Santa Monica is a standout in Southern California for its walkable streets, scenic beaches, and lively neighborhoods. Unlike many seaside towns, Santa Monica offers a blend of cultural attractions, historic sites, and great eats—all accessible on foot. Whether you’re interested in sampling local food, exploring Hollywood’s glitz, or capturing perfect photographs, there’s a walking tour that fits your interests. For example, the Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour with Delicious Dish offers a delicious dive into local flavors with stops at top eateries. Meanwhile, the Santa Monica Walking Photo Class helps you improve your camera skills while enjoying picturesque views. With so many options, you’re sure to find a tour that makes your visit memorable.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of Santa Monica walking experiences: food tours that highlight local cuisine (Tour #1, Tour #4), cultural and historic explorations, a Hollywood sightseeing adventure (Tour #2), a creative photo class (Tour #3), a festive holiday donut tour (Tour #5), and a fun scavenger hunt that takes you through Santa Monica’s streets (Tour #6). Each offers a unique way to see and taste what Santa Monica has to offer.
1. Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour with Delicious Dish Tours
At number one, the Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour highlights the city’s diverse culinary scene while offering stunning views of the Pacific and the iconic pier. This tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours and features 6 to 8 stops at top-rated eateries. You’ll sample everything from Korean BBQ to local seafood, with each dish carefully selected to showcase Southern California’s flavors beyond typical tourist fare. The guide, an expert on Santa Monica’s history, shares insights into the city’s development, from its “Gold Coast” nickname to its cultural landmarks, making this more than just a foodie walk.
What makes this tour standout is the combination of gourmet tastings and cultural storytelling. The stops include historic hotels and parks like the one honoring the African American community or the site of 1930s WPA gym equipment used by bodybuilding legends. With a focus on local history and unique dishes, this tour is perfect for food lovers who want a full experience—both culinary and cultural. The reviews mention how delicious and educational the experience is, with one guest calling it “a real taste of Santa Monica.” For those who enjoy sampling local cuisine while learning about the place, this tour offers excellent value at $159 per person.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, foodie-focused walk perfect for visitors eager to taste Santa Monica’s best and learn its stories.
2. Santa Monica: Hollywood Tour with Walk of Fame Stop
Number two on our list is the Santa Monica: Hollywood Tour with Walk of Fame Stop. For around $55, this 3.5-hour guided tour offers an immersive look into Hollywood’s glamour and LA’s famous neighborhoods. Starting from Santa Monica, the tour takes you through Beverly Hills and along the Sunset Strip, giving you a chance to see celebrity homes, the Hollywood Sign, and the Walk of Fame. The guide shares stories about stars’ homes and the history behind Hollywood’s film industry, making it perfect for movie fans or those curious about Tinseltown’s allure.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on LA’s iconic sights in a relatively short time, with expert commentary blending history and gossip. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who want to see the highlights of Los Angeles’ entertainment scene. The single review gives it a perfect 5/5, emphasizing a smooth, engaging experience that felt like “a step into the heart of Hollywood.” It’s suited for visitors wanting a cost-effective, rundown of Los Angeles’ star-studded neighborhoods.
Bottom Line: Perfect for film buffs or first-time visitors wanting a quick, lively introduction to Hollywood’s most famous sights.
$55 per person
3. Santa Monica Walking Photo Class
Number three offers a unique learning experience—the Santa Monica Walking Photo Class. For about $50, you’ll spend roughly 2.5 hours exploring Santa Monica’s most photogenic spots, starting at the Camera Obscura Building. The class covers DSLR camera basics, composition, and visual theory. The instructor, a professional commercial photographer, helps you sharpen your skills through hands-on practice around the beach and pier.
What makes this tour special is its focus on practical photography techniques that you can apply immediately. The instructor’s feedback and personalized advice make it a valuable investment, especially if you’re serious about improving your photos. Guests mention how engaging and informative the instructor was, saying they left inspired and with a better understanding of how to use their cameras. While some have given it a modest 3/5 rating, most appreciate the clarity and hands-on approach.
Bottom Line: A great choice for photographers of all levels wanting to capture Santa Monica’s scenery with confidence.
$50.00 per person
4. Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour with Delicious Dish
Number four repeats the top spot with another chance to enjoy Santa Monica’s culinary delights. This tour emphasizes local flavors with stops at 6-8 eateries and the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the beach and pier. The tour is led by an expert guide who shares stories of Santa Monica’s development and culture, making it as educational as it is tasty. The focus on unique dishes like Korean BBQ and seafood provides a broad taste of Southern California’s diverse food scene.
The tour’s value is high considering the variety of tastings and cultural insights. It’s especially suitable for those who want a comprehensive food experience in a short timeframe, around 3 hours. Reviews highlight the memorable food and engaging guides, making this a top choice for food-focused travelers.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, educational walk through Santa Monica’s best eateries, ideal for foodies and culture enthusiasts alike.
5. Santa Monica Holiday Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour
Number five is the Holiday Donut Tour, a sweet way to celebrate the season. For $70, you visit five donut shops, beginning with the iconic Randy’s Donuts, famous for its giant donut. You’ll sample bold flavors and classic recipes at places like Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee and Papi Churros & Tacos. The tour lasts about 2 hours, with plenty of chances to enjoy the festive decorations along Santa Monica’s bustling 3rd Street Promenade.
This tour suits those with a sweet tooth who want to combine holiday cheer with a relaxed walk through downtown. The focus on seasonal treats and coastal ambiance makes it a memorable experience, especially during the holidays. With each stop offering free tastings, the tour is an affordable indulgence that captures Santa Monica’s festive spirit.
Bottom Line: A delightful, seasonal treat perfect for couples or groups wanting to indulge and enjoy Santa Monica’s holiday scenery.
$70.00 per person
6. Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Last but not least, the Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt offers a fun, interactive way to explore. Priced at just $24.50, this 2-hour game takes you through the 3rd Street Promenade, the beach, and the Pier, challenging you to solve clues and discover hidden treasures along the way. It’s a flexible experience, letting you go at your own pace as you learn about the city’s roots, culture, and street art.
This tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy games and self-guided discovery. While it doesn’t include historical or culinary highlights like other tours, it offers a playful, engaging way to see Santa Monica through a different lens. Perfect for families or groups wanting a relaxed, fun outing.
Bottom Line: A low-cost, energetic way to explore Santa Monica with friends, blending sightseeing with a game.
$24.50 per person
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Santa Monica
When selecting a walking tour, consider your budget, interests, and time available. Food lovers might prefer the Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour, while photography enthusiasts could get the most out of the Photo Class. History buffs might enjoy the Hollywood Tour, and families or groups looking for fun can’t go wrong with the Scavenger Hunt.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Think about what kind of experience will leave you with lasting memories—whether it’s tasting local dishes, capturing scenic shots, or solving clues—and pick accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Santa Monica offers a diverse range of walking tours, from rich culinary explorations and cultural insights to active games and photography lessons. For those seeking a full-day experience, the Gourmet Santa Monica Food Tour stands out for its variety and storytelling. If your time is limited but you want a quick dose of Hollywood sparkle, the Hollywood Tour is perfect.
For a more creative approach, the Photo Class is ideal, especially if you’re eager to improve your camera skills along Santa Monica’s scenic spots. And for lighthearted, family-friendly fun, the Scavenger Hunt offers a playful way to see the city.
No matter which tour you choose, booking in advance guarantees a smoother experience. Santa Monica’s inviting streets and spectacular views are waiting—so pick your adventure, and enjoy exploring this lively seaside town.