A Genuine Review of the 2025 Private Rickshaw Tour: Santa Monica & Venice Beach

You know, exploring the Southern California coastline is just one of those things you have to do. Well, there are so many ways to see the stretch between Santa Monica and Venice, like, with most people just walking the packed oceanfront path. But actually, we found a pretty different way to see it all, one that is a little more personal. To be honest, we tried a private rickshaw tour, which honestly gives you a completely open-air seat to a show that changes every second. Seriously, this piece is about our actual time on that tour, and we will kind of walk you through what it felt like. Basically, from the cool breeze to the stories the guide shared, it was really an interesting way to connect with these famous spots, you know?

What to Genuinely Expect from the Ride

So, the moment you meet your guide, you sort of get a feeling this isn’t going to be a standard, run-of-the-mill experience. Okay, the rickshaw itself is almost like a big, comfy tricycle with a shaded seat in the back just for you. Your guide, by the way, does all the legwork, literally pedaling you along the coast. The best part is that it is a private outing, so you really aren’t packed in with a group of strangers. It’s pretty much just you, your companion, and the guide, which allows for a lot of questions. As a matter of fact, the pace is so relaxed, and you can stop almost anywhere you want for a picture, which is just not possible on a big tour bus.

Frankly, we began near the Santa Monica Pier, and our guide gave us a quick rundown of the plan, asking us what we were most interested in seeing. This, you know, makes it feel like your own personal trip right from the start. Honestly, feeling the sun on your skin and the ocean air moving past is completely different from seeing things through a window. The entire experience tends to be very sensory. You just hear the sounds of the boardwalk directly, from the street musicians to the waves hitting the sand. It’s obviously a very in-the-moment way to travel down the coast, you know?

The Santa Monica Pier Experience Up Close

Actually, approaching the Santa Monica Pier from a rickshaw is a pretty unique point of view. You sort of move along the bike path, with the pier’s iconic Ferris wheel growing bigger and bigger in your vision. Our guide, for instance, timed it so we could see the light hitting it in a very specific way. He then pedaled us right onto the wooden planks, which frankly, not everyone gets to do. The rickshaw could just go places that cars couldn’t, which was really cool. At the end of the day, it’s about getting those special little moments.

The guide, by the way, pointed out the old carousel building, telling us a little story about its history that we definitely wouldn’t have known otherwise. He also, like, knew the best spot to stop for a panoramic picture of the entire pier and the coastline stretching south.

“Right, look over there,” he said, more or less pointing. “That spot is basically where Route 66 officially ends. Lots of people miss the sign, you know?”

Seriously, hearing little things like that made the place feel so much more alive. We just lingered for a bit, watching people fish and smelling the sweet scent of churros and popcorn from the food stands. It’s really those small details that make the pier experience special, and the rickshaw just lets you soak them all in without any hurry.

Soaking in the Sights Along the Venice Beach Boardwalk

Okay, leaving Santa Monica, the atmosphere begins to change quite a bit as you get closer to Venice. Our guide, basically, called it “crossing into another world,” and honestly, he wasn’t wrong. The wide, clean path sort of gives way to something with a bit more character. Suddenly, you’re right in the middle of the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk, and it’s almost like a live performance. There are literally so many artists selling their work, musicians with guitars and buckets for drums, and street performers drawing big crowds.

The rickshaw, in a way, gives you a raised-up viewpoint, so you can see over the heads of some of the people walking around. We glided past the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and actually, there were people working out, just like in the movies. Then came the Venice Skate Park, which is honestly incredible to watch. The skaters are just so skilled, and we paused for a few minutes, taking in the sounds of the wheels on the concrete. The guide really knew how to time the stops, so we saw the most interesting things without feeling rushed at all. The entire area has a funky, free-spirited energy that you can really feel from the open seat of the rickshaw, you know?

Hidden Spots and Stories You Won’t Find on Your Own

Right, so one of the best things about a tour like this is clearly seeing the stuff that isn’t on the main path. After we had seen enough of the main boardwalk’s wildness, our guide took a sharp turn inland. Just a block away from the crowds, he pedaled us into the completely peaceful and, frankly, beautiful Venice Canal Historic District. It was almost like being transported to a different city altogether. The quiet waterways, the charming arched bridges, and the lovely houses were such a contrast to what we had just seen.

We actually got off the rickshaw here and walked over one of the bridges, which was a very nice touch. Our guide explained that the founder of Venice, Abbot Kinney, kind of wanted to recreate the feel of Venice, Italy, right here in California. To be honest, knowing that story made the whole place feel so much more meaningful. We also rolled down some side streets to see some incredible murals that we absolutely would have missed on our own. It’s those personal stories and hidden spots that a good local guide can show you, and pretty much what makes a private tour worth it.

A Few Tips for Your Rickshaw Adventure

Okay, if you are thinking about doing this, here are just a few little thoughts. First, the Southern California sun is pretty strong, even with the rickshaw’s canopy. So, definitely wear sunscreen and maybe bring a hat. We also had a bottle of water with us, which was a really good idea. Honestly, just ask your guide if you need to stop for a drink or a snack; they are usually super accommodating. Basically, you are in the open air for the whole time, so comfortable clothes are the way to go.

Another thing is to talk to your guide. At the end of the day, they are a local expert with tons of stories. We just kept asking questions, and he seemed genuinely happy to share information about the area, its history, and even good places to eat later. By the way, the late afternoon is a great time to take this tour. The light is just softer and more golden, which makes for amazing pictures. Plus, you might catch the beginning of a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. And remember, your guide is pedaling you around for a couple of hours, so if you had a great time, showing your appreciation is always a nice gesture, you know?

Key Highlights

You get a genuinely personal tour without being stuck in a large group, so it’s a very intimate experience.
The slow, open-air pace allows you to, like, really see, hear, and smell the coastal environment.
You will literally get to see hidden spots like the Venice Canals that you would probably miss on your own.
The guides are usually full of local stories and facts that bring the locations to life, you know?
It’s just a really relaxed and fun way to travel between the very different worlds of Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Read our full review: Private Rickshaw Tour Santa Monica Venice Beach Full Review and Details

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