Movie Tours in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is where California cool meets cinematic history. With its sun-soaked coastline, iconic pier, and breezy boulevards, this beachside city has been a go-to backdrop for filmmakers for decades. It’s not just a great vacation spot - it’s a living film set.

From car chases along Ocean Avenue to romantic moments captured on the beach, Santa Monica offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Whether you're into action movies, teen dramas, or indie romances, chances are your favorite scene was filmed somewhere nearby.

Movies and Series Shot in Santa Monica

• Forrest Gump (1994) – Remember Forrest running across the country? He reached the Pacific here at the Santa Monica Pier, one of the film’s most emotional moments.
• Baywatch (TV & Film) – Lifeguard towers and beach rescues? Classic Santa Monica. Much of the early TV series used shots from this coastline.
• Iron Man (2008) – Tony Stark's seaside home was fictional, but scenes were filmed along the Pacific Coast Highway and near the Santa Monica bluffs.
• The Sting (1973) – Parts of this Oscar-winning film were shot on the historic pier, long before it was revitalized into the tourist spot it is today.
• Her (2013) – Several dreamy sequences were filmed along the promenade and beachfront, highlighting Santa Monica's quiet, modern charm.

Why Take a Movie Tour in Santa Monica?

Because you’ll see more than just pretty locations - you’ll discover the role this city has played in shaping film history. Tour guides don’t just point out buildings - they give context, stories, and behind-the-scenes insights. You’ll hear how the pier has transformed over time, why directors favor certain streets, and even how weather and lighting shape filming decisions on the coast.

Plus, you’ll explore the spaces between iconic shots: the cafes where crew members relaxed, the quiet corners that doubled as New York or Miami, and the real-life stories behind Santa Monica’s film-friendly legacy.

Tour Formats

Walking tours are common, especially near the pier and promenade. Some tours offer bike rentals for a more active experience, letting you cruise along the beach path from Venice to Santa Monica while exploring movie landmarks. Private car tours also cover locations further inland, including celebrity homes used in film productions.

When to Go

Santa Monica is a year-round destination, but spring and fall provide the best combo of mild weather and fewer tourists. Weekdays are ideal if you want to avoid crowds on the pier or boardwalk. Sunset tours offer golden-hour lighting that’s not just perfect for film - it’s great for your own photos too.

Tips for Visitors

Wear comfortable shoes or bring a bike for longer routes. Many tours include trivia games or video clips of the scenes you’re visiting. Don’t forget sunscreen - this is the West Coast, after all. And while celebrity sightings are never guaranteed, you might just spot someone walking their dog or grabbing coffee along Montana Avenue.

Santa Monica’s film and TV tours are more than a sightseeing activity - they’re a front-row seat to Hollywood magic, set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. If you love movies, stories, or sunshine, there’s no better place to experience them all at once.