Top California Historical Tours - page 4

Experience Alcatraz from the water while uncovering the stories that made “The Rock” one of America’s most infamous prisons. Rather than simply viewing the island from afar, hear firsthand accounts from former guards and inmates through a smartphone audio guide as you cruise around Alcatraz. Along the way, enjoy views of San Francisco Bay landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, with skip-the-line boarding for a seamless experience.

Watch the sunset over San Diego and admire the city and ocean views during a small-group cruise on a classic 1904-styled sailboat. Pass landmarks such as the Maritime Museum, Coronado Bridge, and the USS Midway. Look out for sea lions, dolphins, and other wildlife around San Diego Harbor while relaxing and sipping on the provided wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks.

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.

When in Los Angeles, don’t miss the chance to visit sunny San Diego on this hassle-free group tour. Travel comfortably from Los Angeles to San Diego to visit the USS Midway Museum, take a harbor cruise to see military boats and the skyline, plus explore Balboa Park and Old Town. Gratuities for the driver and guide are included, and the tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours before returning to LA.

With its iconic hills, architecture, bridge and bay, it’s no wonder so many movies have been filmed in San Francisco. See filming locations from numerous productions on this movie sites tour from Fisherman’s Wharf. Watch clips on the tour bus as you pass by the real locations with an informative actor-turned-guide who shares stories about the city and cinema history.

Watch for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach aboard a double-decker catamaran with bow seating and 360-degree views. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside Newport Bay, and you'll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins. The boat has a 96% success rate spotting whales or dolphins, making this a great way to explore California wildlife in a gorgeous natural environment.

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit. After 3+ years of construction, Elephant Valley is now officially open! Come immerse yourself in this incredible conservation habitat and meet a multi-generational herd of eight African savanna elephants.

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.

Avoid the crowds, confusion, and limitations of large buses and discover San Francisco by luxury minivan. This half-day, small-group tour takes offers the perfect city overview. Stop for photo opportunities at some of San Francisco's most popular attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks, and learn more from your guide's stories. By the end of the tour, you'll have seen the best of the City by the Bay.

Get two classic San Francisco experiences—a bike ride starting at Fisherman’s Wharf and a visit to the notorious prison island of Alcatraz—in one combined tour package. Take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, where you can explore at your own pace on a self-guided audio tour. Use the flexible 1-day bike rental on the day of your choosing and enjoy a safe ride with a helmet included.

Explore Tijuana, Mexico, without getting lost on this day trip from San Diego, a great choice for first-time visitors. Visit cultural attractions, sample authentic Mexican street food at a sidewalk taco stand, and do some shopping and sightseeing. Opt to walk or take public transportation and experience the city like a local. Your guide can suggest stops and adapt the itinerary to fit the needs of the group.

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.

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.

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.

Visit Northern California wine country and Muir Woods for a truly fabulous day out. This popular tour takes you to Muir Woods National Monument, then to multiple wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, with tastings included. Opt to include a gourmet lunch in historic Sonoma (choose option at checkout) and cross the Golden Gate Bridge on the return to San Francisco, with a stop for a photo opportunity.

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.

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.

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.

If you’ve ever wondered where the rich and famous of Los Angeles live, then this is the tour for you. Save time searching online, and instead, get insider knowledge from your guide on where celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Madonna, Mick Jagger, and Katy Perry live. The tour passes by the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Hills, and also includes a photo stop at the Hollywood Sign.

Discover one of America’s most famous haunted houses: the Whaley House in San Diego. On your guided tour of the historic house dating back to 1857 you’ll learn about California history and the Whaley family as you explore the home’s Greek Revival architecture, historic décor, and uncover its mysterious and chilling past.

Visit several of the most popular attractions around San Francisco in one convenient tour. Enjoy a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and see the natural wonders at Muir Woods as you admire coastal redwoods, some of the world’s tallest trees. Take in waterfront views at Sausalito, then cap your tour with a visit to Alcatraz by ferry, where an audio guide is available in 12 languages.

Embark on a culinary expedition in Chinatown, where the origins of the fortune cookie come to life, a myriad of dim sum and tea await your palate, and the stories of Chinese immigrants unfold. This delectable 3-hour experience introduces you to the local community and immerses you in the energetic pulse of the nation's most historic Chinatown. HIGHLIGHTS: + Full meal provided + Intimate group settings + Explore the hidden alleyways of Chinatown + Immerse in tales from the Gold Rush era + Enjoy premium bubble tea + Savor a time-honored pastry from a local bakery + Step inside the fortune cookie factory + Relish a grand dim sum spread + Delve deep into the world of Chinese tea (30-min) + Sample authentic Cantonese-style duck + Welcoming kids 8+; please inquire about younger This journey offers a profound immersion into Chinatown's lively essence for both the well-traveled and the inquisitive locals. Book your experience today!

Spend the day in Los Angeles admiring awe-inspiring dinosaurs, exotic gemstones, unique creatures and much more with this admission to the city’s Natural History Museum. This L.A. institution boasts one of California’s top collections of fossils, live plants and animals, gems and minerals and fun-filled interactive exhibits. It’s the perfect family-friendly way to beat the heat while enjoying an exciting, informative range of specimens and displays.

Enjoy a unique way to explore San Francisco on this tour via vintage fire engine. Suit up in a firefighter jacket before setting off. Your driver-guide narrates the tour from Fisherman's Wharf through the Presidio and across the Golden Gate Bridge to charming Sausalito. This small-group San Francisco fire engine tour is limited to 10 passengers to keep things personal.