Top Santa Monica Walking Tours

Explore the very best of Los Angeles' world-famous coastline on a private experience through Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and (on the driving option) Marina del Rey. From the end of historic Route 66 and the iconic Santa Monica Pier to Venice's colorful boardwalk, canals, street art, surf culture, celebrity spots, hidden gems, you'll discover the many sides of California coastal life in one unforgettable journey. Unlike typical beach tours, this experience combines history, architecture, oceanfront scenery, local culture, photography, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Enjoy Pacific views, Venice's creative spirit, beautiful canals, palm-lined streets, famous landmarks, and insider stories while exploring the places that define Southern California. Choose between a walking tour of Santa Monica and Venice or a driving experience that also includes Marina del Rey—home to North America's largest man-made small-craft harbor, luxury yachts, waterfront neighborhoods, and hidden marina gems.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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+

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.

Take an electric Duffy boat to explore Marina Del Rey, a laid-back coastal community with boats, beaches and cycle paths. Explore its water ways and look out for sea lions, coastal birds, boat houses and enormous luxury yachts. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the water, get a sense of the community and connect with nature. This shared experience comes with a fine selection of meat, cheese, fruit and wine.

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.

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.

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+ The Garden Safari Urban adventure departs at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.

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.

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.

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.

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+

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!

Explore the vibrant coastal communities of Santa Monica and Venice Beach on this guided bike tour. Ride along the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail, taking in stunning ocean views and iconic landmarks like the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Skatepark, and the charming Venice Canals. Experience the unique culture and history of these famous beach towns while enjoying the fresh sea breeze. This tour offers a perfect mix of fun, outdoor activity, and local stories, making it an ideal choice for families and first-time visitors to LA. Highlights include Muscle Beach, Venice Art Walls, and local history insights.

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!

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.

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.

Hey there, team players and adventure addicts! Are you ready to take your squad to the next level with the most epic, unforgettable, and downright awesome scavenger hunt in all of Santa Monica? Well, buckle up and get ready to have your minds blown, because this isn't just any old team-building activity – it's a full-throttle, no-limits, all-out quest for glory! First things first, let's talk about the location. Santa Monica isn't just a city – it's a state of mind. It's a place where the sun is always shining, the waves are always crashing, and the good vibes are always flowing. And with our scavenger hunt, you'll get to experience it all like never before. Imagine your team, divided into squads of unstoppable adventurers, racing through the streets of Santa Monica like a pack of wild animals (but like, the cute and cuddly kind, not the scary kind). You'll be solving clues, cracking codes, and taking on challenges that'll put your skills to the ultimate test.

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.

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!