Top California Cultural Tours

See the sights of Avalon on a quick tour that takes you along the waterfront, up the hillsides, and through the center of town. The quick, nonstop journey provides views and allows you to get oriented with Avalon and its attractions so you can better enjoy your time on Catalina Island. Learn about the island's history and heritage from a guide as you travel the loop.

This small-group tour takes you from downtown San Francisco to Muir Woods and Sausalito—two of Marin's top attractions—in a single day. Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge in a tour van leaves you free to take in the epic views instead of focusing on the driving. You'll have free time to explore both sites, making this organized option a great choice for independent travelers.

Hop on a '70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman's Wharf, this sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to '60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a sightseeing tour by amphibious vehicle. Travel on both land and water, starting on the streets of Seaport Village and rolling down Harbor Drive alongside San Diego Bay. Transition into the water after departing Seaport Village. Cruise past the SeaWorld and Vacation Isle, experiencing the best of maritime San Diego on this fun and informative tour.

Experience the best of Los Angeles on a 6-hour private tour with a personal guide, and explore the city in a vehicle that seats up to 15 guests. Get an insider’s glimpse of Tinseltown as you stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame, watch for celebrities as you tour Rodeo Drive and the city's exclusive neighborhoods, then take in views of the Hollywood sign and towering downtown skyscrapers. Enjoy the ultimate L.A. experience, and enjoy the convenience of a personal tour that begins and ends at your hotel or private residence.

Los Angeles is filled with must-see landmarks, from the famous Hollywood sign to Santa Monica Pier. But neighborhoods are spread out, and it can be tough to make much progress with limited time to spare. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, this easy half-day tour covers the highlights by luxury bus. Depart from Hollywood or Santa Monica, and take in destinations like Rodeo Drive and Griffith Observatory without dedicating days to sightseeing.

Discover the enchanting allure of Malibu with this one-of-a-kind half-day tour, blending stunning coastal views with celebrity glamour. Cruise in an open-air van as guides share the secrets of Malibu's celebrity homes, iconic filming spots, and fascinating history. Highlights include picturesque stops at the Malibu Pier, the historic Adamson House, breathtaking Point Dume, and the Malibu Country Mart for a perfect mix of sightseeing, shopping, and Hollywood magic.

This is a great choice for time-tight travelers visiting Los Angeles. Save hours researching the best things to do in the city, and instead, go on a special tour that visits the city’s most photogenic spots and famous locations. Along the way, listen to commentary and stop to take photos near the Hollywood Sign, the American Film Academy, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive.

Savor the distinctive flavors of Carlsbad Village with a food and walking tour of the scenic seaside gem. Get an insider’s look at the culinary scene, local history, and landmarks as you explore with knowledgeable guides and enjoy six gourmet tastings. Sample luscious desserts and unique specialty foods, and season your experience with behind-the-scenes stories about Carlsbad Village’s vibrant gourmet culture, hippest restaurants, and cutting-edge artisanal products.

Explore San Francisco in style during this private, customizable tour in a mini-coop convertible. Enjoy open-air views of the stunning city as you follow a bespoke itinerary of your choice of must-see attractions or under-the-radar local hotspots. Tours include door-to-door pickup and drop-off and personalized recommendations from your guide.

Drive through Yosemite’s stunning landscapes at your own pace. Watch waterfalls explode over cliffs, walk under giant sequoia trees, and gaze up at tall granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome—all while stories guide you along the way. You can start on any highway that leads into the park. Stop at Tunnel View for sweeping valley views, stretch your legs at Bridalveil Fall or wander among giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove. Walk under trees at Cathedral Beach or stand in the spray at Swinging Bridge. You can even explore Yosemite Village, see the historic Ahwahnee lodge, or hike short paths like Sentinel Dome. The tour uses offline GPS navigation so internet won’t slow you down. It offers tips, turn-by-turn directions, and stays on your device forever. This tour has over 30 stops and 160 audio stories. Download it, drive the roads, and discover Yosemite’s magic your way—mile by beautiful mile.

Discover San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito with the option to add tickets to Alcatraz! Join a small group tour that covers four iconic experiences in a single day: explore San Francisco’s historic neighborhoods, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll beneath the Red Woods of Muir Woods National Monument, and enjoy a drive through Sausalito. Ride in comfort aboard our premium minibuses, with a local expert guide offering insider stories, photo stops, and stress free logistics from start to finish. If you want to end the day with a bang, add the option that ends with a visits to Alcatraz!

If you are a first-time visitor to Los Angeles, this small-group tour is an excellent way to see the city. Starting at the Dolby Theater, you'll visit the highlights of LA and Hollywood, as well as a few unexpected, lesser-known spots. Your guide is a skilled photographer and will take fantastic photos of you at the best spots.

Take an open-air bus tour through Hollywood and Beverly Hills and explore some of the area’s landmarks and celebrity homes. See famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and the Chinese Theatre. Keep an eye out for celebrity sightings as you drive through Beverly Hills and view the homes of Tom Cruise, Taylor Swift, Leonardo DiCaprio and many more.

Stroll the narrow streets and back alleys of San Francisco's Chinatown on this small-group walking tour. Explore local markets and savor tastings that add up to a full lunch, including tea, fortune cookies, dim sum, crispy Peking duck, and other specialties. Listen to guided commentary and ask questions as you discover the neighborhood's rich culture and flavors.

Petco Park is known for being the home of the baseball team the San Diego Padres and this behind-the-scenes tour gives you access to areas of the park that you wouldn't be able to get if just visiting to watch a game. See exclusive areas such as the Press Box, the Private Luxury Suite, and the Major League Dugout, and learn about past players as your walk past the Hall of Fame areas.

San Francisco is home to so many enchanting neighborhoods that it can be challenging to explore them all. On this small-group walking tour, visit Chinatown and North Beach, two of the city’s most storied districts, in about a half day of sightseeing. Learn about culture and traditions from your local guide, and stop for generous food tastings—from tea and dim sum in Chinatown to fresh cannoli in one of North Beach's oldest bakeries.

Get your bearings in a new city easily with help from this Carmel-by-the-Sea Walking Tour. Prebook your tour and guarantee your guided walk on the day of your preference. See highlights of Carmel such as the First Murphy House, Church of the Wayfarer, Tuck Box, Hog's Breath Inn, and more, while you hear history and stories of the city from your guide.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through California's Sierra Nevada with our Kings Canyon & Sequoia Tour Bundle—featuring self-guided audio tours of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! Stand in awe beneath the towering General Sherman Tree, explore the Giant Forest, and marvel at the panoramic views from Moro Rock in Sequoia. Then, venture into Kings Canyon to discover the majestic General Grant Tree, the serene Zumwalt Meadow, and the breathtaking depths of one of North America's deepest canyons. With GPS-triggered narration, offline maps, and expert storytelling, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace without the constraints of group tours. Join thousands of travelers who have transformed their road trips into enriching experiences—download now and let the wonders of Sequoia and Kings Canyon captivate you! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this small-group tour by vintage Volkswagen bus, decorated with long eyelashes so you can't miss your tour vehicle. You'll pass by neighborhoods like Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Marina, and Hayes Valley, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, and more.

See the sights of Hollywood on this tour by open-top Mercedes minibus or Ford Van with a canopy, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views as you go. Traveling with an on-board guide, you'll pass by attractions such as the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and movie studios. Plus, get a look at some of the mansions where past and present stars have lived.

Pack seeing three South Palm Spring neighborhoods into just one morning with this South Palm Springs Architecture, History, and Bike Tour. Although your bike rental isn't included, you can bring your own bike for ultimate comfort along the way or get a discount to rent a bike nearby. You'll explore Deepwell Estates, Twin Palms, and Indian Canyons while your guide tells you the history of the area.

Take a tour to three backroads Sonoma wineries, and get more out of your trip to the Sonoma Valley than you would if you explored alone, on this small-group, half-day tour. Not only does your guide pick three impressive wineries to visit (tasting fees own expense), but they also set up a picnic lunch for your group to enjoy in a winery setting. Round-trip transport from your Sonoma hotel is also included, so you can focus on enjoyment and leave the driving to someone else.