10 Best Places in Santa Monica, California To Visit By Charter Bus

Santa Monica is one of the most popular destinations in Los Angeles County, drawing millions of visitors each year. With beautiful beaches, iconic attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, luxury shopping on Third Street Promenade, and world-class dining, there’s something for everyone. But getting around this bustling coastal city with a group can be a challenge — parking is scarce, traffic is hectic, and public transit isn’t always convenient. That’s why many schools, companies, wedding planners, and private groups choose Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica for their transportation needs!

Our company offers charter bus rentals throughout Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu, and all of Los Angeles County. We have a huge fleet of vehicles, from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger full-size coaches, ready to serve any size group. Whether you need an airport shuttle, a field trip bus, or a custom sightseeing tour, we’ll get your group to every destination safely, comfortably, and on time. Call us 24/7 at 424-525-1700 to receive an instant quote on your next Santa Monica charter bus rental!

Santa Monica Pier

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

No trip to Santa Monica is complete without visiting its most iconic landmark! The historic Santa Monica Pier has been delighting visitors since 1909 with its classic amusement park rides, arcade games, aquarium, shops, and restaurants. Your group can ride the famous Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, take a spin on the carousel, play skee-ball in the Playland Arcade, and enjoy fresh seafood at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. or The Albright. The pier also hosts free outdoor concerts, movies, and festivals throughout the year. Parking is extremely limited here, especially for oversized vehicles, but your charter bus can drop off passengers right at the entrance and park off-site during your visit.

Third Street Promenade

Address: 1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

If your group loves shopping, dining, and people-watching, head to the Third Street Promenade — Santa Monica’s premier open-air pedestrian mall. Spanning three car-free blocks, the Promenade features dozens of stores (including Apple, Anthropologie, H&M, and Urban Outfitters), restaurants (like True Food Kitchen and The Misfit Bar + Restaurant), movie theaters, and street performers. It’s just two blocks from the beach and adjacent to Santa Monica Place, an upscale shopping center with Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and more. Charter buses can use designated loading zones on Second and Fourth Streets for easy passenger drop-off and pick-up near the Promenade.

SANTA MONICA STATE BEACH

Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

With 3.5 miles of soft sand, gentle waves, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains, Santa Monica State Beach is one of Southern California’s top beaches for swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, and picnicking. The beach is divided into north and south sections by the pier, with bike paths, playgrounds, and public restrooms on both sides. Groups can rent bikes or rollerblades to cruise the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, play beach volleyball on one of the many courts, or simply relax on the sand. There are large parking lots at Lot 1 North and Lot 4 South that can accommodate charter buses, making it easy for your group to spend a day at the beach.

Palisades Park

Address: Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

For breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful escape from the crowds, bring your group to Palisades Park. This 26-acre linear park stretches along the bluffs above Pacific Coast Highway and offers walking paths, gardens, picnic areas, public art installations, and benches where you can watch the sunset over the water. Don’t miss the Camera Obscura Art Lab, a unique optical device housed in a small building that projects live images of the beach onto a viewing surface inside. Palisades Park is a popular spot for group yoga classes, photography clubs, and outdoor weddings. Charter buses can drop off passengers on Ocean Avenue and park nearby during your visit.

Bergamot Station Arts Center

Address: 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Art lovers won’t want to miss Bergamot Station, a former railroad station turned contemporary arts complex with over 20 galleries, a museum, cafes, and creative businesses. The galleries showcase rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media by local, national, and international artists. Admission is free, and many galleries offer guided tours and artist talks for groups. Bergamot Station is also home to the Santa Monica Museum of Art and the Writers Boot Camp. There’s ample parking for buses in the main lot off Michigan Avenue, making it an easy stop on your Santa Monica cultural tour.

California Heritage Museum

Address: 2612 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Step back in time at the California Heritage Museum, located in a restored 1894 Victorian house on Main Street. The museum features exhibits on California history, culture, and art, with a focus on the diverse communities and stories that have shaped the state. Past exhibitions have covered topics like Route 66, surfing, mid-century modern design, and the Chumash indigenous people. The museum also hosts a popular weekly farmers market on Sundays, with local produce, food trucks, and live music. Charter buses can drop off passengers on Main Street and find parking in nearby lots or on side streets.

Annenberg Community Beach House

Address: 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402

For a taste of old Hollywood glamour and modern beachfront fun, bring your group to the Annenberg Community Beach House. This public facility was originally built as a private estate for actress Marion Davies in the 1920s and now offers a heated pool, splash pad, playground, volleyball courts, event spaces, and a cafe open to all. Groups can reserve pool passes, book a guided tour of the historic guest house, or attend free cultural events like art workshops and film screenings. The Beach House is ADA-accessible and has a dedicated bus drop-off zone and parking lot off Pacific Coast Highway.

The Getty Villa

Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

While technically just outside Santa Monica in Pacific Palisades, The Getty Villa is a must-visit for any group interested in ancient art and architecture. Modeled after a Roman country house, the museum houses an extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, including sculptures, mosaics, jewelry, and pottery. Groups can take self-guided or docent-led tours of the galleries and gardens, attend performances in the outdoor theater, or participate in hands-on art workshops. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required for both tickets and parking. Charter buses are welcome and have a designated parking area on site.

Heal the Bay Aquarium

Address: 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Located under the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium is a small but mighty marine science center that showcases the diverse sea life of Santa Monica Bay. Your group can see sharks, rays, octopuses, sea stars, and hundreds of other local species in interactive touch tanks and exhibits. The aquarium offers educational programs, guided tours, and behind-the-scenes experiences for school groups, scouts, and families. Visitors can also learn about ocean conservation efforts and ways to protect marine habitats. Buses can drop off passengers in the pier parking lot or on Ocean Avenue and park nearby during your visit.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Address: 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302

If your group wants to explore the great outdoors beyond the beach, head inland to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This vast park covers over 150,000 acres of rugged mountains, rolling hills, oak woodlands, and chaparral habitat, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Popular trails include the Backbone Trail, Solstice Canyon, and Sandstone Peak (the highest point in the range). The park also preserves historic sites like the Paramount Ranch movie set and the Satwiwa Native American Indian Cultural Center. Most trailheads and visitor centers have parking lots that can accommodate charter buses, though some may require advance notice or permits for large vehicles.

Rent a Charter Bus to Explore Santa Monica!

These are just a few of the many amazing places your group can visit in Santa Monica with a charter bus rental. Other popular destinations include the Museum of Flying, Tongva Park, Montana Avenue, Main Street, and the Aero Theatre. No matter where your itinerary takes you, Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica will provide reliable, comfortable, and customized transportation every step of the way. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to help you choose the perfect bus, plan efficient routes, and arrange special amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and wheelchair lifts. Get started today by calling 424-525-1700 or requesting a free online quote!