“California, here we come.”
For generations of road-trippers, it ended right here.
The Santa Monica Pier has long marked the symbolic finish line of Route 66, where cross-country dreams met the Pacific Ocean. Since 1909, this wooden pier has survived storms, shifting trends, demolished ballrooms, and ambitious reinventions. It has been a fishing spot, a dance floor, a carnival, and a movie backdrop. Through it all, the ocean kept rolling in.
What makes the Santa Monica Pier special is energy. It blends nostalgia with motion. Street performers share space with fishermen. Roller coaster screams mix with seagulls. Sunset paints everything gold. It is equal parts boardwalk charm and Southern California spectacle, all perched above the water.
This self-guided Santa Monica Pier walking audio tour lets you experience that layered history at your own pace. GPS-based narration plays as you stroll the boards, pauses when you stop for photos or snacks, and resumes when you are ready. You enjoy the breeze and the views. The stories take care of themselves.
The pier’s history spins back to life at the Santa Monica Pier Carousel, housed inside the beautifully preserved Looff Hippodrome. Just steps away once stood the legendary La Monica Ballroom, where thousands danced during the Roaring Twenties before demolition and decades of change erased it. Today, motion returns in a different form at Pacific Park, home to the solar-powered Ferris wheel that lights up the coastline after dark.
As you continue toward the end of the pier, the crowd thins and the horizon widens. The Pacific stretches endlessly ahead, while Santa Monica Beach curves along the sand behind you. It is the kind of view that explains why so many journeys, literal and cinematic, choose this exact spot for their final scene.
Taken together, this Santa Monica Pier tour captures more than seaside fun. It reveals how a simple wooden structure became one of California’s most recognizable landmarks.
Friendly disclaimer: This tour may cause spontaneous sunset photos, unexpected cotton candy purchases, and strong opinions about Ferris wheel seating strategy. Ocean breeze included. Shoes recommended.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Know Before You Go
NOTE: The wildfire situation remains dynamic (January 2025)
- Due to ongoing wildfire activity in certain areas around Los Angeles, some routes may be affected. We recommend checking local updates and road closures to ensure that your tour can proceed safely. For more insights, visit Los Angeles updates page
Nearby Tours
Driving
Each Tour 35+ Stories
Each Tour 2-3 Hrs
Driving
171 Stories
7 - 8 Hrs
Walking
20 Stories
1 - 2 Hrs
Where To Start?
We recommend Starting From: Santa Monica Pier Arch, 81-99 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Santa Monica Pier Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
-
Welcome
-
Santa Monica Pier Arch
-
Amusement Park or Sewage Dump?
-
Charles Looff
-
Santa Monica Carousel
-
Hippodrome
-
Looff’s Amusement Park
-
A Castle Floating Over the Ocean
-
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
-
The Pacific Wheel
-
The Pacific Wheel
-
Private Gondolas
-
Marine Life at Santa Monica Bay
-
Spotting Pete Peterson's Stomping Grounds
-
Invention of the Peterson Tube
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The tour highlights include the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica State Beach, and the iconic Route 66 End of the Trail Sign. You’ll also explore local arts and culture by visiting the Santa Monica Arts Centre and various public art installations.
The duration depends on your pace and interest, but generally, it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to cover all the main attractions comfortably.
Santa Monica is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when the weather is more pleasant and the crowds are fewer compared to the busy summer season.
Starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon is ideal to avoid the midday sun and to experience local activities at their liveliest.
Absolutely! Santa Monica offers numerous family-friendly attractions and activities, including interactive public art, parks, and the aquarium at the pier.
The self-guided walking tour itself is free; however, some attractions and activities along the route may have entrance fees.
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, and a camera are essential. You might also want to bring some cash for snacks and souvenirs.
Santa Monica is generally safe for tourists, but as with any busy urban area, it’s wise to stay alert and secure your belongings, especially in crowded places.
Dogs are welcome in many outdoor areas in Santa Monica, but keep in mind that they must be on a leash, and some attractions may not allow pets.
Santa Monica offers a wide variety of dining options, ranging from quick bites at local cafés to upscale restaurants. The Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place are great spots to explore different culinary offerings.
Yes, public restrooms are available at major public spaces, including parks and near the beach.
There are several public parking lots and garages around downtown Santa Monica and near the beach. Rates vary, so checking the current rates and availability before your visit is advisable.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
