Top California Cultural Tours - page 4

Discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Enjoy early park entry and comfortable hotel pickup from major San Francisco hotels. Spot supersized natural wonders such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and sequoia groves, and spend several hours exploring the park’s wonders on your own. Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older pay an additional park entry fee.

San Francisco's rollicking, rags-to-riches history has left plenty of haunted happenings in its wake, so explore the city's more sinister side on a walking ghost tour. Visit some of San Francisco's most historic and allegedly haunted locations on and around Nob Hill, once the epicenter of San Francisco high society. Learn trivia and hidden history that you won't find in any guidebook on this ghoulishly fun, after-dark adventure.

On this San Francisco bike tour, cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and soak up stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. The guided tour takes you to the artsy town of Sausalito, where you have free time to explore. Return to the city at your leisure (either bike back or purchase a ferry ticket). This tour includes the use of a classic bike or electric bike for the full day.

Uncover San Francisco’s haunted history on this thrilling ghost-hunting tour, complete with your own EMF detector. Explore eerie alleys, historic neighborhoods, and infamous sites like Gold Rush cemeteries and Chinatown’s old red-light district, while hearing chilling tales of paranormal activity, murders, and mysterious deaths. Perfect for thrill-seekers, this tour blends ghost stories with true crime and the city’s darker past.

From the Hollywood Sign to the sunny beaches of Santa Monica and the glitz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is full of iconic sights. This guided full-day tour transports you by air-conditioned coach to top attractions—from Venice Beach to the Sunset Strip to Griffith Park and more—with included lunch at the Farmers' Market and optional hotel pickup for select locations.

Explore some of the top highlights of San Diego with your or or two day trolley pass (depending on option selected) for the city’s Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour. Choose your own adventure as you get on and off the trolley at any of the 11 included stops, covering famous sights including the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway and the Cruise Ship Terminal, Little Italy, and many more. This San Diego trolley tour also features live commentary from the on-board guide during your ride.

Discover the best of Los Angeles without the heat or the hassle on this open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tour—an easy, breezy way to cover ground without walking for hours. With four scenic route options and over 40 stops, explore iconic neighborhoods like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach at your own pace. Catch views from the open-top deck, hop off to explore must-see sights like the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip, then hop back on when you're ready. Buses run regularly and come with engaging audio commentary in nine languages, making it easy to soak in LA’s culture, coast, and character—without the stress of driving or parking.

Explore the LGBTQ history of San Francisco, and see the best of the vibrant Castro neighborhood, on this small-group walking tour. Learn insider facts and stories about local landmarks and historical sites, hear about Harvey Milk and the creation of the rainbow Pride flag, and more. Be inspired by the rich, diverse history of this iconic district and its continuing role as an epicenter of LGBTQ activism and events.

Explore Sonoma Valley wine on a small-group tasting tour from San Francisco to boutique wineries, making sightseeing stops along the way. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enter Sonoma's rolling landscape of golden hills and vineyards, and enjoy a series of guided tastings, learning about Sonoma wine varietals and terroir as you sip. After your time in Sonoma, pause in the artists' colony of Sausalito, with the option to return to San Francisco by ferry for great views across the San Francisco Bay.

Visit Northern California wine country and Muir Woods for a truly fabulous day out. This Super Saver provides two popular tours at one discounted price: Begin with a walk through Muir Woods National Monument, then tour three wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, with tastings included. You’ll also cross the Golden Gate Bridge, with a stop for a photo opportunity. Guests can buy lunch if you haven't upgraded to the gourmet lunch option.

Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium (own expense). Then enjoy free time to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea before returning to San Francisco.

Save time and money and explore both San Francisco and Alcatraz on this 2-in-1 tour. Enjoy a coach tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Learn about the City by the Bay through visits to top attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Presidio, and the Palace of Fine Arts. Then, hop aboard a ferry for a scenic ride to Alcatraz and explore with the award-winning audio walking tour.

Avoid the hassle of coordinating city sights and nearby nature trips from San Francisco with a small-group tour that combines urban highlights and redwood scenery in one seamless day. Instead of planning multiple outings, explore Woods National Monument and the waterfront charm of Sausalito before heading back for a city tour of key neighborhoods and landmarks (or vice versa, depending on bookings). It’s an efficient way to experience the region’s diversity without juggling logistics.

Comfortably cover a lot of ground with this e-bike tour through charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ride from the bike shop in downton to the town’s fairy-tale cottages and down the Carmel coastline along Scenic Drive. See landmarks such as the Tor House, Carmel River State Beach, Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch, and the Carmel Mission in under three hours.

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.

Swap crowded bus tours for the ultimate stylish and retro way of exploring Los Angeles—a ‘64 Impala Lowrider car tour. Cruise past luxurious mansions, take a photo break at Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and enjoy the full LA cityscape from Mulholland Drive—the perfect blend of iconic LA landmarks with nostalgic travel.

Skip the Catalina Island tourist traps and learn to dine like a local on this culinary walking tour. Follow your guide along the waterfront, learning about the island's cultural and culinary history as you go. Stop at several local hotspots to sample fresh seafood, sweets, and other traditional Catalina foods. This small-group tour is limited to 10 people for a more intimate experience.

Explore the awe-inspiring Sequoia National Park with our engaging audio tour! Walk among the world's largest trees, discover the park's rich history, and learn about its diverse wildlife. Our guides share captivating stories and fun facts about the giant sequoias, the park's unique geology, and conservation efforts. Perfect for families, adventurers, and nature lovers, our tour provides an enriching experience as you explore iconic spots like the General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the majestic landscapes of Sequoia National Park! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Go back in time to the American Wild West on this private tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada. Follow part of the old Pony Express to reach the area of the Comstock Lode, founded in 1859 during the Gold Rush, and hear about the days when Mark Twain walked the dusty streets. In Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, you have free time to explore on your own before stopping in Carson City on the way back to South Lake Tahoe.

Explore San Diego by Segway—and see more of the sights in less time—on this comprehensive, multi-stop tour. Led by a local guide, learn about the city’s major landmarks and history while passing top attractions including Balboa Park, the USS Midway, Seaport Village, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Snacks and beverages are included along the way, as well as a brief training session to ensure you feel comfortable before hitting the streets.

Prebook your ride on the Skunk Train Pudding Creek Express from Fort Bragg and avoid the hassle of booking the day off. This train ride experience goes through the beautiful area along the Pudding Creek Estuary in California’s Mendocino County. Stop at Glen Blair Junction for a short time or choose to stay to explore more on foot before you finish up your ride back to Fort Bragg.

Explore the mineral-rich towns that were at the center of Nevada‘s Silver Rush at your own pace. On this self-guided driving tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, you’ll travel back in time to the second half of the 1800s to find out how silver changed these towns’ fortunes forever. Starting in California, a short drive from the state line, this tour crosses high over Kingsbury Grade, and drops down into Douglas County, Nevada. Dramatically framed by the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada, this county is home to the quaint town of Genoa, one of Nevada‘s first permanent settlements. From Genoa, you‘ll drive through Carson City, the state‘s capital, and pass one of Nevada‘s oldest towns, Silver City, before finishing our tour in the charming silver rush town of Virginia City. By the end of this tour, you‘ll have gained an understanding of the historical moments that shaped this industry and Nevada’s Silver Rush while driving through the sparkling landscape of the Silver State.

Explore famous Los Angeles spots on this private tour for you and up to five guests. Visit Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, TCL Chinese Theater, Mulholland Drive, and capture a photo of the Hollywood Sign. Enjoy hotel pickup and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV with a private guide who handles all planning.

Enjoy a scenic drive from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge before you explore the natural beauty at Muir Woods National Monument. The picturesque views don’t stop there, as your tour will continue on to Sausalito's waterfront. Explore the charming city with some leisure time as you see stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and downtown San Francisco.