Skip to content
Tripsora

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

New3 hFree cancellationBy Friendly Local Guides
Private Santa Monica & Venice Tour: 40+ Sights, Beaches, Canals

About this activity

Explore the very best of Los Angeles' world-famous coastline on a private experience through Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and (on the driving option) Marina del Rey. From the end of historic Route 66 and the iconic Santa Monica Pier to Venice's colorful boardwalk, canals, street art, surf culture, celebrity spots, hidden gems, you'll discover the many sides of California coastal life in one unforgettable journey.

Unlike typical beach tours, this experience combines history, architecture, oceanfront scenery, local culture, photography, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Enjoy Pacific views, Venice's creative spirit, beautiful canals, palm-lined streets, famous landmarks, and insider stories while exploring the places that define Southern California.

Choose between a walking tour of Santa Monica and Venice or a driving experience that also includes Marina del Rey—home to North America's largest man-made small-craft harbor, luxury yachts, waterfront neighborhoods, and hidden marina gems.

What's included

  • ✓Ideal for travelers seeking maximum comfort, minimal walking (3-hour Driving Tour only)
  • ✓Expert local guide sharing fascinating stories, insider knowledge, and local secrets on private tour
  • ✓30+ iconic California-style photo opportunities at Santa Monica and Venice's most scenic locations
  • ✓Explore up to 55+ landmarks across Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey (3-hour Driving Tour only)
  • ✓Explore 40+ landmarks, hidden gems, coastal highlights, cultural sites, canals, piers
  • ✓Exclusive private experience — personalized, flexible, and designed entirely around your group
  • ✓Flexible pace tailored to your interests and preferred style of exploration
  • ✓Discover both iconic attractions and lesser-known local spots most visitors never find on their own
  • ✓Explore Santa Monica Pier, Route 66, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice Canals, Abbot Kinney Boulevard
  • ✓Includes Fisherman's Village, Marina del Rey Harbor, harbor views (3-hour Driving Tour only)
  • ✓Personalized recommendations for restaurants, cafes, shopping, beaches, sunset spots
  • ✓California beach lifestyle, surf culture, history, architecture, art, hidden gems, and local stories
  • ✓Downtown Santa Monica, Coastal Santa Monica, Venice Beach, the Venice Canals, Abbot Kinney District

Not included

  • ✕Food and drinks
  • ✕Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

  • Meet your private guide in front of Espresso Cielo coffeeshop

Good to know

  • 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.

Cancellation policy

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

More things to do in Santa Monica

Half Day Best of Los Angeles City Tour from Santa Monica

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 travel in a premium mini-coach to see LA’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, with some stops along the way, all in a convenient half-day format. Stops: 1. Beverly Hills & Rode…

5.0(383)Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 383 reviews5 h 30 minFree cancellation

From £52.60 per person

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

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 the iconic Santa Monica Pier, this 3.5-hour journey takes you on an unforgettable adventure through LA’s most famous neighborhoods and landmarks, all from the comfort of an open-ai…

4.9(377)Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 377 reviews3 h 30 minFree cancellation

From £44.97 per person

Santa Monica Hollywood and Beverly Hills Open Bus Tour

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 the iconic Beverly Hills Sign plus a cruise past the legendary "Pink Palace" Beverly Hills Hotel. In Hollywood, you'll have 30 minutes to explore the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Th…

4.9(312)Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 312 reviews3 h 30 minFree cancellation

From £44.97 per person