Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More
Santa Monica, United States

Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More

Outty Ranking 83 5.0 · 113 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $70
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Outty Ranking

83/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 113 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More worth booking?

Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More is a 2-hour experience in Santa Monica, United States, from $70 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 113 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
83 / 100
Rating
5/5 (113)
Duration
2 hours
From
$70 per person

The Santa Monica donut tour is our first foray into sunny Southern California. This tour celebrates all things donuts, sunshine, and beachfront fun. Our tour begins at a California institution, Randy’s Donuts. You may know Randy’s from their many appearances across TV, movies, and music videos, specifically for their iconic giant donut. After we’ve tried some of their amazing classics, we’ll move on to our next location, Sidecar Doughnuts. If you are looking for amazing, artisanal donuts - you’ve come to the right place. Our third location is a slightly unexpected stop, but still quintessentially California for churros. And our last stop may change based on the group or the weather, so we won’t ruin the surprise, but the two options we’ve picked out are both equally fantastic.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Santa Monica donut tour is our first foray into sunny Southern California. This tour celebrates all things donuts, sunshine, and beachfront fun. Our tour begins at a California institution, Randy’s Donuts. You may know Randy’s from their many appearances across TV, movies, and music videos, specifically for their iconic giant donut. After we’ve tried some of their amazing classics, we’ll move on to our next location, Sidecar Doughnuts. If you are looking for amazing, artisanal donuts - you’ve come to the right place. Our third location is a slightly unexpected stop, but still quintessentially California for churros. And our last stop may change based on the group or the weather, so we won’t ruin the surprise, but the two options we’ve picked out are both equally fantastic.

    What's included

    Included

    • Explore the vibrant streets of Santa Monica with a local guide.
    • Learn about California's unique and influential donut culture.
    • Receive insider recommendations for dining and local attractions.
    • Capture photos of Santa Monica's most memorable sights.
    • Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby attractions.
    • Discover hidden gems and beloved neighborhood bakeries.
    • Visit iconic landmarks throughout downtown Santa Monica.
    • Sample delicious donuts and sweet treats from Santa Monica favorites.
    • Create sweet memories with friends and fellow travelers.
    • Hear stories about the city's history, culture, and coastal charm.

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Parking fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Randy's Donuts - a classic California donut institution is our first stop.

      30 minutes here

    2. Our second stop on the tour. They have amazing artisanal donuts you have to try.

      30 minutes here

    3. Papi Churros & Tacos is our third stop on the tour. Aside from the churros, you should also try the birria tacos. Delicious!

      15 minutes here

    4. Santa Monica Pier

      We may end the tour here or potentially at nearby donut shop depending on the weather and how far the group wants to walk.

      30 minutes here

    5. Third Street Promenade

      We'll walk through the 3rd street promenade to check out the many shops and restaurants nearby.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Santa Monica

    We start at Randy's Donuts (829 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401). Please look for public parking nearby or near the end of the tour (near the Santa Monica pier).

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Our last stop on the tour for a tasty ice cream treat!

    Ends at

    We'll either end the tour here or potentially at a nearby donut shop, depending on the weather and how the group feels.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Underground Donut Tour

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues

    Photos

    Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More, photo 2Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More, photo 3Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More, photo 4Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More, photo 5Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More, photo 6Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 113 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    113 verified traveler reviews for Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    110
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
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    Sort
    ericeS4393FB · August 2026

    Fun!

    Chad was great. We had such a fun time. Would definitely do it again.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for rolling with us in Santa Monica! Chad says 👋 We hope to host you again, in any of our donut holes around the world.

    via Tripadvisor

    Improvor · August 2026

    A sweet tour of Santa Monica

    My friend/mentor and I were meeting for the very first time. She loves finding activities that either person has done previously. Her love of donuts, combined with both of us being bakers, made the underground donut tour a natural fit. Onlce we arrived at the first location, we were warmly greeted by Chad. The only thing more impressive than Chad‘s knowledge of the donut scene in the LA area, was his personality. He was engaging, and I felt the entire time that I was with a friend who was proudly showing off where he lived. Overall, we had four stops: two donut shops, a location known for fresh churros, and finished on a warm day at a local ice cream parlor. Despite how warm the day got, our pace was just right. There was enough time between locations to regain our hunger. The overall quality of each stop showed the care in planning by the company. They have tours in other cities as well as multiple tours within Los Angeles itself. I speak for myself when I say if I have an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon with this company again, I’ll happily plunk my money down.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us in Santa Monica! Chad says 👋 We’re so happy his knowledge, personality, and proud-local energy made the tour feel like spending the afternoon with a friend. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to host you again in Santa Monica or any of our donut holes around the world!

    via Tripadvisor

    maxwelld399 · July 2026

    Amazing!

    Chad was amazing! He was so nice and funny, and was chatting us up well! He told his some cool stories and lots of fun things I never knew. It was the perfect length for a tour, and he got us some just amazing donuts and other treats.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us in Santa Monica! Chad says 👋 Perfect length, fun local finds, and amazing donuts are exactly what we love to hear. We hope to host you again in Santa Monica or any of our donut holes around the world!

    via Tripadvisor

    juliabR1498IT · June 2026

    Amazing Tour

    The experience was super fun. We got to try so many different treats and our tour guide Chad and was amazing.

    Response from the operator: So glad you chose to spend your time with us in Santa Monica! Chad says 👋 Thank you for making us part of your visit. We hope to host you again in Santa Monica or any of our donut holes around the world!

    via Tripadvisor

    franciscorP6928CT · June 2026

    Dessert tour around major area of Santa Monica

    Chad did a great job and very excited to be able to walk around Santa Monica with a new friend for a few hours!

    Response from the operator: So glad you chose to spend your time with us in Santa Monica! Chad says 👋 Thank you for making us part of your visit. We hope to host you again in Santa Monica or any of our donut holes around the world! 🍩🌊😊

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $70 to $75
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    40
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Underground Donut Tour, who run 49 experiences we rank across 30 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Underground Donut Tour runs

    Why this scores 83

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)97
    Review evidence (18% weight)67
    Booking momentum (14% weight)62
    Value for money (12% weight)84
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)76
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Monica.

    How much does Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More cost?

    +

    Prices start at $70 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santa Monica usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santa Monica is not rushed.

    Is Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 113 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santa Monica, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More?

    +

    Around 40 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santa Monica can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santa Monica and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santa Monica within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Santa Monica?

    +

    Santa Monica is where most LA coast tours start: beach bike and e-bike rides to Venice, surf lessons, food walks on Third Street and open-top runs up Pacific Coast Highway. On Outty we rank every Santa Monica experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops and Free Time, Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica, Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Santa Monica?

    +

    March to May and September to November, dodging the June marine layer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Santa Monica?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More?

    +

    Included: Explore the vibrant streets of Santa Monica with a local guide; Learn about California's unique and influential donut culture; Receive insider recommendations for dining and local attractions; Capture photos of Santa Monica's most memorable sights; and Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby attractions. Not included: Gratuities; and Parking fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More?

    +

    We start at Randy's Donuts (829 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401). Please look for public parking nearby or near the end of the tour (near the Santa Monica pier). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; and Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More?

    +

    Across 113 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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