All Santa Monica Tours & Excursions in 2026

Los Angeles is filled with must-see landmarks, from the famous Hollywood sign to Santa Monica Pier. But neighborhoods are spread out, and it can be tough to make much progress with limited time to spare. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, this easy half-day tour covers the highlights by luxury bus. Depart from Hollywood or Santa Monica, and take in destinations like Rodeo Drive and Griffith Observatory without dedicating days to sightseeing.

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.

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.

Step into the captivating realm of illusions, where reality is never exactly as it appears. Museum of Illusions is a one-of-a-kind, visual, sensory, and educational experience designed to engage your sense of wonder and challenge perceptions through the science behind optical illusions. We offer over 50 immersive, hands-on exhibits to explore. Our illusion rooms, installations and holograms let you defy gravity, grow and shrink your body, walk into a life-size kaleidoscope, and play tricks on your senses at every turn. It’s a mind-bending journey that deceives the senses and reveals how the brain interprets reality.

Buckle up for 3.5 hours of pure LA magic on the open-air bus, departing from Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue. Your expert guide takes you through Century City, past Rodeo Drive, and into Beverly Hills for a 30-minute stop at the iconic Beverly Hills Sign plus a cruise past the legendary "Pink Palace" Beverly Hills Hotel. In Hollywood, you'll have 30 minutes to explore the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Dolby Theatre home of the Academy Awards. Then cruise Mulholland Drive through the Hollywood Hills, where celebrity mansions and filming locations hide around every corner. The adventure wraps up with a ride down the legendary Sunset Strip past the iconic music venues that shaped rock 'n' roll history before a scenic return to Santa Monica. The best of LA, all in one unforgettable ride.

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.

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.

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.

Departing from Santa Monica Pier, this sightseeing tour offers a structured introduction to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Hills without navigating city traffic yourself. Travel by open-air bus while a guide provides commentary on celebrity homes, filming locations, and notable Los Angeles landmarks. Designed for efficiency, the tour combines scenic driving with scheduled stops, making it a practical option for visitors based in Santa Monica.

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.

See Los Angeles in style, and enjoy a fully flexible way to explore, on this private sightseeing tour via spacious luxury vehicle. Choose a duration and meeting point that are best for you, and then customize your itinerary. Opt to explore Beverly Hills, head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, continue along Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip, or see the ocean at Venice Beach or Santa Monica. It's all up to you.

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.

See Los Angeles efficiently on a guided city tour that removes the need to plan routes, drive, or manage parking. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can focus on understanding the city while a guide provides context across key neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach. This tour is designed to give first-time visitors a clear overview of LA in one day, helping you decide where to return on your own.

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!

An evening of magic unfolds at Illusion Magic Lounge, where multiple styles of magic come to life in a captivating setting. Enjoy ambient strolling magicians while sipping a refreshing drink before entering a 150-seat theater, featuring mind-bending illusions on stage. Our stage show features some of the world's best magicians who have been featured on TV shows like Penn & Teller's Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and on stage at venues like the World-Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. The experience also includes in an exclusive close-up show a format rarely seen outside of Hollywood's Magic Castle -- in the intimate Courtroom space. This is Santa Monica’s premier magic experience, perfect for those seeking an unforgettable night filled with enchantment and wonder.

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.

Explore the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles in one full day starting from our convenient location in Santa Monica. This comprehensive tour covers must-see attractions like Hollywood, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Griffith Park and the Hollywood sign allowing you to experience the vibrant culture and sights of LA. Enjoy up to 40 minutes at each stop (an 1-hour for lunch), guided by a knowledgeable tour guide who shares fun facts and history. Travel in comfort on a luxury small tour bus with complimentary bottled water. - Full day tour lasting approximately 7.5 hours with six iconi stops - Just a few spots you'd see up close and personal include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, Muscle Beach, Rodeo Drive and the famous Farmers' Market at the Grove - The drive will be great as well we cruise past famous Sunset strip and celebrity sighting locations! - Ideal for families , first-time visitors to Los Angeles and those looking for an overivew of the whole city!

Discover the enchanting allure of Malibu with this one-of-a-kind half-day tour, blending stunning coastal views with celebrity glamour. Cruise in an open-air van as your guide shares the secrets of Malibu's celebrity homes, iconic filming spots, and fascinating history. Highlights include a picturesque stop at the Malibu Pier and breathtaking views of Carbon Beach (Billionaire's Beach.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience the best of Malibu on a scenic, relaxed journey blending ocean views, iconic landmarks, and boutique wine tasting. Guests can expect a smooth, coastal drive along the famous Pacific Coast Highway, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean at every turn. Along the way, you’ll stop at must-see locations like Malibu Pier and the stunning El Matador Beach, where dramatic cliffs and hidden coves create perfect photo moments. There’s time to explore, relax, and take in Malibu’s laid-back coastal vibe. The experience continues with a visit to a beautiful local vineyard for a wine tasting session, where guests can unwind and enjoy handcrafted wines in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. This tour is private, flexible, and designed for comfort—perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to enjoy Malibu in a luxurious yet fun way. Expect great views, good wine, and a memorable coastal escape!