Top California Classes & Workshops

Suitable for all experience levels, this private surfing lesson in Malibu will have you catching waves in no time. Get hands-on instruction from a local surfer and lifelong Malibu resident, who can also give personalized travel tips. Learn the ins and outs of surfing, including paddling and standing, with the goal of riding waves.

See what lives in the Pacific waters surrounding Catalina Island on a 45-minute underwater cruise. As you sit comfortably in a climate-controlled cabin on board a large boat, you'll glide five feet (1.5 meters) below the surface to look for marine life in their natural habitat out of your own porthole. Along the way, listen to live commentary from a guide.

You will learn and practice assembling geometric patterning as well as techniques for laying the tiles (tesserae). Using your selected geometric template you will be guided to create your own traditional Turkish mosaic lamp! With our expertise and guidance, we can help you unleash your inner creativity and discover your full artistic capabilities. After you attend the workshop you will take your very own artistic masterpiece with you. In this 2.5 hour class you will learn the techniques of this 500-year ancient craft. Be guided in creating your own traditional Turkish mosaic lamp with the geometric templates you select while enjoying a sumptuous Turkish tea service, delectable treats & homemade Turkish shortbread cookies. This experience is the only one of its kind in USA and is sure to light up your day not only on your date but in the days to follow as you enjoy your lamp at home.

Discover the underwater world of Catalina Island during a 45-minute ride on a semi-submarine. The semi-sub allows you to view the marine life of Avalon Bay as you dive six feet (two meters) below the surface at Lovers' Cove. Stay dry as you get a close look at fish feeding around the submarine, then take in views of the island from your vessel's top deck during the return journey to Avalon.

Explore the studio, then create your own pieces at this Ojai pottery workshop and studio tour. This is a private experience, for you, or for you and your group (max 8 people). You’ll have a tour of the studio to learn about different styles of pottery and kilns, then you’ll have a demo. After that, you’ll be able to create your own, with help if needed. You will make 3-4 pieces during the workshop

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.

Take part in a small-group graffiti art workshop led by a local Los Angeles artist. Learn core aerosol techniques while gaining insight into the city’s graffiti culture and visual style. Hosted in a dedicated studio in Downtown Los Angeles, the session welcomes all ages and skill levels, offering a structured introduction to an influential but often misunderstood art form.

Escape the ordinary and delve into a world of creativity during this Wild Clay Pottery Workshop. We'll work together amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature on private property in Julian, California. This immersive experience invites travelers to unleash their artistic spirits (no experience necessary) against a backdrop of rolling, oak-strewn hills and apple orchards. Discover the timeless art of pottery-making guided by expert artisan, Becky Sangha, as you mold and shape clay sourced from the very earth beneath your feet. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned potter, our workshop promises an unforgettable journey of self-expression and connection with the land. Book your spot today and indulge in a truly enriching adventure in the mountains here in Julian, where artistry meets nature in perfect harmony.

Enter the dark, mysterious, stylish space and find yourself transported to a cosmopolitan oasis. We forge our way off the beaten path, seek interesting varietals and blend them together to make wines that are approachable and thought-provoking. You won’t find another place like it in Napa.

Craft custom candles in a fun, hands-on workshop led by an experienced candle and soap artisan. Begin with an introduction to candle basics, including safety tips and fragrance options. Melt and mix wax to create your unique scent, and learn essential techniques for clean burns and strong scent throw.

Visit San Francisco’s historic Presidio District, and learn about the man behind the Disney classics, when you prebook admission tickets to The Walt Disney Family Museum. Benefit from seamless admission, and then admire Walt’s early cartoons and films, hearing about his life through videos and narration from the animator himself. Don’t forget to check out views of the Bay from the museum’s glass wall before you go.

Here at Menchaca Chocolates we'd like to think we are adventurers continuing to re-define an ancient Pod found 150 miles from the equator. So we decided that to truly understand this magical bean you have to experience it through all your senses: taste, touch, smell, cracking and visual transformation. We developed these Chocolate & Art Workshops to do just that. You will get to know the possibilities and have a chance to make a custom unique Chocolate product and if you choose, design a label or Box to package it in. You can also learn exactly how we make our chocolate in Mr. Menchaca's Micro- batch Chocolate Factory Tour!

We are a surf school based on Venice Beach. Our goal is for you to have an excellent surfing experience, whether it's your first time trying surfing or you are trying to advance your skills. For the first 30–40 minutes, we will be training on the beach, and then it’s one hour with the instructors in the ocean. The remaining time is yours to practice your skills and have fun with the surfboards that we provide.

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.

We are a surf school based on Venice Beach. Our goal is for you to have an excellent experience surfing, whether it's your first time trying surfing or you are trying to advance your skills. For the first 30-40 minutes we will be training on the beach - then it’s one hour with the instructors in the ocean. The remaining time is yours to practice your skills and have fun with the surfboards that we provide you. We’ll be giving lessons on Venice Beach - one of the most famous beaches in California. You’ll be able to not only enjoy the ocean and get surfing experience, but also explore the unique spirit of the eccentric cultural hub of Venice Beach.

Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this small-group tour by vintage Volkswagen bus, decorated with long eyelashes so you can't miss your tour vehicle. You'll pass by neighborhoods like Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Marina, and Hayes Valley, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, and more.

Take a tour to three backroads Sonoma wineries, and get more out of your trip to the Sonoma Valley than you would if you explored alone, on this small-group, half-day tour. Not only does your guide pick three impressive wineries to visit (tasting fees own expense), but they also set up a picnic lunch for your group to enjoy in a winery setting. Round-trip transport from your Sonoma hotel is also included, so you can focus on enjoyment and leave the driving to someone else.

Hop on a '70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman's Wharf, this sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to '60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit. After 3+ years of construction, Elephant Valley is now officially open! Come immerse yourself in this incredible conservation habitat and meet a multi-generational herd of eight African savanna elephants.

Learn to surf at one of California’s most famous spots during this introductory surfing class at Venice Beach. This class is suitable for all levels, whether it's your first time surfing or you are advancing your skills. Spend some time training on the beach, then hop in the Pacific Ocean for instruction in the water, followed by time for practice.

Roll through Northern California’s famous wine country on the renowned Napa Valley Wine Train. Pass charming towns like Rutherford and St. Helena, and soak up the scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, and estates through large picture windows on the trip. Explore the restored vintage train cars, and then take a seat for a gourmet lunch or dinner freshly prepared by the train’s acclaimed on-board restaurant.

Discover a side of Solvang that few other visitors get to experience—and tap into the region’s supernatural lore—on this evening ghost tour. Meet your guide in the center of town and set off with EMF meters, dowsing rods, and other ghost-hunting tools to aid you. You’ll see historic highlights of the town, and can attempt to spot local spirits, all while your guide shares Solvang’s spookiest ghost stories.

Suitable for all ages and experience levels, this private surfing lesson in Newport Beach will teach you how to ride the waves. Surfboards and wetsuits are included, so you can simply show up and hit the water. Get a hands-on lesson from a professional instructor. Private tutorials can be adapted to all skill levels.