California, United States
Bus tours from $23, beach and bike experiences, and what each tour really includes.
Santa Monica's tour scene is dominated by bus tours and private experiences: 38% of all 175 options are bus-based, while 64% are labeled private or luxury. Half the catalogue sits under $100, with 31% under $60, but 27% of tours cost over $200. The best-reviewed tours—especially those with over 100 reviews—are mostly classic sightseeing routes, often including stops at Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Santa Monica Pier.
Most top-rated tours include at least one stop for photos or exploration, but the time actually spent at these stops varies widely. For instance, among the listed tours, time at stops ranges from just 10 minutes out of two hours to over half the tour spent off the bus. This difference, along with whether admission fees are included, is often what separates good value from disappointment.
Santa Monica offers 175 tours and activities, ranging from $15 up to over $1000, with a median 'from' price of $94. This median is pulled up by private tours that charge per vehicle, not per person, so the real per-person range is often lower. Only 4% of tours are under $15, but 18% are under $40 and 31% under $60, making budget options available. At the other end, 27% of tours cost over $200, and 13% top $500.
Bus tours dominate the catalogue, but the category label includes both shared sightseeing buses and private chauffeur experiences, which explains the high median price of $250. The 'Private and Luxury' label is even broader, covering everything from affordable walking tours to high-end SUV outings, so its $125 median doesn't always mean expensive. Only the listed tours specify how they charge.
Quality is generally high: only 7% of all tours are rated below 4 stars, and 89% offer free cancellation. The best-reviewed tours consistently combine engaging guides, time off the vehicle at major sites, and clear inclusions. Poor reviews cluster in the same few categories—especially among private and day trips—often citing lack of information, rushed itineraries, or misleading descriptions.
| Private and Luxury | 112 | $125 |
| Bus Tours | 67 | $250 |
For travelers wanting to see the highlights in a day, full- and half-day bus tours are the most booked and best rated. Among the listed options, prices for these range from $23 to $74 per person. The main difference is what you get for your money: some tours, like the $44 open bus tour, include all entrance fees and require no extra purchases, while others at similar prices may only offer drive-bys with minimal time at stops.
If your priority is time off the bus, check the itinerary breakdown. For example, the $23 open-air bus tour offers just 10 minutes at a stop out of two hours, while the $75 full-day tour gives two hours off the bus at four locations. The $72 Grand LA Tour stands out by splitting its seven hours almost evenly between travel and stops, maximizing time at key sites.
Bike and e-bike tours, priced from $54 to $67, offer a different pace: the entire duration is spent riding and exploring, with all equipment included. These consistently earn high ratings, with only minor complaints about guide engagement or tour pacing. For those interested in beach activities, surf lessons and water tours start at $64, but these are less common and not the focus of most listings.
Where reviews are negative, it's usually about the guide's knowledge or attitude, especially on bus tours. Several reviews for the $23 and $33 bus tours mention guides sharing little information or ending early, while the $52 city tour draws criticism for too much time driving and not enough substance. On the other hand, tours with more time at stops and engaging guides—like the $44 and $72 options—see almost no complaints. In short, the best value comes from tours that clearly state what is included and how much of the day is spent at each stop.
Almost all Santa Monica tours confirm bookings instantly, with only a handful requiring manual approval. Sell-out warnings are rare, but do appear on some bike and brunch cruises, suggesting these should be booked at least a few days ahead.
Since 89% of tours allow free cancellation, it's generally safe to reserve early and adjust plans if needed. No seasonal patterns are mentioned in the data.
The lowest price, but only 10 minutes at a stop—mostly drive-bys compared to others.
4.8 ★ · 3,199 reviews · 2 h
Includes Audio Guide in 11 Languages - Powered by an App we will help you download on your phone. · Custom Open Air Sightseeing Vehicle · Car seats for children under 8 years old or shorter than 4’9”
10 min at the stops, of 2 h in total
More time at Malibu stops than similar-priced tours, but no meals or admissions included.
4.9 ★ · 490 reviews · 2 h
Includes Open-Air Sightseeing Van · Only Malibu Sightseeing Tour · Malibu Celebrity Homes and Filming Locations
30 min at the stops, of 2 h in total
Longest duration under $35, but less time off the bus than pricier options.
4.9 ★ · 330 reviews · 3 h 30 min
Includes Audio Guide in 11 Languages - Powered by an App we will help you download on your phone. · Self Guided Hollywood Walk of Fame Walking Tour · Open Air Tour Bus
15 min at the stops, of 3 h 30 min in total
No extra fees or admissions—everything included for the price, unlike cheaper tours.
5.0 ★ · 202 reviews · 3 h 30 min
Includes No further purchases required on tour or entrance fees.
Double the time at stops versus the $33 tour, plus audio guide in 11 languages.
4.9 ★ · 2,208 reviews · 5 h 30 min
Includes Car seat for children under 8 years old or shorter than 4’9” · Start From Hollywood or Santa Monica · Audio Guide in 11 Languages
2 h at the stops, of 5 h 30 min in total
Same price as another tour here, but only half the time at stops—check if you want more off-bus time.
5.0 ★ · 345 reviews · 5 h 30 min
Includes Audio Guide in 11 languages - Powered by an App that we will help you download on your pho · Expert Driver Guide. · Air-conditioned vehicle
1 h at the stops, of 5 h 30 min in total
Every minute spent biking, not in transit—full activity for the price.
4.9 ★ · 486 reviews · 3 h
Includes Bottled water · 3-Hour Electric Bicycle Tour · Helmet Rental
Hotel pickup and nearly 200 minutes at stops, more than other full-day tours here.
4.6 ★ · 178 reviews · 7 h 30 min
Includes Driver/Guide (with live narration and insider knowledge) · Designed routes that take you to the most welcoming and accessible parts of Los Angeles · Complimentary
3 h 15 min at the stops, of 7 h 30 min in total
Four hours at stops—twice as much off-bus time as the $52 city tours.
5.0 ★ · 176 reviews · 7 h
Includes Bus Tour
4 h at the stops, of 7 h in total
Longest tour on the page, but less time at stops than another tour here for a similar price.
4.8 ★ · 820 reviews · 7 h
Includes North Hollywood pickups will be given an Uber voucher to get home from the last stop · Water Bottles · If you requrie a wheelchair please book 48 hours in advance and contact the us directly
2 h 55 min at the stops, of 7 h in total
The only listed tour with brunch included, but costs more than most half-day tours.
4.9 ★ · 6,612 reviews · 7 h 30 min
Includes Carefully curated routes that visit the most welcoming and visitor-friendly parts of Los A · Bottled water · Driver/guide
3 h at the stops, of 7 h 30 min in total
Private SUV, highest price per person—cost-effective only for groups of six or more.
5.0 ★ · 146 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Includes Sunscreen, souvenir, water · surfboard, wetsuit, instructor
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 07/09/2026.
Bus tours and private experiences dominate, with 38% of all tours being bus-based and 64% labeled private or luxury.
Half of Santa Monica tours are under $100, and 31% are under $60. Only 4% cost less than $15, while 27% are over $200.
Some tours include all entrance fees, while others do not. Always check the inclusions—bike tours include equipment, but most bus tours exclude meals.
This varies widely. Some bus tours offer only 10–15 minutes off the vehicle, while others give two hours or more at key sites.
Most tours are highly rated, but negative reviews often mention guides lacking knowledge or enthusiasm, especially on cheaper bus tours.
Yes, 89% of tours offer free cancellation, which is standard in Santa Monica.
Most tours confirm instantly and rarely sell out, but some brunch cruises and bike tours are flagged as likely to sell out and should be booked early.
Yes, many tours are suitable for families and small groups, including bike tours and private bus tours. Child seats are included on some bus tours.
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
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Booking is handled by Viator, part of TripAdvisor. Live prices, free cancellation on most.