Top California Adventure Tours in 2026

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

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.

Explore Joshua Tree National Park on a small-group, guided tour that’s designed to cover key park areas efficiently, all without the need to plan routes or drive yourself. Travel between viewpoints while stopping for short walks to experience the landscape up close (park admission own expense). This half-day tour offers a practical way for visitors to maximize their sightseeing, and see a range of highlights in just a limited timeframe.

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.

Experience Catalina’s rugged interior—the protected side of the island that few visitors get to see—on this nature tour. Traveling by custom-built safari vehicle for easy wildlife viewing, head to the Airport-in-the-Sky and get a chance to spot bald eagles, bison, deer and the endemic Catalina Island fox. Learn about the island’s history and ecology from your naturalist guide, and enjoy panoramic views of a Native American gathering site.

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.

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.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience when you take to the skies above Temecula on this hot-air balloon experience. In the early morning, make your way to the departure point and watch as your balloon inflates to its full size. After check-in, hop aboard the basket and set off with your pilot. Soar over vineyards and rolling hills, can spot local landmarks as you go, and learn more from the pilot's commentary.

Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 2–3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open Pacific Ocean and looking for animals in just 10 minutes. Expert Guides and Naturalists on board help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their lives in the deep blue sea.

Cover more of Santa Barbara than you ever could on foot on an electric bike tour. Ride your easy-to-use beach cruiser to landmarks such as State Street and the Santa Barbara Mission as your guide shares stories you won't find in the guidebook. Have your camera ready as you glide along the renowned Pacific coastline. Group numbers are capped, ensuring personalized attention and a small-group experience.

Glide among the treetops and get a birds-eye view of the beautiful Johnson Valley. Your tour starts with a 4wd ride into the forest. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of the nine ziplines ranging in length from 140 to 860 feet and promising speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Expert tour guides take care of your equipment and safety, assuring your group of family or friends an exhilarating, safe, and high-flying time.

Explore Joshua Tree National Park on a private guided tour designed for flexibility and ease. Travel by SUV or van with hotel pickup included, allowing you to cover more of the park without driving or planning routes yourself. With time for short walks and optional hiking, this experience offers a balanced way to see key landscapes while adjusting pace and activity level to your group’s preferences.

Discover the scenic beauty of 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach with a guided electric bike tour with a small group. Starting in Carmel-by-the-Sea, follow your guide along the winding road, with stops at iconic landmarks and viewpoints. Along the way, learn interesting facts and history about the area from your guide.

Explore San Diego’s Downtown and Old Town sights in a fun and fast-paced way—on a self-drive GoCar tour. This sightseeing adventure takes the stress out of reading a map, as the car talks and shows you the way with its built-in GPS. Enjoy hearing stories as you explore the city’s most popular areas, including Old Town, Little Italy, Balboa Park, Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter.

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.

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!

Set out on a spectacular off-roading adventure on the sands near Pismo Beach, CA—the only public beach in the state where driving is allowed. Whip across the dunes and zoom alongside the coastline in your choice of a 2-seat or 4-seat rental. Choose between driving a dune buggy, UTV, or ATV. Instruction is included, so no need to worry if you've never ridden one before.

Escape the crowds of Big Bear on this small-group off-the-beaten-track tour to Bluff Lake. Tucked away at the end of a remote dirt road, Bluff Lake is overlooked by visitors and locals alike. Travel off-road by Jeep to the trailhead and then follow your guide along less-traveled trails to the lake's most secret hiking areas for incredible views.

Explore the wild and beautiful coastline of Laguna Beach from the water on one of Laguna's most affordable and yet best-rated kayak tours. Top-of-the line gear is included for your voyage gliding above giant kelp forests and coral reefs in the open ocean. An experienced guide ensures your safety and know the best places to look for marine animals like dolphins and harbor seals.

See what lives in the Pacific waters surrounding Catalina Island without getting wet on a 45-minute underwater cruise. As you sit comfortably in a climate-controlled cabin on board a large boat, you'll glide below the surface to look for marine life in its natural habitat through your own porthole. Along the way, listen to live commentary from a guide.

Discover a new side of Monterey—and get up close and personal with its wetlands and wildlife—on this family-friendly boat tour. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and hop aboard your electric-powered catamaran. The boat offers up-close views of the Elkhorn Slough, an estuary that’s home to animals ranging from sea lions and otters to bird species and more. Learn more as you go from your naturalist guide.

Explore the best of Morro Bay, California on an electric bike tour of the area. Join a dedicated guide and stop at key landmarks including Morro Rock, Estero Bay, Morro Strand Beach, and the state park, taking in the coastal views while you ride. This tour is tailored to your interests whether you want to learn a bit of history or you simply want to enjoy nonstop exploring.

Explore ancient groves and sweeping views at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with this self-guided driving tour bundle. Enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace, with hands-free functionality and offline access, so you can use the app even in remote areas. Includes full itineraries, travel tips, audio guide, videos, text, and hidden gems.