Top California How to Get Around

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.

Enjoy a thrilling new way to explore San Diego Bay—and enjoy speed, splashes, and spins along the way—on this high-speed jet boat tour. As you race along the scenic waterway, spot landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Then, hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins, and other high-octane maneuvers.

Enjoy a different perspective and admire San Francisco and its surrounding sights from the water on a San Francisco Bay sailing cruise. Onboard a catamaran, sail past the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, legendary Alcatraz Island, and the hamlet of Sausalito. Take advantage of great photo ops while you soak up the sea breeze during this scenic tour.

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.

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.

Experience the spine-chilling history of San Diego on this immersive ghost tour that takes you inside haunted locations. Travel aboard the Ghost Coach, a “coffin on wheels,” and visit eerie sites like the Gaslamp Museum, Horton Grand Hotel, and El Campo Santo Cemetery, guided by professional storytellers in costume. With authentic tales, haunted hotspots, and dark humor, this tour offers a thrilling blend of history and the supernatural.

If you fancy yourself a foodie or culture enthusiast, don’t miss this walking tour of San Francisco’s Little Italy—the neighborhood of North Beach. Voted one of the 15 best foodie tours in the USA by U.S. News, join an insider guide and experience a slice of the top things to do in North Beach, such as tasting coffee and witnessing bread being freshly made. Soak up the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s most popular districts as you learn about its cafes and bakeries and see landmarks like Saints Peter and Paul Church.

Hop on a '70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman's Wharf, this sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to '60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

See Los Angeles’ key neighborhoods and landmarks in one full-day tour designed to reduce planning and travel stress. With hotel pickup included, you can focus on the experience while a guide provides context and local insight along the way. This tour offers a practical overview of the city, moving efficiently from urban highlights to coastal areas, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors or short stays.

Experience San Francisco the easy way, and that takes the stress out of planning with this hassle-free guided tour. Skip securing hard-to-get Muir Woods parking or juggling multiple reservations—this tour has got it all covered. Explore the city’s neighborhoods, snap photos at the Golden Gate Bridge, and stroll beneath towering redwoods. Upgrade to the full-day tour and enjoy free time in Sausalito and an extended tour of the city.

Spend an evening gourmet wining and dining aboard the ‘Spirit of San Diego,’ enjoying top-notch food and drink while you soak up skyline views. During this San Diego dinner cruise, you sip a complimentary cocktail and enjoy live on-board entertainment as you cruise 25 miles of California’s coastline and gaze at the stars above.

See the best of San Francisco in one day on this guided tour that includes all transportation and admission to Alcatraz. Visit multiple locations in the city, including Chinatown, Presidio, Fisherman's Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury, with plenty of stops for photo ops. Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy a hike through the beautiful redwood trees in Muir Woods. If you've upgraded, take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, where you can explore with an award-winning audio-guided tour of the former federal prison.

Stroll the narrow streets and back alleys of San Francisco's Chinatown on this small-group walking tour. Explore local markets and savor tastings that add up to a full lunch, including tea, fortune cookies, dim sum, crispy Peking duck, and other specialties. Listen to guided commentary and ask questions as you discover the neighborhood's rich culture and flavors.

See more of San Francisco without the hassle of navigating steep streets, traffic, or public transit on your own. This small-group tour combines comfortable transportation with expert commentary, making it easy to get oriented while exploring the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Travel from Chinatown and North Beach to Haight-Ashbury, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Presidio, Lombard Street, and the Golden Gate Bridge in a single outing.

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 Tijuana, Mexico, without getting lost on this day trip from San Diego, a great choice for first-time visitors. Visit cultural attractions, sample authentic Mexican street food at a sidewalk taco stand, and do some shopping and sightseeing. Opt to walk or take public transportation and experience the city like a local. Your guide can suggest stops and adapt the itinerary to fit the needs of the group.

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.

Getting from San Francisco to Muir Woods can be a real challenge without a car. Instead, enjoy a hassle-free way to travel with this round-trip shuttle service. Following morning or afternoon pickup at Fisherman’s Wharf, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head to the woods, all while your driver shares insider facts and tips. Upon arrival (admission tickets own expense), enjoy free time to explore independently before returning to the city.

Check off several towns and landmarks along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, all without the stress of driving or having to hire a car, with this full-day small-group tour from San Francisco. Take in the coastal views, and enjoy free time in Monterey and Carmel-by-the Sea, along with scenic stops at 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Bird Rock Vista Point, and more.

Embark on a unique Wine Country experience with a trip aboard the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley. Modeled after the famed cable cars of San Francisco, the trolley shuttles you through Sonoma’s picturesque winemaking region with stops at several top wineries. Taste wines at each estate (tasting fees are a separate expense), and enjoy a delicious complementary lunch en route for an even more seamless experience.

Enjoy educational sightseeing and delicious tastings in one tour with the help of your guide. Explore San Francisco’s Chinatown, Little Italy, and North Beach, sampling coffee, dumplings, gelato, and a few surprises as you go. Learn all about the area’s history while you walk, from the California Gold Rush to the Godfather.

Savor the best of Napa and Sonoma wine country with ease on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy scenic photo stops, and visit renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Taste award-winning wines, explore charming Sonoma Plaza, and discover gems that can include Artesa Winery and Madonna Estate. Enjoy guided commentary, round-trip transport, and tastings, making this tour a relaxing and memorable one.

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.

See Los Angeles efficiently on a guided city tour that removes the need to plan routes, drive, or manage parking. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can focus on understanding the city while a guide provides context across key neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach. This tour is designed to give first-time visitors a clear overview of LA in one day, helping you decide where to return on your own.