Top California Nature Walks

Avoid the crowds and explore Sequoia National Park with ease on this small-group tour, which checks off many of the park’s key attractions as well as some hidden gems. Save your feet as you travel between sites in a private vehicle and marvel at the world’s largest trees while somebody else does the driving. This jam-packed sightseeing tour is ideal for first-time visitors.

Explore two of the Bay Area’s top destinations, Muir Woods and Sausalito, on a half-day tour from San Francisco. Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument, where you have time to walk among towering old-growth redwood trees. Next, head to Sausalito for a stroll along the picturesque waterfront. Opt to remain on your own in Sausalito or return on the bus.

Our company has been providing exceptional Sequoia National Park tours for over 24 years! We’ll take the stress out of navigating the park so you can fully enjoy the stunning views and natural beauty. Our day will feature the Giant Forest, home to the largest sequoias, including the awe-inspiring General Sherman Tree. In summer and fall, we’ll climb to the breathtaking Moro Rock viewpoint and pass beneath Tunnel Log—a massive tree you can walk or drive under. We’ll explore popular sites and discover hidden gems known only to our guides, giving you a serene escape from the crowds. Enjoy a delicious freshly made picnic lunch surrounded by nature and truly connect with nature's beauty. Please note: this is not a hiking-focused tour. Stops involve short walks with time to enjoy the scenery and giant sequoias.

Find out why the Los Angeles Times, The Today Show, USA Today, New York Times have all hiked with us! You won't just see the sign, you'll experience the fun of walking there as you take in the stunning views of Los Angeles. As you get closer to the iconic Hollywood Sign than any other tour can take you, your guide will tell you all about Hollywood's fascinating history and keep you safe while you walk. Enjoy the outdoors as you take in the stunning views of Los Angels and beyond Take the most epic photos and videos for Instagram and TikTok Avoid the risk of getting lost as you'll be hiking with a knowledgeable and entertaining Los Angeles local guide This tour is a bucket list item and a great way to start your Los Angeles vacation

Take an unforgettable boat ride in Monterey Bay to spot local marine wildlife, from humpback whales to Great white sharks to dolphins. This whale-watching adventure takes you to one of the best spots in the state to spot some of these majestic creatures. Sail over Monterey Bay Canyon, which is a nutrient-rich area known for attracting all kinds of underwater wildlife.

Begin your stargazing adventure by meeting your guide, then sit back and watch as the valley transforms. Thousands of stars appearing, constellations sharpening into view, and, during the right time of year, the hazy band of the Milky Way stretching overhead. Listen as your guide shares captivating stories of our human connection to the night sky. Learn why Venus and Jupiter shine brighter than any star in the sky. Use your hands to measure the stars the way Polynesian navigators did. Use binoculars to get a closer look, then dive even deeper with live telescope viewing! Hear fascinating stories about the history and structure of the universe and how we have found meaning, purpose, and joy within it. And don't forget to keep an eye out for satellites and shooting stars overhead!

Follow your guide on the easiest route to reach the Hollywood Sign on this narrated walking tour. All ages are welcome, so bring the entire family. Make sure your cameras are charged for taking shots of views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Beach, the Hollywood Reservoir, the Hollywood Sign itself, and much more. Ask your guide for any other LA tips if you like, too.

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.

Explore the geology around California’s legendary San Andreas fault during a Jeep tour from Palm Desert. See a desert oasis fed by an underground spring as your naturalist guide describes how the Native American Cahuilla tribe used the desert's plants for food, medicine, and shelter. Marvel at steep-walled canyons and tall twisted rock mountains, and learn about the plant and animal life of the area. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour that includes light snacks, and bottled water.

Skip the usual sightseeing tours and see a different side of Avalon—the only town on Catalina Island—with this walking ghost tour. Meander through most of the small town, visiting highlights such as the Catalina Island Casino, while you learn why the island is allegedly haunted. Learn about the difference between spirits and ghosts, and see “proof” of paranormal activity.

Enjoy a nice walk through the Giant Forest while we walk down a paved trail to the world’s largest tree, the General Sherman Tree. From there we will walk deeper into the Giant Forest. Along the way we will learn about the wildlife and plants that call this forest their home. Keep a watchful eye for a chance to see some of them in real life. If we are lucky we might even stumble into a black bear or two! Customization is available for medical and mobility accommodations only. Trip needs 3 participants to operate.

California’s Muir Woods National Monument and its towering old-growth redwood trees sit just north of San Francisco. With this tour, save an estimated two hours searching for parking or waiting at the visitor center’s long lines, and explore the protected area at your own pace for about an hour. This leaves enough time for your quick stop at the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point and one hour in Sausalito.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through California's Sierra Nevada with our Kings Canyon & Sequoia Tour Bundle—featuring self-guided audio tours of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! Stand in awe beneath the towering General Sherman Tree, explore the Giant Forest, and marvel at the panoramic views from Moro Rock in Sequoia. Then, venture into Kings Canyon to discover the majestic General Grant Tree, the serene Zumwalt Meadow, and the breathtaking depths of one of North America's deepest canyons. With GPS-triggered narration, offline maps, and expert storytelling, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace without the constraints of group tours. Join thousands of travelers who have transformed their road trips into enriching experiences—download now and let the wonders of Sequoia and Kings Canyon captivate you! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

See San Francisco from a whole new perspective with a unique blend of open-air sightseeing and a visit to one of its most legendary landmarks. The Lombard Leap + Alcatraz Tour begins with a fully guided open-air 90 Min city tour, offering unobstructed views of the city’s neighborhoods, hills, and famous streets. Cruise through areas like North Beach, Chinatown, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill while passing filming locations from Bullitt, The Rock, and Mrs. Doubtfire. Enjoy the thrill of descending Lombard Street and stop for photos at Coit Tower, the Palace of Fine Arts, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. After the city tour, board the official ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the former prison at your own pace using the included award-winning audio tour. This experience combines iconic sights, movie history, and legendary stories into one unforgettable day.

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.

Drive through Yosemite’s stunning landscapes at your own pace. Watch waterfalls explode over cliffs, walk under giant sequoia trees, and gaze up at tall granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome—all while stories guide you along the way. You can start on any highway that leads into the park. Stop at Tunnel View for sweeping valley views, stretch your legs at Bridalveil Fall or wander among giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove. Walk under trees at Cathedral Beach or stand in the spray at Swinging Bridge. You can even explore Yosemite Village, see the historic Ahwahnee lodge, or hike short paths like Sentinel Dome. The tour uses offline GPS navigation so internet won’t slow you down. It offers tips, turn-by-turn directions, and stays on your device forever. This tour has over 30 stops and 160 audio stories. Download it, drive the roads, and discover Yosemite’s magic your way—mile by beautiful mile.

See one of Northern California's top natural sights—towering redwood trees—during this tour from Sausalito. With a guide, you'll take a walk through the redwood groves of Mill Valley, a town in Marin County, located at the base of Mt. Tamalpais. Admire the scenery of the ancient trees surrounded by a creek and ferns during the walk and enjoy a stroll through downtown Mill Valley, too.

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.

Discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Enjoy early park entry and comfortable hotel pickup from major San Francisco hotels. Spot supersized natural wonders such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and sequoia groves, and spend several hours exploring the park’s wonders on your own. Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older pay an additional park entry fee.

Enjoy a scenic drive from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge before you explore the natural beauty at Muir Woods National Monument. The picturesque views don’t stop there, as your tour will continue on to Sausalito's waterfront. Explore the charming city with some leisure time as you see stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and downtown San Francisco.

Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a hop-on hop-off bus pass valid for 24 or 48 hours. Visit big-name attractions such as Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Union Square. Explore at your own pace, hopping off at any of 17 stops. Add-on options include Aquarium by the Bay admission, a digital Chinatown walking tour, a panoramic sunset tour, and a half-day wine tour

This fly fishing adventure is a great way to experience the Sierra Nevada while trying your hand at catching all sorts of trout in the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers. Unlike most fly fishing intro courses, this course is focused on conservation and family fun – catch and release your trout with barbless hooks and learn more about the ecology of the river alongside your children. There are no hidden costs, either: all equipment is provided and all license fees are covered.

Experience the towering majesty of Redwoods National Park with our captivating audio tour! Wander through ancient groves of the world’s tallest trees, explore scenic trails, and learn about the park’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems. Our guides share fascinating stories and fun facts about these incredible redwoods and the conservation efforts protecting them. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers, our tour offers an immersive and educational journey. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking Redwoods National Park! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*