Santa Monica Beach and Pier Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Santa Monica Beach and Pier in 2026?

Access to Santa Monica Beach and Pier is free. However, the 12 Pacific Park amusement rides require tickets, ranging from US$8-US$15 per ride or US$40 for an unlimited ride wristband ($20 for children 7 and under). Parking is US$7-US$18 daily, depending on the lot, season, and day.

Q: What are the best times to visit Santa Monica Beach and Pier to avoid crowds?

The earlier in the day you visit, the smaller the crowds will be. Weekdays are less busy than weekends. The off-season months, from November to March, are generally less crowded. Avoid summer weekends, holidays, and late afternoons when tourists and locals flock here. Nearby parking lots fill up quickly in summer.

Q: What’s there to do at Santa Monica Beach and Pier?

Santa Monica Beach and Pier features Pacific Park amusement rides—including the iconic Ferris wheel—arcade games, snack vendors, and restaurants. The beach offers swimming, surfing, volleyball courts, and the original Muscle Beach workout area. You can rent bikes to explore the beachfront path, fish from the pier, and watch street performers.

Q: Does the Santa Monica Beach and Pier have parking?

Yes, there are multiple parking options available for the Santa Monica Beach and Pier. The main pier deck lot charges hourly and daily rates, with other beach parking and public parking lots within walking distance. Generally, the further you park from the pier, the cheaper the rates.

Q: Is Santa Monica Pier better during the day or at night?

Whether the pier is better by night or day depends on what you want to experience. Daytime offers beach activities, clear coastline views, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Nighttime means beautiful sunset views, illuminated Pacific Park rides, a more romantic ambiance, and cooler temperatures. The pier is especially magical at sunset.

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Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(6,402)

from $99

Price varies by group size

All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica

Discover the best of Los Angeles all in one day on this convenient and accessible bus tour. Meet your guide in the heart of Hollywood, and set off. You’ll get to take photos on the Walk of Fame, will disembark for a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, will stop for lunch (own expense) at the Hollywood Farmers Market, will head to the Griffith Observatory for Hollywood Sign views, and more.

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All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica

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from $95

City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide

Discover the best of Los Angeles without the heat or the hassle on this open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tour—an easy, breezy way to cover ground without walking for hours. With four scenic route options and over 40 stops, explore iconic neighborhoods like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach at your own pace. Catch views from the open-top deck, hop off to explore must-see sights like the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip, then hop back on when you're ready. Buses run regularly and come with engaging audio commentary in nine languages, making it easy to soak in LA’s culture, coast, and character—without the stress of driving or parking.

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City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide

2 hoursFree Cancellation

3.2

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Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

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.

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Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(478)

from $89

Special Offer

Get an intimate look at the diverse neighborhoods of LA during this small-group cycling exploration. Join a group of no more than 10 riders for a 32-mile (51-kilometer) adventure through areas like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Bel-Air, and Beverly Hills, listening to insightful and entertaining stories from your guide as you cycle. During the trip, you’ll also stop in Venice Beach, where you can buy lunch, and take a guided walking tour of historic Greystone Mansion. A hybrid road bike, safety equipment, and bottled water are also included.

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Los Angeles: Full-Day eBike Tour — Beaches, Beverly Hills & More

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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Classic Convertible Car Tour of Los Angeles

Hit the Los Angeles roads feeling like you’re in a Hollywood movie on this private tour of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Drive around Tinseltown in a 1970s classic convertible, the wind in your hair as you explore these glossy neighborhoods and see the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame. Hear stories about the famous people that made this city, and the celebrities that live here now, from your dedicated guide.

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Classic Convertible Car Tour of Los Angeles

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(139)

from $1,000

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Experience the glamour of Los Angeles on a private, fully customized city tour ideal for entertainment fans and first-time visitors alike. Travel in style with your own guide as you explore iconic destinations like Venice Beach, the Hollywood Sign, and the Santa Monica Pier. Capture unforgettable photos at the Walk of Fame and cruise down legendary roads like Sunset Boulevard and La Cienega’s Restaurant Row, celebrity favorites for spotting stars. Complete your adventure with world-class shopping on Rodeo Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills. Hotel pickup and drop-off within Los Angeles city limits are included.

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Private Luxurious Tour of Los Angeles

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Los Angeles Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour

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Full-Day LA Tour: Santa Monica, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

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Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops & free time

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.

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Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops & free time

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Best of LA: Hollywood, Griffith, Santa Monica, Venice, and Rodeo

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Los Angeles and Hollywood Small Group Day Tour from Las Vegas

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Small-Group Day Tour of Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beaches from Anaheim

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

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from $99

Discover the best of Los Angeles during this 7-hour highlights trip covering Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Skip the hassles of driving in traffic as your expert guide helps you sample all that LA has to offer. First head to the beach to explore Santa Monica Pier and counterculture vibes of Venice. Then spend the afternoon discovering iconic Hollywood sights like the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. Finish the day amidst the designer boutiques and celebrities of Beverly Hills. A guide, snacks and air-conditioned minivan transport are included.

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4.9

(50)

from $99

3.5 Hour Coastal Tour of Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Malibu

It can be difficult to find the time to get out to LA's vibrant coastal neighborhoods. Instead of hiring a car or planning a complicated chain of transportation, this sightseeing tour fits into any schedule. Get picked up at a time that works for you and drive around Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu in a luxury SUV, your guide on hand to point out the highlights of each neighborhood.

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3.5 Hour Coastal Tour of Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Malibu

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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(3)

from $341

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Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour

Discover the highlights of Los Angeles on a small-group full-day tour from Anaheim. Visit famous movie and TV locales such as Hollywood's Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Stop for lunch at the farmer's market, then wind down your day at Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach. Your small-group tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels Anaheim Resort Area and Buena Park.

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Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour

9 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

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from $92

Los Angeles: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Explore Los Angeles at your own pace with a hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tour, featuring two distinct routes—the Hollywood Loop and the Beach Shuttle. Highlights include iconic stops like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Sunset Plaza, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and coastal gems like the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk. Choose between a 1-day or 2-day ticket, and enjoy extras like celebrity homes or a TCL Chinese Theatre walking tour.

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2 hoursFree Cancellation

3.5

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from $59

Small-Group Hollywood and Los Angeles Day Trip from Las Vegas

When visiting fabulous Las Vegas, escape the casino scene for the home of the US film industry—Hollywood, California. On this guided, small-group adventure, travel through Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park to Los Angeles. Explore iconic local spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica, and much more. A light breakfast, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

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Small-Group Hollywood and Los Angeles Day Trip from Las Vegas

14 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(313)

from $287

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Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica

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.

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Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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from $69

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Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica

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.

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Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(231)

from $49

Los Angeles Half-Day City and Beach Tour with Hotel Pickup

Explore the best of Los Angeles on this exciting guided tour. Visit iconic sights like Hollywood Boulevard, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, and the Griffith Observatory. Stop for photo ops, enjoy a lunch break at the original Farmer’s Market, and experience the vibrant energy of Los Angeles. Perfect for first-time visitors or those rediscovering the city, this tour brings LA’s rich history and lively spots to life.

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Los Angeles Half-Day City and Beach Tour with Hotel Pickup

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.1

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from $88

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LA Half Day City Tour and 2-Hour Celebrity Homes Tour Combo

Discover Los Angeles' culture, history, and landmarks on this exclusive combo tour. Explore the Santa Monica Pier, shop and have lunch at The Grove or the Original Farmer's Market, and marvel at Griffith Observatory. Then, on the same day or a different day of your choice, spot celebrity homes on a dedicated tour. This package combines a sightseeing tour and a celebrity homes tour, so you can make the most of your time in LA. Please note that the selected date when booking refers to the 5.5 Hour Half Day Sightseeing Tour of The Best of Los Angeles. To select the date and time for the 2-hour Celebrity Homes Tour please contact the local operator.

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LA Half Day City Tour and 2-Hour Celebrity Homes Tour Combo

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

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Luxury Los Angeles Tour – Private SUV Experience

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

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What are people saying about Santa Monica Beach and Pier

Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Caitlin_M, May 2026

Nice little day

Barb was great! Lots of cool info about the area and riding an e-bike for the first time was explained well and successful. Great way to spend a long layover. Thanks!!

Best of LA: Hollywood, Griffith, Santa Monica, Venice, and Rodeo

Joanne_C, May 2026

Amazing day

Absolutely fantastic trip, long day but more than worth the early start. Took us to loads of places we wouldn't have been able to visit, practically, on our own. Plenty of stops, photo opportunities and bathrooms at every stop. Our guide was friendly knowledgeable and helpful - couldn't ask for more. Definitely recommend.

Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey e-Bike Coastal Beach Tour

Andi_P, May 2026

Great bike ride

Nice ride along the beach. Jason was a good tour guide. We were limited on time so didn’t stop many times but did stop at Marina Del Ray and saw some sea lions

E-Bike LA Beach Tour from Redondo Beach Pier

Britton_C, May 2026

Great location, quality bikes and friendly service. Highly recommend renting from location to see the beauty of Los Angeles beaches

Santa Monica and Venice Beach Tour from Los Angeles

Gwen_H, Apr 2026

Our expectations were...

Our expectations were actually low, expecting just a ride through Santa Monica and Venice on a bus with some narration. As it turned out, we had fun! Jose was an entertaining guide. We got to walk around the SM pier and Venice Beach while Jose filled us in on some area history and eccentricities. Jose made us feel like his special guests.