Santa Monica is one of Southern California’s most appealing spots for a quick but memorable adventure. With its iconic pier, sandy beaches, and lively boardwalks, it’s a place where a short tour can pack in a lot of fun. We especially love biking along the coast, for instance, with the Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour, which delivers a relaxed way to see multiple highlights in just a few hours. Its route takes you past Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals, and along the famous Santa Monica Pier — all with local guides sharing fun facts and secrets. Whether you’re into culture or just want to enjoy the ocean breeze, this tour hits the spot.
If you prefer a more personalized experience, a 3 Hour Private Jeep Tour of Santa Monica offers a flexible way to explore the area’s top sights with a dedicated guide. For those seeking a bit of adventure on two wheels, the 3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included provides a scenic, active option that takes you through dirt trails and offers some of LA’s best views.
Quick Overview
Our list features three different types of tours: a guided bike ride along the coast, a private Jeep adventure, and an energetic gravel trail ride. Each offers a unique way to experience Santa Monica’s highlights, whether you want to cycle, drive, or explore on rugged trails. Now, let’s explore what makes each one special.
1. Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour
At number 1, this guided bike tour is a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground while enjoying the fresh ocean air. The tour starts near the Santa Monica Pier, a lively hub of entertainment and history, then heads through Venice Beach and the Venice Canals — a surprisingly peaceful spot with picturesque bridges and lush landscaping. The ride continues through Marina del Rey, where you can take in the yachts and waterfront vibe, and then to Tongva Park for great city views and photo ops. The tour wraps up at Venice Beach Boardwalk, famous for its street performers, vendors, and colorful characters.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of cultural highlights and scenic beauty. The guide shares fun facts about Muscle Beach, the history of the Santa Monica Pier, and the art walls, making it perfect for anyone wanting a lively, informative experience. The tour is rated 5.0/5 from 20 reviews, with visitors praising the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery. It’s also quite affordable at around $71.66 per person for three hours. Suitable for all fitness levels, it’s a relaxed way to see Santa Monica and Venice in a single trip.
Bottom Line: This bike tour offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and coastal views — excellent for first-time visitors or anyone who enjoys a casual outdoor activity.
2. 3 Hour Private Jeep Tour of Santa Monica
Second on our list is the private Jeep tour, providing a more intimate, customizable experience. For around $200 per person, you’ll be whisked around Santa Monica’s most iconic sites in a comfortable vehicle. The route includes a private stop on the Santa Monica bluffs for panoramic ocean views and a refreshing beverage, then continues down the famous Santa Monica Pier, where your guide will take photos by the Route 66 sign and explain the history of this legendary spot.
You’ll also stroll or bike along Santa Monica State Beach, and wander the bustling Third Street Promenade at Santa Monica Place. The tour concludes with a walk through Palisades Park, where you’ll overlook the Pacific Coast Highway with stunning mountain and ocean vistas. This tour stands out because of its flexibility—your guide can tailor stops to your interests, whether that’s photo opportunities, local dining, or exploring less-visited neighborhoods.
Since it’s a private experience, it’s best suited for couples, families, or groups wanting a personalized adventure. While it’s pricier, the exclusive nature and tailored itinerary make it a great value for travelers wanting a deeper, more relaxed exploration of Santa Monica’s highlights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who prefer a private, flexible, and comfortable way to see Santa Monica’s top sights with personalized attention.
$200.00 per person
3. 3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included
Third on our list is the gravel riding tour, perfect for active travelers looking for a bit more adventure. Led by an experienced cyclist familiar with LA’s trails, this ride begins with a challenging climb up Sullivan Ridge, rewarding you with sweeping views of the city, the Pacific Palisades, and Malibu mountains. From there, the tour connects to Dirt Mulholland, a beloved dirt trail for mountain biking, before heading to “The Hub” — a popular gravel spot in LA.
What makes this ride noteworthy is its combination of workout and scenery, with crisp photos included to capture your journey. It’s best suited for cyclists with some experience on rougher terrain, as the climbs are demanding but worth the effort. The tour lasts about three hours and costs $75 per person, making it a cost-effective choice for avid bikers who want to explore off the beaten path.
Although it lacks reviews, the focus on trail riding and stunning viewpoints makes it appealing to those who enjoy physical activity and outdoor adventure. If you like mountain biking and want a true LA experience away from busy streets, this gravel ride is a real highlight.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers seeking a challenging ride with incredible vistas, this tour combines fitness, scenery, and a bit of thrill.
$75.00 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the best 3-hour tour in Santa Monica, consider your interests and fitness level. If you prefer a relaxed, sightseeing-focused experience, the bike tour is ideal and suitable for all ages. For a more exclusive, tailored adventure, the private Jeep tour offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore at your own pace. If mountain biking and outdoor activity excite you, the gravel ride is the way to go, offering a vigorous workout with fantastic views.
Booking early is smart, especially in peak seasons, to secure spots and preferred times. Think about combining these experiences — for example, doing a bike tour in the morning and a private jeep ride in the afternoon if time permits.
Final Thoughts
Santa Monica offers a diverse range of 3-hour tours, each catering to different interests. For a lively, informative experience, the bike tour stands out. If you want a customized adventure with flexibility, the private Jeep tour is excellent. And for the active and adventurous, the gravel ride promises excitement and breathtaking scenery.
No matter which you choose, these tours are a great way to maximize your limited time and see Santa Monica’s highlights up close. Remember to book early, wear comfortable clothing, and bring your camera — you’ll want to remember these moments.