All California Tours & Excursions in 2026

According to travelers, these are the best California tours to book right now:

• Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

• San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ Optional Gourmet Lunch

• San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket

• Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

Yes, guided tours in California are definitely worth it. They offer valuable insights into the state’s many attractions, from the iconic landmarks of San Francisco to the stunning coastal vistas of Big Sur. Whether you’re visiting Yosemite National Park, wine country, or Hollywood, local guides can share historical context and insider knowledge you might otherwise miss.

Per one customer who booked the San Francisco Love Tour, “We had an absolutely amazing time! Our tour guide Cyrus Kristina was the best! So much fun cruising around in the WV van stopping at many of San Francisco’s coolest places! The awesome tunes made it even better! Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and a delight to be around. Loved it! Highly recommend!”

The most popular tours in California range from around US$20 to US$230, with a variety of experiences to suit different budgets and interests. Single activities and short walking tours in most places start from around US$25, while private, multi-day experiences and yacht charters can exceed US$5,000.

Budget options include the Griffith Observatory Hike: Guided Tour Through Griffith Park (from around US$29 per person). This popular tour lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and includes hiking through the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park, where you’ll enjoy the views while your guide shares stories of Hollywood’s history. Pricier tours include the Private Wine Tour of Napa Valley (from US$2,500 per group of up to six). This personalized tour comes with your own bespoke itinerary based on your palate and interests, taking you to hidden wineries where you might be the only group there.

California tours are as varied as the state itself. City tours typically feature visits to famous landmarks, celebrity homes, and cultural districts, while outdoor adventures might include hiking in national parks, whale watching, shore excursions, and exploring redwood forests. Depending on your interests, you can sample local wines at picturesque vineyards, visit a film studio, join a food walking tour, or explore historical sites.

To make the most of your time in the Golden State, consider booking an all-day or multi-day tour. For example, the Yosemite National Park 2-Day Tour from San Francisco with Lodging takes you to hike among Giant Sequoias in Tuolumne Grove, photograph the views from Glacier Point and Tunnel View, visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, and enjoy activities such as swimming or biking near Yosemite Falls.

According to travelers, these are the best attractions in California:

• USS Midway Museum

• Alcatraz

• Golden Gate Bridge

• Hollywood Sign

• Universal Studios Hollywood™

View Viator’s guide to all the best attractions in California.

There are tons of great trips to take from California. According to traveler reviews, these are the best day trips to book right now:

• Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More

• San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ Optional Gourmet Lunch

• Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

• Grand Beach Tour: LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica

• Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings

View all of Viator’s top California day trips.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time in California. Here are some of the best California activities under US$25:

• The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles

• Los Angeles: The Original 2.5-Hour Hollywood Sign Hike

• Swan Boat Rental in Echo Park

• Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

• Los Angeles Original 90-Minute Walking Tour to The Hollywood Sign

It’s no secret that California is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top outdoor tours to book right now:

• Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More

• San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ Optional Gourmet Lunch

• San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket

• Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

• The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles

View all of Viator’s top outdoor activities in California.

According to travelers, these are the top museums and cultural attractions in California:

• USS Midway Museum

• Alcatraz

• Maritime Museum of San Diego

• Computer History Museum

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

View all of Viator’s museum tickets and passes in California.

Couples will find plenty of romantic tours in California. Here are some of the top activities to book now, according to previous travelers:

• San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

• 4-Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

• Monterey Whale Watching Tour

• 2-Hour Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay

View all of Viator’s top romantic tours in California.

California has enough activities to entertain every member of your family. Here are some of the top kid-friendly tours to book now, according to previous travelers:

• San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket

• 4-Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

• Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point

• The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California

• The Walt Disney Family Museum Admission Ticket in San Francisco\

View all of Viator’s top family-friendly tours in California.