Santa Monica is a fantastic starting point for full-day tours that showcase Los Angeles’s most iconic sights. Its proximity to Hollywood, beaches, and cultural landmarks makes it an ideal hub for exploring LA’s diverse attractions. Whether you want a private, customizable experience or a detailed group tour, Santa Monica offers options that suit different travel styles. For example, a private tour can take you past celebrity homes and along scenic hills, while a comprehensive 10-hour adventure hits all the must-see sites like the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. If you prefer a flexible, personalized approach, the private options are worth considering; if you want to see everything in one go, the longer tours deliver full coverage with guided insights.
In this guide, we’ll look at the 3 best full-day tours in Santa Monica. We include private options for small groups and larger parties, as well as a more budget-friendly, all-inclusive itinerary. Each has its own appeal, so read on to find the one that best matches your travel style.
1. Private Large Group Full Day Tour in Los Angeles
This private tour is perfect if you’re traveling with a group of up to 14 people and want a hassle-free day of sightseeing. With a well-experienced driver and guide, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to tailor your itinerary. This tour includes stops at Venice Beach, the famous Santa Monica Pier, and the upscale streets of Beverly Hills, along with a visit to the Original Farmers Market and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.
One of the key advantages of this tour is its flexibility. The guide can customize stops based on your interests, whether that’s celebrity homes, shopping, or food. The Venice Beach stop highlights Muscle Beach and the skate park, giving you that quintessential LA vibe. The Santa Monica Pier offers lively street performers and panoramic ocean views. Driving through Beverly Hills provides glimpses of celebrity residences, while the Farmers Market allows for a relaxed lunch and some shopping at The Grove.
Rated 5.0/5 from a single review, this tour offers a balanced price point considering the private setting and comprehensive itinerary. It’s best suited for groups who want a personalized experience and enjoy leisure walks, shopping, and sightseeing without the stress of navigating on their own.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a private, customizable day with a small group, this tour delivers a fun, relaxed experience packed with LA’s highlights.
$1,359.00 per group (up to 14)
2. Private Full-Day Grand Tour of Los Angeles – 10 hours
This 10-hour private tour covers all the major LA landmarks in one day, making it ideal for travelers who want an in-depth overview. The tour includes visits to Walt Disney Concert Hall, Universal CityWalk, and an iconic drive to see the Hollywood Sign. You’ll also explore Downtown LA, including Union Station and LA Cathedral, along with shopping at The Grove and the Farmers Market.
The highlight for many is the Hollywood Sign photo stop, along with a visit to Griffith Observatory, which offers fantastic city views. The tour’s design ensures you won’t miss anything, making it perfect for first-time visitors. The air-conditioned van comfortably fits up to 12 people, which means you can enjoy the day with friends or family without feeling cramped.
Guests have praised the comprehensive itinerary and the knowledgeable guide, making the most of limited time. The tour price is slightly higher, but the depth of coverage and private setting justify the cost. It’s especially good for those who want a full, worry-free day without worrying about logistics.
Bottom Line: This tour is best if you want to see all the LA highlights in one day with a private guide, especially for first-timers or those with limited time.
$1,450.00 per group (up to 12)
3. Private Full Day LA Tour from Santa Monica
For around $174 per person, this private day trip offers a well-rounded experience from Santa Monica, focusing on key LA sights. Starting with a scenic ride into Downtown LA, you’ll visit Grand Central Market for a local snack and explore landmarks like Walt Disney Concert Hall and LA City Hall. The tour then heads to Griffith Observatory, renowned for its sweeping views and iconic Hollywood Sign photo opportunity.
What sets this tour apart is its tiered pricing, allowing larger groups of up to 14 guests to enjoy the day at a lower per-person rate. The itinerary emphasizes visual highlights and photo opportunities, making it perfect for travelers who want a relaxed but rundown of LA’s core attractions. The visit to Griffith Observatory is a highlight, offering stunning skyline views and a chance to see the Hollywood Sign up close.
While this tour doesn’t include extensive shopping or celebrity house visits, it provides a solid mix of iconic sights and scenic stops. It’s best suited for budget-conscious groups or those who prefer a more straightforward sightseeing experience without the extras.
Bottom Line: If you want a flexible, affordable private tour with great photo spots and scenic views, this is a solid choice, especially for larger groups.
$174.11 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, think about your budget, time, and interests. If you love the idea of a personalized experience and want to explore at your own pace, the private tours (Private Large Group Full Day Tour and Full Day LA Tour from Santa Monica) are excellent. They allow for customized stops, like celebrity homes or specific neighborhoods.
For travelers with limited time or those seeking a broad overview without the need for customization, the 10-hour private tour (link) covers all the major sights efficiently.
Consider how much walking and activity you enjoy—some tours include relaxing stops at Farmers Markets and shopping districts, while others focus mainly on scenic drives and photo ops. Booking early is recommended during peak seasons, especially for private tours, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Santa Monica’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring Los Angeles. Whether you want a private, tailored day with flexible stops or a comprehensive guided experience covering all the essentials, there’s a tour for you. For a more relaxed, budget-conscious visit, the private Santa Monica-based tour (from Santa Monica) offers excellent value. Those craving a full immersion into LA’s most famous sights may prefer the 10-hour grand tour, which hits all the highlights.
Remember, booking early can help you snag the best times and ensure a memorable Los Angeles adventure. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll leave with plenty of photos and stories to share.