Top California Tours by Duration

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.

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

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.

Southern California’s Joshua Tree National Park can be a bit intimidating to take on all on your own; however, this Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour lets you explore the park in your own vehicle while navigating the area with a tour that leads the way. Just download the app on your smartphone, launch the app when you get the park, and follow the recommended route and speed limit.

Get an in-depth introduction to Los Angeles on this grand city tour. Ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time, the tours start in downtown Los Angeles then continues to Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Hills.

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.

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.

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.

Swap city sightseeing for some time on the water with this exciting whale-watching cruise. 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.

See Los Angeles efficiently on a guided city tour that removes the need to plan routes, drive, or manage parking. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can focus on understanding the city while a guide provides context across key neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach. This tour is designed to give first-time visitors a clear overview of LA in one day, helping you decide where to return on your own.

Take in soaring cliffs, alpine meadows, and other natural wonders on a private, guided hiking tour of Yosemite National Park. Tailor this half-day excursion to your interests and ability; your guide helps find your perfect trail into the wilderness. Head off the tourist trail, learn about the history and ecology of the High Sierra, enjoy a backcountry picnic, and admire stunning views of the Yosemite Valley or High Country.

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.

Take a San Francisco half-day tour to pack in the city’s top sights in a convenient way that leaves you with plenty of time to spare so you can enjoy the city however you wish. With a driver-guide, travel the city by bus, stopping at major attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks, and exploring neighborhoods like North Beach and Chinatown. Plus, you can upgrade to include a San Francisco Bay cruise or admission to the Aquarium of the Bay.

Discover the highlights of Los Angeles on a small-group full-day tour from Anaheim. Visit famous movie and TV locales such as Hollywood's Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Stop for lunch at the farmer's market, then wind down your day at Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach. Your small-group tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels Anaheim Resort Area and Buena Park.

Explore Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel, and other highlights along the California coast with ease on this full-day small-group tour from San Francisco. Cruise along scenic Highway, enjoy 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.

Explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles' famous beaches, and beyond on this all-day guided excursion starting from Anaheim or Los Angeles. After a convenient hotel pickup, head out with a knowledgeable guide and experience classic sites and neighborhoods like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Rodeo Dr., Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier.

Visit two of Los Angeles' glitziest neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in the city's history of movie magic, on this private, half-day tour. Pick from multiple departure times and meet your guide right on Hollywood Boulevard. You'll get up close and personal with the Hollywood Sign, will visit the Walk of Fame, will stop by Greystone Mansion and Park, will see celebrity homes and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and much more.

Make exploring Wine Country easy on this tour aboard the Napa Valley Wine Trolley. The open-air cable car is a replica of the historic trolleys seen in San Francisco and offers views of the vineyards as you travel to three or four wineries to sample the local wines (tastings at your own expense). A guide provides commentary about Napa’s rich history. Lunch at one of the wineries is also included for extra convenience.

Hop into your private SUV for a wine tour of the Sonoma or Napa Valley with a private guide. You can make your own itinerary and your guide/driver will be happy to provide recommendations. You can taste as much wine as you like (tasting fees at your own expense) without worrying about who will be the sober driver; all of your transportation is taken care of.

Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park on this 2-day overnight adventure from San Francisco. Explore highlights of Yosemite Valley, hike among Giant Sequoias, photograph the spectacular views from Glacier Point, and swim or bike around the base of Yosemite Falls. Enjoy a mix of guided activities and free time to explore the famous park on your own, and stay overnight either in the heart of Yosemite Valley or at a nearby lodge.

Elevate your sightseeing experiences in San Diego with this luxury whale- and dolphin-watching cruise. Instead of doing any research, enjoy having a crew to take you to places known for their whale and dolphin sightings. The luxury vessel is air-conditioned with indoor seating, as well as a restroom and stabilizers to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

Get the chance to seek out whales in the wild on this tour from Dana Point. Enjoy live narration from your experienced captain as you watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins, and learn about the stunning diversity of marine life that flocks to the California coast. Listen to the distinctive calls of seabirds from a seat on deck, or relax by a window in the fully-enclosed cabin.

Travel by minibus from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park on a small-group day trip to one of the most visually stunning places on earth. This full-day itinerary takes you through the orchards of the Central Valley to Yosemite Valley, stopping first for a stroll through a grove of giant sequoias. Find plenty of photo ops of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Fall, and more.