Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour

Explore the California coast with the Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour, a lively 2-hour adventure priced at $199 per person. This tour departs from the Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica and takes you through two of Los Angeles’ most famous seaside spots. The tour is ideal for those wanting to cover a lot of ground quickly, combining sightseeing with engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides. It’s suitable for anyone aged 8 and above, with a brief orientation and all necessary safety equipment included. With an average booking time of 36 days in advance, this experience remains popular among visitors seeking a memorable coastal outing.

While the tour offers a fantastic way to see top attractions with minimal effort, it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, which may be a consideration for some. The guided Segway experience emphasizes safety, fun, and learning about the area’s culture, making it a great choice for adventure-seekers and sightseeing enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• Two-hour guided Segway tour starting at Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica
• Visits the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, Venice Boardwalk, and Skatepark
• Includes safety equipment, a brief tutorial, and snacks
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary on local history and culture
• Operates in the morning or afternoon, rain or shine
• Limited to 15 participants for a personalized experience

Santa Monica to Venice Beach: Starting at the Iconic Pier

The tour begins at the Hotel Casa del Mar, where you get a quick orientation on Segway riding. Once comfortable, the guide leads you along the Pacific Ocean, heading straight for the Santa Monica Pier—a landmark over 100 years old. Here, you can take in the lively atmosphere of street performers, restaurants, retail shops, and the amusement rides of Pacific Park.

The Santa Monica Pier is a highlight of this experience, featuring attractions like the Aquarium, which is operated by Heal the Bay and offers educational exhibits. The ferris wheel and rollercoaster are visible from the coast, providing great photo opportunities. The tour pauses here briefly, allowing time to soak in the iconic scenery.

Exploring Muscle Beach and the California Heritage Museum

Next, the guide takes you past Muscle Beach, a famous outdoor gym established in 1934, renowned for its weightlifters and bodybuilders. The location has evolved from gymnastics to a symbol of physical fitness and strength training, drawing both locals and visitors.

The route then leads to the California Heritage Museum, located along Santa Monica’s vibrant Main Street. The area is known for its luxurious homes and fashionable shops, making it a perfect spot for a quick stop to appreciate local architecture and culture.

Cruising Along Santa Monica State Beach

The tour continues along Santa Monica State Beach, a stretch of sand about three miles long. Flanked by the Pacific Coast Highway, this area features wooden walkways, beach concessions, and colorful lifeguard towers. The beach setting provides a laid-back vibe and stunning ocean views. The beach stop lasts approximately 45 minutes, giving ample time for photos and enjoying the scenery.

The beach’s accessible location makes it ideal for a quick sense of California coastal life while staying comfortable on the Segway.

Entering Venice: Canals, Art, and Bohemian Culture

From Santa Monica, the guide navigates to Venice, a neighborhood designed by Abbot Kinney to resemble Italy’s canals. Today, Venice is known for its artistic scene, vibrant street culture, and bohemian atmosphere.

Stopping at the Venice Beach Boardwalk, you’ll see the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, skateboarders performing tricks at the Venice Skatepark, and colorful street art adorning walls. The boardwalk buzzes with activity, from street performers to artisan crafters and diverse restaurants, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and people-watching.

The Unique Experience of the Venice Skatepark

The Venice Skatepark is a major highlight, offering a front-row view of skateboarders pulling tricks and practicing balance. Its large skate pool and city-inspired rails and ledges make it appealing to both professionals and newcomers. The park’s oceanfront location enhances its appeal, blending urban sports with scenic views.

This stop allows riders to enjoy the lively vibe of Venice’s skate culture and take memorable photos of the action.

Discovering Arts, Street Performers, and Local Flavor on the Venice Boardwalk

The Venice Beach Boardwalk serves as the neighborhood’s arts hub, with outdoor art installations, live music, and street performers. This lively zone also features numerous shops and restaurants, making it a vibrant space for exploration.

Throughout the ride, guides share stories and insights about Venice’s artistic roots and colorful residents. The tour offers the flexibility to stop for photos or a quick snack, such as the included chips and bottled water.

Practical Details: Logistics, Safety, and Group Size

The tour operates with a 30-minute safety orientation, ensuring all participants are comfortable on the Segways before setting off. All riders receive a helmet and safety equipment, and the small group size of up to 15 people guarantees personalized attention from the guide.

Participants must be at least 8 years old, with specific rules for minors—those aged 8 to 15 need a parent present to sign waivers and ride, while 16 and 17-year-olds can ride independently if a parent signs. The tour is accessible for individuals with a decent fitness level and can accommodate up to 250 pounds.

The tour runs rain or shine, giving flexibility in all weather conditions, but it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

The Advantage of Using a Segway for Sightseeing

Using a Segway enables covering much more ground than walking, making this tour efficient and fun. The smooth ride allows easy navigation past crowds, street performers, and busy intersections, making it a practical choice for exploring both Santa Monica and Venice in just a couple of hours.

Participants often comment on how the Segway makes sightseeing more engaging, especially when paired with the expert narration of the guides like Cameron, Joshua, or others, who share entertaining stories and historical tidbits.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Experiences

This tour’s focus on the coastal attractions of Santa Monica and Venice Beach distinguishes it from other Los Angeles excursions. The combination of iconic sights, such as the Pier, Muscle Beach, and Venice Boardwalk, with personal transportation, provides a unique way to see the area comfortably and efficiently.

The inclusion of snacks, beverages, and safety gear enhances the overall experience, making it feel well-organized and welcoming. Despite some mixed reviews about tour duration and coverage, the majority praise the friendly guides and scenic locations.

Who Would Truly Enjoy This Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour

This experience is perfect for adventure lovers, families with children aged 8 and above, and anyone curious about LA’s beach culture. It offers a fun and active way to explore without the fatigue of walking, especially for those with mobility considerations.

Guests who appreciate informative guides and lively local stories will find this tour especially rewarding. It’s a great way to get an overview of Santa Monica and Venice Beach’s highlights in a short timeframe.

Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour: Final Thoughts

The Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway Tour combines fun, scenery, and culture into a compact 2-hour experience. It offers the ability to see top sights like the Pier, Muscle Beach, and Venice Boardwalk with minimal effort, thanks to expert guides and included safety gear.

While it doesn’t cover every corner of these neighborhoods, it provides a tangible sense of the area’s vibe and history. This tour is especially suited for those seeking an engaging, active way to explore Los Angeles’ iconic coastal spots.

The small group size, snacks, and personal narration make it a value-packed experience, with many recent reviews emphasizing the friendly guides and beautiful scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children aged 8 and above. Minors aged 8 to 15 must have a parent present to sign a waiver and participate.

What should I wear or bring?
Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity. The tour provides safety equipment and helmets. Bringing a camera for photos is recommended.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine. However, severe weather conditions might affect the experience, so check the forecast before booking.

Are hotel transfers included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Participants meet at Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica.

What is the maximum weight allowed?
The maximum weight for participants is 250 pounds (113 kg). This ensures safety and comfort on the Segways.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, pregnant women are not allowed to participate in this tour for safety reasons.