Top California Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

Enjoy a different perspective and admire San Francisco and its surrounding sights from the water on a San Francisco Bay sailing cruise. Onboard a catamaran, sail past the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, legendary Alcatraz Island, and the hamlet of Sausalito. Take advantage of great photo ops while you soak up the sea breeze during this scenic tour.

See San Francisco’s most famous waterfront landmarks from the water on a bay cruise that combines iconic views with onboard flexibility. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline while listening to stories and insights through an app-based audio guide. With skip-the-line boarding and indoor and outdoor viewing areas, it’s an easy way to experience the bay from a different perspective.

Discover the beauty of California’s famed Central Coast wine region on an all-inclusive Santa Ynez wine tour from Santa Barbara. Relax in a luxury passenger van as breathtaking landscapes lead you to the Santa Ynez Valley, where you’ll enjoy exclusive tastings at three partner wineries. With lunch, snacks, and insights from a knowledgeable local guide included, this is more than a tour—it’s a curated wine experience.

Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a hop-on hop-off bus pass valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Visit big-name attractions such as Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Union Square. Explore at your own pace, hopping off at any of the stops along two routes. Upgrade to the 48-hour tour for a digital Chinatown walking tour and a panoramic sunset tour, or the 72-hour tour, which also includes a bay cruise.

Spend a few hours relaxing and sightseeing in the waters just off San Diego during this 1- or 2-hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet, and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions.

Bypass the line and head directly to the gate with your prebooked tickets for this San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise. This sunset cruise takes you across the bay with outstanding views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Relax while background music sets the tone. Watch the sunset or select a city lights cruise during winter months.

Climb aboard a traditional paddlewheeler and embark on a scenic cruise around Lake Tahoe’s world-famous Emerald Lake. Learn about how the bay was formed, hear tales about Fannette Island, and discover Vikingsholm Castle from your included audio guide. Choose to enjoy the scenery and fresh air outside or sit indoors in a climate-controlled seating area. Pack light: lunch and a full-service bar are available for purchase.

Swap city sightseeing for some time on the water with this exciting whale-watching cruise lasting 2.5 to 3 hours. Avoid the guesswork when trying to figure out where to spot whales, and let the experienced crew take you directly to places known for sightings. As well as whales, you may spot sea lions, sea birds, and sometimes dolphins—with commentary from the naturalist guides who can share plenty of facts about marine life.

Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.

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.

Explore San Diego’s Downtown and Old Town sights in a fun and fast-paced way—on a self-drive GoCar tour. This sightseeing adventure takes the stress out of reading a map, as the car talks and shows you the way with its built-in GPS. Enjoy hearing stories as you explore the city’s most popular areas, including Old Town, Little Italy, Balboa Park, Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Enjoy sublime coastal scenery as you spot marine life during this kayaking trip to La Jolla’s sea caves and ecological reserve. Paddle alongside your expert naturalist guide as you observe the numerous species of birds, dolphins, sea lions, and even orcas of the area. Kayak among the lush kelp beds that grow in the reserve and, if conditions permit, explore inside the sea caves that dot the rocky coastline.

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.

Experience Joshua Tree National Park on a small-group tour from Palm Springs Art Museum. Explore surreal desert landscapes, towering rock formations, and hidden backroads. Learn about the San Andreas Fault's forces shaping the land and hear stories of the indigenous Cahuilla people. This half-day tour includes general admission, removing the need for separate park entry arrangements.

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.

Get the most out of your time in Los Angeles with this comprehensive tour that passes famous landmarks and celebrity homes. Travel between sites on an open-air bus, which helps cover more ground than a walking tour and offers great photo opportunities too. Highlights include the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverley Hills, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, West Hollywood, and a selection of famous homes and celebrity hotspots.

Sail across San Francisco Bay at twilight to admire the skyline as it begins to light up for the night, and enjoy a perspective on the skyline that few other visitors get to see. With an experienced captain at the helm, you’ll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. As you go, you can also enjoy one complimentary beverage to accompany your sightseeing, or purchase additional drinks from the onboard bar.

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.

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.

This full-day tour of Los Angeles is a popular and convenient choice for cruise ship passengers docked at the Long Beach or San Pedro terminals. Avoid having to find your way to a meeting point with pickup at the cruise point. Discover LA’s highlights and hidden gems, from the Hollywood Sign to Marlon Brando’s acting school. The day’s itinerary factors in free time to explore, dine, or shop at your own pace.

Discover a new side of Monterey—and get up close and personal with its wetlands and wildlife—on this family-friendly boat tour. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and hop aboard your electric-powered catamaran. The boat offers up-close views of the Elkhorn Slough, an estuary that’s home to animals ranging from sea lions and otters to bird species and more. Learn more as you go from your naturalist guide.

Enjoy a San Diego sunset cruise from Mission Bay as the sun sets behind the Pacific Ocean’s horizon, painting the coastal waters in golden hues. Catch views of SeaWorld and incredible view of the Ocean Beach Pier. Unwind with a drink, snap some memorable photos with loved ones on the deck, and soak up the relaxing vibe with soft music in the background. It’s the perfect way to wind down and savor California’s laid-back charm.