Cruising the coast by e-bike feels like a cheat code. This private Santa Monica and Venice tour strings together the best beachfront sights, from the 26-Mile Bike Path to Venice Beach’s boardwalk, with frequent stops for photos and stories. You get an easy electric ride that helps you cover a lot without arriving wiped out.

I love two things most: the photo-friendly route (pier views, lifeguard towers, canals, street art, and iconic Santa Monica moments) and the guide-led pacing that keeps the trip from turning into a random bike shuffle. I also like that you spend much of the time on the dedicated 26-Mile Bike Path, which makes the day feel efficient and calmer than weaving through traffic.

One drawback to plan for: you must be comfortable riding a bike. Also, bike rules on the pier are strict, and the tour won’t run in rain, so you’ll want at least partly sunny conditions.

Key highlights worth carving into your schedule

• 26-Mile Bike Path focus with lots of short, timed story stops along the way
• Santa Monica Pier photo time with clear limits (no riding on the pier)
• Venice Beach + Boardwalk combo in one flow, plus skatepark and art walls
• Venice Canals Walkway as a quieter photo break away from the sand
• Santa Monica Bay beach-path riding for the classic surf-and-sky rhythm
• Photo memories package included, with edited photos emailed within 7 days

Why Santa Monica to Venice on an e-bike works better than doing it alone

Santa Monica and Venice are close enough that you should see both, but far enough that doing it by foot can turn into a legs-only workout. This tour solves that problem with electric bikes that make the ride feel approachable, even if you’re not an aggressive cyclist.

Because it’s private, you’re not stuck matching someone else’s pace. Your guide can slow down for a better photo angle at the pier, or pause where the view is actually worth your time. That matters on this stretch of coast, where you’ll otherwise spend energy stopping and starting instead of enjoying the scenery.

You also get the small-but-important advantage of route structure. You’re not guessing where the best photo spots are or which sections are likely to be crowded. Instead, you’ll follow a planned coast route with frequent short breaks, so the day stays fun instead of frantic.

The 26-Mile Bike Path: built for big views and short stops

This is the backbone of the tour, with about 2 to 2.5 hours spread across the 26-Mile Bike Path. The format is simple: ride for a bit, then stop for 10 to 15 minutes to hear stories, get trivia, and check out interesting attractions along the way.

What I like about this setup is that it prevents the “ride in a line, then sprint for photos” problem. The timed pauses help you notice things you’d miss if you were just biking casually—like the repeating coastline rhythm and the photo-worthy elements that pop up along the path.

You also get plenty of “coastal breathing room.” The route is designed around the beach cities vibe, so you’re constantly switching between motion and short scenic moments. Expect sand in your shoes sometimes, especially around photo stops near the beach edge.

Santa Monica Pier: a famous backdrop, with one rule you’ll respect

You’ll get a dedicated photo stop at Santa Monica Pier for about 15 minutes. The obvious win is the background: the pier, Ferris wheel, and rollercoaster all show up in one frame. This is also where the “iconic Santa Monica” feeling lands hardest, because the pier is practically built for pictures.

The key practical note: bike riding is not permitted on the pier. So you’ll stop, get the photos you want, and then continue once you’re back on the path.

If you want more than photos, there’s an optional angle your guide can handle by request: a quick stroll for Pacific Park. That’s not part of biking on the pier, and the pier is about 1.2 miles (2 km) from the starting point, so if you add extra walking, plan to keep your stamina in check.

Annenberg Community Beach House: quick stories, strong context

You’ll swing by the Annenberg Community Beach House for about 15 minutes. This stop is less about spending time inside and more about snapping a few photos and collecting culture-and-history stories from your guide.

The theme here is “why this place matters.” Even if you only get a brief look, your guide’s explanations help you connect the buildings and beach surroundings to the broader Santa Monica scene. It’s a nice counterbalance to the more “action-forward” stops later in Venice.

Because it’s a short, overlap-style stop, it doesn’t drag your timeline. You’ll move on without feeling like you just got trapped in a sightseeing lecture.

Venice Beach + the Boardwalk: where the day gets loud and fun

Venice Beach is where the vibe shifts. You’ll have about 1 hour along the beach itself, with stops geared toward the best sights. This is the place that feels like an art fair meets beach day—people watching is part of the experience, and your guide helps you focus on what’s worth your camera roll.

Then you’ll ride the Venice Beach Boardwalk area for about 45 minutes, staying on the parallel bike path next to the boardwalk. The big benefit is pacing: you can take in the vendors and the street-life energy without stepping into the thickest crowd every time.

From there, you can expect a mini-3-stop stack:

• Venice Skatepark (about 15 minutes): it’s often busy with gravity-defying action, and you’ll have time for a few looks and photo attempts
• Venice art walls (about 5 minutes): Legal graffiti art that can change over time, so quick photos help
• General boardwalk-and-beach viewing stops that match the rhythm of the ride

One consideration: Venice can be noisy and busy. If you’re sensitive to crowds or want a calmer day, you may prefer arriving early for photos, but the tour timing already accounts for a mix of beach activity and controlled bike pacing.

Venice Canals Walkway: a quieter pause that makes the tour feel complete

After the beach energy, you’ll get a break at the Venice Canals Walkway for about 20 minutes. This is the kind of stop that turns the tour from just “coast sightseeing” into “different sides of the same city.”

Because the bike route pulls you away from the main beach strip for a few blocks, it feels like a different neighborhood mood. You’ll get your photo time here—think charming streetscape details and a calmer scene that contrasts with the boardwalk behind you.

I like this stop because it gives your brain a reset. You come off the busy beach and suddenly you can slow down, look around, and actually take your time with the view.

Muscle Beach Venice Gym and lifeguard-town symbolism in the same day

You’ll have another recognizable Venice stop at the Muscle Beach Venice Gym for about 15 minutes. The tour notes that it’s famous because Arnold Schwarzenegger used to work out there, and you’ll get pop culture stories along the way.

Important practical detail from the tour info: it’s called out as closed for renovation until March 2020. The visit is structured so you don’t need to plan your expectations around entering a workout area, and your time is geared toward viewing and photos.

On top of that, you’ll also pass classic coastal “Hollywood-by-proxy” imagery like lifeguard towers along the beach edge. If your guide sees you want the shot, there can be a chance to get closer for that iconic lifeguard photo. Just keep in mind you might get sand involved, so closed-toe shoes are a smart move.

Santa Monica State Beach and Santa Monica Bay riding: the surf-side payoff

About half the tour time is spent in Santa Monica, with 1 to 1.5 hours around Santa Monica State Beach and the day anchored by riding along Santa Monica Bay. The whole tour is about 3 hours, and many earlier stops overlap with the bay riding time, so you’re not jumping randomly between locations.

The effect is simple: you’ll spend real time riding right next to the beach atmosphere. Think surf sounds, open sky, and that “why is this so calming” feeling that comes from moving along a coastline without having to manage heavy traffic.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to travel with your camera out but still enjoy the ride, this is where you’ll feel most “on vacation.” You’re not rushing every second, and you get to enjoy the coast instead of treating it like a checklist.

Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome carousel: the nostalgic stop that’s worth the time

You’ll end up at Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome, home of the Santa Monica carousel. Expect about 10 to 15 minutes, and your admission is included.

This is one of those sights that has movie-and-TV familiarity built in. Even if you’ve only seen the building in passing, your guide can help connect the carousel to the classic Santa Monica identity. There’s also an option by request to carve out a moment for a photo or a spin, so it can be as quick or as “kid-at-heart” as your group wants.

This is a nice closer because it turns the day’s energy into something warm and memorable. After Venice’s street-level action, the carousel feels like a gentle reset.

What you get for $119: how the value adds up for a private 3-hour coast tour

At $119 per person for about 3 hours, the best way to judge value is to look at what’s bundled.

You’re getting:

• Electric bike + helmet, which is a big cost and hassle saver
• Bottled water
• A professional guide who handles pacing and the story stops
• A photo memories package ($30 value), with edited photos emailed within 7 days
• Small PPE like 1 oz hand sanitizer for use on the bike

That photo package is one of the most practical parts of the deal. On a tour like this, you’re often balancing riding with taking photos. Having your guide handle photo moments means you spend less time untangling phone settings and more time actually enjoying the day.

The tour also avoids extra “gotcha” costs at most stops, since many listed stops note free admission, with the carousel included. The main additional expense is usually discretionary, like gratuity.

Should you book the private Santa Monica and Venice e-bike tour?

Book it if you want a structured way to see both beaches without turning the day into an endurance event. It’s especially good for groups who want history and pop culture context but still want freedom to stop for photos.

Skip it (or at least rethink timing) if you’re not comfortable riding a bike, because the tour requires that. Also note it doesn’t operate in rain, so plan with the weather in mind.

If your ideal LA day looks like ocean views, iconic backdrops, and a guide who can keep things moving without rushing you, this one fits. With private e-bike comfort and real photo support, it’s a strong value way to experience Santa Monica and Venice in one go.

FAQ

How long is the private e-bike tour?

It runs about 3 hours (approx.).

What does the tour cost?

The price is $119.00 per person.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Do I need to know how to ride a bike?

You must be comfortable riding a bike. E-bikes are provided, along with a helmet.

Can I bike onto the Santa Monica Pier?

No. Bike riding is not permitted on the pier. The tour includes a photo stop there, and any additional pier walking is handled by request.

Where does the tour start and end?

Start at Pedal or Not Electric Bike Tourseast of Main Street, 214 Pier Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA. It ends back at the meeting point.

What attractions are included for free?

Many stops are listed as free admission, including time at the 26-Mile Bike Path segments, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach areas (including the boardwalk and skatepark), Venice art walls, Venice Canals Walkway, and Santa Monica State Beach/Bay riding.

Is the Santa Monica carousel included?

Yes. Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome carousel admission is included.

When will I receive the photos?

Photos are taken during the tour, edited, and emailed within 7 days.

Does the tour run in rain?

No. Tours do not operate in rain. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.