Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour

Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour: An engaging way to explore LA’s iconic coastlines

If you’re seeking a lively, slightly adventurous way to see some of Los Angeles’s most famous seaside spots, the Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour offers a lively, practical experience. For $199 per person, you’ll spend around two hours zipping along the coast, stopping at landmarks like the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, and the Venice Boardwalk. The tour is designed for all ages 8 and up, with a quick safety orientation, making it accessible even if you’ve never ridden a Segway before.

What we love about this experience is how quickly you can cover a lot of ground—far more than on foot—while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often sharing little tidbits and stories that bring the areas’ history and cultural quirks to life. Plus, the inclusion of snacks and bottled water adds a nice touch of comfort, especially in the California sun.

The main consideration? Since the tour runs rain or shine, you’ll want to be prepared for sun or drizzle, but the tour still promises a fun, smooth ride. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and light activity, and who are eager to see LA’s coastal highlights without spending hours on their feet.

Ideal for those new to Segway riding, families, history buffs, and anyone looking for a different angle on LA’s beaches—this tour offers a memorable, engaging way to see Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Key Points

• Coverage: You’ll see the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, Venice Beach, and more in just a couple of hours.
• Guides: Expect friendly, informative guides who share stories about the areas’ history and culture.
• Accessibility: Suitable for ages 8+, with minimal riding experience required after a brief orientation.
• Value: Includes safety gear, snacks, bottled water, and narration—offering good value for the price.
• Flexibility: Multiple departure times are available, with the option to stop for photos or questions anytime.
• Group Size: Tours are limited to 15 participants, maintaining a personal feel.

A detailed look at what this tour offers

An introduction to the coast

Starting from the Hotel Casa del Mar, right by the ocean, sets the perfect tone. The tour begins with a 30-minute safety orientation—a quick, no-pressure session that gets everyone comfortable on the Segway. Our guide was friendly and clear, making us feel confident before hitting the streets.

Once underway, we zipped along the Santa Monica Promenade—an area buzzing with activity. The Santa Monica Pier is a highlight, and you’ll get to see its lively amusement park, arcade, and the Pacific Park Ferris wheel. The atmosphere here is pure California fun, with street performers and visitors soaking up the sun.

Santa Monica’s highlights

The Santa Monica Pier is more than a tourist magnet; it’s a piece of living history. Our guide shared stories about its 100-year legacy as an entertainment hub. We paused to take photos and enjoy the sights of the aquarium and Pacific Park rides. It’s a lively, colorful spot that captures California’s playful spirit.

Next, we cruised past the California Heritage Museum and the luxurious homes along Santa Monica’s streets. The tour offers a good mix of beach scenery and cultural insights. A reviewer named Cameron, our guide, was praised for being very informative and finding fun things to show us—something you’ll appreciate when you’re trying to take it all in.

Venice Beach’s bohemian charm

After Santa Monica, the tour moves to Venice Beach, a community famous for its artistic vibe and outdoor gym — Muscle Beach. It’s easy to see why this place draws so many visitors: colorful murals, street performers, and a laid-back, boho atmosphere.

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a hub of activity, with skate parks, surf shops, and art vendors. The skatepark, with its social scene of pros and beginners, is a highlight. As one reviewer noted, it’s a popular ocean-front park for skaters of all levels. You’ll also see street art that reflects Venice’s free-spirited identity.

What makes this tour stand out?

The fact that it’s a Segway tour allows you to cover more ground than a walking tour—an advantage in a sprawling area like LA’s coast. Many reviewers appreciated how this method let them zip past crowds and get a broad perspective in a short time frame.

Snacks, photos, and commentary

Included in the tour is bottled water and chips, which came in handy on a warm day. You’re encouraged to stop for photos anytime, and the guides often share insights and anecdotes about the areas’ history, architecture, and residents. One traveler noted that their guide found lots of fun stuff to show, making the experience engaging.

Practical details

The tour lasts about two hours, but the actual riding might feel shorter because of how dynamic and engaging it is. The group size maxes out at 15, ensuring everyone gets enough attention. It’s a mobile ticket, so you just check in, get geared up, and go.

What reviews tell us

Most reviews are glowing, with a 4.9-star overall rating from 35 travelers. People praise the knowledgeable guides, especially mentioning Cameron and Joshua for their friendliness and storytelling. Some mention that the tour was shorter than expected or that not all areas were covered, but overall, the feedback is positive.

A few travelers noted that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to arrive at the starting point. Also, pregnant women aren’t allowed, which is worth considering if you’re traveling with someone expecting.

Is this tour worth it?

When you think about the value, what you get is a comprehensive, lively glimpse of LA’s famous beaches in a fun, accessible way. The cost of $199 includes all safety gear, snacks, water, and narration—making it good value, especially considering how much ground you’ll cover.

While the tour’s length might seem brief, the ability to experience both Santa Monica and Venice Beach in such a short time makes it worthwhile. Plus, it’s a great way for those less comfortable walking long distances to see these areas comfortably.

Who should consider this?

This tour is ideal for families with kids 8 and older, first-time visitors to LA, or anyone wanting a fun, active way to see the coast with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re excited by the idea of riding a Segway and want to combine sightseeing with a bit of thrill, this tour will suit you well.

It’s particularly suited to people who value insider stories and want to avoid the hassle of navigating on their own. But if you prefer a more in-depth or extended visit to each site, you might find this more of a quick snapshot.

Final thoughts

The Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour offers a lighthearted, practical way to experience LA’s iconic beaches. The friendly guides, scenic stops, and fun mode of transport make it a memorable outing for many travelers. Its ability to combine scenic views, cultural insights, and a bit of adventure makes it a compelling choice for those eager to see LA’s coast without spending hours on foot.

While a few might wish for longer or more included stops, the overall experience is a good value, especially for those looking to enjoy the vibrant beach scenes with ease and style.

FAQ

Is a Segway suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour begins with a 30-minute safety orientation, and most people find it easy to learn after a few minutes. Experienced guides help build confidence quickly.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers Segway use, safety equipment (helmets), snacks and bottled water, and a professional narration throughout the tour.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, participants must be at least 8 years old. Kids 8–15 need a parent to sign a waiver and be present, while 16–17-year-olds can participate with parental consent but without needing to be present.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours will not be refunded.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
Yes, it runs regardless of weather conditions, so dress appropriately and be prepared for sun or light rain.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, you need to meet at the starting point at the Hotel Casa del Mar. Make sure to plan your transport accordingly.

Whether you’re after a fun, fast-paced way to see Santa Monica and Venice Beach or seeking a memorable adventure to share with family and friends, this Segway tour offers an engaging and authentic slice of LA’s coastal magic.