: Hollywood, Griffith, Santa Monica, Venice, and Rodeo

7 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(819)

from $98

LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Beach Tour with Hotel Pickup

See Los Angeles efficiently on a guided city tour that removes the need to plan routes, drive, or manage parking. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can focus on understanding the city while a guide provides context across key neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach. This tour is designed to give first-time visitors a clear overview of LA in one day, helping you decide where to return on your own.

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LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Beach Tour with Hotel Pickup

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(137)

from $95

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

Discover the best of Los Angeles all in one day on this convenient and accessible bus tour. Meet your guide in the heart of Hollywood, and set off. You’ll get to take photos on the Walk of Fame, will disembark for a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, will stop for lunch (own expense) at the Hollywood Farmers Market, will head to the Griffith Observatory for Hollywood Sign views, and more.

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

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(215)

from $95

Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops and Free Time

Los Angeles is filled with must-see landmarks, from the famous Hollywood sign to Santa Monica Pier. But neighborhoods are spread out, and it can be tough to make much progress with limited time to spare. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, this easy half-day tour covers the highlights by luxury bus. Depart from Hollywood or Santa Monica, and take in destinations like Rodeo Drive and Griffith Observatory without dedicating days to sightseeing.

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Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops and Free Time

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(2,184)

from $69

Likely to Sell Out

Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour

Discover the highlights of Los Angeles on a small-group full-day tour from Anaheim. Visit famous movie and TV locales such as Hollywood's Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Stop for lunch at the farmer's market, then wind down your day at Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach. Your small-group tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels Anaheim Resort Area and Buena Park.

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Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour

9 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(907)

from $92

Tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Beach with Hotel Pickup

See Los Angeles’ key neighborhoods and landmarks in one full-day tour designed to reduce planning and travel stress. With hotel pickup included, you can focus on the experience while a guide provides context and local insight along the way. This tour offers a practical overview of the city, moving efficiently from urban highlights to coastal areas, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors or short stays.

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Tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Beach with Hotel Pickup

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(167)

from $95

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

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 vibrant culture and sights of LA. Enjoy up to 40 minutes at each stop (an 1-hour for lunch), guided by a knowledgeable tour guide who shares fun facts and history. Travel in comfort on a luxury small tour bus with complimentary bottled water. - Full day tour lasting approximately 7.5 hours with six iconi stops - Just a few spots you'd see up close and personal include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, Muscle Beach, Rodeo Drive and the famous Farmers' Market at the Grove - The drive will be great as well we cruise past famous Sunset strip and celebrity sighting locations! - Ideal for families , first-time visitors to Los Angeles and those looking for an overivew of the whole city!

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

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(15)

from $99

Full Day Iconic Sights Tour of Los Angeles from Anaheim: 6 Stops

Explore the iconic sights of Los Angeles on a full-day tour from Anaheim. This popular excursion includes visits to renowned locations such as Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Rodea Dr, Hollywood and the Hollywood sign all narrated by knowledgeable guides. Enjoy ample time to walk around and take photos at each stop, ensuring a personalized experience. This tour is perfect for families, first-time visitors, and anyone looking to discover the best of LA in a single day. - Duration: Full-day tour (approximately 7.5 hours of tour time, 1 to 1.5 hours to get to LA on top of that) - Convenient meeting point in Anaheim with paid parking - Explore famous spots like Griffith Park, Rodeo Drive, and Hollywood Walk of Fame - Rated highly with over 6,000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google

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Full Day Iconic Sights Tour of Los Angeles from Anaheim: 6 Stops

9 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(4)

from $109

Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Cover more of the famous Santa Monica and Venice Beach areas of LA than you would if walking on this electric bike tour. Skip the tour bus as you enjoy fresh ocean breezes and laid-back riding with a guide aboard an electric bicycle. Cruise the famous canals of Venice and cycle the trails along Santa Monica Beach, choosing if you want to use your own leg power or get a boost from your electric-powered cycle.

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Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(483)

from $89

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

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(2,847)

from $95

Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.0

(40)

from $26

Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour

Explore two of Los Angeles' most popular areas—Santa Monica and Venice Beach—in one time-saving excursion, all thanks to this small-group Segway tour. Cover more than you could see on a walking tour as you zip straight to the top sights, including Santa Monica Pier, the Venice Boardwalk, and Muscle Beach. Along the way, listen as your guide narrates the area’s history and culture. This beginner-friendly tour also includes a brief orientation and safety equipment.

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Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(41)

from $199

Likely to Sell Out

Half Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Celebrity Homes, Santa Monica

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(38)

from $59

Special Offer

Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach

Spend a half-day sightseeing in Los Angeles during this guided tour from Long Beach. With an expert local guide and a small group of fourteen people or less, see LA landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Follow your guide to filming locations of famous movies, explore Hollywood Boulevard and see one of the biggest ports in the US. This tour includes round-trip transportation from Long Beach hotels.

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Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Enjoy the best of Los Angeles with this two hour guided e-Bike tour that begins in Santa Monica near the famous Santa Monica Pier! You must be at least 16 to ride our pedal assist e-Bikes. 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. You’ll be able to visit all of the main highlights that the area has to offer, while learning fun facts, seeing beautiful views, and more! This guided tour takes about 3 hours, including various stops near essential attractions while our guides provide in-depth narration and stop for photo opportunities at famous sights and hidden gems throughout the tour.

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Santa Monica and Venice Beach Electric Bike Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(5)

from $94

Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle

See Los Angeles in style, and enjoy a fully flexible way to explore, on this private sightseeing tour via spacious luxury vehicle. Choose a duration and meeting point that are best for you, and then customize your itinerary. Opt to explore Beverly Hills, head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, continue along Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip, or see the ocean at Venice Beach or Santa Monica. It's all up to you.

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Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle

1 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(39)

from $225

Per group

Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(112)

from $70

Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets

Discover Los Angeles' vibrant energy and diverse culture with our self-guided audio tour app, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. Begin at the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the heart of Tinseltown, then proceed to the impressive TCL Chinese Theatre, a landmark of cinema history. Immerse yourself in Hollywood glamour at the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, before admiring the lively atmosphere of the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Stroll down the elegant Rodeo Drive to the Getty Center, home to a vast collection of art and stunning architecture. Experience the vibrant food scene at the famous Grand Central Market, LA's most popular culinary destination, then marvel at the stunning Griffith Observatory and its extensive views of the city and stars. Continue your tour at Santa Monica Pier, exploring its classic amusements and ascending Pacific Park's Ferris wheel for panoramic ocean views, embodying the blend of entertainment and natural beauty that defines LA.

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Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets

Likely to Sell Out

Explore Santa Monica and Venice like a local on this guided bike tour. Ride through these coastal towns on a classic beach cruiser. Experience the famous boardwalk and canals, go to hidden spots, and learn about the history of these Los Angeles neighborhoods. The tour passes by the Santa Monica Pier and stops at Muscle Beach. You’ll be able to visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard for juice or coffee before heading up Main Street.

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Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(16)

from $95

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What are people saying about Santa Monica Beach and Pier

Best of LA: Hollywood, Griffith, Santa Monica, Venice, and Rodeo

Dawn_L, Jul 2026

Great tour

George did a great job! He was fun and informative. He managed traffic and tight roads with ease and rerouted us with ease when a sink hole made the normal route impossible. Highly recommend!

Santa Monica and Venice Beach Electric Bike Tour

Jeremy_J, Jul 2026

I’d do this again!

This was a wonderfully entertaining and informative tour of Santa Monica and Venice. Conrad was hilarious, informative, and helpful. We’ve already recommended the tour to friends who will be visiting in the near future.

3.5 Hour Coastal Tour of Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Malibu

Cassandra_H, Jul 2026

Mark is excellent!

Mark was a fantastic tour guide. He really knows the area well and his very personable. We had several tours with several different tour guides and he was our favorite

Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour

Ricardo_T, Jun 2026

Great tour

We have a great time she was very knowledgeable and great personality plus we learned some great facts about the city