Things to Do in Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu
A pier, a boardwalk, canals and miles of beach along Santa Monica Bay.
See top-rated activities »About Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu
The beach cities give Los Angeles its postcard image. Santa Monica, a separate city on the bay, is built around its pier, which dates to 1909 and holds the Pacific Park amusement area with a Ferris wheel and roller coaster over the water. A sign on the pier marks the symbolic end of Route 66. Above the beach, Palisades Park runs along the bluff with palm trees and sunset views, and a few blocks inland the Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian shopping street.
A paved beach path, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, runs south from Santa Monica along the sand for miles, and renting a bike or skates is the best way to see the coast. It leads straight to Venice, where the Ocean Front Walk boardwalk is a mix of street performers, souvenir stalls, the Muscle Beach outdoor gym and a busy skatepark. A few blocks inland, the Venice Canals, laid out by developer Abbot Kinney in 1905, are lined with small bridges and gardens and make a quiet walk, while Abbot Kinney Boulevard has some of the area's best shops and restaurants. Just south, Marina del Rey is the base for harbor cruises, paddleboarding and kayak trips past sea lions.
Santa Monica is also a good place to learn to surf; several schools give lessons on the gentle beach breaks near the pier. North of the city, the Pacific Coast Highway follows the shore to Malibu, a long, thin city of beaches, coves and canyon roads. Zuma Beach is wide and sandy, El Matador State Beach has sea stacks and caves, and Malibu Pier anchors the surf break at Surfrider Beach. In the hills above, small wineries and vineyard tours are an unexpected draw.
Parts of the coast between Santa Monica and Malibu, including Pacific Palisades, are still rebuilding after the January 2025 wildfires, so check the status of roads, beaches and attractions before you go.
Don’t Miss
A 1909 pier with Pacific Park's rides, an aquarium under the pier, restaurants and the end-of-Route-66 sign.
A small amusement park on the pier with an oceanfront Ferris wheel and roller coaster.
A lively boardwalk of street performers, vendors, Muscle Beach and the Venice Skatepark.
Residential canals with footbridges and gardens, a calm walk a few blocks from the boardwalk.
A public beach house on the former Marion Davies estate, with a seasonal pool open to the public.
One of the largest beaches in the county, popular for swimming, body surfing and long walks.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu
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TiqetsTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked November 8, 2026. Best of Los Angeles County may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu — FAQ
Is the Santa Monica Pier free?
Yes, walking onto the pier is free. Rides at Pacific Park are paid individually or with an unlimited-ride wristband, and the small aquarium beneath the pier asks for a modest donation.
How do I get from Santa Monica to Venice?
Walk or ride the beach bike path south for about two miles, or take a short bus or rideshare. Bike and electric scooter rentals are easy to find near the pier.
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