Looking for the perfect experience gift in Santa Monica, California? Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just-because moment, nothing beats giving someone a real experience. We've curated the best local activities and adventures in Santa Monica — from adrenaline-pumping track days to relaxing food tours and everything in between. Every experience listed here can be booked directly through the original operator, so you're always getting the real deal.
Things to Do in Santa Monica
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer - Book your private departure transfer from Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX). Avoid the hassle of waiting in long taxi or shared shuttle queues and use our private, door-to-door airport transf (from $0.00)
- Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Santa Monica - Want to capture your amazing honeymoon? Family vacation while the kids are still little? Your perfect couples retreat from everyday busy life? A solo trip without asking strangers to take pictures of (from $0.00)
- Venice Beach Bash Scavenger Hunt - Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your p (from $0.00)
- Los Angeles Must-See Tour - Filming Locations, Crime Scenes, Celebrity Homes - Explore Hollywood on this guided bus tour with stops at the most iconic landmarks of LA. Be astonished by the lavishness of the City of Angels as you stroll down the Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Walk of (from $0.00)
- Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt - Alley Kat Adventures is an Austin, TX-based event design company offering city scavenger hunts in 60 cities in the US and Mexico as well as custom events worldwide. Our specially hand-crafted, interac (from $0.00)
- Hire Photographer, Professional Photo Shoot - Santa Monica - Professional photo shoot in unique Santa Monica locations. The Photo Experience will create amazing photo memories from your visit. You will be able to see undiscovered locations and get the best phot (from $0.00)
- Catch Waves and Enjoy a Beach Picnic in Santa Monica - This 5-hour adventure takes you along the Pacific Coast Highway, offering two legendary surf breaks and a private beach picnic featuring a complimentary lunch. Whether you're a seasoned surfer ticking (from $0.00)
- Marina Discovery Paddle: Learn SUP & Explore Wildlife - Get face-to-face with California sea lions from your own paddleboard — and learn a skill that lasts a lifetime. This unique 90-minute experience combines expert paddleboard instruction with a guided w (from $0.00)
- Light Painting Photoshoot - This light painting photo shoot is a creative, hands-on experience, not a standard beach photo session. Using long-exposure photography and light painting techniques, you’ll be captured in glowing, ar (from $0.00)
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer - Book your Private Departure Transfer Santa Monica from any hotel or address to Los Angeles Airport (LAX). Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use o (from $0.00)
- App-Led Zombie Survival Scavenger Hunt in Thousand Oaks - What makes Zombie Scavengers unique is its sophisticated use of technology to create a flexible, competitive experience. It's an entirely self-guided, app-driven mission where your goal is to survive (from $0.00)
- Private Photoshoot on the Beaches of Los Angeles - Immortalize your adventure in Venice Beach with a professional photographer, French and English speaking. We will choose together the place that makes you want the most: Venice Beach, the canals or th (from $0.00)
- Private Half Day Hidden Hollywood Tour - Step into the world of movie magic with our exclusive Hidden Hollywood Tour! While everyone knows about the must-see Hollywood attractions, few are aware of the secret film locations right here in Los (from $0.00)
- Awesome Bar Crawl in Santa Monica - Dive into adventure, your go-to for the ultimate app-led adventure hunts! Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered. Challenge yourself with trivia, tackle brai (from $0.00)
- Vinyasa Yoga Class on the Beach in Santa Monica in French - Immersing yourself in a Vinyasa yoga class with a French instructor, while taking in the beauty of Santa Monica Beach, is a truly magical experience. With every fluid movement and deep breath, we fee (from $0.00)
- Discover Hidden Stairways & Canyon Paths: Urban Adventure - Step into Santa Monica’s adventurous side on a 3-hour, 5-mile urban walk that takes you up secret stairways, through canyon paths, and into historic neighborhoods. Along the way, discover unusual coas (from $0.00)
- Los Angeles Private Tour with Professional Photographer - Are you looking for a special way to experience Los Angeles and take home something more personal than just a souvenir? Join a fun and relaxed one-hour photography tour starting at the famous Santa Mo (from $0.00)
- Romantic-Surprise Dinner-Wine & Cheese or Sushi Boat Cruise - This unique and intimate dinner cruise in Marina del Rey has earned hundreds of 5-star reviews on other platforms. Enjoy stunning scenic views, close encounters with local wildlife, and a personalized (from $0.00)
- The Sideways Luxury Wine Private Tour to Solvang - We visit five wineries along the way, the same as in the movie and we throw in a complimentary picnic lunch. Guests will have the time of their lives on this memorable all day weekend excursion. (from $0.00)
- Central California Self-Guided Driving and Walking Bundle Tour - Hit the road with this Central California self-guided driving and walking tour bundle! Cruise along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, take in the views of 17 Mile Drive and Big Sur, and explore the (from $0.00)
- Surf OR Surf Los Angeles - Surf lessons included media + gear. perfect because it combines an exciting outdoor activity with professional guidance tailored specifically for beginners. Their expert instructors break down techni (from $0.00)
- The Private Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt - Hey there, team players and adventure addicts! Are you ready to take your squad to the next level with the most epic, unforgettable, and downright awesome scavenger hunt in all of Santa Monica? Well, (from $0.00)
- Private Full Day LA Tour from Santa Monica - Full-Day Private Los Angeles Tour from Santa Monica This private tour features tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, o (from $0.00)
- Private E-Bike Adventure Tour from Santa Monica to Redondo - If you’re looking for an exciting Beach E-Bike Tour along the beautiful coastline of Los Angeles, go for the highly rated Bike Rental Shop in the city where dreams come true! Experience a captivatin (from $0.00)
- Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game - Embark on an engaging scavenger hunt through the vibrant streets of Santa Monica, California. Explore a city renowned for its beauty and history. Delve into the bustling 3rd Street Promenade and let t (from $0.00)
- Marina del Rey Paddleboard Tour - Join us on this exciting tour as we paddle board through the beautiful waters the Marina has to offer! You will be coached by your guide who will help you learn the basic practice of SUP techniques th (from $0.00)
- Santa Monica Ice Cream Tour 4 Stops Samples and Full Scoops - Start your Santa Monica day the right way with AFK Food Tours. In just 2 hours, you’ll cruise an easy beach-town route and hit four of the area’s most crave-worthy dessert spots—no guessing, no fille (from $0.00)
- Discover Santa Monica’s Lush Gardens, Trees & Neighborhoods - Set out with locals on a small-group urban expedition through Santa Monica’s hidden gardens, scenic canyons, and historic neighborhoods. Along the walk, you’ll see rare coastal trees, colorful gardens (from $0.00)
- Half-Day Private 59ft Island Boat Tour of Santa Monica Bay - Island Boat MDR is a 59ft Motor Yacht with a HUGE Party Deck, Dance Floor, and Karaoke in Marina Del Rey. We are Fully Enclosed and Heated. Our Captain and Crew will take you on a Harbor Cruise of Mar (from $0.00)
- 3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included - The chance to ride with one of the most experienced gravel cyclist in the LA area, I know these trails like the back of my hand. This tour starts out with a classic climb "Sullivan Ridge" and connects (from $0.00)
- Marina Del Rey to Hermosa Beach e-Bike Coastal Beach Tour - On our coastal Ebike ride you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking ocean views and easily peddle through Marina Manhattan beach our destination. Enjoy the ambience of the local Beach vibe and share the e (from $0.00)
- Discover Hidden Stairways & Canyon Paths: Private Urban Adventure - Step into Santa Monica’s adventurous side on a 3-hour, 5-mile urban walk that takes you up secret stairways, through canyon paths, and into historic neighborhoods. Along the way, discover unusual coas (from $0.00)
- Discover Lush Gardens, Trees & Neighborhoods: Private - Set out with locals on a small-group urban expedition through Santa Monica’s hidden gardens, scenic canyons, and historic neighborhoods. Along the walk, you’ll see rare coastal trees, colorful gardens (from $0.00)
- LA and Santa Monica: Self-Guided Aerospace Legacy Audio Tour - Embark on SpaceQuest for an unparalleled exploration of Los Angeles' aerospace heritage, juxtaposed with its iconic landscapes. This tour goes beyond mere sightseeing, offering an educational odyssey (from $0.00)
- Photoshoot at Los Angeles’ Most Beautiful Beaches and Parks - Capture your California dreams at the best and most scenic spots only! We can photograph you at locations in the hills that boast panoramic views from DTLA to the ocean. Or we can explore the nature (from $0.00)
- Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Santa Monica - Gear up for an unforgettable photographic journey through one of Santa Monica's renowned destinations! We're here to guide you on a leisurely exploration of these iconic locations, spotlighting the mo (from $0.00)
- Los Angeles Must-See Attractions Private Car Tour With Guide - Discover the iconic sights of Los Angeles on a private car tour tailored to your preferences. Begin with a drive through Venice Beach's vibrant boardwalk, where you can soak in the unique atmosphere. (from $0.00)
- Full Day Private Tour of Santa Barbara - 10 Hours - Our private, 10-hour Santa Barbara tour begins in LA and transports your private party (up to 13) to four of the most popular destinations in Santa Barbara. - Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway - Sa (from $0.00)
- Half-Day Private Guided Los Angeles Coastal Tour - Explore Marina Del Rey with its 7,000 boats - the largest man made harbor in the world; Venice Beach with its incredible melting pot of performers and the Venice Canals with its mansions, inaugurated (from $0.00)
- Private Surf Lesson in Santa Monica Bay St - At Sunrise Surf Academy, every lesson is built around you. Our personalized, flexible approach ensures surfers of all ages and skill levels get the experience they’re looking for—whether it's your fir (from $0.00)
- Epic Yosemite Hiking and E-Bike Day Trip Day from Los Angeles - Get a chance to hike and eMountain bike within Yosemite. This scenic location offers lush forest, waterfalls endless. Leave your worries behind, because LifeRush Adventures accommodates the perfect d (from $0.00)
- Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica - We are make sure all participants are going to be cover and get equal attention , also we make sure everyone is safe during the lessons ours instructor are professionals and certified instructors defi (from $0.00)
- Private Surf Lesson - The best surf coach that will take you to Ono of our locations depending on conditions and skill level . WE make sure to provide the best surf conditions . Also ours surfboards are in great conditions (from $0.00)
- Couples Shoot - This activity offers a highly personalized and flexible experience for couples. The ability for them to choose the scene or location means they can have a shoot that truly reflects their personality a (from $0.00)
- 3 Hour Private Jeep Tour of Santa Monica - Santa Monica Iconic Tour … private tour covering all of the highlights of the most exciting must-see spots in Santa Monica. This includes the famous Santa Monica Pier including the iconic Ferris wheel (from $0.00)
- Private Tour - Day Beachside, Coastline Tour in Los Angeles - 6 Hours. - We have over 20 years of experience providing custom tours to guests travelling from all over the world. Our private, 6-hour Los Angeles Beachside package will transport your party (up to 12) to four (from $0.00)
- 4-Hour Los Angeles Tour With Guide And Hotel Pickup - During the tour we move with a comfortable Van. Thanks to the small number of participants, you will have a direct relationship with the guide, which will make the experience more engaging and persona (from $0.00)
- City Cruises Marina del Rey: Sights and Sips Cruise Tour - Rock out on the water with breathtaking views of the Marina del Rey Harbor. Dance the evening away or sip on a cocktail as you watch the sunset. City Cruises Cocktail Cruise gives guests a front row s (from $0.00)
- Private 6-Hour City and Shopping Tour of LA in a Custom Limo - Your private tour guide is Michael Raines, who has worked for a number of limo companies as a driver and bodyguard to some of the biggest celebrities in the world. A TV personality on his own rite, Mi (from $0.00)
- Exotic Tijuana Massage Tour in LA - Experience Unmatched Adventure! Book our LA to Tijuana tour for a unique Entertainment. Join us at the Hong Kong Cabaret for dazzling performances and exquisite massages. Our experienced guide ensur (from $0.00)