By Great question! Here’s your full guide to Hop-On Hop-Off tours in Santa Monica, California — a beautiful beach city that’s often included on the route of L.A.-area sightseeing buses 🏖️🚌🌴
🌅 Hop-On Hop-Off Santa Monica – Quick Guide
❓ Is there a dedicated hop-on hop-off tour just for Santa Monica?
🚫 Not exactly.
There is no standalone hop-on hop-off tour that serves only Santa Monica.
However, Santa Monica is a major stop on several Los Angeles hop-on hop-off bus tours, especially those operated by:
✅ Big Bus Tours Los Angeles
✅ Starline / CitySightseeing LA
These companies offer full-day passes that let you explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, and Santa Monica, with the freedom to hop on and off at stops throughout the city.
🚌 How It Works in Santa Monica
You can hop off the bus at Santa Monica to enjoy:
- Santa Monica Pier 🎡
- Third Street Promenade 🛍️
- Ocean Avenue & Palisades Park 🌴
- Santa Monica State Beach 🏖️
- Easy access to Venice Beach via walking or scooter rental
Then hop back on the next bus to head to Beverly Hills, Hollywood, or Venice.
🕒 Operating Hours (via Big Bus LA / Starline)
- Daily: First bus ~10:00 AM, last loop ~5:00 PM
- Buses come every 30–60 minutes depending on the route
- Full loop: ~2.5 to 3 hours (Hollywood ↔ Santa Monica)
🎟️ Ticket Prices (estimates)
- 1-Day Pass: ~$55–65 (adult) / ~$45 (child)
- 2-Day Pass: ~$85+ (includes additional loops or night tour)
- Combo passes often include Hollywood tours, celebrity home tours, or Madame Tussauds tickets
🎫 Includes all-day hop-on hop-off access across multiple routes
📍 Santa Monica Stop Locations
- 📍 Santa Monica Pier (Main stop)
- 📍 Ocean Avenue / Broadway
- 📍 3rd Street Promenade
Some buses may also stop near Venice Beach depending on the route and time of day.
🎧 What’s Included?
- Pre-recorded narration via headphones (available in multiple languages)
- Stories about the history, celebrities, architecture, and hidden gems of LA
- Free map + headphones included with most tours
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely!
- Easy for kids and seniors
- Plenty of stops near beach attractions, parks, and restaurants
- Kids under 3 usually ride free
📱 How to Book
- Online:
- In person: Kiosks at Santa Monica Pier or Hollywood Boulevard
- Apps: Viator, GetYourGuide, Go City Los Angeles Pass
💡 Why It’s Worth It
- A fun, scenic way to go from Hollywood to the beach
- Avoids LA traffic & parking headaches
- Great for first-time visitors or travelers without a car
- Awesome photo ops of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Mountains, and city skyline
Want the FAQ version or help planning a 1-day beach-to-Hollywood itinerary using the bus? I’d love to help!
Absolutely! Here’s your full Hop-On Hop-Off Santa Monica – FAQ, so you can make the most of your beach day while still exploring L.A.’s top sights 🚌🌴🎡
🏖️ Hop-On Hop-Off Santa Monica – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Does Santa Monica have a hop-on hop-off bus tour?
🚫 No dedicated tour just for Santa Monica.
✅ But Santa Monica is included as a key stop on several Los Angeles-wide hop-on hop-off bus routes, operated by:
- Big Bus Tours Los Angeles
- Starline Tours / CitySightseeing LA
These let you explore Santa Monica + Hollywood + Beverly Hills + Venice Beach and more.
🕒 What are the hours of operation?
- Daily service, year-round
- First bus: ~10:00 AM
- Last full loop: ~5:00 PM
- Buses come every 30–60 minutes
- Full loop (Hollywood to Santa Monica): ~2.5 to 3 hours
🕐 Check with your tour provider for current schedules, as they vary seasonally
💰 How much do tickets cost?
Typical pricing (via Big Bus LA or Starline):
- 1-Day Pass: ~$55–65 (adult) / ~$45 (child 3–12)
- 2-Day Pass: ~$85+
- Infants (under 3): Ride free
🎫 Tickets include unlimited on/off access for the valid day(s) and access to multiple city loops
📍 Where does the bus stop in Santa Monica?
Main stops include:
- 📍 Santa Monica Pier (Ocean & Colorado Blvd)
- 📍 3rd Street Promenade / Broadway
- 📍 Ocean Avenue / Palisades Park
Some routes also stop at or near Venice Beach.
🎧 Is there narration?
✅ Yes – buses offer pre-recorded audio guides
- Available in 8+ languages
- Covers history, celebrity facts, local legends, and area tips
- Headphones provided (or use your own)
📱 How do I buy tickets?
You can book:
- Online:
- In person: Ticket kiosks at Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Blvd, or major stops
- On apps: Viator, GetYourGuide, Go City LA Pass
🌦️ Does it run in bad weather?
✅ Yes — tours run rain or shine
- Upper deck is open-air
- Lower level is covered and weather-protected
☔ Bring a hat or poncho if rain is in the forecast
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Definitely!
- Great for families exploring without a car
- Easy stops near beaches, playgrounds, shops, and restaurants
- Kids under 3 ride free
- Stroller-friendly (fold before boarding)
🔁 How long is my ticket valid?
- 1-Day Pass: Valid for the calendar day of first use
- 2-Day Pass: Valid for two consecutive days
- You can hop on and off as much as you like
🧳 Can I bring bags or beach gear?
- ✅ Small backpacks and beach bags: OK
- ✅ Foldable strollers: OK
- ❌ Large luggage or coolers: Not permitted
🎁 Are there combo deals?
Yes! You can bundle with:
- 🎡 Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- 🚴 Bike rental in Santa Monica
- 🛥️ Harbor cruise or celebrity home tours
- 🎟️ Go City Los Angeles Pass (includes hop-on hop-off + 30+ attractions)
💡 Why ride from Santa Monica?
- Easy access from the beach to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice
- Avoid L.A. traffic and expensive parking
- Awesome views of the Pacific Coast, Santa Monica Mountains, and city skyline
- Great for first-time visitors, cruise passengers, or day-trippers
Need help creating a 1-day “beach to city” itinerary using the hop-on hop-off bus? Just say the word — I’ll map out the perfect day! 🌊🛍️🌆
