Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice

Traveling through Los Angeles often means dealing with traffic jams and crowded streets, but this electric bike tour offers a refreshing way to experience the city’s famous coastal areas. Designed for small groups, this tour lets you glide along bike-friendly paths, soak in ocean breezes, and see iconic sights at a relaxed pace. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want an active, authentic experience without the hassle of a bus or car.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the electric bikes mean you can choose to pedal or simply enjoy a gentle boost when hills or long stretches come into view. Second, the guide’s local knowledge and stories turn a sightseeing ride into a mini-lesson in LA’s vibrant beach culture. A possible consideration? The tour lasts about three hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on a bike and prepared for a fair bit of riding.

This experience is perfect for active visitors eager to explore at their own pace while avoiding LA’s notorious traffic. Whether you’re a first-timer in town or a seasoned beach lover, this tour gives you a fun, informative, and scenic introduction to Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Key Points

• Small-group electric bike experience with expert guide
• Covers major sights like Santa Monica Pier, Venice Canals, and Muscle Beach
• Flexible riding options: pedal or electric boost
• Includes helmet and bottled water for comfort and safety
• About 3 hours of riding, suitable for confident cyclists
• Ideal for travelers seeking an active, authentic LA experience

An Inside Look at the Tour Itinerary

From start to finish, this tour offers a carefully curated route that balances scenic beauty, local culture, and engaging stories. It begins with a quick meeting just east of Main Street in Santa Monica, where your guide will equip you with a helmet and brief you on the ride.

The first stop is Ocean View Park, a quick 5-minute pause where you get your first glimpse of the Pacific and Santa Monica Bay. Standing there, you’ll understand why this spot is prized for its view, offering a taste of why so many flock to the coast. One reviewer describes it as “a good tour to see the highlights and capture great photos,” which is exactly what you get here—the chance to frame the coast with your camera.

Next, you’ll visit the Santa Monica Pier, one of LA’s most recognizable landmarks. While the tour doesn’t include time on the pier itself (for safety and logistical reasons), you’ll view it from the bike path, soaking in its lively atmosphere. The pier’s Ferris wheel and amusement park are iconic symbols of LA’s beach culture, and seeing them from a bike offers a different, more intimate perspective.

The Annenberg Community Beach House is another highlight—a quiet spot with a storied past, now a public beach area with art installations and relaxing views. The tour suggests a “shh… it’s a secret,” hinting at how some of LA’s best spots remain under-the-radar, especially if you’re just passing through.

Santa Monica State Beach, a sprawling stretch of award-winning sand, gets about an hour of your time. We loved the way the guide points out the various features of the beach, along with the colorful lifeguard towers. The wide bike trail along the beach is ideal for a smooth ride and offers plenty of chances to stop, take photos, or just breathe in the sea air.

Moving south, the tour crosses into Venice Beach, renowned for its eclectic vibe. You’ll see Muscle Beach, famous for its outdoor gym and bodybuilding history, made legendary by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Venice Skatepark is nearby, where gravity-defying tricks and skaters showcase their skills. A guide’s stories add context—this is the birthplace of skateboarding after all.

Another stop is Venice’s colorful art walls, where vibrant murals tell stories of local artists and the neighborhood’s lively spirit. The Venice Canals Walkway, often compared to Venice, Italy, offers a peaceful break with its charming bridges and quaint houses—a stark contrast to the busy boardwalk.

The southernmost point of the ride is a fishing pier, a more subdued spot that offers a different view of coastal LA. From there, you’ll head back along the bike path toward Santa Monica, passing iconic towers that have appeared in countless movies and TV shows.

Finally, the ride concludes near Pacific Park, home to the Pacific Wheel Ferris Wheel. Though you won’t get to bike on the pier itself, you’ll enjoy a good view of this classic LA amusement park from afar.

What to Expect on the Bikes

The electric bikes are a real boon for this route. They’re described as “as new” by a reviewer, and having the option to switch between pedal and electric power makes the ride accessible for a broad range of fitness levels. You’ll want to be comfortable riding a bike—most of the route is on dedicated bike trails, but some street riding might occur in busier areas.

The tour lasts around three hours, which includes plenty of stops. Expect to cover a significant distance, but the electric boost means even less energetic riders can enjoy the scenery without getting overly exhausted. The bikes feature double saddlebags, so you can carry essentials like sunscreen and sunglasses comfortably.

The Guide and Group Dynamics

Guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills. Chloe_M’s review highlights guide Steph’s “fun stories along the way,” adding personality and context to the sights. Others mention Barb as an “amazing” guide who’s well-prepared and makes safety a priority.

The small group size—generally capped at six travelers—means personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. Several reviews mention how the intimate group setting enhanced the experience, allowing for questions and interaction that larger tours often lack.

Cost, Value, and Practical Tips

At $89 per person, this tour offers a decent value for the experience. It includes the bike, helmet, and bottled water—no hidden charges, which is refreshing. Considering the guided storytelling, access to multiple hotspots, and the chance to see LA’s beaches without the hassle of parking or traffic, many travelers find it worth the price.

Arriving 15 minutes early ensures you’re ready to start on time, as the tour operates only in good weather. It’s best suited for those comfortable on a bike, with a minimum age of 13 and a height of 5 feet, plus a weight around 100 lbs. The maximum age is 70, assuming a good level of comfort on two wheels.

The tour is offered in the morning and early afternoon, perfect for avoiding the midday heat and crowds. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable if rain is forecasted, as most activities are outdoors.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided electric bike tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach is ideal for active travelers eager to see LA’s coastal highlights at a relaxed pace. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate storytelling and local insights, adding depth to their sightseeing. The electric bikes remove some of the physical barriers, making it accessible for a wider range of fitness levels, provided you’re comfortable riding a bike.

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and informative way to explore LA’s beaches without the stress of traffic or parking, this tour hits the mark. It provides a balanced mix of iconic sights, local culture, and natural beauty—all with a friendly guide and a small group dynamic that feels personal.

For travelers who want to combine activity with education and are craving an authentic look at LA’s beach lifestyle, this tour offers great value. It’s a lively, memorable way to experience a part of Los Angeles many visitors miss when sticking to the tourist crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 13 years old, and riders should be comfortable on a bike. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about three hours, including stops and riding time.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
While experience helps, the electric bikes make the ride manageable even for those who are less confident. You should be comfortable riding a bike and able to handle city streets and bike trails.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee includes the electric bicycle, helmet rental, and bottled water. It does not cover tips or additional purchases.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. If the tour is canceled due to rain or poor weather, you’ll receive a full refund or reschedule.

Are the bikes easy to operate?
Yes, the bikes are designed to be user-friendly, with a switch to activate the electric boost. Guides will give instructions before setting off.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is east of Main Street, at 214 Pier Ave, Santa Monica. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early.

What should I bring?
Besides comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket are recommended. Small items can be stored in the bike’s double saddlebags.

This electric bike tour combines the best of Santa Monica and Venice Beach—scenic views, iconic sights, local stories, and just enough activity to make your day memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just someone looking to explore LA’s famous coastline in a fun, eco-friendly way, it’s a ride worth taking.