These three Santa Monica-area options fit very different travel styles: two are private Los Angeles sightseeing tours with Santa Monica on the route, and one is a private beginner surf lesson based in Santa Monica. Use them to decide whether you want a longer city overview, a shorter custom drive, or a hands-on ocean activity.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching Santa Monica private tours. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and USA tours and experiences.
How these Santa Monica options compare
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Full-day LA sightseeing | Travelers who want a long private city tour with multiple LA stops and hotel pickup | ★ 5.0/5 | 43 reviews | Approx. 7 hr 30 min | Private tour for up to 7 passengers | View on Viator |
 Private surf lesson | Beginners who want a focused, hands-on Santa Monica beach activity | ★ 5.0/5 | 25 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Private lesson format for beginners | View on Viator |
 Custom half-day drive | Families or small groups who want a shorter private Los Angeles tour with customizable pacing | ★ 5.0/5 | 13 reviews | Approx. 4 hr 30 min | Private tour for up to 6 guests | View on Viator |
Three private ways to explore Santa Monica
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare this if you want the most sightseeing in one outing
Los Angeles Luxury Private Tour For Up To 7 Passengers
Best for: Travelers who want a long private city tour with multiple LA stops and hotel pickup
This option is the most expansive of the three and is built for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing rather than a single neighborhood visit. The route includes Santa Monica, along with Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood, and the tour is narrated by a driver/guide. The structure is stop-based, so you have time to get out and explore rather than just ride past landmarks. Confirmed inclusions include bottled water, private transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off within the Los Angeles area. It suits visitors who want a broad overview and do not mind spending most of the day on the road.
A long private route across major LA highlights
- Private tour for up to 7 passengers
- Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Los Angeles area
- Uses a luxury air-conditioned SUV or bus with bottled water
Choose this if you want one focused activity instead of a city tour
2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica
Best for: Beginners who want a focused, hands-on Santa Monica beach activity
This option is very different from the other two because it is an activity lesson rather than a sightseeing drive. The focus is on learning to catch and ride waves, with part of the time spent on the beach covering safety and basic technique before moving into the water. It is designed for beginners, and the description emphasizes personal instruction and a teaching style meant to build confidence from the first lesson. The experience is the shortest of the three, making it a good fit for travelers who want a compact Santa Monica plan that is centered on doing one thing well instead of covering several sights.
A short, skill-based ocean session in Santa Monica
- Private lesson format for beginners
- Beach instruction is built into the session
- Pickup is included in the listed option
Pick this for a shorter private city tour with custom-trip appeal
Private Custom 4.5-Hour Tour of Los Angeles in English or German
Best for: Families or small groups who want a shorter private Los Angeles tour with customizable pacing
This tour sits between the all-day outing and the surf lesson. It is a private Los Angeles sightseeing drive for small groups, with a route that highlights Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood. The description makes clear that it is intended for families or small groups and that pickup is available from several neighborhoods, including Santa Monica. Bottled water is included, and the option list shows an in-person guide in English or German. Compared with the longer city tour, this one is easier to fit into a half-day plan while still keeping the experience private and focused on the places your group wants to see.
A shorter custom sightseeing tour with a flexible feel
- Private tour for up to 6 guests
- Offers pickup from Santa Monica and other listed areas
- Includes bottled water and an English or German guide option
How to choose the right Santa Monica itinerary style
If you want to see several parts of Los Angeles in one day, choose one of the driving tours. If you prefer a shorter plan with one clear activity, the surf lesson is the most focused option.
Los Angeles highlights with a Santa Monica stop
A private driving tour linking multiple LA neighborhoods, including Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood.
Santa Monica beach lesson
A private beginner surf session based in Santa Monica, with instruction split between the beach and the water.
Custom LA sightseeing loop
A private Los Angeles drive centered on Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood, with pickup from Santa Monica and other listed areas.
Before you book in Santa Monica
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Santa Monica booking checklist
- Check the pickup coverage carefully, since each product confirms its own pickup area or option wording.
- Match the tour length to your schedule, especially if you want a full-day outing versus a shorter private plan.
- Review the confirmed inclusions and exclusions before booking so you know what is and is not covered.
Before booking a Santa Monica tour
Which option is the most sightseeing-heavy?
The Los Angeles luxury private tour is the most sightseeing-heavy because it covers the widest route and spends the most time moving between multiple areas.
Which experience is best if I only want one activity in Santa Monica?
The private surf lesson is the best fit if you want a single, hands-on beach activity instead of a city tour.
Which tour is better for a smaller group with a shorter schedule?
The custom 4.5-hour Los Angeles tour is the most practical choice for small groups that want a private drive without committing to a full-day outing.