Top California Tours by Duration

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.

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.

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.

Southern California’s Joshua Tree National Park can be a bit intimidating to take on all on your own; however, this self-driving tour lets you explore the park in your own vehicle while navigating the area with a GPS-powered app that leads the way. Just download the app on your smartphone, launch the app when you get to the park, and follow the recommended route and speed limit.

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.

Get an in-depth introduction to Los Angeles on this grand city tour. Ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time, the tours start in downtown Los Angeles then continues to Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Hills.

Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park on this 2-day overnight adventure from San Francisco. Explore highlights of Yosemite Valley, hike among Giant Sequoias, photograph the spectacular views from Glacier Point, and swim or bike around the base of Yosemite Falls. Enjoy a mix of guided activities and free time to explore the famous park on your own, and stay overnight either in the heart of Yosemite Valley or at a nearby lodge.

Escape San Francisco and head to Yosemite on this hassle-free, 2-day semi-guided tour. After easy pickup from the city, your driver will take you straight to the park’s best sites: Yosemite Valley, the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, and more. Explore at your own pace with time for photos, hikes, and meals. Park entry fee included for U.S. residents; non-U.S. residents pay an additional $100. Accommodations not included.

If you want to see more of Sonoma beyond the wineries, set off on an open-air adventure through the countryside on a fun and eco-friendly electric trike. Cruise alongside rolling vineyards and orchards on Sonoma's backroads, stopping along the way at both historic sites and culinary destinations. Of course, no day in Sonoma would be complete without wine, so you'll also stop at one or two locally loved wineries for a taste.

Visit two of Los Angeles' glitziest neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in the city's history of movie magic, on this private, half-day tour. Pick from multiple departure times and meet your guide right on Hollywood Boulevard. You'll get up close and personal with the Hollywood Sign, will visit the Walk of Fame, will stop by Greystone Mansion and Park, will see celebrity homes and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and much more.

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.

On this San Francisco bridge cruise, get an up-close look at the city’s two engineering marvels—the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge—as you travel across San Francisco Bay. See major city sights such as Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the Ferry Building, and listen to recorded commentary about the city's legendary architecture while you glide under both bridges.

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.

Make exploring Wine Country easy on this tour aboard the Napa Valley Wine Trolley. The open-air cable car is a replica of the historic trolleys seen in San Francisco and offers views of the vineyards as you travel to three or four wineries to sample the local wines (tastings at your own expense). A guide provides commentary about Napa’s rich history. Lunch at one of the wineries is also included for extra convenience.

Discover the Napa Valley at a relaxed pace on a full-day, small-group tour. Comfortable transportation collects you from your local Napa Valley hotel and carries your group to three distinct wineries, where you can enjoy tastings at your own expense. Listen to live commentary and ask questions at any time. Your experience also includes a complimentary picnic lunch at a charming winery.

Ride a GoCar all over San Francisco as it navigates for you and provides a guided tour. Take as long as you like to explore the city with a storytelling car as your guide. Learn all about the city as you visit spots such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Warf, Golden Gate Park, and much more.

See San Francisco’s most famous waterfront landmarks from the water on a bay cruise that combines iconic views with onboard flexibility. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline while listening to stories and insights through an app-based audio guide. With skip-the-line boarding and indoor and outdoor viewing areas, it’s an easy way to experience the bay from a different perspective.

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.

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind experience aboard the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe! Enjoy fabulous dining as you cruise against a backdrop of astonishing views over Emerald Bay. Please contact us no less than 24 hours prior to departure to choose one of the below delicious main courses: - Cowboy Ribeye served with a peppercorn demi, creamy mashed potatoes and steamed broccolini - Airline Roasted chicken with a chimichurri drizzle, creamy mashed potatoes and steamed broccolini - Broiled seasoned salmon with a citronette sauce, cheesy polenta and steamed broccolini - Mushroom Ragu served with Rice Pilaf and steamed broccolini After dinner, experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe from outside, or relax and enjoy the live music with our climate controlled indoor seating. Full bar service is available for purchase throughout your adventure. Go forth and dine in style as you cruise into the sunset beauty of Lake Tahoe!

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.

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.

Soar above Sonoma and Napa on this award-winning hot air balloon tour, launching at sunrise from a private airport site. Glide peacefully over vineyards, canyons, and into Napa Valley, away from the crowds below. Enjoy sweeping views from the Mayacamas Mountains to the San Francisco skyline. Your all-inclusive experience features pre-flight snacks, stunning scenery, and a celebratory champagne toast, making it an unforgettable way to see wine country.

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.