Things to do in Santa Monica

    Discover amazing Santa Monica activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Santa Monica is a vibrant seaside haven where golden beaches meet the charming bustle of the pier and promenade. Known for its iconic Ferris wheel, oceanfront dining, and artistic flair, this sun-drenched city invites you to enjoy unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific amidst an atmosphere that perfectly balances relaxation with coastal charm. Whether you're cycling along palm-lined paths or exploring unique boutiques, Santa Monica promises a quintessential Southern California experience that's both lively and welcoming.

    Popular Activities in Santa Monica

    Santa Monica Private Surf Lessons with Gear

    Get personalized coaching with your own surf instructor; board and wetsuit included

    4.8 141 reviews
    $185/ person

    Learn to Surf Santa Monica Waves at Your Pace

    Get a foam longboard or wetsuit for a 2-hour session and practice at your pace

    4.8 141 reviews

    Cruise Santa Monica Beach on Beginner E-Scooter

    Ride a beginner-friendly e-scooter with strong brakes and 18 mph speed

    4.9 1.1K reviews
    $27/ scooter

    Private Marina del Rey Yacht Charter & Captain

    Enjoy a private Marina del Rey yacht cruise with captain and crew included.

    5.0 62 reviews

    Electric Bike Tour: 35 Miles of LA in 5 Hours

    Cover 35 miles of Los Angeles highlights by electric bike in just five hours.

    4.9 4.6K reviews
    $226/ person

    Hollywood Sign Guided EBike Tour with Local

    Ride an e-bike past iconic Hollywood landmarks and capture unbeatable photos of the famous sign with a local guide.

    4.9 4.6K reviews
    $132/ person

    Hollywood Sign Hike with Local Guide & Photos

    Get up-close views of the Hollywood Sign with a local guide and great photo ops on a 4-mile private hike.

    4.9 4.6K reviews
    $42/ person

    Cruise 4 Hours of South Bay Coastline by E-Bike

    Explore the South Bay coastline with effortless electric power for four hours.

    5.0 172 reviews
    $80/ e-bike

    Harbor Sea Lion & Fish Glass Bottom Boat Tour

    View harbor sea lions and colorful fish through large underwater windows on a 45-minute cruise.

    4.8 163 reviews
    $14/ person

    Redondo Beach Glass Bottom Boat for Up to 19

    Charter a glass bottom boat for up to 19 guests and explore marine life and sea lions

    4.8 163 reviews

    E-Bike Rental Redondo Beach Coastal Ride

    Ride up to 20 mph with pedal assist and explore the coast on a smooth, powerful e-bike.

    4.9 899 reviews

    Handle & Fly Raptors with Expert Falconer at Terranea

    Connect with majestic birds of prey during a guided falconry session led by an expert

    4.7 6.9K reviews
    $196/ person

    Kayak to Hidden Tide Pools With Expert Guide

    Paddle to remote tide pools and explore marine life on a 3-hour guided outing for ages 6+.

    4.7 6.9K reviews
    $196/ person

    Private Cabana Spa for 4 in Rancho Palos Verdes

    Relax in a private cabana with refreshments and service for up to four guests

    4.7 6.9K reviews
    $486/ cabana

    Oceanfront Archery Lesson and Practice

    Master archery on a scenic coastal range with guided instruction and interactive games.

    4.7 6.9K reviews
    $159/ person

    Archery Dodgeball on Palos Verdes Beach

    Compete in a thrilling archery dodgeball mash-up on scenic beach sand.

    4.7 6.9K reviews
    $175/ person

    Whale Watching Cruise in Long Beach (2.5 Hours)

    Spot dolphins, whales and sea lions on a 2.5-hour cruise guided by an experienced naturalist.

    4.9 177 reviews
    $80/ person

    Long Beach Private Yacht Dinner Cruise & Wine

    Savor a chef-cooked dinner and wine while cruising calm harbors on a private yacht

    4.9 200 reviews
    $169/ person

    8-Hour Catalina Escape: Wildlife, Wine & Captain

    Cruise a private yacht to Catalina with a licensed captain, breakfast, wine, and wildlife over an 8-hour escape

    4.9 200 reviews

    Santa Monica Surf Tour with Gear & Lunch

    Surf iconic Los Angeles breaks with local experts, gear and lunch included

    4.8 2.5K reviews
    $175/ person

    Kelp Forest Snorkeling Tour at Emerald Cove

    Explore a thriving kelp forest with expert guides and top-tier snorkel gear

    4.7 6.9K reviews
    $196/ person

    Seaside Movie Screening in Rancho Palos Verdes

    Enjoy an exclusive seaside movie screening with chairs, blankets, and refreshments

    4.7 6.9K reviews
    $1,325

    Long Beach Dolphin & Sea Lion Watching Cruise

    Sail with a captain for up to 6, enjoy wine and appetizers, and watch dolphins and sea lions

    4.9 200 reviews

    In-Home Experiences

    Sunset S'mores on the Beach in Palos Verdes

    Gather around private beach fire tables and toast s'mores at sunset.

    4.7 6.9K reviews

    Wine Tasting with Ocean Views in Palos Verdes

    Unwind at golden hour with fine wines, live music, and Pacific Ocean views.

    4.7 6.9K reviews
    $56/ person

    Explore the Charms of Santa Monica

    Santa Monica is a vibrant seaside city where sun-drenched beaches meet urban sophistication. With its iconic pier, bustling promenade, and breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, it's an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you're cycling along the beach path or exploring local boutiques on Montana Avenue, Santa Monica offers something special at every turn.

    Start your day with a stroll down Third Street Promenade—an open-air shopping district alive with street performers and unique shops. As you wander toward Palisades Park, take in sweeping views of the coastline before heading to the famous Santa Monica Pier. Here, you'll find classic amusement rides like the Ferris wheel alongside fresh seafood eateries offering oceanfront dining experiences.

    For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Topanga State Park provides hiking trails that wind through lush canyons with panoramic vistas of Los Angeles below. Alternatively, rent a bike to explore miles of scenic paths stretching from Venice Beach to Malibu's serene shores. In Santa Monica, each moment invites discovery—from catching waves at surf-friendly spots to savoring farm-to-table cuisine under starry skies—it’s truly Southern California living at its finest.

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