Top Santa Monica Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

This experience is perfect for families, solo riders, couples, and friend groups. Explore Santa Monica like a local! Start in Santa Monica by the the Santa Monica Pier and ride along the beach path Visit the Venice Canals, a historic district within the residential Venice suburb Ride through Marina del Rey, take pictures with the Art Walls and explore Muscle Beach

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

Enjoy unique and personalized surfing lessons at one of Los Angeles’ top-rated surf schools that caters to all skill levels. Certified instructors with global teaching experience ensure you get quality lessons. Beginners receive comprehensive land training before hitting the waves, while seasoned surfers can head straight to the lineup for advanced coaching. During the lessons, your safety and an unforgettable experience are guaranteed. Make the most of your beach day; surf with ease at the end of the day!

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.

Explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles' famous beaches, and beyond on this all-day guided excursion starting from Anaheim or Los Angeles. After a convenient hotel pickup, head out with a knowledgeable guide and experience classic sites and neighborhoods like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Rodeo Dr., Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier.

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.

Escape Los Angeles for a day in paradise on a Catalina Island day trip, just off the Southern California coast. Enjoy a scenic 1-hour ferry ride to the island, then explore Avalon at your own pace or upgrade your adventure with a thrilling zipline tour, undersea adventure or scenic sightseeing experience. With stunning coastal scenery and a choice of exciting activities, this Catalina Island getaway makes it easy to turn a day trip from Los Angeles into an unforgettable island adventure.

Boost your ride with a pedal assist electric bike! Start in Santa Monica by the the Santa Monica Pier and ride along the beach path Visit the historic Venice Canals and explore all the way down to Charlie Beach Ride through Marina del Rey, take pictures with the Art Walls and explore Muscle Beach

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.

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!

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.

An immersive clue-solving adventure around Santa Monica. Search for real-world clues, solve puzzles, and discover the neighborhood with an experience you'll never forget! Reschedule anytime with no fees. It's a scavenger hunt, escape room, and urban crawl all-in-one. Follow the storyline around town as you find clues and use them to crack codes. Then enter solutions on the app to find out where to go next. Clues can be anywhere - murals, statues, landmarks, and more! Plan on about two hours of playtime, depending on your experience level and how much time you spend exploring along the way. Difficulty level is adjustable - take as many or as few hints as you’d like! PLEASE NOTE: Bookings made less than 7 days before your play date will be scheduled for local pickup. For bookings made 7+ days in advance, our team will contact you to arrange shipping.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the art, history, and culture of Santa Monica, without the rush of large tour groups, with this app-led scavenger hunt. As you traverse through town and work with your team, answer trivia questions, snap pictures, and solve challenges that reveal interesting facts and stories about the city. This is the ultimate small group activity, just don’t forget to download the app ahead of time to ensure the best experience!