Top California Day Trips

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore a shady oasis and rugged canyons on a Hummer adventure that goes deep into Joshua Tree’s arid landscape. See the park's most iconic sights and learn about its geology, fauna, and cultural history. Immerse yourself in the majesty of this park in the company of an expert guide and small group, for personalized attention. Choose from morning or afternoon tour times to suit your schedule.

Known for its steep granite cliffs, waterfalls, towering sequoia groves, and diversity of wildlife, Yosemite National Park is something you don’t want to miss. On this small group day trip, you can leave the logistics to a tour guide so all you have to do is enjoy the great outdoors. You have both guided sightseeing and free time, ensuring you see the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s major attractions, like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley, with the chance to explore more of the park however you wish.

Discover Yosemite is honored to have received Trip Advisors Traveler’s Choice award for being in the top 10% of activities in the World for each of the past two years. We go to great lengths and expense to assure an excellent experience for all who join us on our Yosemite Tours. If you are looking to enjoy the majesty and natural beauty of Yosemite National Park with an expert driver/guide who knows where to go, and how to get there and all about what you are seeing, join us for an unforgettable day in Yosemite. We’ll get you to the iconic viewpoints so you can capture the beauty of this Crown Jewel of National Parks with spectacular photos to commemorate your adventure. We include lunch, snacks and water on all our full-day tours, so you don’t have to take time out from seeing the sights to wait in line. Our vehicles are impeccably cleaned and rigorously maintained for your comfort and safety. Itinerary is subject to change due to weather or other conditions beyond our control.

Experience San Francisco the easy way, and that takes the stress out of planning with this hassle-free guided tour. Skip securing hard-to-get Muir Woods parking or juggling multiple reservations—this tour has got it all covered. Explore the city’s neighborhoods, snap photos at the Golden Gate Bridge, and stroll beneath towering redwoods. Upgrade to the full-day tour and enjoy free time in Sausalito and an extended tour of the city.

Skip the stress of planning routes, reservations, and transportation for a day in Wine Country. This private driver-guided experience lets you customize your winery visits while enjoying a relaxed, seamless journey between stops. With expert planning support and door-to-door service, you can focus on the tastings and scenery instead of the logistics.

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.

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.

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.

This Los Angeles Highlights Full-Day Tour from Anaheim is a great choice for those who want to enjoy Southern California’s big theme parks but would also like to experience LA and all it has to offer, too. Travel from Anaheim resort area to stop at big attractions near LA such as Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey, and Santa Monica.

Check off several towns and landmarks along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, without the stress of driving, with this full-day small-group tour from San Francisco. Take in 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.

Skip the impersonal, large-group bus tours on this full-day trip to Yosemite National Park, with lunch and round-trip transport included. In addition to navigating the park’s vast size for you, your guide provides stories and facts often unheard by visitors. Options for the day’s itinerary include a short hike, sweeping views of El Capitan, and a drive along the Merced River.

Napa Valley and Sonoma County are held in high regard for their vineyards and wineries. Make the most of what the area has on offer with a customizable transfer service to whisk you from place to place. Pick the wineries you want to visit, then sit back and relax as your private driver transports you there. The included concierge service helps you to select and book tastings (own expense)—so there's nothing to arrange yourself.

Visit Yosemite National Park in just one day on this hassle-free day trip from San Francisco. Upon arrival in the state’s most famous national park, embark on a bus tour of highlights from Half-Dome and Bridalveil Falls to El Capitan, with plenty of photo opportunities. In the afternoon, have free time to hike or explore the Yosemite Valley before returning to San Francisco on your comfortable coach.

Take a trip to experience the highlights of San Francisco Napa and Sonoma Valley during this exclusive wine tour. From organic boutique vineyards to renowned wineries, delve into the rich history and heritage of California's wine country, getting acquainted with the local culture along the way. Sample exquisite wines, discover grape growing techniques, and savor lunch (own expense) at Sonoma Square with its diverse dining options and unique boutiques.

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.

Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium (own expense). Then enjoy free time to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea before returning to San Francisco.

Experience Joshua Tree National Park on a small-group tour from Palm Springs Art Museum. Explore surreal desert landscapes, towering rock formations, and hidden backroads. Learn about the San Andreas Fault's forces shaping the land and hear stories of the indigenous Cahuilla people. This half-day tour includes general admission, removing the need for separate park entry arrangements.

See the best that the Los Angeles area has to offer on this full-day tour. Visit four popular parts of L.A., Santa Monica Pier, the Farmers Market, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with 1-hour stops in each area. See the most-famous landmarks of the city and get insider tips from your guide about the best things to see, eat, and do.