Top California Arts & Design - page 5

Peek behind the scenes at the California Academy of Sciences with VIP tickets to the Thursday NightLife—an adults-only event that proves museums aren’t just for kids. Sip cocktails and nibble hors d'oeuvres at a private reception, then go inside “The Vault” to see glittering gemstones and prehistoric treasures not on view to the general public. You’ll also take a walk on the wild side with express entry to the Osher Rainforest dome and get starry-eyed during a planetarium show.

Discover the history and charm of Coronado Island on this self-guided audio walking tour. As you explore at your own pace, you’ll learn about the island’s origins, visit iconic landmarks, and hear stories about the people who helped shape this coastal gem. Featuring a blend of local insights, hidden details, and historical storytelling, we think you'll learning something new whether you're a visitor or a local San Diegan.

Sophisticated and glamorous, Carmel-By-The-Sea sits on the Pacific just two hours south of San Francisco. The town isn’t all ritz, though—11 fairytale cottages line the hilly streets like something from a children’s book. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll escape the crowds and explore the houses at your pace, led by a knowledgeable guide right in your pocket.

Beverly Hills is known for its high-end shops, hotels, and restaurants—but it can be tricky to narrow down a shortlist of photogenic sights without putting in the research time. With this tour, let someone else do the research and planning for you, so you can focus on taking in the views. Tour Beverly Hills’ highlights with a professional photographer to take your photos. Highlights include the world’s most expensive store—the House of Bijan, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Canon Gardens.

One of San Francisco’s most storied neighborhoods, the Mission District is home to off-beat sights not always apparent to independent travelers. With this small-group walking tour, visit the district’s top sights and hidden gems, including the oldest church in San Francisco, the famous “golden” fire hydrant, Victorian homes, and the Balmy Alley murals. Don’t fret about finding a meal—stop at bakeries, taquerias, and cafes, and enjoy lunch at an Oaxacan restaurant (included).

Take this private tour of downtown Los Angeles, or DTLA, and discover the rich architecture of the area, along with some of the other influences which give DTLA its character. Explore the Mexican roots of the city, historical monuments, and famous buildings in the area. This tour will take around three hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to get some great photos and stories.

Introduce your family to the world of art with this private guided tour of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. On this tour, your family will explore various visual and tactical aids to learn about different art techniques and elements of art as you explore the museum. Each child will also leave with an Art Appreciation badge to remember their visit. Spark a lifelong appreciation for art with this unique experience.

Discover a side of Solvang that few other visitors get to experience—and tap into the region’s supernatural lore—on this evening ghost tour. Meet your guide in the center of town and set off with EMF meters, dowsing rods, and other ghost-hunting tools to aid you. You’ll see historic highlights of the town, and can attempt to spot local spirits, all while your guide shares Solvang’s spookiest ghost stories.

Come Ride San Francisco's Best Guided eBike Tour. This is an extra special tour on brand new, well maintained ebikes. We offer the only tour focusing on SF's rich music and cultural history of Haight Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Sutro Baths, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. We take you on a safe and memorable ride through the 60's Summer of Love past the Grateful Dead & Janis Joplin houses, along the Panhandle where Jimi Hendrix played his 2nd show in the US and then through the world famous Golden Gate park.

The city is a canvas! Come enjoy beautiful street art and graffiti in San Diego with this guided tour.

Step into the captivating realm of illusions, where reality is never exactly as it appears. Museum of Illusions is a one-of-a-kind, visual, sensory, and educational experience designed to engage your sense of wonder and challenge perceptions through the science behind optical illusions. We offer over 50 immersive, hands-on exhibits to explore. Our illusion rooms, installations and holograms let you defy gravity, grow and shrink your body, walk into a life-size kaleidoscope, and play tricks on your senses at every turn. It’s a mind-bending journey that deceives the senses and reveals how the brain interprets reality.

Explore Los Angeles through its amazing collection of Instagram walls and art with a local artist! You’ll get taken to the best places in the city by an artist who has worked on the Warner Brothers backlot, was a professional game show contestant and who grew up alongside the movies. Have loads of fun taking incredible photos and seeing LA through the eyes of someone who truly knows the city.

Discover two of San Francisco’s most iconic coastal attractions during this half-day combo trip to Alcatraz. First, choose from a pre-selected list of Fisherman’s Wharf sights and activities, from zoos, museums, aquariums, or family-friendly tours and adventures. Then, head to Alcatraz Island on a same-day audio tour, with admission tickets included.

Join the Golden Route Photoshoot Tour in a classic convertible ’64 Impala Lowrider, with a knowledgeable guide who doubles as your photographer. The three-hour tour comfortably seats up to four passengers, starting with pick-up at Beverly Hills Park by the famous Beverly Hills sign. You'll cruise through the palm-lined streets and luxurious homes of Beverly Hills, then head toward the coast to explore the Santa Monica Pier, the artsy Abbott Kinney, and the charming Venice Canals. As you cruise through some of LA’s most iconic spots, your guide will help capture your experience. They’ll happily take photos on your camera or phone at no extra charge, so you can keep memories from the journey. The tour finishes with a stop at the Santa Monica Pier for stunning ocean views. We offer custom and private tours tailored just for you! Reach out to discuss your vision, and we’ll craft you an unforgettable tour of Los Angeles.

While walking tours are helpful for getting oriented, they rely on guides and don’t encourage off-script exploration. With this interactive “gold gush” game, play the role of a 19th-century fortune-seeker as you solve clues and try to strike it rich. Explore the Financial District city from Chinatown to the Embarcadero and Union Square without a guide, map, or GPS.

Discover the art, architecture, and history of downtown San Francisco on this small-group guided walking tour. Skip hours of research and let a guide show you around the central business district, highlight architectural gems such as the London Paris National Bank and JP Morgan Chase, along with public art and public spaces such as Salesforce Park.

Experience San Francisco like never before with complete freedom to explore at your own rhythm while uncovering exclusive historical insights and hidden stories that even locals don't know. Our meticulously crafted audio experience delivers authentic local perspectives through masterful storytelling that transforms ordinary sightseeing into an extraordinary journey of discovery. Unlike traditional guided tours that rush you through crowds and predetermined schedules, you'll have the flexibility to linger at attractions that captivate you, skip those that don't, and create your own perfect San Francisco adventure. Our professional narration features an engaging, crystal-clear voice that brings each location to life with fascinating details. superior audio quality and expertly paced content ensure you'll be completely immersed in San Francisco's rich tapestry of culture, architecture, and stories while maintaining the spontaneity and personal connection that makes travel truly memorable.

Discover the prehistoric fossils of the La Brea Tar Pits on this Segway tour in Los Angeles. Led by a local guide, you’ll cruise through this ancient site to learn about the science behind the tar pits. See the remains of mammoths, mastodons, and saber-toothed cats as your guide provides historical commentary. Both morning and afternoon departures are available for this excursion.

Taking memorable photos of your trip can be challenging, even for professional photographers. This private photo walk goes the extra mile to ensure you take home beautiful photos of your trip, offering a professional photographer and color stylist to portray you as a “personality.” Choose the location, topic, colors, and mood of your photo shoot and take home 50 professionally edited photos plus hundreds of originals.

Check out the Painted Ladies on this private tour in San Francisco. These popular homes aren’t open all the time, so grab your chance to view them on this tour. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the interiors and the families who lived inside the homes. Tour for around an hour, and then you are free to continue exploring San Francisco.

Are you looking for a way to discover Old Sacramento's Historic District and Waterfront without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour. • Find out how Sacramento was finally saved from yearly floods by raising the town 22 feet in the 1860s • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse a local who's created over 20 VoiceMap tours under her belt • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the Voice Map app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, pop in your headphones, and just tap start. Voice Map has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

This is the official Alcatraz prison tour that gives you access ON the island and INSIDE the building cellblocks with the award-winning audio tour in multiple languages. You will get to experience all of the interesting parts of the Alcatraz Island and the stories behind. A 15 minutes ferry ride will take you from Pier 33 to the island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, and when you are done with the Alcatraz tour, you can take any ferry back to the pier. It's definitely the one tour you don't want to miss when visiting San Francisco! What's better? This tour includes a bonus San Francisco Bay Tour - a cruise tour that takes you around the Alcatraz Island and under the famous Golden Gate Bridge in just 60 minutes! Tour starts near Pier 39 which is within walking distance from the Alcatraz Pier at Pier 33, and there are multiple departures daily so you could use it basically on any day, at any departure time! Don't miss your chance to experience the best San Francisco Bay tours!

Experience the vibrant and dynamic street art scene of San Francisco on an immersive 3-hour tour that will take you on a journey through the city's colorful neighborhoods and hidden corners. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the thriving urban art culture that breathes life into the city's walls. As you stroll through the bustling streets, you'll be captivated by the stunning and thought-provoking murals, graffiti, and street installations that adorn building facades, alleyways, and public spaces. Each artwork tells a story, representing the creative expression and diverse perspectives of the local artists who bring the city's walls to life.

Los Angeles's Chinatown is a fascinating place, especially as the shadows of night descend upon the neighborhood. Neon-lit architecture throws strange light and eerie shadows on the streets, creating a spooky atmosphere—perfect for a paranormal adventure led by an expert ghost hunter. Equipped with paranormal tools, your guide will take you through the area to unveil supernatural elements, haunting stories, and the undeniable chill-factor that lurk among the streets. Conclude with mystical ceremony to honor the spirits, ensuring a safe departure.