Top California Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 3

California’s Muir Woods National Monument and its towering old-growth redwood trees sit just north of San Francisco. With this tour, save an estimated two hours searching for parking or waiting at the visitor center’s long lines, and explore the protected area at your own pace. This leaves enough time for your quick stop at the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, plus free time in Sausalito.

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.

Escape the hustle and bustle of San Francisco with this half-day getaway to California's world-renowned Wine Country. Starting in the early afternoon, you'll cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and soak in picturesque views of the San Francisco skyline and charming Sausalito. Visit two handpicked Sonoma Valley wineries, where you’ll enjoy outdoor tastings, explore the estate, and learn about wine-making from fermentation to bottling, all hosted by a guide.

Discover the natural and manmade beauty of 17-Mile Drive on an electric bike tour from Pacific Grove. The e-bike allows you to cover more ground without getting worn out. The tour is great for the whole family, with the option to ride tandem with children weighing up to 120 lbs (54 kgs). Along the way, learn about the area from your guide and make stops at impressive viewpoints.

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.

Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 2–3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open Pacific Ocean and looking for animals in just 10 minutes. Expert Guides and Naturalists on board help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their lives in the deep blue sea.

Follow your guide on the easiest route to reach the Hollywood Sign on this narrated walking tour. All ages are welcome, so bring the entire family. Make sure your cameras are charged for taking shots of views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Beach, the Hollywood Reservoir, the Hollywood Sign itself, and much more. Ask your guide for any other LA tips if you like, too. You can also choose a 3-hour Hollywood Sign Hike at checkout to see the sign from both the front and back, or upgrade to a private tour exclusively for your group.

View over 4,000 animals roaming in large enclosures on a 2-day visit to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This admission ticket allows you to spend two days at the Zoo or Safari Park or split your time between the two. Access to all shows and exhibits and all in-park transportation are included. With mobile tickets, scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

See what lives in the Pacific waters surrounding Catalina Island without getting wet on a 45-minute underwater cruise. As you sit comfortably in a climate-controlled cabin on board a large boat, you'll glide below the surface to look for marine life in its natural habitat through your own porthole. Along the way, listen to live commentary from a guide.

Escape the city and explore San Francisco’s North Bay, on this guided tour. See massive redwood trees that are over 1,400 years old in a magical redwood forest. Cruise up the coast for a walk on Stinson beach and lunch in the town of Stinson. Enjoy views of the city from the Marin Headlands before stopping in Sausalito where you have the option to take the ferry back.

Savor the best of Napa and Sonoma wine country with ease on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy scenic photo stops, and visit renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Taste award-winning wines, explore charming Sonoma Plaza, and discover gems that can include Artesa Winery and Madonna Estate. Enjoy guided commentary, round-trip transport, and tastings, making this tour a relaxing and memorable one.

Experience Yosemite National Park without the challenge of a long drive from San Francisco or the hassle of planning a day’s sightseeing on your own. Travel by coach to some of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley, with time to explore independently. It’s an easy way to combine guided sightseeing with the freedom to experience Yosemite at your own pace.

Escape the crowds in Avalon and explore Catalina Island’s rugged interior without the hassle of navigating restricted backcountry roads on your own. Travel by four-wheel-drive vehicle with a driver-guide to reach remote areas that most visitors can’t access, keeping an eye out for American bison while learning about the island’s wildlife, natural history, and dramatic landscapes along the way.

Sail Tahoe Blue is the premier sailing charter in South Lake Tahoe. We offer a unique sailing adventure and include complementary local beer and wine, as well as non-alcoholic beverages on all of our daily cruises. Unlike other tour boats which take 50+ passengers, our sailing yacht, "Blue", limits our capacity to 18 passengers. If you care to enjoy the beauty of propulsion by Mother Nature without the sound and smell of an engine, come sail with us!

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.

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.

Experience more of Yosemite National Park without the hassle of planning transportation, lodging, or park logistics. This fully guided overnight tour from San Francisco combines iconic sights, free time to explore, and expert insights into one seamless experience. Travel in eco-friendly transportation while making the most of your time in one of California’s most celebrated national parks.

Escape San Francisco and head to Yosemite on this hassle-free, 2-day semi-guided tour. After easy pickup from the city, your driver will take you straight to the park’s best sites: Yosemite Valley, the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, and more. Explore at your own pace with time for photos, hikes, and meals. Park entry fee included for U.S. residents; non-U.S. residents pay an additional $100. Accommodations not included.

Napa and Sonoma are two key wine-growing regions in California, but deciding exactly which wineries to visit can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Take the guesswork out of this small-group guided tour from San Francisco. Enjoy hotel pickup and transfers as you visit two wineries for included tastings, with free time in Sonoma Plaza and photo stops along the way.

Experience a day of imagination and fun at LEGOLAND® California Resort with over 60 rides, shows, and attractions made for families with kids ages 2–12. Explore Miniland USA, drive at Fun Town, and splash around at the Water Park. Visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium and dive into ocean wonders. Book a Sea Life or Resort Hopper and get a second day free to revisit the adventure.

Check off several towns and landmarks along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, all without the stress of driving or having to hire a car, with this full-day small-group tour from San Francisco. Take in the coastal views, and enjoy free time in Monterey and Carmel-by-the Sea, along with scenic stops at 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Bird Rock Vista Point, and more.

South Lake Tahoe can be slammed with tourists at any time of the year. Avoid the masses on land by prebooking this Emerald Bay helicopter tour. Take off from South Lake Tahoe and fly above the area to see main highlights such as Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Pope Beach, and Taylor Creek. Learn about Emerald Bay as you fly with live commentary provided.

On this San Francisco bridge cruise, get an up-close look at the city’s two engineering marvels—the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge—as you travel across San Francisco Bay. See major city sights such as Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the Ferry Building, and listen to recorded commentary about the city's legendary architecture while you glide under both bridges.

Explore the geology around California’s legendary San Andreas fault during a Jeep tour from Palm Desert. See a desert oasis fed by an underground spring as your naturalist guide describes how the Native American Cahuilla tribe used the desert's plants for food, medicine, and shelter. Marvel at steep-walled canyons and tall twisted rock mountains, and learn about the plant and animal life of the area. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour that includes light snacks, and bottled water.