Top California Day Trips

Price varies by group size

(6,486)

from $99

Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(911)

from $99

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signals indicate that humpback, minke, grey, finback, or giant blue whales are nearby. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.4

(1,019)

from $39

Monterey Bay Whale Watching

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(342)

from $70

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.

Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops & Free Time

Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops & Free Time

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

See Los Angeles’ key neighborhoods and landmarks in one full-day tour designed to reduce planning and travel stress. With hotel pickup included, you can focus on the experience while a guide provides context and local insight along the way. This tour offers a practical overview of the city, moving efficiently from urban highlights to coastal areas, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors or short stays.

(2,143)

from $69

Tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Beach with Hotel Pickup

Tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Beach with Hotel Pickup

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(144)

from $95

Sequoia National Park Small-Group Tour from Three Rivers

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(175)

from $299

Visit two of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most popular destinations without the hassle of driving, parking, or securing reservations on your own. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to explore the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, then spend time in Sausalito, known for its waterfront views, art galleries, and laid-back charm. Return to San Francisco by coach or choose the flexibility of a ferry ride across the bay.

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry)

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry)

5 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(5,183)

from $80

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yosemite

A drive through Yosemite National Park is one of the most spectacular road experiences imaginable, with the valley’s distinctive granite walls and awe-inspiring rock formations rising up along the curving mountain roads. Enhance your journey with this private self-guided audio tour that gives you a wealth of facts and local tips along with driving directions along your route. The app-based service offers several suggested itineraries and uses GPS to deliver relevant information based on your location.

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yosemite

8 to 16 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(95)

from $20

Per group

Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

Visit Yosemite National Park without the hassle of planning a long day of driving or coordinating park logistics from San Francisco. Traveling in a small group, you'll journey through California’s Central Valley before exploring Yosemite Valley’s most famous sights, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. A stop among giant sequoias adds another iconic California landscape to the experience.

Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

14 hoursFree Cancellation

Travel back to the old Wild West—and see a side of the region many other visitors miss—on this tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada. Start your day trip by minibus, driving part of the old Pony Express route. When you reach Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, take a round-trip ride aboard the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad before enjoying free time in town.

(4,009)

from $239

Explore the Wild West: Virginia City and Carson City from Lake Tahoe

Wild West Day Trip to Virginia City from Tahoe with Train Ride

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(152)

from $80

Discover Yosemite is honored to have received Trip Advisors Traveler’s Choice award for being in the top 10% of activities in the World for each of the past two years. We go to great lengths and expense to assure an excellent experience for all who join us on our Yosemite Tours. If you are looking to enjoy the majesty and natural beauty of Yosemite National Park with an expert driver/guide who knows where to go, and how to get there and all about what you are seeing, join us for an unforgettable day in Yosemite. We’ll get you to the iconic viewpoints so you can capture the beauty of this Crown Jewel of National Parks with spectacular photos to commemorate your adventure. We include lunch, snacks and water on all our full-day tours, so you don’t have to take time out from seeing the sights to wait in line. Our vehicles are impeccably cleaned and rigorously maintained for your comfort and safety. Itinerary is subject to change due to weather or other conditions beyond our control.

Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour

9 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(756)

from $220

El Capitan creates a striking backdrop for visitors photos on this day trip to Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco w Pickup

15 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(3,552)

from $224

Napa Valley Small Group Winery Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour

(1,042)

from $151

Special Offer

3 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

See the best of San Francisco in one day on this guided tour that includes all transportation and admission to Alcatraz. Visit multiple locations in the city, including Chinatown, Presidio, Fisherman's Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury, with plenty of stops for photo ops. Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy a hike through the beautiful redwood trees in Muir Woods. If you've upgraded, take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, where you can explore with an award-winning audio-guided tour of the former federal prison.

San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(1,541)

from $119

Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr

iders cruising past Cypress Point Golf Club on the scenic 17 Mile Drive eBike Tour through Pebble Beach.

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(920)

from $59

Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(1,098)

from $75

Known for its steep granite cliffs, waterfalls, towering sequoia groves, and diversity of wildlife, Yosemite National Park is something you don’t want to miss. On this small group day trip, you can leave the logistics to a tour guide so all you have to do is enjoy the great outdoors. You have both guided sightseeing and free time, ensuring you see the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s major attractions, like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley, with the chance to explore more of the park however you wish.

Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

15 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(750)

from $209

Travel the full circumference of Lake Tahoe in comfort—and maximize your limited travel time—on this full-day bus tour. Look forward to exploring the lake's highlight sights and vistas. Admire viewpoints at Emerald Bay and Truckee River Dam, see where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held at Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort, and stop at Tahoe City for lunch (own expense). As you go, your guide provides rich historical context for the beautiful landscapes.

Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour including Olympic Valley

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(160)

from $70

Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle

See Los Angeles in style, and enjoy a fully flexible way to explore, on this private sightseeing tour via spacious luxury vehicle. Choose a duration and meeting point that are best for you, and then customize your itinerary. Opt to explore Beverly Hills, head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, continue along Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip, or see the ocean at Venice Beach or Santa Monica. It's all up to you.

Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle

1 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(37)

from $225

Per group

From the spectacular rocky ocean waves to the iconic towns, Highway 1 from San Francisco provides an experience you rarely find. This tour combines the best of California in one day. We begin in Monterey Bay, that has unparalleled sea life. You may even spot a whale! You will have time for coffee at Cannery Row. Next is the famous 17-Mile Scenic Drive (including a stop at golf resort Pebble Beach). There will be photo stops at the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Lovers Point or Point Pinos. We visit the beach town of Carmel, home to celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, where you can visit quaint shops, artisinal bakeries and coffee shops. Lastly, we will see the Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point, the iconic highlights of Big Sur. Depending on the time of the year, there may be a spectacular Northern California sunset over the ocean as we make our way back to San Francisco.

Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco

Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Inside Alcatraz Tour Including Fisherman's Wharf Lunch Credit

(29)

from $193

3 to 5 hours

3.8

(507)

from $75

Dry Creek Valley in the summer in front of beautiful vineyards

Sonoma County Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr

(159)

from $148

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Top Attractions in California

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Attractions

What are people saying about California

Jacquie_B, Jul 2026

Amazing ride

Awesome ride! The views and stops were great. I never felt unsafe riding on the road, cars were driving and slow and always respectful of the bikes. Wear layers, it was chilly, but I was never too cold. Lots of stops along the way. My guide Katie was amazing and very knowledgeable! I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see the coast!

Sequoia National Park Small-Group Tour from Three Rivers

Kariemah_G, Jul 2026

Honeymoon Sequoia Tour

Our honeymoon tour of the Sequoia Giant Forest was truly magical from beginning to end. Seeing the magnificent giant sequoias in person was breathtaking, and the peaceful beauty of the forest made this an unforgettable experience. It was the perfect way to celebrate the start of our marriage. A huge thank you to our incredible tour guide, Scott! He was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the park, sharing fascinating information that made us appreciate the Giant Forest even more. Scott also went above and beyond by taking amazing photos for us, helping us capture memories we'll treasure forever. He has a great eye for photography and made us feel completely at ease. The tour was thoughtfully planned, with a delicious picnic lunch, snacks, and plenty of water provided throughout the day, so we could simply relax and enjoy the experience. If you're visiting the Giant Forest, we highly recommend this tour—especially if you're lucky enough to have Scott as your guide. It was an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our honeymoon!

Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour

Gail_Y, Jul 2026

It was our first trip to...

It was our first trip to Palm Springs and so glad that we went on this tour to Joshua Tree National Park! Austin, our tour guide was very friendly, knowledgeable about the Park and about Palm Springs in general. That day was a perfect day to do the tour and the weather was great! I highly recommend this tour and would do it again when back in Palm Springs!

Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour

Renee_Z, Jun 2026

Incredible

Mike, our driver and tour guide, was incredibly friendly. He was soft spoken but could make light hearted jokes. The trip was clearly planned in advance and Mike was able to tell us some fun facts about each area to where we traveled. This was one of the most fun parts of our trip to Cali from Ohio. 🤩

San Francisco City Tour, Muir Woods & Sausalito: Half or Full Day

April_B, Jun 2026

Worth the walk!

Britt was a very informative and entertaining tour guide today. He and I were the only people on this tour, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought that he did a great job of explaining so many interesting facts and trivia about San Francisco. You can tell he was born here and knew a lot of information that I did not know but appreciated! It was a wonderful day- I definitely accomplished my steps for the day at 17,890!!!! Worth the walk!!

Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

Diane_B, Jun 2026

Awesome tour! Highly recommend.

Our tour guide Alex totally made this tour! He checked in that am to be sure we knew how to contact him if needed if we couldn’t locate him, was SO kind, personable, genuine, helpful, engaged and SO knowledgable about the city! His communication was excellent! Lunch recommendations he made were awesome. We saw so much but never felt rushed! The mini bus was comfortable and he was an excellent driver on the winding, cliff lined roads! We did the add on tour of Alcatraz and would highly recommend it. A walking tour was offered once we arrived to Alcatraz for about 30 mins and the park guide was an amazing story teller. The audio tour included in the Alcatraz tour thru this booking was excellent and headsets were provided despite the Viator agent I contacted prior to our trip saying they were not and that your audio was via private cellphone which was not the case and I was glad. This was not the Viator agents fault. He actually called the Alcatraz venue on my behalf which I thought was above and beyond and was told incorrectly. Thank you Alex! Steve and I so enjoyed meeting you and the wealth of info you provided us!!! Keep up the great job!!!!

Napa Valley Wine Train with Gourmet Lunch

Sheryl_J, Jun 2026

Bucket List Adventure

Our experience aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train exceeded every expectation. From the moment we stepped aboard, the atmosphere was elegant, relaxing, and full of charm. The scenic views of Napa Valley's beautiful vineyards created the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. What truly stood out was the food. Every course was beautifully presented, fresh, and absolutely delicious. The flavors were exceptional, and it was clear that great care went into every detail of the meal. From the appetizers to dessert, each bite was a culinary delight that complemented the overall luxury experience. The staff provided outstanding service throughout the journey, making us feel welcomed and well cared for. The combination of breathtaking scenery, exceptional dining, and first-class hospitality made this a bucket-list experience that was well worth it. If you're looking for a unique way to experience Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Wine Train is a must. We created memories that will last a lifetime and can't wait to return.

Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, Santa Monica & Venice Tour from Anaheim

MARINA_V, May 2026

Best tour in all of LA!

The best tour in all of LA! It was such a fun and unique way to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks. My sister and I visited LA for three days, and this was hands down the highlight of our trip. A huge thank you to Albert for making the experience so memorable—his energy, knowledge, and all the fun facts he shared around every corner truly brought the city to life. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting!

Small Group: Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

Karen_S, Apr 2026

This is the 🍷Tour to take!!!

wonderful historical and geographical narration along the way, amazing wines at boutique Ru Vango Winery in Napa) had to ship a case home😉! Sonoma square had cute shops, museum and wide choice of restaurants. We enjoyed back courtyard and delicious lunch at Sunflower Caffe. Second winery in Donoma was beautiful but enjoyed first wines more. Barry was a great driver, guide, comedian, showman, historian and wealth of information. He made the day very entertaining and memorable as well as safe. Highly recommend!!!

Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

Andrea_P, Jan 2026

Great Experience!

We had a great experience on this tour! Daniel was an fantastic guide. He was kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. By chance it was just my mom and I on our tour, which we were a bit disappointed about, but Daniel made us feel comfortable and at ease! Daniel even asked for our feedback on the way home to improve the experience for future tours. I strongly recommend taking this tour. We had a great time and would even do it again!

Monterey Bay Whale Watching

Juan_M, Oct 2025

Great location for your...

Great location for your hotel/Inn stay( booked the same day) and restaurants. The Sea Goddess Fantasy Tour Boat (Whale watching) , with parking was just five minutes away! We just loved that!!!!! They DID NOT disappoint!!! We took some amazing photos of whales, seals and dolphins! Great memories and an experience we’ll never forget! The staff were very professional and made sure everyone stayed safe!!!! I strongly recommend this tour!!!