Venice Beach and Santa Monica are two of the most iconic beachfront spots in Los Angeles, offering a mix of surf, shopping, street performers, and stunning ocean views. Whether you want a guided tour or a self-guided adventure, here’s your complete guide!
📍 Where Are Venice Beach & Santa Monica Located?
📍 Venice Beach – Along Venice Boardwalk, stretching from Washington Blvd to Rose Ave.
📍 Santa Monica – Centered around Santa Monica Pier at Ocean Ave & Colorado Ave.
🚇 How to Get There:
- Metro: 🚇 E Line (Expo) to Downtown Santa Monica
- Bus: 🚌 Big Blue Bus (Santa Monica) or Metro Bus 1, 3, 33
- Bike/Scooter: 🚲 Rent a bike or e-scooter along the boardwalk!
- Car: 🚗 Paid parking lots near the Venice Beach Boardwalk & Santa Monica Pier.
📌 Best Route: Walk or bike from Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier (~3 miles along the coast).
🚲 Venice Beach & Santa Monica Tour Options
1️⃣ Guided Bike Tours 🚲
📅 Time: 2 – 3 hours
💰 Price: ~$50 – $75 (includes bike rental)
⭐ Includes:
✔ Ride along the famous beach path from Venice to Santa Monica.
✔ Stop at Muscle Beach, the Venice Skate Park, & Santa Monica Pier.
✔ Learn about LA’s beach culture & history.
📌 Recommended Tour Companies:
✔ GetYourGuide
✔ Viator
✔ Santa Monica Bike Center
2️⃣ Walking Tours 🚶♂️
📅 Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
💰 Price: ~$25 – $50
⭐ Includes:
✔ Explore the Venice Canals, Boardwalk, & Skate Park.
✔ Stop at Santa Monica Pier & 3rd Street Promenade.
✔ Learn about street art, surf culture, and history.
📌 Best Walking Tours:
✔ Venice Beach Walking Tour – Focuses on art & history.
✔ Santa Monica Food Tour – Eat your way through the pier & promenade!
3️⃣ Self-Guided Tour (FREE!)
📅 Time: 2 – 4 hours
💰 Price: FREE!
⭐ Best Route:
1️⃣ Start at Venice Beach Boardwalk – Walk past street performers & vendors.
2️⃣ Visit Muscle Beach – See bodybuilders & workout areas.
3️⃣ Check out the Venice Skate Park – Watch pro skaters in action!
4️⃣ Walk to the Venice Canals – A hidden gem with beautiful bridges.
5️⃣ Bike or walk along the Ocean Front Walk to Santa Monica.
6️⃣ Explore Santa Monica Pier – Ride the Ferris wheel & play arcade games.
7️⃣ Shop at 3rd Street Promenade – A lively outdoor shopping area.
📌 Tip: Rent a bike or e-scooter for a faster & more fun way to explore!
🎉 Best Things to Do in Venice Beach & Santa Monica
🏖 Venice Beach:
✔ Walk the Boardwalk – Artists, performers, & vendors everywhere.
✔ Watch Skaters at the Venice Skate Park 🛹 – One of the best skate parks in the world!
✔ See Muscle Beach Gym 💪 – A historic outdoor gym.
✔ Explore the Venice Canals 🚣 – A peaceful, scenic area with bridges.
✔ Check out the Venice Art Walls 🎨 – Famous for graffiti & murals.
🎡 Santa Monica:
✔ Visit Santa Monica Pier 🎠 – Ride the Ferris wheel & play games.
✔ Bike the Ocean Front Path 🚲 – Scenic views all the way to Malibu.
✔ Relax at Santa Monica Beach 🏖 – Great for sunbathing & surfing.
✔ Shop at 3rd Street Promenade 🛍 – Trendy stores & street performers.
✔ Eat at the Pier Restaurants 🍽 – Try seafood at The Albright or burgers at Pier Burger.
💰 How Much Does a Venice Beach & Santa Monica Tour Cost?
| Tour Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Guided Bike Tour | $50 – $75 |
| Walking Tour | $25 – $50 |
| Self-Guided Tour | FREE! |
🚲 Bike Rental: ~$10 – $20 per hour
🕒 Best Time to Visit Venice Beach & Santa Monica
✔ Morning (8 AM – 11 AM) – Fewer crowds, perfect for biking.
✔ Afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM) – Lively boardwalk atmosphere, great for people-watching.
✔ Sunset (6 PM – 8 PM) – BEST TIME for photos & ocean views.
🚫 Avoid weekends (12 PM – 4 PM) – It gets very crowded!
⏳ Average Visit Duration: 3 – 5 hours
🔥 Tips for the Best Venice Beach & Santa Monica Experience
✅ Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll walk a lot!
✅ Bring sunscreen & sunglasses – It’s sunny year-round.
✅ Rent a bike or scooter – It’s the best way to explore.
✅ Watch for street performers – Some expect tips for photos.
✅ Hold onto your belongings – Pickpockets can be around in crowded areas.
❓ Venice Beach & Santa Monica Tour FAQ
1️⃣ Is Venice Beach safe to visit?
✅ Yes, during the day! But be cautious at night, as some areas can be sketchy.
2️⃣ How long does it take to walk from Venice Beach to Santa Monica?
⏳ ~45 minutes (3 miles) along the beach path.
📌 Tip: Rent a bike or e-scooter to make it faster & more fun!
3️⃣ Can you swim at Venice Beach & Santa Monica Beach?
✅ Yes! But the water is colder than expected (~60-70°F).
📌 Tip: Santa Monica Beach is cleaner & better for swimming.
4️⃣ Where can I park near Venice Beach or Santa Monica?
🚗 Best Parking Options:
✔ Venice Beach: South City Lot #731 (2100 Ocean Front Walk)
✔ Santa Monica: Pier Deck Parking or Civic Center Lot
5️⃣ What’s the best place to eat near Venice Beach & Santa Monica?
🍔 Venice Beach:
- The Butcher’s Daughter – Healthy café & juice bar.
- Eggslut – Famous for its breakfast sandwiches.
🍽 Santa Monica:
- The Albright – Fresh seafood on the pier.
- Pier Burger – Classic burgers with ocean views.
6️⃣ Is the Santa Monica Pier free?
✅ Yes! You can walk around for free, but rides & games cost extra.
🎡 Ferris Wheel Ride: ~$12 per person
🎟 Ready to Plan Your Beach Adventure?
Need help choosing a tour, booking a bike, or finding the best restaurants? Let me know! 😊🌊🚲✨
🌊 Venice Beach & Santa Monica Tour – FAQ
Got questions about visiting Venice Beach & Santa Monica? Here are the most commonly asked questions and everything you need to know!
1️⃣ How do I get to Venice Beach & Santa Monica?
🚇 Metro: E Line (Expo) to Downtown Santa Monica
🚌 Bus: Big Blue Bus (Santa Monica) or Metro Bus 1, 3, 33
🚲 Bike/Scooter: Rent along the boardwalk for an easy ride!
🚗 Car: Paid parking near Venice Beach Boardwalk & Santa Monica Pier
📌 Best Route: Walk or bike from Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier (~3 miles).
2️⃣ How much does a Venice Beach & Santa Monica tour cost?
| Tour Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Guided Bike Tour | $50 – $75 |
| Walking Tour | $25 – $50 |
| Self-Guided Tour | FREE! |
🚲 Bike Rental: ~$10 – $20 per hour
📌 Book guided tours at:
✔ GetYourGuide
✔ Viator
✔ Santa Monica Bike Center
3️⃣ What are the best things to do in Venice Beach & Santa Monica?
🏖 Venice Beach:
✔ Walk the Boardwalk – Street performers, artists & vendors.
✔ Watch Skaters at the Venice Skate Park 🛹 – One of the best in the world!
✔ See Muscle Beach Gym 💪 – Famous outdoor workout area.
✔ Explore the Venice Canals 🚣 – Scenic, hidden gem.
✔ Check out the Venice Art Walls 🎨 – Iconic graffiti murals.
🎡 Santa Monica:
✔ Visit Santa Monica Pier 🎠 – Ride the Ferris wheel & play games.
✔ Bike the Ocean Front Path 🚲 – Scenic ride along the beach.
✔ Relax at Santa Monica Beach 🏖 – Sunbathe, swim, or surf.
✔ Shop at 3rd Street Promenade 🛍 – Outdoor shopping & restaurants.
✔ Eat at the Pier Restaurants 🍽 – Seafood at The Albright, burgers at Pier Burger.
4️⃣ Can I walk from Venice Beach to Santa Monica?
✅ Yes! It’s a 3-mile walk (~45 minutes) along the beach path.
📌 Tip: Rent a bike or scooter for a faster and more fun ride!
5️⃣ Is Venice Beach safe to visit?
✅ Yes, during the day. However, be cautious at night.
📌 Safety Tips:
✔ Stick to well-lit areas.
✔ Avoid walking alone late at night.
✔ Watch for street performers who expect tips.
6️⃣ Can you swim at Venice Beach & Santa Monica Beach?
✅ Yes! But the water is cooler than expected (~60-70°F).
📌 Tip: Santa Monica Beach is cleaner & better for swimming.
7️⃣ Where can I park near Venice Beach & Santa Monica?
🚗 Best Parking Options:
✔ Venice Beach: South City Lot #731 (2100 Ocean Front Walk)
✔ Santa Monica: Pier Deck Parking or Civic Center Lot
📌 Tip: Parking fills up fast—arrive early or use a rideshare app.
8️⃣ What’s the best time to visit Venice Beach & Santa Monica?
✔ Morning (8 AM – 11 AM) – Less crowded, perfect for biking.
✔ Afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM) – Lively boardwalk atmosphere.
✔ Sunset (6 PM – 8 PM) – Best for photos & ocean views.
🚫 Avoid weekends (12 PM – 4 PM) – It gets super crowded!
9️⃣ Where should I eat near Venice Beach & Santa Monica?
🍔 Venice Beach:
- The Butcher’s Daughter – Trendy café with great brunch.
- Eggslut – Famous breakfast sandwiches.
🍽 Santa Monica:
- The Albright – Fresh seafood on the pier.
- Pier Burger – Classic burgers with ocean views.
🔟 Is the Santa Monica Pier free?
✅ Yes! Walking around the pier is free, but rides & arcade games cost extra.
🎡 Ferris Wheel Ride: ~$12 per person
Still Have Questions?
Need help choosing a tour, renting a bike, or finding the best restaurants? Let me know! 😊🌊🚲✨
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