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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Skip the typical wine bus and van tours for something a little out of the ordinary—a tandem sidecar trip to 2–3 wineries in the Paso Robles area. Hop aboard a motorcycle sidecar that’s been modified to fit two passengers, and ride out to a handful of local wineries.

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.

Group tours of any kind can either go too fast or too slow, making for a less than ideal experience. Explore Lake Tahoe at your own pace with this self-guided electric bike tour on East Shore Trail and make stops when you choose to. Your journey along the trail ends at Sand Harbor, a popular beach area for swimming and boating.

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.

Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards are best experienced in the open air. On this e-bike tour, you’ll glide through wine country, basking in the scenery with your local guide highlighting the way. Break for a stop at a local winery, where you’ll sip at your leisure before getting back on two wheels, heading wherever adventure takes you (that’s right, you can keep the bike for the rest of the day).

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.

Unlock the best of San Francisco, without breaking the bank, with this convenient package. Bundle your Alcatraz excursion with a bike rental to cruise the atmospheric streets and landmarks, a guided bus tour across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, or a relaxing Bay cruise to see the sights from the water. Then, take the ferry to Alcatraz with your prepaid ticket—a great way to avoid waiting in sold-out lines—and tour "the Rock" at your own pace with your included audio tour.

Explore the beauty of Big Sur and sail around California's Central Coast with ease thanks to your own electric bike and a guide to show you around. Save time and energy on the back of the e-bike, squeezing way more into this tour than you would on foot. Let your guide lead you to some of the most stunning spots in the area.

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.