Private Santa Monica & Venice Tour: 40+ Sights, Beaches, Canals

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Santa Monica

   Begin your experience at one of Santa Monica's beloved local café, perfectly positioned just a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean. The name Espresso Cielo translates to "Coffee in Heaven," setting a relaxed and welcoming tone for the journey ahead. This stop offers an opportunity to get acquainted with the neighborhood while enjoying a local favorite before exploring the coast. ✨ Instagram moment: coffee in hand with palm-lined Santa Monica streets in the background — the perfect California morning.

   5 minutes here

2. Third Street Promenade

   Stretching across three pedestrian-only blocks, Third Street Promenade is one of Southern California's most famous outdoor shopping and entertainment districts. Welcoming millions of visitors each year, it combines street performers, historic buildings, local boutiques, and lively cafés into one vibrant experience. It perfectly captures Santa Monica's energetic yet laid-back coastal atmosphere. ✨ Instagram moment: palm-lined promenade framed by colorful storefronts and street performers.

   5 minutes here

3. Santa Monica Place

   Originally designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry and opened in 1980, Santa Monica Place serves as one of the city's premier shopping and lifestyle destinations. Its open-air terraces offer beautiful views toward the Pacific Ocean while showcasing Santa Monica's modern, upscale side. The center represents the evolution of the city from a beach town into a globally recognized destination.

   5 minutes here

4. This historic corridor preserves traces of early Santa Monica before the arrival of luxury hotels and modern developments. Along the route, visitors encounter charming architecture, local businesses, and streets that reveal how the city developed throughout the early 20th century. It offers a quieter and more authentic perspective often missed by tourists focused solely on the beach.

   5 minutes here

5. Tongva Park

   Opened in 2013, Tongva Park transformed several acres of urban land into one of Southern California's most celebrated public spaces. Named after the indigenous Tongva people who inhabited the region long before European settlement, the park combines sculptural gardens, elevated viewpoints, and modern landscape design. Its flowing pathways create a seamless transition between city and ocean. ✨ Instagram moment: curved pathways, lush greenery, and modern landscaping creating a refined California lifestyle scene.

   5 minutes here

6. Located beside Santa Monica City Hall, this civic plaza honors longtime public servant Ken Genser, who helped shape the city for more than 25 years. The square provides insight into Santa Monica's progressive approach to urban planning, sustainability, and public spaces. It serves as a reminder that Santa Monica is more than a tourist destination—it's a thriving community.

   1 minutes here

7. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

   Opened in 1958, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium hosted some of the most important events in entertainment history, including the Academy Awards in 1961 and 1962. Legends ranging from Frank Sinatra to David Bowie performed here, making it one of Southern California's most influential cultural venues. Although quieter today, the building remains a fascinating reminder of Santa Monica's unexpected connection to Hollywood history. ✨ Instagram moment: classic Mid-Century Modern architecture that feels like a glimpse into California's golden era.

   1 minutes here

8. Ocean Avenue

   Running along the coastal bluffs, Ocean Avenue is one of the most scenic streets in Los Angeles County. Luxury hotels, swaying palm trees, and sweeping Pacific Ocean views create a setting that perfectly captures the Southern California dream. The contrast between city life and the endless ocean horizon is what makes this stretch so memorable. ✨ Instagram moment: dramatic ocean views framed by iconic California palms.

   5 minutes here

9. Opened in 2019, Santa Monica Proper quickly became one of the most stylish luxury hotels in California. Designed by celebrated interior designer Kelly Wearstler, the property combines contemporary elegance with relaxed coastal influences. Its architecture and design embody the refined side of modern Santa Monica. ✨ Instagram moment: sophisticated California luxury with designer architecture and palm-lined surroundings.

   1 minutes here

10. Palisades Park

    Stretching for more than 1.5 miles along the bluff tops above the Pacific, Palisades Park offers some of Southern California's most spectacular coastal views. Established in the late 19th century, it has long been a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The elevated perspective reveals the coastline, Santa Monica Pier, and the vast Pacific Ocean in a single panoramic view. ✨ Instagram moment: breathtaking bluff-top panorama overlooking the coastline and pier.

    3 minutes here

11. Camera Obscura

    Built in 1898 and relocated to its current location in 1955, this unusual structure houses one of the few functioning camera obscuras remaining in the United States. Using simple optics and natural light, it projects a live moving image of the outside world onto a viewing surface inside the building. It's one of Santa Monica's most charming hidden gems and a fascinating reminder of photography's earliest days. ✨ Instagram moment: one of Santa Monica's most unexpected and rarely discovered landmarks.

    1 minutes here

12. Route 66 End of the Trail Sign

    This famous marker celebrates the western terminus of Route 66, America's most legendary highway. For decades, travelers journeyed nearly 2,500 miles across eight states before finally reaching the Pacific Ocean at this very location. It remains one of the most photographed signs in California and a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the classic American road trip. ✨ Instagram moment: standing beneath the Route 66 sign with the Pacific Ocean just beyond.

    1 minutes here

13. Santa Monica Pier

    Opened in 1909, Santa Monica Pier is one of California's most iconic landmarks and one of the last remaining pleasure piers on the West Coast. The pier has appeared in countless films, television shows, and travel publications, becoming a global symbol of Southern California. Its combination of ocean views, history, entertainment, and coastal atmosphere makes it one of the most beloved destinations in the state. ✨ Instagram moment: the classic Santa Monica Pier scene with the Ferris wheel and Pacific Ocean in the background.

    5 minutes here

14. Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Park is home to the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel. The wheel's 174,000 LED lights create dazzling displays visible from miles away and have become one of Santa Monica's most recognizable symbols. Together with the ocean backdrop, it embodies the playful spirit of the California coast. ✨ Instagram moment: colorful Ferris wheel rising above the Pacific Ocean.

    3 minutes here

15. Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome

    Built in 1916, this National Historic Landmark houses the beautifully restored Santa Monica Carousel. The building is one of the few surviving examples of early amusement park architecture on the West Coast. It has appeared in numerous films and television productions, including The Sting. ✨ Instagram moment: historic carousel building framed against the pier.

    1 minutes here

16. The carousel itself dates back to 1922 and features 44 hand-carved wooden horses. Unlike most surviving carousels, it retains much of its original craftsmanship and mechanical character. Visitors gain a glimpse into the golden age of seaside amusement parks.

    1 minutes here

17. Heal the Bay Aquarium

    Located beneath the Santa Monica Pier, this educational facility focuses on the marine life of Santa Monica Bay. Through conservation efforts and public education, it helps protect one of Southern California's most valuable ecosystems. It highlights the connection between the city and the ocean that defines local life.

    1 minutes here

18. Santa Monica State Beach

    Stretching for more than three miles, Santa Monica State Beach is one of California's most famous urban beaches. Wide sandy shores, volleyball courts, surfers, cyclists, and lifeguard towers create the quintessential Southern California beach scene. It is the image many travelers imagine when they think of Los Angeles. ✨ Instagram moment: classic California beach scene with lifeguard towers and endless ocean views.

    3 minutes here

19. Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica

    Established in the 1930s, Original Muscle Beach became one of the birthplaces of modern fitness culture. Long before gyms became mainstream, athletes, gymnasts, and acrobats gathered here to train outdoors beside the ocean. The location remains an enduring symbol of California's active lifestyle. ✨ Instagram moment: fitness culture meets Pacific Ocean backdrop.

    2 minutes here

20. Crescent Bay Park

    This peaceful bluff-top park offers one of Santa Monica's lesser-known coastal viewpoints. Unlike the busier sections near the pier, it provides a quieter atmosphere and expansive views of the coastline stretching toward Malibu. It's a favorite local spot for watching sunsets and enjoying ocean breezes. ✨ Instagram moment: panoramic coastline views with fewer crowds.

    3 minutes here

21. Dorothy Green Park

    Named after environmental activist Dorothy Green, this modern park showcases Santa Monica's commitment to sustainability and green urban design. Native landscaping, walking paths, and open lawns create a pleasant transition between city and beach. It offers a more local and residential perspective of coastal Santa Monica.

    3 minutes here

22. Ocean View Park

    True to its name, Ocean View Park offers elevated perspectives overlooking the Pacific and the beach below. Its open spaces and family-friendly atmosphere provide insight into everyday life in Santa Monica beyond the main tourist areas. It serves as a reminder that the city is both a world-famous destination and a vibrant local community. ✨ Instagram moment: sweeping ocean horizon framed by park greenery.

    3 minutes here

23. Part of the famous Marvin Braude Bike Trail, this oceanfront path stretches approximately 22 miles along the Los Angeles coastline. Cyclists, runners, skaters, and walkers share the route daily while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Pacific. Following the path south toward Venice creates a seamless transition between two of California's most iconic beach communities. ✨ Instagram moment: the iconic bike path disappearing into the coastline toward Venice Beach.

    3 minutes here

24. Built to help protect the coastline from strong Pacific swells, the Venice Breakwater creates calmer waters near the beach while shaping local surfing conditions. From here, visitors enjoy broad views stretching from Santa Monica to Marina del Rey. It's a beautiful transition point between two of Southern California's most famous beach communities. ✨ Instagram moment: coastline stretching endlessly in both directions.

    1 minutes here

25. The nearby pier area offers panoramic perspectives of surfers, sailboats, and the Pacific Ocean. It provides one of the best vantage points to appreciate the scale of the Southern California coastline. The atmosphere here immediately shifts from Santa Monica's polish to Venice's more relaxed spirit.

    3 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Santa Monica & Venice Tour

  Walking Tour - SM + Venice: 3-Hour Walking Tour — Santa Monica & Venice. Discover coastal LA on foot - Route 66, Pier, Venice Beach, canals, murals,beach

• Driving Tour w/ Marina Del Rey

  Driving Tour w/ Marina Del Rey: 3-Hour Driving Tour — Santa Monica, Venice & Marina del Rey. Experience the ultimate coastal Los Angeles with minimal walking

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

ru, en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Friendly Local Guides

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This is a private experience designed exclusively for your group, allowing for a flexible pace and personalized attention throughout the tour.
• The itinerary is designed to showcase as many highlights as possible; however, the number of sights visited may vary depending on your preferred pace and time spent at each location.
• Designed for travelers who want to go beyond typical sightseeing routes and discover Santa Monica and Venice through local stories, hidden gems, and neighborhood insights.
• Unlike many tours that focus primarily on the boardwalk, this experience combines iconic landmarks, coastal viewpoints, local culture, architecture, history, art, and lesser-known discoveries in one seamless journey.
• The 3-hour Driving Tour additionally includes Marina del Rey, offering access to waterfront viewpoints, luxury yachts, Fisherman's Village, and hidden marina gems rarely included on standard tours. (3-hour Driving Tour with Marina del Rey only)
• A moderate amount of walking is required, with frequent stops for sightseeing, storytelling, photos, and short breaks throughout the experience. Walking is significantly reduced on the Driving Tour option. (Driving Tour option only)
• Ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience the highlights, as well as returning travelers looking to discover a different side of Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey. (Marina del Rey included on 3-hour Driving Tour only
• Many locations featured on the tour have appeared in films, television shows, travel publications, and social media content viewed around the world.
• The route includes some of the area's most photogenic locations, with numerous opportunities for memorable photos throughout the experience.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a bottle of water are recommended.
• Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey are constantly evolving communities, and the route may occasionally be adjusted due to local events, festivals, filming activity, construction, or temporary closures. (Marina del Rey included on 3-hour Driving Tour only)
• Perfect for beach lovers, photographers, architecture enthusiasts, culture seekers, food lovers, and travelers who enjoy discovering hidden gems.
• Your guide will be happy to provide personalized recommendations for restaurants, cafés, rooftop bars, beaches, shopping, and additional local experiences after the tour.

Photos