The 15 best things to do in Santa Monica (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica

   Outty Ranking91

   Experience a one-of-a-kind sightseeing adventure through the famous neighborhoods of Los Angeles on this 5.5-hour VIP-style tour. Starting from the Santa Monica Pier with our fun and entertaining driver guide, you’ll tra. 90+ Club at 91/100, 5.0/5 from 355 traveler reviews, 5.5h from $69, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Malibu Open-Air Tour from Santa Monica with Celebrity Homes

   Outty Ranking89

   Discover the beauty of Malibu on this 2-hour open-air sightseeing tour along California's legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH.). Departing from Santa Monica, you'll enjoy breathtaking ocean views as you cruise past famo. Exceptional at 89/100, 4.9/5 from 491 traveler reviews, 2h from $39, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Santa Monica Hollywood and Beverly Hills Open Bus Tour

   Outty Ranking89

   Buckle up for 3.5 hours of pure LA magic on the open-air bus, departing from Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue. Your expert guide takes you through Century City, past Rodeo Drive, and into Beverly Hills for a 30-minute stop at. Exceptional at 89/100, 5.0/5 from 243 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $59, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach

   Outty Ranking88

   Try something new on your Los Angeles vacation! See places you can’t get to in your car or on a tour bus as you try out a unique and fun activity – riding an electric bicycle with a small-group of 6! While you cruise the. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.9/5 from 487 traveler reviews, 3h from $89, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica

   Outty Ranking88

   Experience Hollywood’s most popular sightseeing tour, which is now starting from Santa Monica! Discover the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles on our Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour! Starting and ending at. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.9/5 from 347 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $44, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Grand LA Tour 7 Hour Open Bus Adventure from Santa Monica

   Outty Ranking85

   Explore the vibrant essence of Los Angeles on this 7-hour open-air bus tour that captures the city's most iconic sights. Visit four must-see locations including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, the. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.9/5 from 204 traveler reviews, 7h from $95, free cancellation.

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7. 

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

   Outty Ranking82

   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 kn. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 113 traveler reviews, 2h from $70, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Private EBike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beaches

   Outty Ranking78

   Get a taste of Santa Monica and Venice on this private tour by electric bike. A great experience for locals and visitors alike. You'll cruise along the beach bike path enjoying the sun, ocean view and energetic atmospher. Strongly Recommended at 78/100, 5.0/5 from 65 traveler reviews, 3h from $119, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. 1.5-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

   Outty Ranking77

   Kapowui, was awarded best surf school in Venice beach for the last 5 years in a row. Kapowui is a family run business and and an icon of southern California. We live, eat, and dream surfing and teach surfing because w. Strongly Recommended at 77/100, 5.0/5 from 146 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $140, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Shared 2 Hour Small Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

    Outty Ranking77

    We are a FUN SURF LA surf school based on Venice Beach. Our goal is for you to have an excellent experience surfing, whether it's your first time trying surfing or you are trying to advance your skills. For the first 30-. Strongly Recommended at 77/100, 4.8/5 from 144 traveler reviews, 2h from $85, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Luxury full day Los Angeles Tour – Private SUV Experience

    Outty Ranking75

    We created the most CONVENIENT, comfortable, and TIME EFFECTIVE way to see everything you want and should see in the City of Angeles. From Iconic landmarks to the most famous sign in the world “ The Hollywood Sign”. You. Strongly Recommended at 75/100, 5.0/5 from 148 traveler reviews, 6h from $620, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. 2-Hour Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

    Outty Ranking74

    Kapowui, was awarded best surf school in Venice beach for the last 5 years in a row. Kapowui is a family run business and and an icon of southern California. We live, eat, and dream surfing and teach surfing because w. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 5.0/5 from 96 traveler reviews, 2h from $145, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour

    Outty Ranking74

    Enjoy the best of Los Angeles with this three hour guided bike tour that begins in Santa Monica near the famous Santa Monica Pier! Take in the ocean breezes, visit the historic Venice Canals, ride through Marina del Rey,. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 4.9/5 from 27 traveler reviews, 3h from $72, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Adventure Tour

    Outty Ranking72

    Enjoy our guided bike adventure through Santa Monica and the historical streets of Venice Beach, California. We’ll explore the sites and history around Santa Monica, and take in some privileged views of the California co. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 4.8/5 from 53 traveler reviews, 2h from $67, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Best in LA: Private, Full-Day, Guided Sightseeing Tour

    Outty Ranking72

    Experience our city in the most exclusive way you can. With the #1 guest-rated private tour company on TripAdvisor and Google for the last 15 years in a row. From pick up at your hotel/rental, we show you all the iconic. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 5.0/5 from 138 traveler reviews, 7h from $999, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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