What’s the best way to experience the Santa Monica Beach and Pier?

There are plenty of ways to experience the Santa Monica Beach and Pier. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Los-Angeles/Full-Day-Iconic-Sights-of-Los-Angeles-Tour/d645-47235P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Las-Vegas/Los-Angeles-and-Hollywood-Day-Tour-from-Las-Vegas/d684-50793P5" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Los Angeles and Hollywood Small Group Day Tour from Las Vegas</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Los-Angeles/A-Taste-of-LA-Half-Day-Tour-of-the-Best-Los-Angeles-has-to-offer/d645-243357P2" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Los-Angeles/Tour-of-Los-Angeles-Hollywood-Beverly-Hills-Santa-Monica-Beach-Grand-Tour-LA/d645-67760P2" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Full-Day LA Tour: Santa Monica, Hollywood & Beverly Hills</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Anaheim-and-Buena-Park/Grand-Tour-of-Los-Angeles/d797-21922P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches, & Famous Film Sites Tour</a></li></ul>

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Santa Monica Beach and Pier Tours and Tickets

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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

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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

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

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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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

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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

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

7 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

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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

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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

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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

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

7 hoursFree Cancellation

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Private Rickshaw Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

1 hourFree Cancellation

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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

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Discover the perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and local insight on the water with our exclusive Marina del Rey yacht experience, hosted by our friendly and knowledgeable captains. Whether you’re seeking a laid-back day cruising the coast, curious about hidden gems around the marina, or just want to unwind in style, we’ve got you covered. Ryder Bayo and our trusted local crew will guide you through a safe, smooth, and scenic tour informal, comfortable, yet undeniably luxe. Ask anything, explore everything, and enjoy the California sun aboard your floating getaway. Your day in Marina del Rey starts here, book now and let the harbor become your haven.

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Marina Del Rey Luxury Yacht Experience

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Santa Monica and Venice Beach Electric Bike Tour

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

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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

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Explore Los Angeles at your own pace with a hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tour, featuring two distinct routes—the Hollywood Loop and the Beach Shuttle. Highlights include iconic stops like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Sunset Plaza, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and coastal gems like the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk. Choose between a 1-day or 2-day ticket, and enjoy extras like celebrity homes or a TCL Chinese Theatre walking tour.

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Los Angeles: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Explore the vibrant essence of Los Angeles on this 7-hour open-air bus tour that captures the city's most iconic sights. Visit four must-see locations including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, the historic Original Farmers Market, and the stunning Griffith Observatory for panoramic views. With a live guide sharing expert insights, this is the perfect way to experience LA's landmarks without the hassle of navigation. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour combines culture, entertainment, and culinary delights in a single day. - Full-day open-air bus tour featuring Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica - Four one-hour stops at top attractions for in-depth exploration - Enjoy lunch at the original Farmers Market - Live expert guide providing insights throughout the journey

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Grand LA Tour 7 Hour Open Bus Adventure from Santa Monica

7 hoursFree Cancellation

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Be prepared for the experience of a lifetime when you soar above all that Los Angeles has to offer for 60 minutes on a doors-off, glare-free aerial helicopter photography flight. Leaving Long Beach, heading straight to Downtown Long Beach and the the Queen Mary ship. Then, over the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to the famous Vincent Thomas Bridge, seen in the movie 'Gone in 60 Seconds' with Nicholas Cage. From there you will see the USS Battleship Iowa and head around the magnificent Palos Verdes Peninsula. Then up to the Manhattan Beach Pier, skimming along the waves through LAX and up to the famous Venice Beach. Upon reaching the iconic Santa Monica Pier you will head inland over Beverly Hills, UCLA, and Hollywood before cruising by the timeless Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. Then you will head over to the Dodgers Stadium and Downtown LA, marveling at the height of the US Bank building, the tallest on the West Coast, before heading back to Long Beach.

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LA Private Doors-Off Aerial Photography Helicopter Adventure

1 hourFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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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

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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

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Enjoy LA's most colorful and iconic sights with this one-day tour, including entry to Madame Tussauds Hollywood (a $29 value). Leave the stress of research, planning, and driving to us while you enjoy complimentary onboard WiFi, bottled water, and snacks. Starting at El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the historic center of downtown LA, this tour takes you through the picturesque sights and rich history of the City of Angels. Experience 200+ years of Mexican-American history on Olvera Street, check out the terminus of Route 66 at the Santa Monica Pier, look for Ferraris on Rodeo Drive, snap a photo at the Beverly Hills Sign, buy lunch at the Original Farmers Market, strut down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, hunt for handprints at TCL Chinese Theater, gaze up at the Hollywood sign, and finally take in a stunning high-elevation view of Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory. Didn't see any celebrities today? Just take a selfie with one of Madam Tussauds' 130 wax figures—we won't tell.

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Beverly, Hollywood, ICONS of LA W/Madame Tussauds SmallGroup Tour

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE OF LOS ANGELES The BEST of L.A. in a day! Experience the California adventure: from LAS VEGAS to the glamour of the CITY OF ANGELS to capture the essence of the WEST COAST. - MOJAVE & RETRO: Check-out at dawn. Stopover at the PEGGY SUE’S DINER, immersion in 50’S AMERICA before joining the PACIFIC. SANTA MONICA PIER: Experience the magic of the ICONIC Pier marking the end of ROUTE 66. Between Ferris Wheel and beaches, the perfect spot to experience the FREEDOM of CALIFORNIA. - BEVERLY HILLS: Pose in front of the BEVERLY HILLS SIGN and walk RODEO DRIVE, luxury and decor of PRETTY WOMAN. Explore the scenery of GTA V, between PALM TREES and STARS villas. - SUNSET & HOLLYWOOD: Cross the SUNSET STRIP to the WALK OF FAME, the CHINESE TCL THEATRE and the DOLBY THEATRE, home of the OSCARS. - FINAL PANORAMA: Admire the SKYLINE with a 360° view of LOS ANGELES. Take a close look at the HOLLYWOOD SIGN.

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Las Vegas to LA Day Tour Santa Monica Beverly Hills Hollywood

15 to 17 hoursFree Cancellation

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Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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What are people saying about Santa Monica Beach and Pier

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

Simon_L, Aug 2026

Enjoyable Trip

Enjoyable trip taking in a number of great sights; would recommend for anyone wanting a relaxing trip around the sights of LA.

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 and Venice Beach Tour from Los Angeles

Gwen_H, Apr 2026

Our expectations were...

Our expectations were actually low, expecting just a ride through Santa Monica and Venice on a bus with some narration. As it turned out, we had fun! Jose was an entertaining guide. We got to walk around the SM pier and Venice Beach while Jose filled us in on some area history and eccentricities. Jose made us feel like his special guests.