Two coasts, one quick ride. This Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway tour is a smart way to cover more iconic shoreline in less time than walking. I like how the setup and guidance help you feel confident fast, and it also cuts through the usual hassle of figuring out where to park.

I also love the built-in variety: you get classic Santa Monica Pier views, a stop at famous Muscle Beach, and then you shift gears into Venice’s oddball streets, canals, and beach-scene energy. The pace is relaxed enough to take photos, but busy enough that you don’t feel like you spent two hours coasting in circles.

One thing to plan for: you have to wear the right shoes. The tour notes that sandals/flip-flops and sports shoes are not allowed, so double-check footwear before you show up.

Key highlights at a glance

• Santa Monica waterfront glide with boardwalk views and ocean air
• Muscle Beach stop, famous from film and pop culture
• Venice Beach canals and unusual homes along the way
• Santa Monica Pier sights plus Ocean Front Walk sights
• California Heritage Museum pass-by for a change of scene
• Snacks and beverages included, which matters on a sunny ride

Why This Santa Monica–Venice Segway Combo Works So Well

This tour is designed for people who want the headline sights without turning it into a full-day hike. In just two hours, you cover the stretch that connects Santa Monica’s classic beachfront with Venice Beach’s famously offbeat vibe. That time compression is the real value: you get variety without burning the day on transit or finding parking.

You also get something walking doesn’t: a smooth, continuous flow along the waterfront paths and boardwalk. On a Segway, the ride feels like moving through viewpoints instead of stopping, starting, and weaving through crowds on foot. And because you’re riding with a professional guide, you’re not stuck guessing where the best angles are for photos or how to handle the moment-to-moment speed changes.

Finally, this is one of those routes where the scenery changes in a very clear way. You begin with Santa Monica’s orderly, sun-and-surf feel, then you transition into Venice’s louder personality: street performers, artsy corners, and homes that look like they were designed for a movie set. That shift is fun, and it’s part of why the Segway works so well here.

Meeting at Casa del Mar and Getting Your Segway Ready

Your meeting point is the beachfront entrance of the Casa Del Mar Hotel, near the toll booth just south of the hotel. The address is 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Another Side Tours staff will be wearing an Another Side Tours shirt on the Segway, and there’s a cash parking lot next to the hotel (listed as $7–12).

You should plan on arriving a few minutes early, because you’ll need a quick check-in and then helmet + safety instruction before you head out. The included helmet is non-negotiable for comfort and safety, especially in areas where you’ll share paths with pedestrians.

A useful detail from real-world experience: many people feel nervous at first, mostly because they’re balancing while surrounded by beach energy. The tour addresses that with a hands-on training period before you mingle with the crowds. One traveler even noted that the initial instruction happens on a parking lot, which is exactly where it should happen. Calm space first, then the real route.

Also note what’s not included: there’s no hotel pick-up or drop-off. So you’ll be responsible for getting yourself to the start point in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica: Pier Views and Muscle Beach on Wheels

Santa Monica is where this tour starts flexing its classic card. Right from the waterfront, you glide along the boardwalk area and Ocean Front Walk zone, where you’ll see the “California postcard” stuff in motion. The beauty of Segways here is timing: you can keep moving while you spot the big landmarks.

One of the key moments is the Santa Monica Pier. From the rider’s perspective, it’s easier to take in the scale of the pier and shoreline than it is when you’re on foot, because you’re not constantly stopping to navigate crowds. You’ll also get that satisfying feeling of being above the “just walking” flow, even though you’re still moving at human pace.

Then there’s Muscle Beach—the iconic fitness spot referenced in movies around the world. The tour gives you a stop that’s short enough to keep momentum, but long enough for you to register what you’re seeing. This matters, because Muscle Beach is one of those places that looks like a set the first time you spot it, but it’s also real-life energy. Having a guide helps you make sense of why it’s famous, not just where it is.

Before the ride swings you toward Venice, you also pass by the California Heritage Museum area. It’s a nice reminder that this isn’t only about beach scenery—Santa Monica has culture built into the shoreline.

Venice Beach: Abbot Kinney’s Italian-Inspired Streets and Canals

Then you move into Venice Beach, and the vibe changes fast. Santa Monica can feel like polished and familiar; Venice feels like imagination with a pulse. The tour route takes you through Venice to see the canals and some of the area’s unique homes, which is a big part of what makes this beach neighborhood different from the rest of the California coast.

Venice is often described as being laid out by Abbot Kinney as a fantasy replica of a northern Italian city. Even if you’re not studying architecture, you’ll feel that idea in the way the streets and water features are presented. The result is that Venice looks like it’s telling a story, not just selling beach access.

This is also where the street performer culture and the underground arts scene show up. You may have opportunities to pause and watch what’s happening, or to look at the area’s art galleries if you’d like to step inside. I like this part of the tour because it gives you a chance to see Venice as more than scenery. It’s a lived-in creative neighborhood.

And yes, the beach itself is part of the experience—the active community, the boardwalk energy, and the sense that people are here for the day, not just for photos. Venice can be chaotic on your own, but on a Segway route with a guide, it’s easier to enjoy the weirdness without getting stressed.

One small practical note: Venice paths can feel busier than Santa Monica. Your guide’s job is to keep you moving safely, and that’s where the earlier safety instruction pays off.

Pacing for a 2-Hour Tour and How to Maximize Photos

A two-hour tour can feel either rushed or well-timed—depending on how it’s structured. Here’s what makes this one work: the ride is designed around short segments with viewpoints, landmark moments, and then transitions. You’re not just cranking forward for 120 minutes. You’re getting a pattern.

The tour includes snacks and beverages, which is a big deal on a sunny coastal day. Even if you’re not hungry, having a little break helps keep energy steady so you don’t rush the last part just to feel done.

Photo strategy: go wide early and close late. Santa Monica’s boardwalk and the pier area are your wide-angle shots—get those while the scenery is broad and bright. In Venice, you’ll want more close-ups: the canals, quirky building details, and street-level art or activity. Because you’re moving, your job is to stay aware and snap without stopping the flow too long.

Group dynamics are another factor. The tour is led by a professional guide (and the experience offers English and Spanish). Some travelers reported even a nearly private feel when group size was small, which changes everything. If your group ends up smaller, you’ll likely have more chance to ask questions and slow down for the sights that catch your eye.

Finally, pay attention to your own comfort. A Segway isn’t hard once you’re trained, but your body still needs a few minutes to feel natural. Plan to treat the first part of the route like a warm-up, not the time when you demand perfect control for photos.

Price, What’s Included, and Who Gets the Best Value

At $199 per person for a two-hour tour, you’re paying for three things: the Segway itself, the guide, and the convenience of covering a big stretch efficiently. If you were doing Santa Monica and Venice by bike or car, you’d still spend time lining everything up. You’d also likely miss the value of having stops that are chosen to match the route’s highlights.

What you get for your money is clearly spelled out: a 2-hour Segway tour, helmet, safety instruction, professional guide, plus snacks and beverages. That inclusion matters because it reduces the extra stuff you’d otherwise carry. On a beach day, light snacks and water can turn a “we might do something later” morning into an actual activity with energy to enjoy it.

Value depends on your travel style. This is a great fit if you:

• Want headline sights without a whole-day schedule
• Enjoy quirky neighborhoods and people-watching
• Are comfortable spending a little more to save time

It’s less of a bargain if you mainly prefer slow, lingering beach time with no structured stops. In that case, walking can be cheaper and gives more freedom. But if you want a curated route that mixes Santa Monica classics with Venice Beach’s creative chaos, the $199 price starts to make sense.

Also consider who it’s for: the tour requires you to be at least 8 years old. Children under 8 aren’t suitable, and you’ll want everyone in your group to be able to handle basic Segway balancing safely.

Should You Book This Tour? My Straight Answer

Book it if you want the best parts of Santa Monica and Venice Beach in one go, with minimal hassle. The combination of waterfront gliding, a Pier + Muscle Beach moment, and the shift into Venice’s canals and artsy streets is a strong mix, especially for first-timers.

Skip it if you have footwear issues or you don’t want to spend time following safety rules and keeping to a paced route. Also keep in mind that there’s no hotel pick-up, so you’ll need to get yourself to the Casa Del Mar beachfront entrance.

If you do book, do yourself a favor and show up ready: wear compliant shoes, bring a little patience for the first few minutes, and keep your camera accessible. You’ll get a memorable “two places, one ride” day without feeling like you’ve spent it trapped in traffic or stuck choosing between Santa Monica or Venice.

FAQ

How long is the Segway tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What does the price include?

It includes the 2-hour Segway tour, helmet, safety instruction, a professional guide, and snacks and beverages.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at the beachfront entrance of the Casa Del Mar Hotel, near the toll booth just south of the hotel. Address: 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405.

Is hotel pick-up or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

What is the minimum age to join?

You must be at least 8 years old to participate.

What footwear is not allowed?

The tour lists sandals or flip-flops and sports shoes as not allowed.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re going with kids or adults only, and I’ll suggest the best way to time the photo stops along the Santa Monica-to-Venice route.

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