Great question! Here’s your full guide to Hop-On Hop-Off tours in Santa Monica, California — a beautiful beach city that’s often included on the route of L.A.-area sightseeing buses 🏖️🚌🌴

🌅 Hop-On Hop-Off Santa Monica – Quick Guide

❓ Is there a dedicated hop-on hop-off tour just for Santa Monica?

🚫 Not exactly.
There is no standalone hop-on hop-off tour that serves only Santa Monica.
However, Santa Monica is a major stop on several Los Angeles hop-on hop-off bus tours, especially those operated by:

✅ Big Bus Tours Los Angeles
✅ Starline / CitySightseeing LA

These companies offer full-day passes that let you explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, and Santa Monica, with the freedom to hop on and off at stops throughout the city.

🚌 How It Works in Santa Monica

You can hop off the bus at Santa Monica to enjoy:

  • Santa Monica Pier 🎡
  • Third Street Promenade 🛍️
  • Ocean Avenue & Palisades Park 🌴
  • Santa Monica State Beach 🏖️
  • Easy access to Venice Beach via walking or scooter rental

Then hop back on the next bus to head to Beverly Hills, Hollywood, or Venice.

🕒 Operating Hours (via Big Bus LA / Starline)

  • Daily: First bus ~10:00 AM, last loop ~5:00 PM
  • Buses come every 30–60 minutes depending on the route
  • Full loop: ~2.5 to 3 hours (Hollywood ↔ Santa Monica)

🎟️ Ticket Prices (estimates)

  • 1-Day Pass: ~$55–65 (adult) / ~$45 (child)
  • 2-Day Pass: ~$85+ (includes additional loops or night tour)
  • Combo passes often include Hollywood tours, celebrity home tours, or Madame Tussauds tickets

🎫 Includes all-day hop-on hop-off access across multiple routes

📍 Santa Monica Stop Locations

  • 📍 Santa Monica Pier (Main stop)
  • 📍 Ocean Avenue / Broadway
  • 📍 3rd Street Promenade

Some buses may also stop near Venice Beach depending on the route and time of day.

🎧 What’s Included?

  • Pre-recorded narration via headphones (available in multiple languages)
  • Stories about the history, celebrities, architecture, and hidden gems of LA
  • Free map + headphones included with most tours

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is it family-friendly?

Absolutely!

  • Easy for kids and seniors
  • Plenty of stops near beach attractions, parks, and restaurants
  • Kids under 3 usually ride free

📱 How to Book

💡 Why It’s Worth It

  • A fun, scenic way to go from Hollywood to the beach
  • Avoids LA traffic & parking headaches
  • Great for first-time visitors or travelers without a car
  • Awesome photo ops of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Mountains, and city skyline

Want the FAQ version or help planning a 1-day beach-to-Hollywood itinerary using the bus? I’d love to help!

Absolutely! Here’s your full Hop-On Hop-Off Santa Monica – FAQ, so you can make the most of your beach day while still exploring L.A.’s top sights 🚌🌴🎡

🏖️ Hop-On Hop-Off Santa Monica – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Does Santa Monica have a hop-on hop-off bus tour?

🚫 No dedicated tour just for Santa Monica.
✅ But Santa Monica is included as a key stop on several Los Angeles-wide hop-on hop-off bus routes, operated by:

  • Big Bus Tours Los Angeles
  • Starline Tours / CitySightseeing LA

These let you explore Santa Monica + Hollywood + Beverly Hills + Venice Beach and more.

🕒 What are the hours of operation?

  • Daily service, year-round
  • First bus: ~10:00 AM
  • Last full loop: ~5:00 PM
  • Buses come every 30–60 minutes
  • Full loop (Hollywood to Santa Monica): ~2.5 to 3 hours

🕐 Check with your tour provider for current schedules, as they vary seasonally

💰 How much do tickets cost?

Typical pricing (via Big Bus LA or Starline):

  • 1-Day Pass: ~$55–65 (adult) / ~$45 (child 3–12)
  • 2-Day Pass: ~$85+
  • Infants (under 3): Ride free

🎫 Tickets include unlimited on/off access for the valid day(s) and access to multiple city loops

📍 Where does the bus stop in Santa Monica?

Main stops include:

  • 📍 Santa Monica Pier (Ocean & Colorado Blvd)
  • 📍 3rd Street Promenade / Broadway
  • 📍 Ocean Avenue / Palisades Park

Some routes also stop at or near Venice Beach.

🎧 Is there narration?

✅ Yes – buses offer pre-recorded audio guides

  • Available in 8+ languages
  • Covers history, celebrity facts, local legends, and area tips
  • Headphones provided (or use your own)

📱 How do I buy tickets?

You can book:

🌦️ Does it run in bad weather?

✅ Yes — tours run rain or shine

  • Upper deck is open-air
  • Lower level is covered and weather-protected
    ☔ Bring a hat or poncho if rain is in the forecast

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is it family-friendly?

Definitely!

  • Great for families exploring without a car
  • Easy stops near beaches, playgrounds, shops, and restaurants
  • Kids under 3 ride free
  • Stroller-friendly (fold before boarding)

🔁 How long is my ticket valid?

  • 1-Day Pass: Valid for the calendar day of first use
  • 2-Day Pass: Valid for two consecutive days
  • You can hop on and off as much as you like

🧳 Can I bring bags or beach gear?

  • ✅ Small backpacks and beach bags: OK
  • ✅ Foldable strollers: OK
  • ❌ Large luggage or coolers: Not permitted

🎁 Are there combo deals?

Yes! You can bundle with:

  • 🎡 Madame Tussauds Hollywood
  • 🚴 Bike rental in Santa Monica
  • 🛥️ Harbor cruise or celebrity home tours
  • 🎟️ Go City Los Angeles Pass (includes hop-on hop-off + 30+ attractions)

💡 Why ride from Santa Monica?

  • Easy access from the beach to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice
  • Avoid L.A. traffic and expensive parking
  • Awesome views of the Pacific Coast, Santa Monica Mountains, and city skyline
  • Great for first-time visitors, cruise passengers, or day-trippers

Need help creating a 1-day “beach to city” itinerary using the hop-on hop-off bus? Just say the word — I’ll map out the perfect day! 🌊🛍️🌆