Two miles of coast, one silent buzz. This 2-hour Segway tour pairs Santa Monica Pier views with Venice Beach canal-style streets, so you cover a lot of ground without tiring your feet.

You’ll glide the waterfront, hit the famous Muscle Beach area, and roll through Venice where the street layout and architecture feel oddly specific—like the city has a sense of humor.

One key drawback to plan for: there’s no hotel pick-up, so you’ll need to make your own way to the Casa Del Mar meeting point.

I also like that the experience is structured. You get a hands-on Segway start with safety instruction, then your guide keeps you moving confidently along busy boardwalks. English and Spanish tours run with a live guide, and names like Luce and Cameron have been mentioned by riders for keeping things fun and easy to follow.

Quick hits: what makes this Segway route work

• Santa Monica waterfront + Pier on wheels: you see the big icons without spending the whole time walking.
• Venice’s built-by-a-dream layout: you ride through the area shaped by developer Abbot Kinney as a fantasy replica of northern Italy.
• Muscle Beach stop: a workout-meets-movie-set landmark you’ll recognize quickly.
• California Heritage Museum on the route: a cultural break that helps Venice feel more than just scenery.
• Snacks and beverages included: a small detail that matters once you’re out in salty air for 2 hours.

Riding the Santa Monica and Venice coast on a Segway

If you’ve ever tried to do Santa Monica and Venice in one day, you know the problem: it’s two places with totally different vibes, and getting from one to the other eats time. This tour solves that with a simple idea—use a Segway to do the long stretches fast, so you can spend your energy actually looking.

The route is built around classic sights plus the kind of weird detail you don’t always notice from a distance. You’ll move along the beach and boardwalk, then work your way toward Venice Beach’s canals and distinctive homes. The tour also threads in a stop at the California Heritage Museum and includes the Santa Monica Pier area, so it doesn’t feel like one long sightseeing blur.

At $199 per person for a 2-hour experience, you should think of this as time-savings with equipment included. You’re paying for coaching, a guided route, and the convenience of seeing multiple neighborhoods without hopping into traffic or trying to park everywhere.

Where you start: Casa Del Mar meeting point and how to arrive smoothly

The tour’s meeting spot is the beachfront entrance of the Casa Del Mar Hotel, near the toll booth just south of the hotel. The address is 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405.

There’s a parking lot right next to the hotel, and it’s listed as a cash lot around $7 to $12. If you’re coming from out of town, this is the kind of place where arriving a few minutes early helps. Boardwalk areas can be confusing if you’re scanning signs while walking with beach bags.

Two practical tips:

• Call 310-289-8687 if you have trouble finding the spot.
• Look for a guide wearing an Another Side Tours shirt riding a Segway—this is usually the quickest way to confirm you’re in the right place.

Also note: the experience doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off. You’ll be responsible for your own transport to the meeting point, then you’ll be with the guide for the duration.

First minutes on the Segway: safety, helmets, and getting balanced fast

The Segway Personal Transporter is the main event here, but the tour doesn’t assume you already know how to use it. You’ll get safety instruction and helmet use as part of the experience, and you start with a short setup period before you’re out among boardwalk crowds.

What I like about this style of start is that it keeps your brain calm. You’re not just figuring out balance while also trying to read the streetscape. You get the basics so you can focus on what matters—views, architecture, and famous landmarks.

In previous rides, people have mentioned that the initial instruction happens on a nearby parking area, which makes sense. If the ground is controlled and there’s space, you learn the feel of the machine without stress. Once you’re comfortable, the guide can guide you through the coastal stretches in a way that feels safe and steady.

Important rules to plan around:

• You must be at least 8 years old to join.
• You’re required to wear a helmet (provided as part of the tour).
• You can’t wear sandals or flip-flops, and sports shoes are also listed as not allowed.

That footwear rule is the one detail you’ll want to double-check before you show up. If your shoes are borderline, contact the operator ahead of time.

Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Front Walk: the classic hits without the whole hike

The tour spends time in Santa Monica first, and that’s smart because the area’s landmarks are easy to recognize once you’re up close. You’ll glide along the waterfront and the Santa Monica seaside areas, with stops and slow-down moments that match what people come here to see.

Here’s what you can look for:

• The Santa Monica Pier: the big landmark at the end of the boardwalk experience. It’s the kind of place where you’ll immediately know you’re in Santa Monica.
• Ocean Front Walk: you pass by the chic galleries along this stretch and get a front-row feel for how the neighborhood mixes beach culture with retail and art spaces.
• Seaside real estate vibes: the coastline here has that polished California look, and riding beside it makes the scenery feel like it’s moving past you at exactly the right speed.

One way to think about this segment: it’s where you get the coast photos and the landmarks out of the way early, before switching to Venice’s more eccentric energy. You’re not trying to sprint between places. You’re gliding, watching, and letting the route do the heavy lifting.

Muscle Beach: a movie-famous stop you can actually spot

Muscle Beach is one of those sights that feels famous even before you know why. It’s talked about in movies around the world, and the name gets people excited because it connects to the idea of outdoor training and showmanship.

On this tour, you don’t just pass a sign. You get a real moment where you can see the area and understand the reputation. That matters because Muscle Beach isn’t only about the equipment—it’s about the culture. Standing there briefly (on a Segway, with a guide controlling the flow) gives you context fast.

This is also one of those stops that’s great for mixed groups. If one person wants the landmark value and another wants the street-level vibe, you get both at once.

The California Heritage Museum stop: why this break is worth it

Most beach-and-boardwalk tours only chase scenery. This one adds a stop tied to local context. You’ll ride past the California Heritage Museum and also make time for a stop there as part of the route.

Why does that matter? Because Santa Monica and Venice are often treated like themed places—pretty, fun, and slightly chaotic. A museum stop adds a pause, a different angle, and a reminder that these neighborhoods have grown, changed, and been interpreted over time.

Even if you only spend a short while at the museum stop (your exact time can depend on the day), it changes how you experience the coast afterward. You’re not just consuming views; you’re seeing the area with a little more structure.

Entering Venice Beach: canals, odd homes, and a very specific kind of creative chaos

Then comes Venice, and it’s different in a way that’s easier to feel than describe. The tour moves through Venice Beach to take in its canals and unique homes—built environment details that are hard to catch while walking quickly or riding a bicycle alone.

Venice here has an origin story that’s baked into the streets. It was developed by Abbot Kinney, designed as a fantasy replica of the northern Italian city. You don’t need to be an architecture expert to notice the effect. The street layout and feel are just distinct enough that it makes sense people talk about Venice being unlike anywhere else.

Here’s what you can expect to notice during the ride:

• The canal-like street vibe and the sense of Venice as a constructed place
• Street performers and the kind of offbeat energy that keeps the area from feeling like a museum
• Architecture that ranges from quirky to charming, with enough variation to keep your eyes busy

Today, the area is described as having a thriving underground arts scene and an active beach community. That matters because it explains why you’ll see both art culture and beach culture side by side. And yes, it’s part of why Venice feels like it has a personality.

If you’re worried Venice will just be noise, this is the good version of it. You’re not trapped in one block. You’re moving across the area with a guide, so you get multiple impressions without burning out.

Snacks, timing, and comfort: making the 2 hours feel like more

This tour is 2 hours, which is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to see Santa Monica icons, ride into Venice, and still have time for a museum stop. But it’s short enough that you’re not stuck wondering when it ends.

Included snacks and beverages are more important than they sound. Coastal air can dry you out and make you hungry faster than expected, and if you’re learning a new device while moving, you’ll burn energy without realizing it. Having refreshments built into the tour is a real value add because it removes one planning step.

A few comfort points so you can enjoy the ride:

• Bring clothing that works with changing seaside weather.
• Plan for boardwalk crowds. Your guide will manage the flow, but you’ll still be moving through an active public space.
• Wear clothing and shoes that match the restrictions. No sandals/flip-flops, and sports shoes are listed as not allowed, so get this right before you head out.

Price and value: is $199 fair for a Santa Monica–Venice Segway day?

At $199 per person, it’s not a budget activity. The value comes from a combination of things you’d otherwise have to pay for separately or give up time on:

• You’re paying for a live professional guide and a planned route that strings together major sights.
• You get equipment and safety support: helmet and safety instruction are included.
• You get snacks and beverages, which removes one expense and one hassle.
• Most importantly, you’re covering a lot of coastline without turning this into a full-day walking mission.

So, for whom is it worth it?

• You have a limited time window in Los Angeles and want maximum sightseeing per hour.
• You want the big icons (Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach) plus the distinct Venice layout without needing to design the route yourself.
• You don’t want to rent and self-navigate while also learning a new vehicle in a crowded environment.

If you’re on a tight budget or you already plan to spend hours walking the boardwalks, this could feel pricey. But if you want a guided, coast-focused way to see both neighborhoods in one go, it’s the kind of splurge that actually buys convenience.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This experience is a great fit if you like guided sightseeing with movement—short stops, quick learning, and lots of scenery.

It’s also a good match if you’re traveling with different ages within the allowed range. Kids under 8 can’t join, but people 8 and older can participate, and the ride is structured with safety in mind.

That said, it may not be the best choice if:

• You don’t want to deal with the footwear restrictions.
• You prefer fully self-paced wandering with long periods off the route.
• You’re traveling with someone who has trouble following basic riding instructions.

The good news is that this tour isn’t presented as a hardcore athletic activity. It’s more about balance, short practice, and then enjoying the ride.

Should you book? My practical take

I’d book this tour if you want a smart, efficient way to experience Santa Monica and Venice Beach in one shot. You get the big names—Santa Monica Pier and Muscle Beach—plus the Venice vibe shaped by Abbot Kinney’s Italian-influenced plan. The included helmet, safety instruction, and snacks make it feel more complete than a basic sightseeing add-on.

I’d hesitate only if you’re very budget-driven, hate the idea of meeting at a specific beachfront location, or you’re likely to show up wearing footwear that doesn’t match the rules.

If your goal is to see the coastline, feel the different moods of each neighborhood, and do it with a guide who keeps the ride steady, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Los Angeles Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What’s included with the ticket?

It includes the 2-hour Segway tour, helmet, safety instruction, a professional guide, and snacks and beverages.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at the beachfront entrance of the Casa Del Mar Hotel, near the toll booth just south of the hotel, at 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405. The guide will be wearing an Another Side Tours shirt on a Segway. If needed, call 310-289-8687.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is not included.

What is the minimum age to participate?

You must be at least 8 years old. It is not suitable for children under 8.

What footwear is not allowed?

Sandals or flip flops are not allowed, and sports shoes are also listed as not allowed.

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