These three experiences cover very different ways to spend time around Santa Monica and nearby Los Angeles. One is an active coastal bike ride, one is a private Los Angeles sightseeing day, and one focuses on Malibu’s shoreline and scenic stops.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Santa Monica. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and USA tours and experiences.
Santa Monica tour options at a glance
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Coastal bike ride | Travelers who want a short, guided ride with a neighborhood-by-neighborhood feel | ★ 5.0/5 | 16 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Use of bicycle is included | View on Viator |
 Private LA day tour | Travelers who want a private vehicle-based overview of major Los Angeles sights | ★ 5.0/5 | 8 reviews | Approx. 8 hr | Private transportation is included | View on Viator |
 Malibu scenic drive | Travelers who prefer a smaller private tour with beach, mansion, and overlook stops | ★ 5.0/5 | 7 reviews | Approx. 4 hr 30 min | Private guiding and transportation are included | View on Viator |
Santa Monica tour reviews and key differences
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare it for the shortest, most active Santa Monica-area outing.
Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour
Best for: Travelers who want a short, guided ride with a neighborhood-by-neighborhood feel
This is the most active of the three options and keeps the focus close to the coast. You ride on a beach cruiser with a guide, and the tour includes Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, the Venice canals, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Main Street, Santa Monica City Hall, and Tongva Park. The format works well if you want a compact overview rather than a long transfer-based day. Bicycle hire is included, and the tour starts in the morning. It is a good match for travelers comfortable cycling and looking for a more local, outdoorsy way to see the area.
Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour
- Use of bicycle is included
- Guided route stays focused on Santa Monica and Venice
- Shorter outing fits a half-day plan
Compare it for the broadest private-city sightseeing plan.
Private Tour – Day Hollywood Tour of Los Angeles – 6 Hours.
Best for: Travelers who want a private vehicle-based overview of major Los Angeles sights
This private outing is the most wide-ranging option in the set and is built around a full Los Angeles sightseeing day. It includes private transportation, bottled water, WiFi on board, and an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes it a practical choice for a group that wants to cover a lot of ground without arranging each leg separately. The listed stops include downtown landmarks, Universal CityWalk, the Griffith Observatory grounds, the Hollywood sign area, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, plus The Grove and the Farmer’s Market. Because it is private, it is better suited to travelers who want a flexible, vehicle-based format rather than a walking or biking tour.
Private Tour – Day Hollywood Tour of Los Angeles – 6 Hours.
- Private transportation is included
- Suitable for up to 12 people
- Covers several distinct Los Angeles areas in one day
Compare it for a private coastal route with scenic stops and fewer passengers.
Private Malibu Tour: From the Beaches to the Mansions
Best for: Travelers who prefer a smaller private tour with beach, mansion, and overlook stops
This private tour is the best fit if you want a smaller, more scenic outing centered on Malibu rather than central Los Angeles. The route includes Malibu Colony, several beaches, Point Dume, an ocean-view stop that may be used for whale and dolphin watching in season, and the Adamson House area. Transportation is in an electric vehicle, and parking fees are included. The tour also notes a possible drop-off at the Getty Villa at the end. It is a strong choice for travelers who want a private coastal drive with photo stops, shoreline views, and a slower pace than a city sightseeing loop.
Private Malibu Tour: From the Beaches to the Mansions
- Private guiding and transportation are included
- Small group size is limited to four passengers
- Combines beaches, overlooks, and mansion-area stops
How to choose your Santa Monica-area itinerary style
Choose the bike tour if you want the most active and locally focused experience. Choose the Los Angeles private tour if you want the widest city coverage, or the Malibu tour if you prefer a smaller private coastal outing with scenic stops.
Santa Monica and Venice by bike
A guided coastal loop with multiple stops and a cycle-based route.
Private Los Angeles highlights tour
A vehicle-based day of major LA sights with a private party format.
Malibu beaches and viewpoints
A compact private drive along Malibu’s coast with beach and overlook stops.
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 listed inclusions before booking, especially for transportation, bicycle use, and whether the experience is private or shared.
- Pay attention to the stated passenger limits and group format if you are traveling with family or a larger party.
- If you need a specific drop-off or pickup arrangement, verify that it is explicitly listed for the product you choose.
Santa Monica tour questions answered
Which option is the most active?
The bike tour is the most active because the experience is built around cycling with a guide on beach cruisers.
Which option stays most focused on scenic coastal stops?
The Malibu private tour is the most coast-focused, with beaches, viewpoints, and mansion-area stops included in the route.
Which option is best for a larger private group?
The Los Angeles private tour is the one listed for up to 12 people, so it suits a larger private party better than the smaller Malibu tour.