Santa Monica Pier Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Santa Monica , United States

Santa Monica Pier Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Active

(2 reviews)

30m - 59m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

No trip to sunny Los Angeles is complete without a visit to the Santa Monica Pier, and no visit to the Pier is complete without this self-guided audio walking tour! As you stroll along this bustling pier, you’ll dig deep into its history, from its humble origins to devastating storms and ambitious amusement parks. Spot the historic Santa Monica Pier Carousel and Pacific Park before making your way to the very end of the pier, offering unbeatable views of the ocean and Santa Monica Beach.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Available options

Santa Monica Pier Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.

Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our tour begins at the Santa Monica Pier Arch. You can’t miss it! This historic structure has been standing tall for over 80 years, adding a little touch of drama to the pier’s entrance.

The tour is over 0.38 miles long, with more than 14 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Now let’s get to know Charles Looff, Danish immigrant, furniture carver, and the pier’s hero.

By day, he carved away in a factory, but at night, he created life-size animal sculptures full of imagination, whimsy, and magic. Can you guess what he was building?

To our left stands Santa Monica’s iconic carousel. While this one only dates back to the 1940s, the original was built by none other than Charles Looff. He built it as part of a hugely ambitious project in 1916. His goal was nothing less than turning this sewage site into a tourist attraction!

For decades, the pier sat mostly empty and unused. By the 70s, Santa Monica’s City Council was looking for excuses to tear down the old eyesore. They put forth a plan to destroy the pier and build an artificial island instead. During a meeting, a resident asks the City Manager whether the public should have a say. His response?

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.

How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.

Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.

For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.

Meeting point

Begin from Santa Monica Pier Arch, 81-99 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-714-333-0534
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

Please note: 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.

About Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a vibrant beachfront city in Southern California, known for its iconic pier, stunning ocean views, and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a lively entertainment scene.

Top Attractions

Santa Monica Pier

The iconic Santa Monica Pier is a historic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, restaurants, and shops. It offers stunning ocean views and a variety of entertainment options.

Beach/Entertainment 2-4 hours Free entry, paid attractions

Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, and beach sports. The wide, sandy beach offers plenty of space for relaxation and activities.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Third Street Promenade

A pedestrian-only shopping and dining district featuring a variety of stores, restaurants, street performers, and entertainment. It's a great place to stroll and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Shopping/Dining 1-3 hours Free to explore, varies by purchases

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

A vast natural area offering hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The park features scenic trails, wildlife, and stunning views of the coastline.

Nature/Outdoor Half day to full day Free or small entrance fees for some areas

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish Tacos

Grilled or fried fish served in corn tortillas with fresh salsa, avocado, and lime. A popular beachside dish in Santa Monica.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with various types of fish, gluten-free options available.

Ahi Poke

Fresh raw ahi tuna marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Served over rice or as a salad.

Lunch/Dinner Gluten-free options available, ensure freshness when ordering.

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains Beach volleyball Sunbathing at Santa Monica Beach Yoga on the beach Spa treatments Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the summer peak. Ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits.

18-25°C 64-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time, PST)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Santa Monica is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) • 13 km (8 miles)

By train

Santa Monica Station

By bus

Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Metro Local

Getting around

Public transport

The Big Blue Bus system is reliable, affordable, and covers most of the city. Fares are reasonable, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Santa Monica Ocean Park Montana Avenue

Day trips

Venice Beach

5 km (3 miles) • Half day

Venice Beach is known for its vibrant boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic shops. It offers a unique and colorful experience with a mix of beach activities and cultural attractions.

Malibu

25 km (15 miles) • Full day

Malibu is a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches, scenic drives, and celebrity homes. It offers a mix of relaxation, outdoor activities, and sightseeing.

Hollywood

20 km (12 miles) • Full day

Hollywood is a world-famous destination known for its iconic landmarks, entertainment industry, and celebrity culture. It offers a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment.

Festivals

Twilight Concert Series • Summer (June - August) Santa Monica Pier's Annual Events • Various dates throughout the year

Pro tips

Visit the Santa Monica Pier early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.
Use the Big Blue Bus or Expo Line for convenient and affordable public transportation within the city.
Explore the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures.
Check the schedule for free concerts and events at the Santa Monica Pier and other local venues.
Support local businesses and buy locally made products to experience the unique flavors and culture of Santa Monica.