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Things to do in Santa Monica, California

Our most recommended things to do in Santa Monica, California

Los Angeles: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

1. Los Angeles: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Discover the top sights in Los Angles with a hop-on hop-off open-top double-decker bus tour. Choose a 24 or 48-hour ticket or upgrade your experience to the Deluxe 2-day tour with the TCL Chinese Theatre Walking Tour, and the Celebrity Homes and Lifestyle Tour.  Climb aboard the double-decker bus for unique views of sights like the world-famous Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, and Beverly Hills. Your journey will be packed with fun and engaging stories with a fully-narrated audio tour. Stop at locations throughout the city with daily departures from the starting point at the Big Bus Visitor Center Hollywood. Guests may also join the tour from any of the stops on the route. Stay comfortable with air-conditioning on the lower deck and recorded commentary available in 9 languages. Location Highlights Include: Big Bus Visitor Center Hollywood TCL Chinese Theatre Guitar Center “Rock Walk” The Comedy Store Whisky A Go Go Beverly Gardens Park Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Beverly Center LACMA La Brea Tarpits Farmers Market The Grove Melrose Shopping Paramount Studios 3rd Street Promenade Santa Monica Pier

Los Angeles: City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

2. Los Angeles: City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

Explore the most iconic landmarks in Los Angles on this sightseeing hop-on hop-off open-top double-decker bus tour. Discover the best of the city at your own pace with over 40+ stops across multiple tour routes including Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood & Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach. For the Downtown Los Angeles route, start at stop #31. See 15 historical stops including Engine Co., the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Olvera Street, the Grand CTR Market, the Bradbury Building, and the Convention Center. Enjoy Hollywood & Beverly Hills from the start, at stop #1. With this route, see the Dolby Theatre, which is home to the Oscars. After stopping at the theatre, proceed to the Laugh Factory, Comedy Store, Sunset Strip, Beverly Center, Farmers Market, and Melrose Avenue. Starting at stop #57, discover Santa Monica and Venice Beach. It includes 16 stops including the infamous Beverly Hills, One Westside Shopping Center, Santa Monica Pier, Wilshire Blvd., and the Beverly Hilton.

Los Angeles: Private Ferrari Drive or Ride Tour

3. Los Angeles: Private Ferrari Drive or Ride Tour

Take in Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and the iconic Hollywood sign in classic Hollywood glamour on a city tour in a glamorous red Ferrari. Choose to either drive or take a back seat as you spin past Los Angeles' most iconic landmarks. Start your tour near the Hollywood Walk of Fame and hop in the Ferrari for the ride of your life. Whether you choose to drive or ride, you'll be accompanied by a tour guide/instructor throughout the tour. For the 20-minute tour, focus on areas around West Hollywood including Dolby Theatre, TLC Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and lively entertainment around Hollywood. For the 30-minute tour, get to experience higher-up, beautiful views of Los Angeles from the mountainsides. If seeing the Hollywood Sign is on your bucket list, choose the 50-minute tour for a drive right up to the sign with no windows or obstructed views. Stop for a quick photo op before returning to Hollywood. On the 75-minute tour, explore the mega-mansions and luxury stores where the stars live and shop. On the 4-hour tour, explore the city's best beaches until you find the perfect place for you and your group to relax. Some of the beach choices include, but are not limited to, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Muscle Beach.

Los Angeles: 30-Minute Tandem Paragliding Experience

4. Los Angeles: 30-Minute Tandem Paragliding Experience

Paraglide for up to 30 minutes with an instructor on this paragliding flight from Malibu. Fly confidently with top-of-the-line safety gear that is maintained to the highest safety standards. Soar over sandy beaches and the Pacific Ocean.  Meet your guide and get set up with your equipment. Listen to a safety briefing before taking off with your instructor. Take off from the beach or the 3,000-foot mountain top. This involves running a few steps, usually under 20. Admire breathtaking views and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, rays, sharks, deer, mountain lions, hawks, and vultures. Ride thermals with hawks and vultures and experience the thrill of spiraling down over the Pacific Ocean.  Make an easy landing by stretching your legs and leaning forward as you touch down on the soft sandy beach. The tandem paragliding flight is very gentle but adventurous. 

Los Angeles: LA Grand Tour

5. Los Angeles: LA Grand Tour

Get a feel for the City of Angels with this full-day tour of some of its key sights. Experience a selection of its main attractions including ocean views and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After departing from Sunset Boulevard, be driven first to Santa Monica Pier. Stop here for 1 hour to take a walk down the pier, see beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and visit the 3rd Street Promenade. Next, drive to an outdoor farmer's market for a 1-hour lunch stop. Here you can enjoy some of the best food in LA, freshly prepared from local produce. Enjoy family-friendly activities and shop at the famous Grove in Beverly Hills. Then, head for the Griffith Observatory for views of the Hollywood Sign, space and science exhibits, and downtown LA. Finally, travel to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Check out Grauman's Chinese Theater, the Dolby Theater, and take a photo with your favorite celebrity's star.

Los Angeles: Santa Monica and Venice Electric Bike Tour

6. Los Angeles: Santa Monica and Venice Electric Bike Tour

Try something new on your trip to Los Angeles and ride an electric bicycle around the neighborhoods of Santa Monica and Venice. Hop on a colorful Pedego electric bicycle for a relaxing ride in the sunshine, where you can enjoy the mild warm temperatures of Los Angeles. This active and fun bicycle ride lets you choose whether to pedal or not, and takes you to places in the city often unreachable by car or bus. From the cushy seat of your cool comfortable Pedego beach cruiser you will ride along Santa Monica’s award-winning beach to the Marion Davies Guesthouse, Under the Santa Monica Pier, and through Venice to the Venice Canals.  You will be accompanied by a storytelling guide with interesting facts about the local art, architecture, and history of the area while you soak in the sun, surf, sand, and ocean breezes. The bicycle allows you to choose your own comfort level between pedaling with 6 gears, using the electric motor power which puts the power completely in your control, or both.  All bikes are equipped with state-of-the-art disc brakes. The lithium power assist will ensure that you are never far behind. This tour operates daily and is designed for bicycle riders aged 14 years and up who appreciate the joy of riding a bicycle with a surprisingly fun added option.

Los Angeles: Best of LA Bus Tour

7. Los Angeles: Best of LA Bus Tour

Admire in LA's top attractions on a guided bus tour that is customized to your preferences. Take in Hollywood, Paramount Studios, and the Greek Theatre. Stop at the Santa Monica Pier and Beach, the Original Farmers Market, and the Griffith Observatory. Meet your guide on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Climb aboard the bus and head straight to Santa Monica. On the drive, listen to entertaining stories and take in Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive.  See views of the affluent Bel-Air neighborhood and the Getty. Stop at Santa Monica Pier and Beach for an hour to explore the famous boardwalk, shop along the 3rd Street Promenade, and see why Southern California is famous for its beaches.  Head back to the bus to take in Culver City and Museum Row. Get insider tips on the best restaurants and museums. Have an hour lunch break at the Grove/the Original Famers Market which is known for some of LA's best dining and shopping.  Continue past Fairfax, Melrose, Paramount Studios, the Greek Theatre, and Griffith Park. Take in sweeping views of the Los Angeles Basin from the Griffith Observatory. Capture pictures of views of Downtown Los Angeles, the ocean, and the Hollywood sign.  As you head back to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to end your tour, see the Capitol Records Building and explore more of Hollywood Blvd.

Marina Del Rey: Kayak and Paddleboard Tour with Sea Lions

8. Marina Del Rey: Kayak and Paddleboard Tour with Sea Lions

Start your tour at Mother's Beach. Your guide will provide information about the local environment and marine life, kayaking/paddle-boarding techniques, and safety while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Los Angeles boaters realm. Then board your kayaks and paddle towards the main channel of the Marina. On the way, observe the beautiful and extraordinary boats. Begin your search for sea lions, birds, dolphins, and other marine life.

Santa Monica: 2-hour Group Surfing Lesson

9. Santa Monica: 2-hour Group Surfing Lesson

Meet your guide at Venice Beach, one of the most famous and lively beaches in California. Take part in a 2-hour group surfing lesson which is ideal for everyone from beginners (even first timers!) to upper intermediate levels.  Start the lesson by getting geared up with the wetsuits and surfboards. Head down to the sand with your group of 5-6 fellow students. Spend the first 30-40 minutes training on the beach and learning all the important aspects of surfing. Your professional certified instructors will teach you how to pop up on the board, educate you about the ocean and end the land lesson with the most important part - safety. After that, enjoy 40 minutes with an instructor(s) in the ocean getting coaching and helpful pushes. The remaining time will be yours to practice your skills and have fun in the water. After the class, an instructor will lead you to an outdoor public shower where you will be able to rinse off. Don't worry about your belongings, as you will be able to leave everything locked in the surf school van. 

Los Angeles: Private Full-Day Tour by SUV

10. Los Angeles: Private Full-Day Tour by SUV

Enjoy a flexible sightseeing tour through Los Angeles. After the pick-up at your hotel you will begin the tour through El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora La Reina de Los Ángeles de Porciuncula – this is the name the natives once gave the city. Experience an exciting and informative tour. Learn about the history of the city as well as the current developments. Visit the famous Hollywood sign up close and see the world-famous film studios. Stroll along the Walk of Fame and learn more about the stars who are listed here. Continue on past the Kodak Theatre, the location where the coveted Oscars is held. Afterwards you will see the Chinese Theatre with the famous hand and footprints. You will then head through West Hollywood on the Sunset Strip. There you can admire the famous Viper Room, the Whisky a Go Go, the legendary rock club, and various famous hotels before driving to Beverly Hills and the world-famous Rodeo Drive. See the store from which Julia Roberts was kicked out of in the movie Pretty Woman. At the end of the tour you can enjoy the fantastic views on the pier in Santa Monica and explore the bohemian district of Venice Beach.

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What people are saying about Santa Monica, California

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 2,477 reviews

Excellent experience!! A first for us in Los Angeles, we really recommend this visit. The very pleasant guide, he speaks several languages including French of course. He took great photos for us, the Ferrari was like the one mentioned, my husband was able to drive and enjoy himself. The places we saw were like the ones indicated: HOLLYWOOD hill, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica.. One word AWESOME

It was so much fun! We ended up being the only ones scheduled for the tour so we got a private experience. Seeing the sea lions were the highlight of it!

What a great experience! Seeing Malibu from the skyline is amazing, and our guide Anton was super informative, nice and took great videos!

We had a beautiful sunny day, it was very windy. Provide clothing for this temperature (8 degrees F).

It was a well-organized tour and it was very informative. Worth every minute and penny!