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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: Santa Monica and Venice Electric Bike Tour

4. 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

5. 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: Private Full-Day Tour by SUV

6. 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.

California Coastline Helicopter Tour

7. California Coastline Helicopter Tour

Glide through the melting sunset over the California Coastline, sweep over the Santa Monica Mountains, or get great views over the exclusive homes of the Pacific Palisades. This is a unique and thrilling 30-minute helicopter tour exploring the Los Angeles Coast. The California Coastline tour is available at any time during the day and is a must for anyone who loves the ocean. Take off from the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, heading south to fly over the Santa Monica Mountains and drop down into the spectacular coastal homes of Pacific Palisades. Fly low-level along the world famous beaches of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Pier, and Venice. On your way back to the Airport, you'll fly over the new Getty Center, with its grand architecture appearing ever more dramatic from the sky.

Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting

8. 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.

Los Angeles: City Highlights Tour w/Cruise Terminal Transfer

9. Los Angeles: City Highlights Tour w/Cruise Terminal Transfer

Embark on a full-day guided tour of Los Angeles and see the sights from Hollywood Boulevard to Beverly Hills. Sit back and relax on board a comfortable van and listen to insightful commentary from your tour guide. After being picked up from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal or the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal (Port of San Pedro) in the morning, make your way to Exposition Park and see the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the first stadium to have hosted the Summer Olympic Games twice, in 1932 and 1984. Next, drive through Downtown Los Angeles and admire historic buildings, striking architecture, and cultural attractions. Continue past Griffith Park Observatory, a popular tourist attraction with an excellent view of the Hollywood Sign and an extensive array of space and science-related displays. Arrive at the iconic Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. Marvel at well-known highlights in the area, including Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theater, where the Oscars take place, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Stop for lunch (not included) at Mel’s Diner for the ultimate 1950s dining experience and see where George Lucas filmed scenes for American Graffiti. Slip into the world of the rich and famous as you drive past the exclusive boutiques of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. Then, drive to Santa Monica Beach along America’s most famous cross-country highway. After taking in the views at Santa Monica, head to Venice Beach and see the iconic boardwalk with its busy boutiques, street performers, artists, and fortune tellers. You have the option of being dropped off at the following locations at the end of this tour: the ship, LAX Airport, or any hotel in Long Beach, San Pedro, or Santa Monica. 

Los Angeles: Private 1-Hour Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

10. Los Angeles: Private 1-Hour Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

Your flight departs from Van Nuys Airpor and heads off along the golden coastline towards Calabasas. Next, fly south over Malibu Canyon and then along the stunning Santa Monica Mountains.  From here, admire breathtaking views across the Pacific, as well as Malibu Pier, Surfrider Beach, and Pepperdine University. Continue the flight over some of Los Angeles’ most iconic sights, including Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Downtown LA, and the Dodger Stadium. Swoop over the city and see the impressive skyline gleaming in the Californian sunshine, before finally passing by the iconic Hollywood Sign. This is LA's only 65-minute helicopter tour.

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What people are saying about Santa Monica Pier

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 1,825 reviews

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!

Had a lot of fun. Stops arer well picked. Schedule could have a bit higher frequency.

Great tour of Los Angeles. The sightseeing points are absolutely worth seeing!

SAMMY WAS AMAZING. LOTS OF GOOD INFORMATION AND LOTS OF LAUGHS!!!!