Discover Venice, California’s iconic beaches, canals, and vibrant culture on a 4.5-hour guided open-air van tour. Experience the city’s unique vibe with insiders.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks during stops
Wildlife
History
Venice’s canals were designed in 1905 to mimic Venice, Italy, creating a distinctive waterfront neighborhood.
Conservation
Efforts focus on protecting coastal habitats and maintaining the canal water quality amid urban surroundings.
Surf City Tours
Discover Venice, California’s iconic beaches, canals, and vibrant culture on a 4.5-hour guided open-air van tour. Experience the city’s unique vibe with insiders.
Surf City Tours is a Los Angeles–based tour operator specializing in guided sightseeing, coastal drives, and surf experiences across Southern California. The company curates a range of day trips and multi-stop excursions including Hollywood sightseeing on convertible buses, coastal drives through Malibu and Venice, surf days from Santa Monica, and special-event outings such as Cirque du Soleil on the Santa Monica Pier. Guides deliver live narration and local insights while transporting guests in customized open-air vans and convertible buses.
Tours range from two-hour Hollywood sightseeings to 5.5-hour full-day coastal tours. Popular itineraries listed include The Perfect LA Tour, The Perfect Malibu Tour, The Perfect Venice Tour, Santa Monica Surf Tour, Hollywood Hopper Tour, and multiple Two Hour Hollywood Tour departures. Each itinerary highlights iconic locations: the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Sunset Strip, celebrity homes, Santa Monica Pier, Malibu coastline, Venice canals, and local surf breaks.
Surf City Tours provides equipment and logistics for surf excursions, and arranges stops for food, beach time, and photo opportunities. For special events, the operator organizes transportation and timed visits to scheduled performances such as Cirque du Soleil: KOOZA on the Santa Monica Pier. Pickup and meeting logistics vary by tour and are provided at booking.
Surf City Tours markets experiences for visitors seeking guided, narrative-driven exploration and active beach days in Los Angeles. The operator’s focus on curated routes, local guides, and customized vehicles aims to make Los Angeles accessible and memorable for travelers. Tours are available for individuals and private groups year-round.
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Base of operations
Vehicle Types
Convertible buses & surf vans
Open-air sightseeing vehicles
Featured Experience
Cirque Du Soleil: KOOZA
Special-event tours available
Tour Durations
2–5.5 hrs
Short to half-day itineraries
Select a tour, check availability, and reserve transportation for sightseeing, surf days, or special-event outings in Los Angeles.
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
Venice’s sunny weather calls for reliable sun protection throughout the tour.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour includes walking stops along canals and beaches—good footwear enhances comfort.
Charge your camera or phone
There are plenty of photo-worthy moments at canals and beachfront spots—don’t miss capturing them.
Arrive early for parking
Parking near the departure point in Santa Monica can be limited; plan ahead to avoid stress.
Sunglasses
Protects eyes from strong coastal sun during the open-air van ride.
summer
Comfortable walking shoes
Ensures comfort during brief on-foot exploration by canals and beaches.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Helpful for cooler coastal breezes, especially in mornings or evenings.
spring
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated while spending time outdoors on the tour.