Top California Nature Parks in 2026

Travelers can see halloween take over Filoli with hundreds of pumpkins, scarecrows and a spooky house.

Visit Yosemite National Park without the hassle of planning a long day of driving or coordinating park logistics from San Francisco. Traveling in a small group, you'll journey through California’s Central Valley before exploring Yosemite Valley’s most famous sights, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. A stop among giant sequoias adds another iconic California landscape to the experience.

Experience more of Yosemite National Park without the hassle of planning transportation, lodging, or park logistics. This fully guided overnight tour from San Francisco combines iconic sights, free time to explore, and expert insights into one seamless experience. Travel in eco-friendly transportation while making the most of your time in one of California’s most celebrated national parks.

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.

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.

Experience Yosemite beyond a typical day trip on this camping adventure that combines guided exploration with time to discover the park on your own. Skip the logistics of planning a multi-day visit and focus on Yosemite’s iconic landscapes, from Yosemite Falls and Half Dome to groves of giant sequoias. Spending two nights in the park gives you more time to hike, explore, and connect with one of America’s most celebrated natural destinations.

Relax in your lounge for a seated tasting featuring a selection of your current release Booker wines. Rock out to your favorite album, place your music requests, and have some fun! Your wine educator will guide you through a flight of four wines with panoramic views of your estate vineyards.

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.

Enjoy magical Muir Woods, then go beyond. Coastal California awaits! Visit the village of Point Reyes Station. Walk through Point Reyes National Seashore. Escape Bay Area crowds and fill your camera with beauty. Finish your day with a mead tasting at Heidrun Meadery.

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.

Enjoy easy skip-the-line access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid ticket. Walk right in to explore the museum's 4-story rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium, plus the new Tiny Chef, Big Impact exhibit celebrating small actions for the planet.

Get the chance to seek out whales in the wild on this tour from Dana Point. Enjoy live narration from your experienced captain as you watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins, and learn about the stunning diversity of marine life that flocks to the California coast. Listen to the distinctive calls of seabirds from a seat on deck, or relax by a window in the fully-enclosed cabin.

Discover the wild beauty of Yosemite National Park during wintertime, when crowds are fewer and the majestic natural attractions are blanketed in snow and ice. On this 2-day trip from San Francisco, take a guided coach tour of Yosemite Valley and enjoy free time to explore the wintry wonderland. Hike or snowshoe through giant sequoia groves, ice skate near the base of Half Dome and admire the snow-capped Sierra Nevada scenery. Warm up by a fire in Curry Village, and tuck into the cozy Yosemite Lodge or one of the Yosemite Curry Village Heated Tent Cabins for the night.

Watch for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach aboard a double-decker catamaran with bow seating and 360-degree views. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside Newport Bay, and you'll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins. The boat has a 96% success rate spotting whales or dolphins, making this a great way to explore California wildlife in a gorgeous natural environment.

If you are looking for an exhilarating journey through the stunning backcountry of Lake Tahoe, the Summit Snowmobile Tour promises an unforgettable experience. Your adventure starts at the top of the trailhead in beautiful Hope Valley at an elevation of 7,200 ft. This guided, two-hour adventure is perfect for beginners and intermediate riders. You’ll experience breathtaking views, scenic vistas, and thrilling moments, with opportunities for pictures.

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.

Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a hop-on hop-off bus pass valid for 24, 48, or 72 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 the stops along two routes. Upgrade to the 48-hour tour for a digital Chinatown walking tour and a panoramic sunset tour, or the 72-hour tour, which also includes a bay cruise.

Enjoy two classic North Bay experiences in one day—and make your sightseeing more personal—on this redwoods and wine-tasting tour from San Francisco. Head first to Muir Woods to walk among some of the most ancient redwood trees on earth, then enjoy two winery visits with included wine tastings in Sonoma and Napa before driving across the Golden Gate Bridge back to the city.

Active travelers who want to explore Yosemite National Park without the risk of getting lost or missing the best bits will enjoy this small-group guided tour. After reaching the park in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle you'll be taken on a guided tour of Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoia trees of Tuolumne Grove. Then, hike to the lesser-visited Sequoia Grove for great views with your exercise, followed by free time.

Pair science with San Francisco nightlife and you have NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences. Prebooking your admission ticket is the perfect, child-free way to explore the museum after hours. Make your way inside and enjoy a lively venue of music, provocative science, and exhibits. Each special program changes weekly and is well worth exploring.

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.

Explore America's favorite national park on a 3-day lodging tour that takes you off the beaten path to trails and sights unseen by most who venture here. You'll enjoy three days and two nights in a comfortable hotel, hiking and swimming in a fun-filled, friendly atmosphere.

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.