Top Santa Monica Outdoor Activities

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to take in the sights of Los Angeles without having to fight the traffic on land, this Los Angeles brunch cruise from Marina del Rey is an ideal pick. Set sail on the water and enjoy unlimited mimosas, Champagne, and sparkling cider, as you fully indulge in a delicious brunch, complete with starters, a main course, and dessert, too. Plus, your cruise provides live music to listen to as you sail.

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.

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.

Experience the serene beauty of Marina Del Rey on our top-rated guided wildlife tour. Perfect for couples, this intimate journey offers a unique connection with nature, cruising through stunning coastal waters teeming with wildlife. Spot playful dolphins, majestic seabirds, and sunbathing sea lions as you glide across the marina's tranquil waters. With hundreds of five-star reviews, our tour is celebrated for its exceptional service, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking views. Enjoy calming music, delicious refreshments, and an unforgettable encounter with the natural world. This is more than just a boat ride—it's a moment of peace and a must-do in Marina Del Rey. Important note: Guests must contact us immediately upon booking to confirm availability.

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.

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.

Old Plank Sailing Adventures is a boutique luxury sailing charter and aquatic expedition company, delivering gourmet 5-star experiences on the sparkling waters of Santa Monica Bay and beyond. Founded by Captain & Chef Matthew Mancini—a USCG-licensed master mariner and culinary artist—we’re backed by a tight-knit crew of lifelong ocean lovers who live for the sea. We move with the currents, plan by the tides, and chase the sun across the SoCal Riviera. Deeply passionate about exceptional food and the profound harmony of the ocean Committed to sharing the transformative peace that comes from syncing with the rhythms of the waves Overjoyed to pass on our lifelong love for sailing, gourmet cuisine, and the healing magic of the water—turning every guest into part of the crew (and often lifelong friends)

Live the Mediterranean dream in Southern California on a sailing adventure in the Santa Monica Bay. We are a boutique luxury sailing charter with gourmet cuisine and a love of the sea. We take our guests on a safe, fun and memorable sailing past the mountains of Malibu, the famous Santa Monica pier and Venice Beach boardwalk. Let us share the joy of sailing with you!

Cruise the scenic waters near Los Angeles in style during this two-and-a half hour, high-end dinner cruise. Climb aboard and enjoy a sumptuous duet entrée freshly prepared on-board. Then grab your drink and make your way to the outdoor decks to soak up the amazing views of the marina as you cruise.

Hit the road with this Central California self-guided driving and walking tour bundle! Cruise along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, take in the views of 17 Mile Drive and Big Sur, and explore the Yosemite Valley Floor’s grandeur. Immerse yourself in the towering giants of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park and uncover the charm of San Luis Obispo. This bundle gives you the ultimate California experience, all at your own pace! Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

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. This guided tour takes 3 hours and is perfect for families, friend groups, couples, and solo riders! Get the local feel while you learn on this relaxed ride!

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.

Surf with Santa Monica’s most established surf school. For over 20 years, Aqua Surf School has been teaching visitors and locals how to surf safely on the iconic Santa Monica coastline. This private lesson gives you one-on-one coaching tailored to your experience level, helping most beginners stand up and ride waves during their first session. With extra time in the water, your instructor can focus on technique, wave timing, and building confidence while you enjoy the classic California surf experience. All equipment is included, so you can simply show up, learn to surf, and enjoy the waves.

We are a surf school based on Venice Beach. Our goal is for you to have an excellent surfing experience, whether it's your first time trying surfing or you are trying to advance your skills. For the first 30–40 minutes, we will be training on the beach, and then it’s one hour with the instructors in the ocean. The remaining time is yours to practice your skills and have fun with the surfboards that we provide.

We are a surf school based on Venice Beach. Our goal is for you to have an excellent experience surfing, whether it's your first time trying surfing or you are trying to advance your skills. For the first 30-40 minutes we will be training on the beach - then it’s one hour with the instructors in the ocean. The remaining time is yours to practice your skills and have fun with the surfboards that we provide you. We’ll be giving lessons on Venice Beach - one of the most famous beaches in California. You’ll be able to not only enjoy the ocean and get surfing experience, but also explore the unique spirit of the eccentric cultural hub of Venice Beach.

A group surf lesson in the iconic Santa Monica offers the perfect blend of fun and learning, whether you're a complete novice or looking to refine your skills. With Aqua Surf School, you'll start on the sand with essential ocean safety and surf etiquette tips before hitting the waves under the guidance of experienced instructors. Enjoy a supportive atmosphere where small group sizes ensure personalized coaching and plenty of wave-catching opportunities. With over 25 years of experience and a reputation for excellence, Aqua Surf guarantees a memorable surfing experience, complete with all necessary equipment and a focus on safety.

Learn how to hang ten with a surf lesson in Venice Beach. Before you head into the water, you’ll learn about board design and dynamics, ocean safety, surf etiquette, pop-up technique, and form. Plus, learn about California surf culture. The lesson includes all of the necessary equipment: surfboard and a wetsuit.

Immerse yourself in the SoCal lifestyle—and learn the basics of surfing in an accessible, hands-on way—with private surfing lessons. Choose from multiple convenient class times, and meet your instructor right on the legendary Venice Beach. With personalized guidance, you’ll learn the basics on the beach before grabbing your board and trying out your skills in the waves.

On this small-group kayaking or paddleboard tour, you’ll hit the scenic coastlines of Marina del Ray for a hands-on nature immersion. Learn kayaking or paddleboard techniques from your guide, and get a chance to spot local wildlife like sea lions, dolphins, and different varieties of seabird. Tours are capped at only seven participants for a personalized experience.

Learn to surf at one of California’s most famous spots during this introductory surfing class at Venice Beach. This class is suitable for all levels, whether it's your first time surfing or you are advancing your skills. Spend some time training on the beach, then hop in the Pacific Ocean for instruction in the water, followed by time for practice.

Relax on a private rickshaw ride along Santa Monica and Venice Beach streets and beaches. Enjoy fresh ocean breezes while touring the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, Venice Boardwalk, and Venice Skatepark. Two people per rickshaw with a local guide pedaling the way. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Set off on 'Discover Malibu's Magic: An Audio Journey' to explore the enchanting coastal stretch of Malibu like never before. This tour transcends traditional sightseeing, offering a narrative-rich voyage along the famed Pacific Coast Highway. From the iconic Santa Monica Pier to the secluded beauty of El Matador Beach, each stop is steeped in stories, blending Malibu's surf culture with its star-studded enclaves. Immerse yourself in the allure of Malibu's landscapes, history, and cinematic fame. Experience the magic of Malibu, where every turn unveils a new discovery.

Get face-to-face with California sea lions from your own paddleboard — and learn a skill that lasts a lifetime. This unique 90-minute experience combines expert paddleboard instruction with a guided wildlife tour through LA’s largest marina. No experience needed. Led by LA’s most experienced ASI-accredited SUP instructor with 15 years and 1,000+ students guided. Includes Pictures!!!