2 Best Food Tours In Santa Monica

Santa Monica is famous for its beachfront vibe, but its culinary scene offers much more than just ocean views. The city’s mix of Mexican street food, modern California cuisine, and diverse immigrant flavors makes it a perfect destination for food lovers. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a more in-depth exploration of local eateries, Santa Monica’s food tours can give you an authentic taste of what this lively town has to offer.

In this guide, we’ll look at two top-rated options: a Taco and Wine Tour that combines flavorful bites with drinks, and a Vegetarian Food & Walking Tour that showcases Santa Monica’s veggie-friendly scene and cultural landmarks. Both tours provide a different kind of experience—one emphasizing casual, flavorful Mexican dishes with a relaxed pace, the other offering a broader look at local history and diverse cuisines, with a focus on vegetarian options. Read on for detailed insights to help you choose the perfect Santa Monica food adventure.

1. Food and Wine Tour Santa Monica

At $145 per person, the Food and Wine Tour Santa Monica stands out for its focus on Mexican and Latino cuisine. Running for about 2 hours 30 minutes, this tour covers roughly 1.5 miles of moderate walking along the iconic Third Street Promenade and Ocean Avenue. It’s designed for those who love flavorful bites paired with thoughtfully chosen drinks.

What makes this tour unique is the blend of storytelling and culinary expertise. Your guide shares fun facts about Santa Monica’s history and the artistry behind crafting the perfect taco. The tour includes five tacos—ranging from savory carne asada and zesty fish tacos to vegetarian options—plus desserts and two alcoholic drinks such as margaritas, wine, or beer. These pairings are carefully curated to enhance each flavor and create a memorable experience.

Participants rave about how full they leave feeling, thanks to the generous tastings. The tour also offers gift coupons for local vendors, adding value beyond the experience. This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy casual walking, lively stories, and sampling a variety of authentic Mexican dishes. The moderate pace makes it suitable for most fitness levels, though it’s best for those comfortable with a 2.5-hour stroll.

Bottom Line: The Food and Wine Tour offers a flavorful, relaxed introduction to Santa Monica’s Mexican cuisine, ideal for those who want a mix of cultural stories and tasty bites.

2. Gourmet Santa Monica Vegetarian Food & Walking Tour

Priced at $149, the Gourmet Santa Monica Vegetarian Food & Walking Tour lasts 3 to 4 hours and covers 7-9 vegetarian tastings at some of Santa Monica’s top eateries. It spends more time exploring than the taco tour, making it better suited for those who want a deeper dive into the local food scene and its history.

This tour features a mix of casual and upscale venues, from small neighborhood spots to prominent restaurants, highlighting modern California cuisine and immigrant flavors such as Vietnamese, Caribbean, and Ethiopian. You’ll walk through the Third Street Promenade and Downtown Santa Monica, as guides share stories about the city’s development and cultural diversity. Stops include historic sites like the Hotel Casa del Mar and Belmar Park, as well as Bruce’s Beach, a significant site in African American history.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on vegetarian options and the opportunity to explore Santa Monica’s social history. While reviews are currently unposted, the emphasis on local stories and varied tastings makes it ideal for those interested in history as well as food. The longer duration allows for a more leisurely experience, perfect for visitors who want to savor the flavors and learn about the community.

Bottom Line: This tour offers a rich mix of vegetarian cuisine and cultural insights, best for travelers who prefer a more extensive, educational food experience.

How to Choose

When selecting between these two Santa Monica food tours, consider what kind of experience you’re after. The Food and Wine Tour Santa Monica is ideal if you prefer a shorter, flavorful walk focusing on Mexican tacos, paired with drinks and lively storytelling. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick, satisfying taste of local flavors.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in a more comprehensive exploration of Santa Monica’s diverse food scene and history, the Gourmet Vegetarian Food & Walking Tour offers a longer, more in-depth experience. Its focus on vegetarian dishes and cultural stories makes it particularly suited for foodies who enjoy learning about local communities and trying a broader variety of flavors.

Budget-wise, both tours are similar, with the taco tour slightly cheaper per hour, but the vegetarian tour’s longer duration may offer more value. Be sure to book early, especially in peak seasons, as popular tours tend to fill quickly.

Final Thoughts

Santa Monica’s food scene is as diverse as its seaside views. For a quick but flavorful introduction, the Taco and Wine Tour is a convenient choice, especially if you love Mexican food and casual walking. If you want a deeper dive into local culture with a focus on vegetarian options and historic sites, the Vegetarian Food & Walking Tour provides a more leisurely, educational experience.

Depending on your interests and schedule, either tour makes a great addition to your Santa Monica trip. Planning ahead and booking early will ensure you get the best experience possible. Whichever you choose, you’ll leave with tasty memories and a better understanding of this dynamic coastal town.