Top Santa Monica Sightseeing Tours

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 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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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.)

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 the vibrant essence of Los Angeles on this 7-hour open-air bus tour that captures the city's most iconic sights. Visit four must-see locations including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, the historic Original Farmers Market, and the stunning Griffith Observatory for panoramic views. With a live guide sharing expert insights, this is the perfect way to experience LA's landmarks without the hassle of navigation. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour combines culture, entertainment, and culinary delights in a single day. - Full-day open-air bus tour featuring Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica - Four one-hour stops at top attractions for in-depth exploration - Enjoy lunch at the original Farmers Market - Live expert guide providing insights throughout the journey

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.

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to take in the sights of Los Angeles without having to fight the traffic on land, this Los Angeles brunch cruise from Marina del Rey is an ideal pick. Set sail on the water and enjoy unlimited mimosas, Champagne, and sparkling cider, as you fully indulge in a delicious brunch, complete with starters, a main course, and dessert, too. Plus, your cruise provides live music to listen to as you sail.

See Los Angeles’ most iconic sights without navigating the city’s traffic or planning your own route. This private sightseeing tour pairs you with a dedicated guide and driver for a personalized experience tailored to your interests. Visit famous neighborhoods, beaches, and landmarks while enjoying the flexibility and comfort of private transportation.

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.

Visit the majestic Giant Sequoia National Park on this private guided tour from Los Angeles. Enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and get up close to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth. This customizable day trip is perfect for families and anyone seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore hidden mountain gems, some short hiking and enjoy opportunities for wildlife sightings, including small animals. Experience the grandeur of ancient trees, drive through famous tunnel log, visit Moro Rock trail while traveling in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Return to your hotel in the evening. - Private, customizable tour ideal for families and nature lovers - Visit iconic landmarks like the General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock - Includes national park entrance fees and bottled water - around 4.5 hours one way - Free hotel pick-up from various LA areas, ensuring convenience

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.

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're intrigued by the details of the OJ Simpson trial, see where the most infamous crime of the 1990’s took place on a true crime tour in LA. Pass by locations like Mezzaluna restaurant, the Rockingham condo murder scene, and more, all while traveling on a private tour. The in-depth and respectful tour is led by a Brentwood native and recognized local expert on the "trial of the century."

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. This guided tour takes 3 hours and is perfect for families, friend groups, couples, and solo riders! Get the local feel while you learn on this relaxed ride!

Old Plank Sailing Adventures is a boutique luxury sailing charter and aquatic expedition company, delivering gourmet 5-star experiences on the sparkling waters of Santa Monica Bay and beyond. Founded by Captain & Chef Matthew Mancini—a USCG-licensed master mariner and culinary artist—we’re backed by a tight-knit crew of lifelong ocean lovers who live for the sea. We move with the currents, plan by the tides, and chase the sun across the SoCal Riviera. Deeply passionate about exceptional food and the profound harmony of the ocean Committed to sharing the transformative peace that comes from syncing with the rhythms of the waves Overjoyed to pass on our lifelong love for sailing, gourmet cuisine, and the healing magic of the water—turning every guest into part of the crew (and often lifelong friends)

Sit back, relax, and set sail from the Marina del Rey harbor aboard this private cruise. Skip the crowds and enjoy a luxurious, occasion-worthy celebration, as you sip wine and enjoy a cheese and charcuterie board with your party. Your captain will take you to some of the area's most scenic spots—bring a camera, and even look out for sea lions as you coast along the water.

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!

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.