Santa Monica

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Top 10 attractions in Santa Monica

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The Getty
No. 5 of Night Attractions in California

The Getty

7.5
4.7/5
550 reviews
The Getty is perched on the hills of Brentwood and was funded by the estate of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. The complex was designed by architect Richard Meier and features large areas of white travertine as its facade material. Visitors must take a cable car from the parking lot at the foot of the hill to the hilltop campus, where they can overlook the Los Angeles cityscape along the way. The museum's collection focuses on European art from before the 20th century, covering various categories such as paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts, while also possessing a photography collection that spans from the 1830s to the present. The museum also houses a large number of illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, as well as authentic works by European masters from the 14th to the 19th centuries, covering important art movements such as the Italian Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and French Neoclassicism. The decorative arts gallery displays furniture, tapestries, and glassware from different periods in Europe. Central Garden is another major highlight of The Getty. The garden organizes space from an artist's perspective, with a stream cascading from a height, passing through the shade of London plane trees, and flowing into a sunken plaza. In the center of the plaza is an azalea maze, surrounded by large plant sculptures with steel frames adorned with bougainvillea. The garden is planted with hundreds of species of plants, among which one can also see the bird of paradise, the official flower of Los Angeles.Los Angeles · 6.6 km from Santa Monica
Universal Studios Hollywood
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Universal Studios Hollywood

10
4.8/5
8.3k reviews
Explore iconic movie scenes, join immersive photo activities, enjoy upgraded tours, and indulge in themed food and collectibles. Explore Hollywood's grand movie street scenes and discover behind-the-scenes insights into film production. Explore the magical world of Harry Potter and discover the mysterious Hogwarts Castle Step into the Super Mario™ world on Super Nintendo and get ready for Mario Kart™. Experience thrilling roller coasters and realistic movie scenesLos Angeles · 18.2 km from Santa Monica
Santa Monica State Beach
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Santa Monica State Beach

7
4.6/5
589 reviews
Santa Monica State Beachis located on the western coast of Los Angeles, United States, and is a classic seaside vacation attraction that combines natural scenery, a relaxing atmosphere, and historical and cultural features. Stepping onto this coast, the first things that catch your eye are the stretches of golden sand, the wide and gentle coastline, and the endless Pacific Ocean. With waves gently lapping the shore and the sea breeze blowing, visitors can stroll or relax on the soft sand, soaking up the unique sunshine and laid-back vibe of Southern California. Strolling along the wooden pier, you can feel a strong sense of retro seaside charm. You can often encounter live performances by street artists on the pier, where music, laughter, and the sound of waves intertwine, adding a lively and free artistic atmosphere to the pier. Whether you are strolling on the beach, cycling along the ocean, or soaking up the lively atmosphere on the pier, you can experience typical California coastal culture.Santa Monica · 1.2 km from downtown
U.S. Route 66
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Missouri

U.S. Route 66

7
4.8/5
90 reviews
U.S. Route 66, also known as the Will Rogers Highway or Main Street of America, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System, established in 1926. The highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica State Beach in Los Angeles, crossing eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, covering a total length of approximately 2,400 miles. With the development of the Interstate Highway System, the road was officially decommissioned in 1985, and some sections have since been designated as National Scenic Byways. The scenery along the route is a defining feature of this highway. From the farmlands of Illinois to the hills of Missouri, from the plains of Oklahoma to the red deserts of Arizona, and finally to the Pacific coast of California, the road connects a multitude of small towns, motels, neon signs, and roadside diners that retain their mid-20th-century appearance. Many sections still feature original gas stations and unique shops. U.S. Route 66 has had a profound influence on American pop culture. John Steinbeck used the road as the backdrop for the westward migration in The Grapes of Wrath, earning it the nickname "The Mother Road." The Pixar animated film Cars also uses this highway as its setting.Custer County · 27.4 km from downtown
CA-1
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

6.7
4.8/5
499 reviews
CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.Monterey County · 61.3 km from downtown
Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills

6.5
4.5/5
550 reviews
Beverly Hills is located on the west side of Los Angeles, United States, and has become one of the most representative areas of Los Angeles thanks to its elegant neighborhood environment, exquisite urban landscape, and rich historical and cultural heritage. Upon entering the area, you are immediately greeted by a quiet and refined atmosphere. The streets here are clean and wide, lined with tall palm trees and various greenery. Sunlight filters through the trees onto the roads, creating a typical laid-back Southern California vibe. Strolling through the streets, you can see beautifully designed residences, well-manicured gardens, and artistic architectural details, all reflecting a high-quality lifestyle. The huge white letters and the neatly arranged palm trees in the background complement each other, making it a popular backdrop for many tourists to take photos. Stroll along the park paths to enjoy the floral landscapes and feel the tranquil atmosphere of an urban oasis.Beverly Hills · 10.2 km from Santa Monica
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

8.2
4.6/5
204 reviews
Opened in 1913, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is the largest natural history museum in the western United States, with a collection of more than 35 million pieces spanning 4.5 billion years of history. The Natural History Museum's exhibits cover a vast range of fields, including anthropology, botany, entomology, vertebrates and invertebrates, paleontology, mollusks, ichthyology, herpetology, echinoderms, ornithology, mineralogy, and dinosaur fossils. With so much to discover, the museum offers a truly eye-opening experience for all visitors. The biggest feature of the museum is that it takes animal specimens as the main body, restores the ecological environment of animals, and brings tourists into different historical periods and ecological environments. The lifelike taxidermy, lighting, and the visual performance of the theater are quite shocking. The biggest focus of the museum is the dinosaur exhibition hall, which has more than 300 fossils, 20 dinosaur skeleton specimens and various interactive exhibits. What excites visitors is that the museum also exhibits Triceratops, Stegosaurus and Carcharodontosaurus skeleton.Los Angeles · 18.7 km from Santa Monica
Petersen Automotive Museum
No. 14 of Best Things to Do in San Fernando Valley

Petersen Automotive Museum

6.5
4.2/5
65 reviews
Located in Los Angeles, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a non-profit museum focused on automotive history and culture. An ideal destination for car enthusiasts, it showcases a diverse collection ranging from classic cars to modern supercars, covering the evolution and innovation of the automotive industry. The museum's exhibitions not only showcase the vehicles themselves, but also delve into the role of cars in the development of society, art, and technology. There are several themed exhibition areas in the museum, such as "Automobile Design and Technology", "Hollywood and Cars", and "Future Transportation", each of which provides a rich visual and interactive experience. Visitors can learn about the stories behind car design and technological advances through multimedia displays and interactive installations. In addition, the museum also regularly hosts special exhibitions and events, such as car shows and special lectures, which attract audiences of all ages.Los Angeles · 12.9 km from Santa Monica
Exposition Park
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in California

Exposition Park

7.8
4.7/5
9 reviews
Exposition Park is an urban cultural park covering approx. 160 acres. The park brings together several important cultural institutions, among which the California Science Center is one of the core venues, housing the retired space shuttle Endeavour. The science center also features ecological exhibition halls themed around different ecological zones such as kelp forests, deserts, and tropical rainforests, showcasing the Earth's diverse ecological environments. Adjacent to the science center is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, which has a rich collection of paleontological and mineral specimens, including the Gem and Mineral Hall, which displays a large number of precious mineral crystals and raw gemstones. The 7-acreRose Gardenis located next to the museum and is planted with over 10,000 roses; the fountain in the center of the garden and the loggias on both sides form a symmetrical, classical garden landscape. The LA Memorial Coliseum is another iconic building in the park, having hosted the Summer Olympics opening ceremony twice. The peristyle at the east end of the stadium features a classical architectural style, and the Court of Honor is located between the columns, with bronze plaques recording distinguished figures and historical events related to the stadium. The park also houses cultural venues such as the California African American Museum.Los Angeles · 18.8 km from Santa Monica
Griffith Observatory
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Griffith Observatory

8.3
4.7/5
571 reviews
Griffith Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. This white-domed building, completed in 1935, is a classic spot in Los Angeles for watching sunsets and night views. The observation deck offers an expansive view, overlooking the Los Angeles Basin, the downtown skyline in the distance, and the Pacific coastline, while facing the nearby "Hollywood" sign. At dusk, the sun sinks toward the coastline, and as night falls, the city lights gradually fill the entire basin, creating a particularly magnificent scene. Films such as "Transformers" and "La La Land" have been shot here. The museum is packed with highlights: the Foucault pendulum hanging in the central hall swings continuously, periodically knocking down wooden pegs on its surrounding rail, visually demonstrating Earth's rotation. The dome is encircled by astronomical-themed murals painted by artist Hugo Ballin. The lower exhibition hall features a model of the solar system's planets suspended from the ceiling, while a massive photo wall spanning tens of meters displays millions of galaxies, accompanied by a statue of Einstein pointing toward it. In the central dome theater, visitors can recline in their seats and follow the live guide to explore the stars and the cosmos. During daytime visits, travelers can observe real-time solar images through the solar telescope in the exhibition hall. On clear nights, the rooftop Zeiss refracting telescope is open to the public for stargazing, and millions of travelers have gazed at the stars through it since its construction. To catch both sunset and night views in one trip, it's recommended to head up the mountain early, allowing ample time for exhibitions and waiting for nightfall. Weekends and holidays draw large crowds, often causing traffic congestion on the mountain road.Los Angeles · 20.7 km from Santa Monica

Experiences you can't miss in Santa Monica

Featured Day tours in Santa Monica

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Full-day luxury bus tour in Los Angeles (join-in tour)
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Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
From€104.12
The Getty + Hollywood Walk of Fame + Beverly Hills + Old Town Shared Transfer Day Tour
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3.9/5
· 7 reviews· 30 booked
Duration: 5.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
79 travelers saved
From€148.59
Santa monica state beach + The Getty + UCLA (World cup classic city tour)
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From€113.79
Los Angeles to San Francisco | Highway 1 northbound one-way private charter 1-day tour
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Duration: 10.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From€169.61

Featured Cultural experiences in Santa Monica

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Los Angeles Hollywood route sightseeing bus tour
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Duration: 7 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
From€107.49
1-day tour to the villa museum, Santa Monica State Beach and The Getty (self-booking)
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From€133.86
LA: Hop-on Hop-off Tour plus TMZ Hollywood Celebrity Tour
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From€88.48
1-day private chartered tour to The Getty, Santa Monica State Beach and Battleship IOWA Museum
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From€133.86
Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour
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4.8/5
· 420 reviews· 25 booked
Duration: 9–10 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
94.8% of travelers recommend
From€87.59
Santa Monica: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Home Tour
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4.7/5
· 139 reviews
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
93.5% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€43.83€46.14
Santa Monica at Night: Route 66 & Pacific Lights Guided Walking Tour
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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From€43.80

Featured Food & drink in Santa Monica

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Private E-Boat Cruise: Wine, Charcuterie and Sea Lion Spotting
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Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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From€491.55
Los Angeles Luxury Boat Cruise Wine, Charcuterie Sealions
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4.9/5
· 52 reviews
Duration: 1–2 hrs
Free cancellation
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98.1% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€92.33€97.19
Los Angeles #1: Luxury Boat Cruise: Wine, Cheese & Sea Lions
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1–1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
From€126.35€133.01
Los Angeles: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 35+ Attractions
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
From€79.71€83.91

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Free things to do in Santa Monica

What travelers say about Santa Monica

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学校🏫June 5, 2025
5.0
Getty Center: The art temple on the top of a hill in Los Angeles is definitely worth a special visit! Even if you are only slightly interested in art, the Getty Center is still a place that will make your trip worthwhile. It is far more than a museum, but more like a mountaintop cultural paradise that combines architectural wonders, top art collections and beautiful scenery. Core highlights not to be missed 1. The building itself is a masterpiece of art: the pure white building complex designed by the master architect Richard Meier has simple and smooth lines and a modern feel. Take the iconic cable train slowly up the mountain, full of ritual, and the city scenery of Los Angeles gradually unfolds in front of you, and you are already intoxicated before entering the museum. 2. Hall-level art collection: *The core attraction! From the manuscripts of Renaissance masters, the shocking large paintings of Rubens in the Baroque period, to Van Gogh's vibrant "Irises" (the brushstrokes are breathtaking when seen up close), Monet's charming impressionist landscapes, Cezanne's solid still lifes... The key chapters of Western art history are vividly presented here, with extremely high quality and free to visit (only parking fees are charged). 3. The tranquil and elegant Central Garden: The Central Garden designed by Robert Irving is an oasis in the hustle and bustle. The winding paths, carefully matched plants, gurgling streams and unique water platform maze are full of natural interest and design ingenuity. It is a great place to stroll, relax and relax. 4. The unparalleled viewing platform: Located on the top of Santa Monica Mountain, the view is extremely wide. Standing on the terrace, you can see the city skyline of Los Angeles, the rolling mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean. When the weather is fine, the bustling city and the magnificent nature blend at this moment, especially at sunset, the scenery is particularly shocking. Is it worth going? Without a doubt, it is highly recommended! Art lovers must pilgrimage: the quality and breadth of the collection are enough to make people linger. Architecture and landscape control will fall in love: the perfect dialogue between modern architecture and nature and urban landscape. Visitors who seek unique experiences: the top of the mountain location, the small train, free high-quality art, the beautiful garden and the view, the combination experience is unique. Practical tips: Parking is expensive (about $20, $15 after 3pm), so it is recommended to book a parking space on the official website in advance. Reserve at least 3-4 hours to enjoy the experience. Bring a camera, the sunset view is not to be missed! Summary: The Getty Center combines top art, outstanding architecture, exquisite gardening and magnificent landscapes, providing a high-quality cultural experience full of aesthetic enjoyment and spiritual relaxation that far exceeds ordinary museums. It is not only a cultural landmark in Los Angeles, but also a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles.

The Getty

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_TI***slOctober 21, 2026
5.0
We had a wonderful stay at Studios Hollywood ! We were very satisfied with our experience, and everything was great.

Universal Studios Hollywood

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5OJanuary 1, 2026
5.0
Santa Monica Beach always has a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. The Ferris wheel on the pier glows warmly at dusk, its silhouette against the pinkish-purple sky. On the beach, you'll often see people walking their dogs, families playing frisbee, and the air is filled with the mingled aromas of sea salt and fried food from roadside stalls. The waves are gentle, perfect for beginners to try their hand at surfing. The old-fashioned amusement park at the end of the pier is always bustling, with the clatter of basketball machines and pinball machines. Here, it's easy to lose track of time—look at the sea, feel the breeze, and life seems to slow down to the rhythm of the Pacific Ocean.

Santa Monica State Beach

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系统错误提示May 16, 2021
5.0
On the way from Phoenix to Page, we passed through three areas with completely different geological features and vegetation. When we first left Phoenix, we saw columnar cacti on both sides of the road. As the altitude increased, the cacti and other low shrubs disappeared, replaced by tall pine forests, and finally the barren plateau with Danxia landform characteristics. It was amazing!

U.S. Route 66

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生长在海边的果果May 29, 2025
5.0
精华路段是旧金山到洛杉矶的这段,并且一定要从旧金山往洛杉矶开,因为右侧道路临海,这个方向开视线好,景色美不胜收。真的是最美公路。我们开了3天,第一天旧金山到蒙特雷,第二天到皮斯莫海滩,第三天到洛杉矶,一路走走停停,边走边玩,海景无敌,好多国内没见过的花花,真美。途经主要景点有半月湾,鸽点灯塔,蒙特雷小镇,卡梅尔小镇,17英里海湾,大苏尔麦克维瀑布,比克斯比河大桥,象海豹滩,皮斯莫海滩,索尔万丹麦小镇,圣芭芭拉,圣莫妮卡海滩等

CA-1

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Lavender and SunSeptember 17, 2022
5.0
Beverly Hills is a world-famous dreamland in the minds of the world's wealthy. As the most famous city within a city in Los Angeles, it has the world's most upscale commercial streets and many mansions of Hollywood movie stars. It is also a holy place for the world's film industry. Every year, Beverly Hills attracts countless tourists from all over the world who curiously explore the streets and alleys. It gathers the world's top fashion brands. Each store is magnificent, with finely carved marble and brass doors, and arched fountains that make this street look even more imposing. Now it is the world's most expensive shopping mall.

Beverly Hills

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M45***29February 2, 2026
5.0
The dinosaur and mammal exhibits were truly impressive. Although it's a county-level museum, it was built in the 1920s and has a rich history. It allowed us to learn about nature and also to see how Americans treated nature at that time.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

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notmaxpSeptember 1, 2026
5.0
Business Hours:Address:Tips:Reasons to Recommend:Reasons to Recommend: petersen the British museum

Petersen Automotive Museum

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多多February 6, 2021
4.0
We took our kids there, 3 and 5. Went to the science museum, natural history museum, butterfly exhibit, and then let the kids play in the shade of the rose garden. They were only interested in the shuttle itself for about two minutes, but there were other things to see. They loved the dinosaurs and butterflies. They were entertained for over three hours, which was good. Need to buy tickets in advance. Many things have separate admission fees. I only noticed that parking was $12. Excellent museum, but in the transportation center of the city, so adjust your schedule accordingly.

Exposition Park

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Bobo0692December 4, 2023
5.0
There are so many hiking trails with great views of city. It’s an awesome place to spend 1 to 2 hours walking around and be mesmerised by the parabolic views of Los Angeles from the terrace.

Griffith Observatory

Popular cities near Santa Monica

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Santa Monica?

Don't miss these attractions in Santa Monica: The Getty, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Santa Monica State Beach. If you like Day tours, try Full-day luxury bus tour in Los Angeles (join-in tour). If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Los Angeles Hollywood route sightseeing bus tour.

You can give Private E-Boat Cruise: Wine, Charcuterie and Sea Lion Spotting and Los Angeles Luxury Boat Cruise Wine, Charcuterie Sealions a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Full-day luxury bus tour in Los Angeles (join-in tour), The Getty + Hollywood Walk of Fame + Beverly Hills + Old Town Shared Transfer Day Tour, and United States: Los Angeles 1-day tour [Hollywood Walk of Fame/includes Madame Tussauds admission ticket]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Santa Monica is around EUR 104.12 – EUR 169.61. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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