The 2 Best 3 Hour Tours in Santa Monica
Santa Monica offers a wealth of ways to explore its stunning coastline, eclectic neighborhoods, and lively boardwalks—all within a 3-hour window. This area is ideal for those who want a quick, yet memorable, taste of LA’s laid-back beach culture, without committing to a full day. Whether you’re into cycling, panoramic views, or discovering hidden corners of the city, Santa Monica’s compact size and diverse scenery make it a perfect spot for short, active tours. Plus, with the California sunshine often shining brightly, every experience can be a bright, outdoor adventure.
We’ve rounded up the top 3-hour tours that showcase Santa Monica’s best, blending energetic activities with sightseeing. From guided bike rides along the coast and through Venice Beach to challenging gravel rides with spectacular vistas, each offers a unique way to experience Los Angeles in a compact time frame. Read on to find the tour that best matches your interests and fitness level.
Quick Overview
Our list features guided bike tours that explore iconic sights like Muscle Beach, Venice Canals, and Santa Monica Pier, with expert guides sharing fun facts and photos. Plus, for those who prefer a more rugged adventure, we highlight a 3-hour gravel ride that takes you over challenging dirt trails with incredible views. For more details on each, check out the Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour and the 3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included.
1. Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour
At number one, this guided bike tour offers a lively and comprehensive way to see some of LA’s most famous coastal spots. For around $71.66 per person, you’ll pedal along the Pacific Ocean, starting near the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The tour takes you through Muscle Beach, where you can learn about its history and snap photos of the weightlifters of yesteryear; visit the Venice Canals, a peaceful spot reminiscent of Venice, Italy; and cruise through Marina del Rey, with its busy yacht-filled harbor.
The itinerary also includes stops at Tongva Park, a modern green space perfect for photos, and the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk, known for its eclectic vendors and street performers. The highlight is the Venice Skatepark, where you can watch skaters doing tricks right by the ocean. The guides are experts at sharing fun facts and hidden secrets, making this tour both educational and entertaining.
Reviewers consistently praise the ease of the e-bike, making it suitable even for casual riders, with many noting their enjoyment of the beachside ride and the flexible schedule. One reviewer said, “Mitchel was a great guide… seeing the sights and hearing the history made it memorable.” This tour is perfect for active travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, exercise, and fun.
Bottom Line: A lively, informative bike tour ideal for those wanting to see Santa Monica’s highlights at a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities.
2. 3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included
For adventure seekers, the 3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included provides a thrilling way to explore LA’s rugged outdoor side. This tour, priced at $75.00 per person, is led by one of the area’s most experienced gravel cyclists. It begins with a challenging climb up Sullivan Ridge, rewarding riders with panoramic views of Los Angeles from the top.
From the dirt trails of Dirt Mulholland, you’ll traverse over to The Hub, another favorite gravel spot, before heading toward Pacific Palisades for some of the best scenery of the ride. This route combines technical terrain with stunning vistas, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced riders who enjoy a physical challenge.
The tour includes plenty of photo stops to capture vistas of the city, and the guide’s familiarity with the trails ensures a smooth experience, even for those unfamiliar with off-road riding. While reviews are still pending, the focus on combining dirt trails with scenic outlooks makes it perfect for riders looking for an active, scenic escape without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: A high-energy ride through LA’s dirt trails, offering impressive views for those comfortable with mountain biking or gravel riding.
How to Choose
Picking between these two options depends on your interests and fitness level. If you’re after a relaxed, sightseeing-focused experience that covers Santa Monica’s most famous sights, the Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour is a great choice. For a more physically demanding adventure that showcases LA’s natural beauty and trails, the Gravel Ride is ideal.
Think about your budget, too: both tours are similarly priced, but the bike tour offers a more leisurely pace and cultural insights, while the gravel ride is suited for those craving a challenge. Make sure to book early, especially for bike tours during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Santa Monica has a variety of ways to enjoy a quick 3-hour outing. The bike tour offers a fun, guided experience along the coast, perfect for families or casual visitors. Meanwhile, the gravel ride is better suited for active travelers who want to combine exercise with stunning views of LA’s rugged landscapes.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded experience with lots of photos and local stories, the bike tour is hard to beat. For those craving an off-road adventure with rewarding vistas, the gravel ride rises to the challenge. Either way, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable excursions in one of California’s most iconic coastal cities.