Top Santa Monica Sightseeing Tours

From the Hollywood Sign to the sunny beaches of Santa Monica and the glitz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is full of iconic sights. This guided full-day tour transports you by air-conditioned coach to top attractions—from Venice Beach to the Sunset Strip to Griffith Park and more—with included lunch at the Farmers' Market and optional hotel pickup for select locations.

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.

Get the most out of your time in Los Angeles with this comprehensive tour that passes famous landmarks and celebrity homes. Travel between sites on an open-air bus, which helps cover more ground than a walking tour and offers great photo opportunities too. Highlights include the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverley Hills, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, West Hollywood, and a selection of famous homes and celebrity hotspots.

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.

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 famous Los Angeles spots on this private tour for you and up to five guests. Visit Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, TCL Chinese Theater, Mulholland Drive, and capture a photo of the Hollywood Sign. Enjoy hotel pickup and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a private guide who handles all planning.

Experience Southern California’s iconic sights with this self-guided driving and walking audio tour bundle! Visit the star-studded Hollywood Celebrity Homes, explore famous filming locations in Los Angeles, wander through the unique landscapes of Joshua Tree and Death Valley, and discover the architectural beauty of Palm Springs. From the glitzy Rodeo Drive to the serene La Jolla Cove, this bundle offers an unforgettable road trip through California’s diverse attractions. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email, then download the Action Tour Guide App, enter your unique password, and access 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.

Step into Santa Monica’s adventurous side on a 2-hour, 4-mile urban walk that takes you up secret stairways, through canyon paths, and into historic neighborhoods. Along the way, discover unusual coastal trees, striking homes from Craftsman to modern, and hear colorful stories of Hollywood icons and local history. This small-group urban adventure blends movement, discovery, and culture — the perfect way to see Santa Monica from a new perspective. Activity Level: Moderate, includes stair climbs and some elevation Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water Age: Suitable for most guests ages 12+

See the highlights of Los Angeles in a day without having to travel in a large tour group on this hassle-free private tour. Enjoy the luxury perks of having a tour that’s catered to your schedule, requirements, and even your preferred itinerary. The route can be tailored to your interests and potential sightseeing spots include Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Sign, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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.

Spend a day in paradise on this day trip to Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. After a smooth 1-hour ferry ride to the island, you will have free time to explore the island, or select one of the upgrade options which include a zipline tour, an undersea adventure, a scenic tour of Avalon or an ocean runner adventure!

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.

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.

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.

Explore Santa Monica and Venice in one trip—and see more of the sights in less time—on a private electric bike tour in Los Angeles. Head to the Santa Monica Pier before cruising to vibrant Venice to see its skate park, street art, and the bustle of its famous Boardwalk. Along the way, stop for photo opportunities, hear insider stories about Hollywood celebrities, and soak up the ocean breezes.

Explore Malibu with its 21 miles of famous coastlines. Start the day driving up to the Malibu Colony with its coveted ocean access and beach-side mansions. We’ll walk along the semi-private beach enjoyed by the many celebrities who live in the Colony: Tom Hanks, Woody Harrelson and Bill Murray, among others. Then we'll continue north to find Malibu's most pristine beaches, including the wild cliffs of El Matador beach. Returning, we'll stop at Point Dume Natural Preserve with its stunning Ocean view and at an ocean park with panoramic views where whales and dolphins can be spotted (only Dec-Marc). Following, we'll explore the Adamson house, (inside house tour not incl) the first beach mansions in Malibu and its stunning architecture and location. At the end of the tour we can drop you at the world famous Getty Villa Museum, a replica of a Roman Mansion of 2000 years ago. We try to keep the price low for this PRIVATE tour so a good TIP at the end of the tour is highly suggested.

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!

Discover Los Angeles your own way on this private and personalized tour. Ideal for those who have limited time to explore, this tour allows you to see the best of Hollywood, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood in the comfort of a comfortable and spacious SUV. Included hotel pickup allows you to save time and hassle.

Santa Monica and adjacent Venice are among the best neighborhoods to explore by bike, but knowing which path to take and what to check out requires the help of a guide. This small-group tour seizes the opportunity to introduce you to legal graffiti street galleries and the best of the local sculpture and architecture.

If you’re looking for a sweet way to start your day, look no further than this pastry-themed walking tour. Taste your way around Santa Monica’s doughnut scene like a local with the help of a friendly guide to take you to some of the best spots the city has to offer. Just make sure you bring your sweet tooth and your appetite.

California’s Highway 1—also known as the Pacific Coast Highway—stretches along the Pacific Ocean, and is known for its spectacular scenery. This private, self-led smartphone audio guide accompanies you from San Francisco to Los Angeles, sharing facts and stories about the cities and landmarks you pass. The app’s GPS functionality works offline, letting you explore independently at your own pace with lifetime access and no expiry.

Have only a short amount of time in Los Angeles? Leave the logistics to someone else, and discover many of the city’s top landmarks all in one day on this private tour. Following hotel pickup, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to destinations like Venice Beach, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, The Grove, and Rodeo Drive. Your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories about the City of Angels.