Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Santa Monica

Picture leaving the crowds at the Santa Monica Pier behind you and, twenty minutes later, hugging the curves of the Pacific Coast Highway with the ocean stretched out on one side and the cliffs rising on the other. That's the appeal of exploring this stretch of California on two wheels — you're not stuck waiting on a bus schedule or hunting for parking near the beach. Whether you head north toward Malibu or wind up into Topanga Canyon, a motorcycle gets you there faster than a car and with a lot more feeling.

Santa Monica is an unusual mix: a walkable beach town grid that suddenly opens onto the open road. A motorcycle handles both sides of that equation well — small and nimble enough to slot into tight parking near the pier or Venice, yet strong enough to carry you straight onto the PCH or up into the canyon roads that define riding around Los Angeles. It also means skipping the freeway gridlock and the steep, scarce parking that plague drivers near the coast.

Top 10 things to see in Santa Monica by motorcycle

1. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH / CA-1) to Malibu — the signature coastal ride north, ocean on one side, cliffs on the other.
2. Santa Monica Pier — the classic starting point, with its Ferris wheel and the official end-of-Route-66 marker.
3. Palisades Park — a bluff-top stretch above the pier, perfect for a quick photo stop before you set off.
4. Venice Beach Boardwalk — a short hop south for murals, beach life and people-watching along Ocean Front Walk.
5. Topanga Canyon Boulevard — a twisting canyon road linking the coast to the Valley, loved by riders for its curves.
6. Mulholland Drive — a ridge-line road through the Santa Monica Mountains with wide views over the city and valley.
7. Malibu Canyon Road — another classic canyon route to the 101, complete with tunnels and switchbacks.
8. Point Dume State Beach — further up the PCH, a headland with a bluff-top lookout over the coast.
9. Getty Villa — a cultural stop just off the highway in Pacific Palisades, easy to fold into a coastal loop.
10. Griffith Observatory — a longer ride inland, rewarded with hilltop views of LA and the Hollywood Sign.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Santa Monica?

Every US state requires a motorcycle endorsement (commonly called a Class M licence) added to your driver's licence — a car licence alone won't do. Rental companies generally also want to see some riding experience, and most set their own minimum age, typically 21 and up, with many preferring 25 or older to avoid young-rider surcharges. No International Driving Permit is required nationally, though it's worth carrying one alongside your home licence. Expect to leave a deposit or a credit-card hold, and you'll need a card in your own name to book.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Santa Monica?

Average prices run from about USD 25-35 per day in low season up to USD 45-70 per day in high season, with premium models reaching USD 80-150+ per day.

• Prices climb from June through August, driven by summer travel and local events.
• They drop back down from December through February, outside the holiday weeks.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Santa Monica?

High season runs roughly May to September, when demand — and prices — peak along the coast. Southern California also sees a milder winter high season around the December-to-March holidays. If you're after the best rates, aim for the quieter months of December through February, and book a little ahead if your trip falls in summer, since the best bikes go first.

Local traffic rules in Santa Monica

Traffic drives on the right throughout the United States. California requires helmets for all motorcycle riders, no exceptions. Speed limits generally run 25-35 mph on city streets, rising to 65-75 mph on the interstates once you're further out of town. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.08%, with zero tolerance under 21, and open containers of alcohol are illegal in the vehicle. One local quirk worth knowing: California is one of the few states where lane splitting is explicitly legal, so don't be surprised to see riders filtering between cars in slow traffic.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!