Los Angeles Guide

Los Angeles Beach Tours

Explore Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and stunning Pacific coastline!

86+ tours
From $45
3-6 hours
Los Angeles Beach Tours

Experience LA's incredible beaches - 75 miles of Pacific coastline! Beach tours explore iconic Santa Monica with its historic Pier (1909 amusement park and Pacific Park), Venice Beach (eclectic Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, street performers), Malibu (celebrity beach homes and surf culture), Manhattan Beach (volleyball capital), and hidden gems. Activities include beach walks, bike rentals on Strand path (22 miles of oceanfront bikeway!), pier exploration, boardwalk people-watching, surfing lessons, and coastal dining. Learn about SoCal beach culture, surf history, and coastal ecology. See where Baywatch was filmed, celebrities live, and quintessential California beach lifestyle thrives. It's sun, sand, and Southern California cool!

Featured Beach Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for beach tours in Los Angeles

Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach
💸Special Offer
$35From $28
Free Cancellation

The price you see is the price you pay, no hidden fees or surcharges. We are the top destination for whale watching in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Our custom built high speed vessels can cover waters north to Santa Monica and south to Newport Beach for maximum range coverage resulting in maximum marine life sighting success. Our fleet of state of the art vessels adhere to strict safety codes and regulations, ensuring you and your friends and family enjoy a wonderful experience out on the water. All whale watching excursions embark under the guidance of highly trained captains not only equipped to man your boat, but also to provide informative narration of the wildlife you might encounter. Marine life we encounter includes: Gray Whales (November-April), Blue Whales (may-November), and year-round we can see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, rare Marine Birds, and much more!

4.5(295)
2h
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Long Beach Harbor 45-Minute Boat Tour
💸Special Offer
$15From $12
Free Cancellation

Join us as we explore Long Beach's coastline. You will learn history about the harbor as well as see the beautiful Long Beach skyline, California Sea Lions playing in the harbor, the world-famous Queen Mary, large cargo and container ships from all over the world, the Long Beach oil islands and much more! What you see is what you pay; no hidden fees or surcharges. You can also choose the San Pedro departure, which offers unforgettable sightseeing with stunning coastal views and rich maritime history, including the USS Iowa Battleship. One of the most unique highlights is cruising alongside towering container ships from around the world. Massive giants of global trade that turn the harbor into a living, breathing industrial seascape.

4.4(91)
45 min
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Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach
From $13
Free Cancellation

The Swan Boats on Rainbow Lagoon are one of the hottest new activities in Long Beach's ionic Rainbow Harbor. Don’t miss this unique way to experience the area and all of its beauty. All of our boats come equipped with shaded canopies for maximum comfort. Our large swan boats feature a roomy back seat for those that would like to forego pedaling and would prefer to just enjoy the view. You are welcome to bring food and drinks on-board the swan boats for a floating picnic (no alcohol is permitted).

4.3(402)
1h
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Glass Bottom Boat Ride in Redondo Beach
From $33
Free Cancellation

We offer the only glass bottom boat ride in the South Bay which features a variety of fish and clear blue water. Our boat ride will get up close view of sea lions of which you have probably not experienced before.

4.9(68)
45 min
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Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach
From $122.06
Free Cancellation

Staying in Long Beach and want to explore Los Angeles but don't have much time? Then check out this afternoon highlights tour of Los Angeles from Long Beach. See downtown Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip, the Hollywood Sign and the TCL Chinese Theatre as you listen to narration by your informative guide. Visit movie locations featured in blockbusters including ‘King Kong,’ ‘Armageddon’ and ‘Independence Day.’ With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this is a convenient way to cover lots of can’t-miss Los Angeles landmarks in a relatively short period of time. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people to ensure more individualized attention from your guide.

4.4(100)
8h
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Malibu: Exclusive Beautiful Beach and Celebrity Lifestyle Tour
From $90
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Malibu is open and waiting for you! Lose yourself in Malibu's mystique including celebrity homes, beautiful beaches, filming locations & more on this fully narrated tour. Our expert guides will fill you in on all of Malibu's secrets while you cruise the coast in our open air vans. Highlights include Malibu's beautiful coastline, celebrity homes, the history of the area, as well as multiple chances to sample the culinary treats on offer. The tour has multiple stops including the Malibu sign for a quick pic, get your feet sandy iconic Malibu beaches and time to take in beautiful Point Dume. The last stop is the longest where you'll have a chance to snap pics of the Malibu pier, walk the grounds of the Adamson House and/or do some local shopping with our friends (and celebrities) at Malibu Country Mart. Malibu & Santa Monica Filming Locations Baywatch Two and a Half Men Beverly Hills 90210 Gidget Keeping Up with the Kardashians Point Break Taken Planet of the Apes And More

4.9(478)
5h 30m
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Venice Beach: Past and Present Tour
From $30
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Come see the best sights in Venice, at your leisure! Commentary by Jeff Wynne, an experienced local tour guide! Visit the sights that makes Venice the most unique beach hotspot of Los Angeles! You'll learn about and see landmarks while hearing oral history highlights of the amazing story of Venice. Experience the legendary Venice boardwalk scene, skateboarding daredevils at the skate park continuing the 1970's skate culture originated by Dogtown and Z-Boys, and gawk at Muscle Beach made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger. You'll visit the historic canals, and check out the local hipster shopping and restaurant flavor of of Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This tour can be walked in 2-3 hours, or you can drive to some spots. It easily combines with my similar tour of nearby Santa Monica for a full L.A. beach culture and history experience! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App

3.4(7)
2h
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Venice Beach LA Food Tour
From $99
Free Cancellation

See and taste the best that Venice Beach has to offer on a one-of-a-kind Sidewalk Food Tour! Our food tour includes five unique stops showcasing the best of the neighborhood’s renowned food scene. Our expert guides have done extensive (and delicious!) research to offer you the ultimate tasting tour of the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles. Sidewalk Food Tours is built on a deep love of food, history, and the unique stories of different neighborhoods within each city in which we offer tours. You’ll feel as if you’re exploring the city with a close friend who wants to show you all their favorite local spots. We look forward to having you join us on a Sidewalk Food Tour of Venice and can’t wait to show you the sights! Buen Provecho!

5.0(18)
3h
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Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, City and Beach Tour
From $94
Free Cancellation

See the best of Los Angeles in just one day on this small-group guided tour covering Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica. Walk along the Walk of Fame, spot the Hollywood Sign, explore the Beverly Hills Sign & Gardens, and feel the ocean breeze at Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy a lunch break at the Original Farmers Market, and discover iconic LA neighborhoods with a knowledgeable local guide. This 6-hour experience includes photo stops, free time at top attractions, and comfortable transport in a small group vehicle—no apps, parking stress, or crowded buses. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour combines city highlights and coastal charm in one smooth loop. One Day. Five Stops. All of LA. Reserve early — this tour often sells out.

4.1(163)
6h
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Private One-Way Shuttle Service in Long Beach
From $130
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

We have a digital seamless booking feature that keeps track of flight arrivals and departures. 24 confirmation text message and driver status alerts. We offer comfortable, safe, reliable one-way transportation from curbside at the airport to front entrance at your hotel or straight to the cruise terminal where the porter can take your luggage. We have car seats and booster seats available and dispatch contact you can always get a hold of somebody.

4.9(16)
1h
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The Ultimate Venice Beach Experience
From $50
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This is the ultimate Venice Beach experience! Explore the boardwalk, lift weights at Muscle Beach (or just watch others do it!), visit the skate park and stroll along the famed canals as you learn the history of this most remarkable community.

5.0(3)
2h
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Surf Camp in Venice Beach, CA
From $125
Free Cancellation

With years of experience and a curriculum carefully crafted, we are proud to be the best surf school in Los Angeles; able to teach all skill ranges and levels. From first-time students to teens who want to compete, our camp is for all ages ranging from 5-16 years old. Sunrise Surf Academy camps always have a minimum 3:1 camper to instructor ratio. Come join us for a safe, engaging, and active surfing experience.

6h
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Private Helicopter Tour of Hollywood Sign, Beaches and More
From $360
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour🔥Likely to Sell Out

This the shortest, best way to see all the main sites of Los Angeles while beating traffic! Leaving Long Beach, you will immediately head west, beating the 405 traffic and head over to the Manhattan Beach Pier, whereby you will turn Northbound along the Shoreline and skim along the waves through LAX up to the famous Venice Beach. Upon reaching the iconic Santa Monica pier you will head inland over Beverly Hills, UCLA and Hollywood before cruising by the timeless Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. Then you will head over the Dodgers Stadium and Downtown LA, marveling at the height of the US Bank building, the tallest on the West coast, before heading back to Long Beach.

4.5(20)
45 min
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E-Bike LA Beach Tour from Redondo Beach Pier
From $75
Free Cancellation

Ride in style from the Redondo Beach Pier to the Santa Monica Pier and back on a single charge! This is a 4-Hour Self Guided e-bike tour. Enjoy stops in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach or Venice Beach along the way. Other e-bike rental durations are available for the self-guided tour. Guided tours are available on Saturdays. Our friendly team will give you suggestions on where to visit up and down the coast along the beach bike path on your self-guided tour. Come to our shop at the top level of the Redondo Beach Pier parking structure. There is plenty of parking with flexible time limits and we are right on the beach bike path. You will receive an orientation to the electric bike to make sure you are comfortable. Our e-bikes are comfortable, high-quality beach cruisers built by the Electric Bike Company. Helmets, locks are included. Liability waiver required prior to riding.

4.9(34)
4h
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Semi Private Surfing Lessons at Venice Beach
From $99
Free CancellationNew

Discover the thrill of catching waves with expert-led surfing lessons with us, located on the iconic shores of Venice Beach, Los Angeles. With over thirty years of local experience, instructors offer personalized guidance tailored to all skill levels—beginner to advanced. All necessary gear is included for an effortless surfing adventure, and optional photography captures the excitement of your experience.

2h
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Why Choose Beach Tours in Los Angeles?

Iconic Beaches

Santa Monica and Venice Beach are world-famous!

Perfect Weather

280+ days of sunshine - beach weather year-round!

Beach Culture

Experience SoCal lifestyle with surfing, volleyball, and boardwalks.

Scenic Coastline

Pacific Coast Highway offers stunning ocean views!

Types of Beach Tours in Los Angeles

Santa Monica & Venice Tour

Explore two iconic beaches with pier and boardwalk.

3-4 hoursTwo beachesPier & boardwalkBike rental optionPopular

Malibu Coastal Tour

Drive scenic PCH visiting Malibu beaches and celebrity areas.

4-5 hoursPCH driveMultiple beachesScenic viewsBeautiful

Beach Bike Tour

Cycle 22-mile Strand path connecting LA beaches.

3-4 hoursBike includedOceanfront pathMultiple stopsActive

Beach & Pier Sunset Tour

Evening tour capturing golden hour at Santa Monica Pier.

2-3 hoursSunset timingFerris wheelPhoto opsRomantic

What to Expect on Your Los Angeles Beach Tours

Duration

Tours: 3-5 hours. Bike rentals: 2-4 hours. Full beach day: 6+ hours.

Santa Monica Pier

Historic 1909 pier with Pacific Park amusement park and ocean views.

Venice Boardwalk

Eclectic street performers, vendors, Muscle Beach, and bohemian vibes.

Malibu Beaches

Celebrity beach homes, surf culture, and pristine Pacific coastline.

Pacific Coast Highway

Scenic drive along coast with pull-offs for photos and beach access.

Beach Culture

Learn about surf history, beach volleyball origins, and SoCal lifestyle.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Parking nightmare at beaches - use tours, Uber, or Metro to Santa Monica!

2

Venice Beach best visited morning or early afternoon - sketchy after dark.

3

Santa Monica Pier FREE - Pacific Park rides cost extra ($5-10 each).

4

Bike The Strand (22-mile path) - rentals $15-25/day, connects all beaches.

5

Malibu beaches often have limited parking - arrive early or weekday.

6

May-June "June Gloom" brings morning fog - clears afternoon.

7

Water cold (60-70°F) year-round - wetsuits recommended for swimming!

8

Best beaches: Santa Monica (crowds), Manhattan Beach (upscale), Zuma (spacious).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the best beach in LA?

A: Santa Monica most famous (pier, tourism). Venice Beach most eclectic (boardwalk, street performers). Manhattan Beach upscale (volleyball, pier). Malibu most scenic (cliffs, celebrity homes). Zuma biggest (families). Each offers different vibe - visit multiple!

Q:Is Venice Beach worth visiting?

A: Yes for the experience! Eclectic boardwalk with street performers, vendors, Muscle Beach, skate park. It's bohemian, weird, and very LA. Free to visit! However, can be sketchy (homeless, panhandlers). Go daytime. 1-2 hours sufficient. Unique!

Q:Can you swim at LA beaches?

A: Yes! Water is cold (60-70°F) even summer - locals wear wetsuits. Best swimming: July-October when warmest. Lifeguards on duty summer. Beaches clean and safe. However, SoCal beaches more about sunbathing and culture than swimming. Bring wetsuit!

Q:How much does Santa Monica Pier cost?

A: Pier access FREE! Walking, viewing, dining all free. Pacific Park rides cost extra: $5-10 per ride or $33 unlimited wristband. Ferris wheel $10. Aquarium $5. Most visitors just walk pier - it's free experience. Budget-friendly!

Q:Can you bike between LA beaches?

A: Yes! The Strand (Marvin Braude Bike Trail) is 22-mile paved path from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach passing Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach. Bike rentals $15-25/day. Flat, scenic, popular! Great way to see multiple beaches.

Q:What is Muscle Beach?

A: Muscle Beach is outdoor gym at Venice Beach where bodybuilders work out publicly. Arnold Schwarzenegger trained here in 1970s! Free to watch, small fee to use equipment. Street performers and vendors surround it. Venice Beach icon!

Q:When is the best time to visit beaches?

A: Year-round! Summer (June-September) busiest and warmest. May-June has "June Gloom" morning fog. September-October often best - warm, clear, fewer crowds. Winter pleasant (60-70°F) but cooler water. Weekend crowds - weekdays quieter.

Q:How do you get to Santa Monica from Hollywood?

A: Metro Expo Line from Downtown LA to Santa Monica (45 min, $1.75). Uber/Lyft: 30-60 min depending on traffic, $25-50. Car: Take I-10 West - parking expensive ($10-15)! Tours include transport. Public transit best budget option.

Don't Miss the Perfect Los Angeles Experience

Book your beach tours today - 86+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Los Angeles?

Hollywood entertainment industry and celebrity culture

Beautiful beaches from Santa Monica to Venice

World-class museums and cultural institutions

Diverse neighborhoods and authentic cuisine

Perfect weather year-round

Perfect blend of entertainment and lifestyle

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 60°F (16°C) in winter to 85°F (29°C) in summer.

Best Months

March to May and September to November offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

December to February offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with occasional rain.

Plan Your Los Angeles Trip

Transportation Tips

Public transportation includes Metro rail and buses. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility, and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Car Rental Deals in Los Angeles

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Los Angeles adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Los Angeles

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

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Discover the best tours and activities in Los Angeles with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.