Santa Monica is one of Southern California’s best spots for exploring by bike. Its flat, scenic streets, famous beaches, and lively neighborhoods make it ideal for both casual rides and in-depth explorations. Whether you’re cruising along the ocean, stopping at iconic landmarks like the Santa Monica Pier, or checking out the colorful murals of Venice Beach, biking offers a flexible way to see the area at your own pace. We especially like the Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Adventure Tour, which combines art, architecture, and local flavor with a friendly guide—perfect for those wanting a lively, informative experience.
Santa Monica’s bike tours highlight the area’s diverse attractions, from the historic Venice Canals to Muscle Beach, and even the trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard. With options ranging from guided small-group rides to private tours, there’s something for every type of traveler. Keep reading for our detailed breakdown of the top bike tours that will help you choose your perfect LA adventure.
1. Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Adventure Tour
This highly-rated tour offers a comprehensive look at Santa Monica and Venice Beach in 2 to 3 hours. It’s perfect if you want a mix of art, architecture, and coastal fun. Your friendly guide will introduce you to colorful graffiti galleries, sculptures, and local landmarks, all while cycling along city streets and beach bike paths. The tour is family-friendly and small-group, ensuring a relaxed, personalized experience. Reviewers love the personable guides and the pace, with many noting it’s a great way to see more than just the beaches.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local art and community vibe, giving you insights into a creative LA neighborhood. It’s a good value at $73.60 per person, especially for those seeking an engaging, well-rounded bike outing. Expect to see Venice’s street art, the canals, and the iconic pier, with plenty of time for photos and local stories.
Bottom Line: Ideal for curious travelers who want a mix of culture and coastal scenery, with a guide who can share the stories behind LA’s artistic side.
2. Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour
For around $71.66, this 3-hour guided bike tour takes you through some of LA’s most photogenic spots. Starting near Santa Monica Pier, your guide will lead you past Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals, through Marina del Rey, and around the Art Walls, ending at Venice Beach Boardwalk. It’s an active, scenic ride with plenty of photo stops, and the guide shares fun facts and local secrets along the way.
Guests praise the friendly, engaging guides—like Conrado and Mitchell—who make the experience both fun and educational. The tour is perfect if you want a timed, curated experience that hits all the highlights without overloading your day. It’s suited for all ages and fitness levels, and the price includes bike rental, making it straightforward and convenient.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a lively, fact-filled ride with lots of photo opportunities in a manageable three hours.
3. Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour
This 2-hour ride costs $95.00 and offers a more relaxed, local-style exploration. You’ll cycle past Santa Monica Pier, Venice’s eclectic boardwalk, and the famous Muscle Beach. The tour includes a visit to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for coffee or juice, and a stroll along Main Street, packed with shops and restaurants.
What makes this tour truly special is its focus on authentic local spots. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Santa Monica and Venice through the eyes of residents rather than travelers. The inclusion of bicycle rental simplifies planning and offers flexibility with children’s seats available for under 5s.
Guests appreciate the mix of sightseeing and leisure, with one reviewer calling it an “incredible” way to see Santa Monica’s highlights. The value is good given the quick pace and personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Suited for those wanting a short, authentic ride with the flexibility to explore local neighborhoods.
4. LA: Santa Monica & Venice Beach Guided Bike or eBike Tour
Priced at $72, this 3-hour guided tour covers Santa Monica and Venice Beach on a standard bike or eBike. It’s designed for comfort, with the option to ride with pedal assist, making it easier on your legs. The tour includes cruising along the coast, stopping at Muscle Beach, Art Walls, and Marina del Rey, with the guide sharing local stories and fun facts.
This tour is especially appealing if you want the chance to cover more ground easily or if you’re traveling with varying fitness levels. The eBike option is a big plus for those who prefer a less strenuous ride. The route’s highlight is the ocean views and access to iconic sites without the fatigue.
Reviewers mention how fun and informative the experience is, making it suitable for families and casual riders alike.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a relaxed pace and the option to use pedal assistance for a scenic coastal ride.
5. Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey e-Bike Beach Tour
At $169, this small-group eBike tour is a two-hour ride from Santa Monica to Marina del Rey. It’s well-suited for ages 10-65, covering key spots like the pier, Venice Beach, and the harbor. Throughout the ride, you’ll learn about the area from your guide, with stops for photos and sightseeing.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on the coastline and the inclusion of a relaxed cruise past the harbor. Many reviewers mention how it’s a great way to see multiple neighborhoods without exhausting yourself, thanks to the electric assist. The route is perfect for those on a tight schedule but wanting more than just a quick glance.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for families or groups who want an easy, scenic ride with informative commentary.
6. Santa Monica and Venice Beach Electric Bike Tour
This 3-hour eBike tour at $93.71 takes you through Santa Monica and Venice with minimal effort. You start at Santa Monica Pier, then cruise past Muscle Beach, and explore Venice’s beachside art and vendors. The tour emphasizes coast views and relaxed sightseeing, making it ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous ride.
The eBike’s pedal assist helps you enjoy up to 8 miles of scenic coastline with ease. The quiet ride through Palisades Park offers a chance to absorb the sights and sounds of this lively beach community.
Reviewers note how smoothly the ride goes, especially with the electric support, making it accessible for casual riders and those with limited fitness.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a laid-back ride along LA’s coast, blending scenery and culture with minimal effort.
7. Private Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour
For total flexibility and a personalized experience, this private 3-hour tour for up to four people costs $441. It offers tailored stops at Santa Monica Pier, Venice Canals, Marina del Rey, Muscle Beach, and Venice Art Walls. Your guide shares customized stories and insights, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a more intimate adventure.
Guests love the customized itinerary and the chance to explore at your own pace. The tour includes all the classic highlights with the option to incorporate special interests or skip certain stops.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for travelers seeking privacy, flexibility, and a personalized guide in a relaxed setting.
8. Marina Del Rey to Hermosa Beach Electric Mountain Bike Tour
This two-hour electric mountain bike ride at $199 offers a different perspective—off-road along the coast. It’s perfect if you like combining beach vibes with a bit of adventure. Starting at Marina del Rey, the ride ends at Hermosa Beach, where you can relax and grab a bite.
The e-Mountain bikes make tackling varied terrain easier, and many reviewers mention how the supportive ride makes it accessible even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist. The route passes by the harbor, along the coast, and through scenic areas.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers wanting to combine coastal views with some off-road fun.
$199.00 per person
9. The Santa Monica and Venice Beach E-Bike Tour
At $199, this 2-hour eBike tour emphasizes the vibrant, eclectic culture of Venice Beach and iconic Santa Monica. It’s ideal for people who want a quick, scenic ride with plenty of photo stops and insider stories.
Highlights include the famous Venice Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the colorful murals on the Venice Art Walls. The eBike makes it easy to cover the lively area without tiring, and the route offers a good mix of beaches, streets, and local flavor.
Reviewers mention how it’s the easiest way to see Venice’s bohemian scene and the surrounding neighborhoods comfortably.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a quick but comprehensive snapshot of LA’s coolest coastal neighborhoods.
$199.00 per person
10. Venice et Santa Monica by bike in French
This 3.5-hour tour for $131 offers an immersive experience of Venice Beach and Santa Monica, told in French. It’s ideal for French speakers or those wanting a more leisurely, in-depth exploration. You’ll enjoy the beach atmosphere, the romance of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and the coastal scenery.
Tourists appreciate the relaxed pace and the opportunity to experience California’s lifestyle with a local guide. It’s a great way for francophone travelers to connect with the area’s culture while enjoying a scenic bike ride.
Bottom Line: Best suited for French-speaking travelers who want a detailed, culture.
$131 per person
11. Santa Monica Electric Bike Rentals
If you prefer to explore on your own, this bike rental option at $44.10 per person offers plenty of flexibility. You can go as far as your legs and interests take you, from the Santa Monica Pier to Venice Canals, or down to Charlie Beach and Muscle Beach.
Guests love the easy pickup process and the quality of the bikes, making it a popular choice for independent exploration. With a day pass, you can tailor your own itinerary and enjoy the coast at your own pace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for confident cyclists who want freedom and flexibility without a guided tour.
12. Private E-Bike Adventure Tour from Santa Monica to Redondo
This private 3-4 hour tour for $99 per person takes you from Santa Monica down the coast to Redondo Beach. It’s perfect for those wanting a customized, relaxed ride along popular beaches, including Venice, Marina del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo.
The route is flexible, with stops at iconic locations and plenty of local insights. The private setting makes it a good pick for couples or small groups wanting a personalized experience with a guide.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a tailored coastal trip with a focus on local beaches.
$99.00 per person
13. Marina Del Rey to Hermosa Beach e-Bike Coastal Beach Tour
This two-hour coastal e-bike ride for $169 focuses on the beautiful coast from Marina del Rey to Hermosa Beach. It’s perfect for those who want to soak in ocean views and enjoy a relaxed, social ride.
The e-bike support makes it accessible even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist, and many reviewers enjoy sharing the experience with friends while taking in the sunset or lively beach scenes. The route emphasizes the beach vibe and offers a laid-back way to see LA’s coastal hotspots.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for casual riders and those wanting an easygoing, scenic beach ride.
$169.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Santa Monica Bike Tour
When selecting a bike tour, consider your budget, how much time you have, and your interest level. For a quick snapshot, the Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour offers a compact, fun experience. If you’re after a more personalized or private adventure, the Private Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour is your best bet, especially for small groups or couples. For those who want flexibility and independence, renting a bike (Santa Monica Electric Bike Rentals) gives you full control over your day.
Timing also matters—spring and early summer tend to provide the best weather—while fall can be quieter and more affordable. Booking early is wise, especially for guided tours or private options, as they fill quickly during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Santa Monica’s bike tours offer a variety of ways to see LA’s coastal charm, from guided rides packed with local stories to independent rentals that let you explore at your own pace. For those after a comprehensive experience, the Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Adventure Tour ranks high for its mix of art, architecture, and local color. If you prefer a more relaxed, customized experience, private tours or eBike options provide an excellent way to enjoy the coast without breaking a sweat.
No matter which tour you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on exploring one of California’s most iconic seaside neighborhoods. So gear up, hop on a bike, and enjoy your ride through LA’s most picturesque beaches and lively streets.