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Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier: Our most recommended tours and activities

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: LA Grand Tour

3. 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: Best of LA Bus Tour

4. 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.

Los Angeles: Santa Monica and Venice Electric Bike Tour

5. 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: Famous Neighbourhoods and Celebrity Homes Tours

6. Los Angeles: Famous Neighbourhoods and Celebrity Homes Tours

Get an insider look at LA culture, history, landmarks, and hot spots. Stop at The Santa Monica Pier, The Grove/Original Farmer's Market for shopping and lunch, and see Griffith Observatory before scoping celebrity homes. Meet at 9:45 AM to board your bus. First, see The Hollywood Walk of Fame, embedded with more than 2,500 terrazzo and brass stars bearing the names of celebrities honored for their contributions to the entertainment industry. One of the most famous streets in all of Los Angeles. See where many film locations for movies and TV shows take place. Then, head to The Sunset Strip. Drive past restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that are popular with celebrities. From here, continue to West Hollywood, the area that is home to many celebrities, as well as some of the best nightlife in all of Los Angeles. You'll see Beverly Hills next, located on the west side of Los Angeles. It is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Next is Rodeo Drive, a famous shopping district located in Beverly Hills. Keep your eyes open for celebrities and paparazzi. Continue to see views of Bel Air, and The Getty Center. Then, stop at Santa Monica Pier for an hour. Go for a stroll on the pier, get some food and drinks, or play carnival games. See the 3rd Street Promenade, which is a pedestrian-only shopping district. Drive through Culver City and past Sony Pictures headquarters. The next drive-by is by Fairfax Avenue! You'll also see the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Petersen Automotive Museum, and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum from the outside.The next stop is for an hour-long lunch at The Grove, also known as The Original Farmer's Market. Choose from over 80 places to eat, drink, and shop. After lunch, you'll cruise past Melrose Avenue, Paramount Studios, and Griffith Park on your way to your last one-hour stop at The Griffith Observatory. You will get the best views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign from The Griffith Observatory.   Finally, head back to The Hollywood Walk of Fame to switch buses for your 2-Hour Celebrity Homes Tour (the 2nd part of your tour with your guide). Ride in an open-air bus past celebrity homes, including Tom Cruise, Katy Perry, Leonardo DiCaprio, Elvis Presley, Quentin Tarantino, and others. You will also see Rodeo Drive and have a 15-minute stop at The Beverly Hills Sign. (Please note you can take both tours on the same day or split them up into two days)

Los Angeles: Private Full-Day Tour by SUV

7. 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.

LA: City and Beach Highlights Tour with Transfer Options

8. LA: City and Beach Highlights Tour with Transfer Options

Enjoy a stress-free tour of LA with expert tour guides who will ensure you have an entertaining and educational day. Begin the tour in Santa Monica where you'll have the opportunity to explore the Santa Monica Pier. Your first stop will be Venice Beach, home of LA's skateboarding and surf culture. You will then be driven along Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards on your way to the ritzy Beverly Hills, where you will be given the opportunity to window shop for 30-minutes on Rodeo Drive.  Enjoy lunch at the Farmers' Market at The Grove (1 hour) - with hundreds of options to please everyone from the adventurous foodie to kids. You will then be whisked to Griffith Park where you will receive VIP curbside service and experience the best views of LA and the Hollywood Sign. Finally, try to spot the stars of your favorite Hollywood celebrities as you walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Los Angeles and Hollywood: 5-Hour Private Day-Trip

9. Los Angeles and Hollywood: 5-Hour Private Day-Trip

A private day-trip is one of the best ways to discover Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the surrounding areas. Not only you will not have to share the trip with strangers, but you will also be able to customize it as you go. Start with convenient pickup from your chosen location, before seeing the best of what Hollywood and Los Angeles has to offer. You could choose to visit famous landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, walk along the Santa Monica Pier, and so much more. Take things at your own pace, with the chance to stop for dining, shopping, snapshots, or go for a stroll to the beach or the town.

Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting

10. Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting

Join a private sightseeing tour of Malibu with a wine tasting bonus and discover it all in a 1972 vintage VW van with hippie vibes both inside and out. Visit Point Dume and other photo-worthy spots along the way. Start your trip by meeting with your tour guide at the Santa Monica Pier, where you'll be able to take cool photos with the van, jump in, and head towards Malibu. Drive along the picturesque coastline towards the north end of the town where the celebrity homes and secluded beaches are located. Stop at a few viewpoints where everyone will be able to take pictures with the van and Malibu landscapes. On the way, visit Point Dume with its breathtaking views of the cliffs and the ocean. After spending some time there, stop at the famous Malibu Pier to take a walk and capture these moments with your phone or camera. From here, take advantage of uninterrupted views of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is always fun to watch the many surfers riding the breaks of Surfrider Beach. The tour ends at the Rosenthal wine tasting room where you will be offered a flight of four different local wines, along with a cheese, salami, and cracker plate.

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What people are saying about Santa Monica Pier

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 1,825 reviews

This was an excellent tour! Barb was knowledgeable, laid back with a great manner for this tour. We try to do bike tours any time we travel and this one did not disappoint. Great way to combine the great outdoors, some exercise and some sightseeing. The bikes were in fantastic condition and we would highly recommend !

We did the five-hour tour with a knowledgeable driver. I would recommend it. Hopefully the weather cooperates because the bus we were on was open and it rained at the very last stop on the tour - not good!

Le tour de L.A. nous permis de découvrir les différentes facettes de cette mégalopole. Notre guide connaissait parfaitement son sujet mais parlait un peu trop vite. Je recommande cette activitée.

Amazing! Got to see all of LA with the help of Sean and shay. Fab tour guides.

Interessante Tour durch LA. Der Guide war unterhaltsam.