Top Activities on the Ground in California

Go where cars can't and soak up the scenery of California wine country on a horseback ride in Sonoma County. With a guide, you'll have the chance to admire the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley and the waters of Lake Sonoma as you traverse the rolling wilderness on horseback. This experience takes you well beyond the beaten path and doesn't require any prior experience.

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.

Enjoy a thrilling new way to explore San Diego Bay—and enjoy speed, splashes, and spins along the way—on this high-speed jet boat tour. As you race along the scenic waterway, spot landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Then, hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins, and other high-octane maneuvers.

Explore the slot canyons in Torrey Pines on this guided tour. Discover spectacular, hard-to-reach areas and take in views of the Pacific Ocean. Visit sandstone slot canyons and wind caves on the trek and stop at a majestic grotto with a waterfall. The hike up can be strenuous at times, but you will be rewarded with stunning views after summiting the cliffs.

Cover more of Santa Barbara than you ever could on foot on an electric bike tour. Ride your easy-to-use beach cruiser to landmarks such as State Street and the Santa Barbara Mission as your guide shares stories you won't find in the guidebook. Have your camera ready as you glide along the renowned Pacific coastline. Group numbers are capped, ensuring personalized attention and a small-group experience.

Experience the thrill of soaring 600 feet (183 meters) above sea level, across multiple high-speed ziplines on this incredible Catalina Island zipline eco-tour. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, cruise along 1,100 lineal feet (335 meters) of line and fly some 300 feet (91 meters) above scenic canyon floors. Reach speeds of 40 mph (64 kph) as you take flight on this epic adventure, ideal for daredevils and thrill-seekers. Note: all zipline participants must be at least 55 inches (140 cm) tall and weigh between 80 and 240 lbs (36 and 109 kgs)

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.

Embark on a guided electric bike wine tour through Sonoma County with an experienced tour guide. Cruise through vineyards along scenic routes on zippy e-bikes, stopping at two top local wineries to taste the exceptional rosés, whites, and reds this famed region is known for. Your knowledgeable tour leader will provide insights into Sonoma's winemaking history, ensure everyone is safe and comfortable, and share the best of what Sonoma County has to offer. Enjoy a memorable and informative journey through Sonoma's wine country.

This golf cart tour offers an efficient way to explore Palm Springs’ celebrity history and architecture without extensive walking. Guests benefit from guided commentary that provides context beyond what’s visible, adding depth to each location. The open-air format allows for clear views and easy photo opportunities, while the small-group setup supports a more engaging experience.

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.

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.

Experience wine country like never before—cruising through the vines in a one-of-a-kind sidecar for a private adventure most travelers miss out on. Feel the wind in your hair as you take in stunning landscapes as your guide shares insider knowledge on the vineyard’s journey from vine to bottle. Along the way, stop at picturesque locations for photos ops. Plus, indulge in a wine tasting at the award-winning Cass Winery, savoring the exceptional flavors that make Paso Robles a world-class wine destination.

If you’re looking to explore Point Lobos but find yourself short on time, this Point Lobos Nature Hike from Carmel-by-the-Sea fits in big highlights in just a little amount of time. A guide knows the best ways around the wooded and cliff-filled areas so you can see more of its beauty. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as otters, seals, deer, and sealions while you hike along with your small group.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise.

Cars are mostly banned on Catalina Island, and trying to see the highlights of the island’s vibrant harbor area on foot is a recipe for blisters. On this express private tour, visit coastal Avalon by chauffeured golf cart, covering more sights in less time than you could on your own. Along the way, learn about the island’s history and unique lifestyles of its few thousand residents.

If you want to see more of Sonoma beyond the wineries, set off on an open-air adventure through the countryside on a fun and eco-friendly electric trike. Cruise alongside rolling vineyards and orchards on Sonoma's backroads, stopping along the way at both historic sites and culinary destinations. Of course, no day in Sonoma would be complete without wine, so you'll also stop at one or two locally loved wineries for a taste.

Experience the monumental scenery of Yosemite on a private, guided half-day hike designed especially for families. Choose from a beginning or moderate hike to suit your family’s experience level, and embark on trails through Yosemite Valley or the High Country. Enjoy spectacular views of one of America’s favorite national parks, and stop for a scenic picnic near a stream, lake, or meadow. Note that private transportation and hotel pickup are not included.

Take a guided ride through La Jolla and Pacific Beach on an e-bike. Enjoy the feeling of pedalling with power as you cruise along some of San Diego’s most picturesque spots. See the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, watch the waves crash at Windansea Beach, and tour some of San Diego’s most lavish neighborhoods on a tour that’s suitable for all levels of rider.

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.

There’s seeing Avalon… and then there’s experiencing it. On this private two-hour golf cart adventure, you’ll explore Avalon, Catalina Island’s largest city, with a year-round local who truly loves sharing it. Expect sweeping hilltop views, sparkling harbor panoramas, hidden streets, and scenic overlooks that make you reach for your camera. When the light is perfect or a view deserves a pause, we stop. No rushing. No monotone script. Just real stories, real island insight, and a guide who brings the place to life. This experience blends the must-see highlights of Catalina Island with the hidden gems many visitors miss. Relaxed but never boring, informative but never rehearsed, and entirely private, it revolves around you. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll leave with memories that stay long after the ride ends. If you’re going to explore Avalon, make it the kind of tour you’ll still be talking about when you get home.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a vibrant community that’s no doubt inspired by the dazzling scenery that surrounds it. Find your own sense of wonder and inspiration during this electric bike tour. Hop on two wheels and let the small yet strong motor power you as you pedal around the Golden Rectangle of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This oceanside ride is a great way to explore the air at a reasonable pace.

Pedal at your own pace as you explore the area around North Lake Tahoe and Incline Village. Take in views of Lake Tahoe as you cycle, rent a kayak, or opt for a swim in the lake's refreshing waters—convenient bike rental means you can see where the day takes you.

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.