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.

100+ results

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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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4.9

(198)

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

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $59

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

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

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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One Hour Cruise Around Marina del Rey

1 hourFree Cancellation

from $90

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Half Day Best of Los Angeles 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 Tour from Santa Monica

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

from $72

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

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

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from $98

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

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

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $55

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Discover California Donut Culture: Santa Monica’s Sweetest Tour

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Discover California Donut Culture: Santa Monica’s Sweetest Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $70

Special Offer

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

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$76

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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

from $95

Deluxe Grand Tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Beach

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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Deluxe Grand Tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Beach

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

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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3.5

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

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $53

Take in all of Los Angeles’ scenic highlights and top attractions from the air with a private, 45-minute helicopter tour from Long Beach. Fly up the coast past Manhattan and Venice beaches, then bank over Santa Monica pier and head for downtown. See the city’s sports centers, gleaming skyscrapers, and the famous Hollywood Sign. Take in views of the Beverly Hills mansions, Hollywood Hills and the San Gabriel Mountains before touching back down in Long Beach.

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4.5

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Private Helicopter Tour of Hollywood Sign, Beaches and More

45 minutesFree Cancellation

from $375

Price varies by group size

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

from $89

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

from $225

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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

from $92

Full-Day LA Iconic Sites Tour From Hollywood with Six Stops

Explore the best of Los Angeles on a full-day sightseeing tour that takes you to iconic destinations including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Griffith Park and Beverly Hills. Spend 30 to 45 minutes at each stop to soak in the sights, from the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame to the vibrant atmosphere of Venice Beach. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the famous Farmers Market before heading to Griffith Park for stunning views of the Hollywood sign. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable, modern, climate controlled transportation, this tour offers a hassle-free way to experience LA's highlights. - Full-day guided tour of Los Angeles with hotel pickup - Visit iconic locations like Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, and Griffith Park - Comfortable and high end small tour bus with air conditioning and bottled water provided - Ample time at each stop to explore and take photos, with lunch at Farmers Market included (price of lunch excluded)

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Full-Day LA Iconic Sites Tour From Hollywood with Six Stops

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

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7 hoursFree Cancellation

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Half Day Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops

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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Half Day Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops

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from $69

Small-Group Day Tour of Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beaches from Anaheim

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Small-Group Day Tour of Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beaches from Anaheim

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $99

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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

10 hoursFree Cancellation

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Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour

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Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour

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Los Angeles and Hollywood Small Group Day Tour from Las Vegas

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Los Angeles and Hollywood Small Group Day Tour from Las Vegas

14 hoursFree Cancellation

from $280

City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide

Discover the best of Los Angeles without the heat or the hassle on this open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tour—an easy, breezy way to cover ground without walking for hours. With four scenic route options and over 40 stops, explore iconic neighborhoods like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach at your own pace. Catch views from the open-top deck, hop off to explore must-see sights like the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip, then hop back on when you're ready. Buses run regularly and come with engaging audio commentary in nine languages, making it easy to soak in LA’s culture, coast, and character—without the stress of driving or parking.

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3.2

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City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $57

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What are people saying about Santa Monica Beach and Pier

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

Amit_G, Mar 2026

Barb was a great guide......

Barb was a great guide... took us all around Beach area. The history was also interesting. Enjoyed a lot.

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

jonathan_h, Mar 2026

LA tour

I’ve been to LA so many times just passing by all these amazing iconic buildings. It was a great way to learn history, see all these amazing sites without worrying about trying to find parking.

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

Adam_T, Mar 2026

It's a long day. Takes an...

It's a long day. Takes an hour and half to two hours to get to LA and back. Not a bad ride just be aware. Fun day overall. Good way to see some the highlights of LA and surrounding areas. My group personally would have preferred to skip the rodeo drive stop and had more time at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach.

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

Gina_P, Mar 2026

Hollywood/Santa Monica Tour

If you're looking to view the surrounding area I highly recommend doing this tour, as driving around in traffic can be pretty hectic if doing it yourself. I was able to see and experience pretty much everything I wanted to on this tour. Highly recommend it.