Top Santa Monica Walking Tours

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.

If you love chasing down haunted hotspots, the Santa Monica Haunted Ghost Tour on the Pier will be right up your alley. This is where Route 66, America's Mother Road, comes to an end, carrying with it plenty of ghost stories along the way. All around the city, there are dark histories to unravel, from haunted carousels to mysterious souls wandering the beaches. Hear them and be spooked!

Experience the vibrant beachside city of Santa Monica with Delicious Dish Tours. While enjoying views of the ocean, the mountains, and the famous pier, taste some of the best food SoCal has to offer. Between tastings, learn about the history of this hip seaside resort town from an expert guide. On this tour you will: * Enjoy 6-8 stops at top-rated eateries * Sample unique dishes beyond typical tourist fare * Delight your inner child with an adventure on Santa Monica Pier * Learn how a 1970s drought created modern skateboarding culture * Sip soup from the juiciest Chinese dumplings * See where Old Hollywood stars drank illegal liquor during Hollywood’s Golden Age * See where SoCal fitness culture got its start Perfect for food lovers, beach enthusiasts, and those seeking to experience Santa Monica's unique blend of laid-back coastal vibes and sophisticated cuisine.

Join us for the perfect in-depth tour of world famous Venice, California. Discover the beach, the canals, the culture and history on our guided 4.5 hour tour. Your live guide will show you the sights on our customized open air van, and make sure you end your day feeling like a local. Venice is one of the most unique locations on the planet, we allow you to experience it like only Surf City Tours can!

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.

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.

Set out with locals on a small-group urban expedition through Santa Monica’s hidden gardens, scenic canyons, and historic neighborhoods. Along the walk, you’ll see rare coastal trees, colorful gardens, and homes that tell the city’s story—from early Craftsman cottages to bold modern architecture. Learn how preservation, creativity, and community spirit shaped this seaside town’s most beautiful neighborhoods. This relaxed yet enriching walk blends nature, design, and history into an experience that reveals a Santa Monica most visitors never see. Activity Level: Easy to moderate — steady walking on mostly flat streets Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water Age: Suitable for most guests ages 12+ The Garden Safari expedition departs on Fridays at 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays. There are no restroom stops during the tour. However there are restrooms at the conclusion of the tour.

Explore the art, history, and culture of Santa Monica on this scavenger hunt with Let's Roam, a highly-rated app-based scavenger hunt company. As you traverse through town and work with your team, you'll 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!

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.

Step into Santa Monica’s adventurous side on a 3-hour, 5-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+

Step into Santa Monica’s adventurous side on a 3-hour, 5-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+ The Garden Safari Urban adventure departs at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.

Santa Monica is full of amazing views and panoramic vistas, which will make your photo shoot shine. During your 2-hour shoot, we’ll find the picture-perfect locations suited specifically to you. After the shoot, you’ll receive 50 professionally captured and edited photos for your use. Ideal for Instagrammers, bloggers and anyone who needs a great set of photos in California.

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.

The Santa Monica Donut Tour is your first sweet adventure into sunny Southern California, and the holidays are the perfect time to visit. As palm trees glow with lights and festive decorations fill the 3rd Street Promenade, this tour blends seasonal cheer with coastal charm. We begin at a California icon, Randy’s Donuts. You may know their famous giant donut from movies and music videos. While the donuts here are smaller, the bold flavors and classic recipes are just as unforgettable. Next is Sidecar Doughnuts, known for handcrafted creations that feel like gifts with every bite. These gourmet donuts are sure to impress. Your third stop features another California favorite: churros. Warm, crispy, and coated in sugar, they’re the perfect holiday street snack. We finish with a surprise stop that may change based on the group and weather, but always ends the tour on a high note. Book now and taste the season in Santa Monica!

Set out with locals on a small-group urban expedition through Santa Monica’s hidden gardens, scenic canyons, and historic neighborhoods. Along the walk, you’ll see rare coastal trees, colorful gardens, and homes that tell the city’s story—from early Craftsman cottages to bold modern architecture. Learn how preservation, creativity, and community spirit shaped this seaside town’s most beautiful neighborhoods. This relaxed yet enriching walk blends nature, design, and history into an experience that reveals a Santa Monica most visitors never see. Activity Level: Easy to moderate — steady walking on mostly flat streets Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water Age: Suitable for most guests ages 12+

Named one of National Geographic's “Top 10 Beach Cities in the World," immerse yourself in Santa Monica's pristine beauty, as you assist a motley group of Super Heroes in saving the world from a sinister supervillain threat. Your journey will take you to locations featuring some of the most picturesque views of the pacific ocean, and famous white sandy beaches. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? Highlights include: • Explore Santa Monica Pier, Looff Hippodrome, Palisades Park and lesser-known places. • Take in the amazing scenery, vibrant culture, and lively pulse of Santa Monica! After your booking you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

Visit many of Los Angeles’s highlights and landmarks on one fun and convenient outing. Learn about LA history and culture—its historic filming locations and crime scenes, celebrity homes and trendy restaurants—from a narrator as you traverse the city in a convertible bus. Stops include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, a farmer's market for lunch, and the Hollywood Sign.

Santa Monica Iconic Tour … private tour covering all of the highlights of the most exciting must-see spots in Santa Monica. This includes the famous Santa Monica Pier including the iconic Ferris wheel featured in so many films as well as music videos as well as photos by the end of the route 66 sign! Strolling on the sandy beach strand by foot or bicycle as well as walking down Santa Monica Place on the 3rd Street promenade… this tour will be full of the Santa Monica vibe! Finally, walking in the beautiful Palisade parks on the Bluffs to complete this incredible tour. The pick up and drop off can be arranged for convenience and a stress-free experience within a 4 mile radius of the starting spot of the tour!

Alley Kat Adventures is an Austin, TX-based event design company offering city scavenger hunts in 60 cities in the US and Mexico as well as custom events worldwide. Our specially hand-crafted, interactive quests are equal parts tour, cultural experience, creative challenge, detective hunt, & social experiment! Guests get to discover hidden gems off the beaten trail while completing fun missions! Find a cozy cocoon waiting just for you, discover some musical art installations, and people watch at a chess park.

Unravel the mysteries of Santa Monica with an interactive scavenger hunt that combines sightseeing with brain-bending puzzles. This self-guided adventure invites you to explore iconic landmarks such as the Santa Monica Pier and the quirky dinosaur topiaries at your own pace. Navigate through vibrant streets, spot unique sculptures, and dive into the city's rich history—all while enjoying a fun-filled experience perfect for families, friends, or couples. With an app guiding your journey, you can embark on this unforgettable quest any day of the week, making every moment count in this picturesque beach city.

Venice Beach California. Where the ocean meets the boardwalk and the food is as eclectic as the people. Join us on a food tour of this iconic beach town and discover some of the best eats Venice has to offer.

Are you looking for a special way to experience Los Angeles and take home something more personal than just a souvenir? Join a fun and relaxed one-hour photography tour starting at the famous Santa Monica Pier, one of the city’s most beloved and recognizable landmarks. During this experience, you’ll walk along the pier and Santa Monica Beach, stopping at carefully chosen spots to take advantage of the ocean light, coastal atmosphere, and sunset colors—perfect for professional portraits. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, you’ll be guided to feel comfortable in front of the camera and to capture authentic, joyful moments filled with the vibrant energy of Southern California.

Start your Santa Monica day the right way with AFK Food Tours. In just 2 hours, you’ll cruise an easy beach-town route and hit four of the area’s most crave-worthy dessert spots—no guessing, no filler. You’ll get samples + full scoops at every stop, so you’re not just tasting. you’re actually getting fed. This is built for maximum variety: bright, refreshing flavors, creamy classics, and a couple “only-in-LA” creations that make you pause mid-bite. It’s relaxed, social, and snack-heavy—perfect for visitors, locals, date days, and friend groups. Between stops, your guide keeps it smooth with quick local context and smart recommendations so you finish full, happy, and already knowing where to head next. Group size is intentionally limited to keep it easy and never crowded.