Top California Half-day Tours

Escape the crowds, and discover the highlights of San Francisco in just one trip, on this small-group driving tour. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup, and see the city unfold in air-conditioned comfort, with a guide to provide commentary. Highlights include neighborhoods such as Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury, and landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and the Presidio.

This is a great choice for time-tight travelers visiting Los Angeles. Save hours researching the best things to do in the city, and instead, go on a special tour that visits the city’s most photogenic spots and famous locations. Along the way, listen to commentary and stop to take photos near the Hollywood Sign, the American Film Academy, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive.

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.

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.

Make the most of your time in San Francisco, and get ready to discover its top attractions all in one excursion: this private driving tour is designed as a comprehensive introduction to the city. Following pickup at your hotel, travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. You can look forward to seeing Coit Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more—plus additional sights you’re most interested in.

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.

Experience the best of Los Angeles on a private day tour with your own guide. Tailor the itinerary to your interests, skipping any stops you're not interested in. Get an insider’s glimpse of Tinseltown as you stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame, watch for celebrities as you tour Rodeo Drive and the city's exclusive neighborhoods, then take in views of the Hollywood sign and towering downtown skyscrapers.

If you are a first-time visitor to Los Angeles, this small-group tour is an excellent way to see the city. Starting at the Dolby Theater, you'll visit the highlights of LA and Hollywood, as well as a few unexpected, lesser-known spots. Your guide is a skilled photographer and will take fantastic photos of you at the best spots.

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 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.

Travel beyond San Francisco to discover the picturesque town of Sausalito and the mighty redwoods of Muir Woods on this half-day excursion. Begin with a quick trip past several iconic San Francisco landmarks, including a photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge. Then, venture across the bridge to visit the spectacular redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. Spend around an hour in Sausalito, with the option to stay longer independently.

Experience Muir Woods National Monument and the quaint waterfront town of Sausalito on a half-day tour. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge on a guided day trip that includes pickup in a convenient location in downtown San Francisco, transportation, and National Park entrance fees. Enjoy free time among the ancient redwoods, then explore Sausalito at your own pace before returning to San Francisco by vehicle or by ferry (separate expense).

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.

Give your designated driver a day off and hop aboard the party bus for a fun-filled adventure in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. Enjoy tours and tastings at three vineyards with up to 16 wine samples included. Learn about the region’s signature grape varieties with commentary from your guide and hosts. Between stops, crank up the music, enjoy the scenery, and toast to good times with your fellow travelers.

Spare yourself the headache of car rental and navigation with round-trip bus transit from San Francisco to Muir Woods. Listen to live commentary during the drive, then explore the park on your own. Next, stop by the scenic seaside town of Sausalito, and stroll independently. Afterwards, relax during your return journey through the Marin Headlands. Upgrade to add on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and enjoy a self-guided Chinatown walking tour.

Tasting some of the best food in Los Angeles isn't just about experiencing the local cuisine, but learning about the dynamic food culture that's emerging in Downtown LA. On this foodie-friendly walking tour, you taste creations at a few standout downtown eateries. Start walking from Pershing Square, enjoy your guide's live narration about LA and Hollywood history, and hear about the local food scene while you explore.

Savor the distinctive flavors of Carlsbad Village with a food and walking tour of the scenic seaside gem. Get an insider’s look at the culinary scene, local history, and landmarks as you explore with knowledgeable guides and enjoy six gourmet tastings. Sample luscious desserts and unique specialty foods, and season your experience with behind-the-scenes stories about Carlsbad Village’s vibrant gourmet culture, hippest restaurants, and cutting-edge artisanal products.

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.

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.

In just four hours, experience the scenic highlights of San Diego and its neighboring areas. Watch sea lions and pelicans on the beaches of La Jolla and capture fantastic views from the top of Mt Soledad. Soak up the Old World elegance of the mansions and Hotel Del on Coronado Island, and find peace in the urban oasis of Balboa Park. Wind through downtown and Old Town San Diego, learning about the city’s history along the way. Enjoy personalized attention on this small-group tour limited to just 14 people.

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.

Avoid the crowds, confusion, and limitations of large buses and discover San Francisco by luxury minivan. This half-day, small-group tour takes offers the perfect city overview. Stop for photo opportunities at some of San Francisco's most popular attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks, and learn more from your guide's stories. By the end of the tour, you'll have seen the best of the City by the Bay.

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.