“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.
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Tour Map
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 2 to 3 Hours per tour 250+ 32+ Miles per tour Driving 6-7 Hours 185+ Stories 110+ Miles 
Walking 1-2 Hours 20+ Stories 0.5+ Miles Starting Point
Begin the tour at the suggested starting location provided below.
Santa Monica Pier Arch, 81-99 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Begin from Santa Monica Pier Arch, 81-99 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Santa Monica Pier Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome
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Santa Monica Pier Arch
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Amusement Park or Sewage Dump?
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Charles Looff
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Santa Monica Carousel
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Hippodrome
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Looff’s Amusement Park
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A Castle Floating Over the Ocean
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Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
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The Pacific Wheel
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The Pacific Wheel
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Private Gondolas
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Marine Life at Santa Monica Bay
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Spotting Pete Peterson's Stomping Grounds
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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.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included. Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours. 
