California Small Group Tours
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10 best California small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
- 5 day California Coastlines and Vineyards, Waves and Wine small group tour
- Best of California
- Death Valley & Yosemite - 4 days
- Death Valley & Yosemite (Camping) - 4 days
- Best of California's National Parks
- USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali
- California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping
- Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
- California Parks Highlights Tour: San Francisco to Los Angeles
- LGBTQIA+ Yosemite Escape Camping Tour
5 day California Coastlines and Vineyards, Waves and Wine small group tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This is a really well put together tour with super cute accommodation and a good range of included activities.”
Craig, traveled in May
Duration 5 days Destinations San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore Age Range 21 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Bindlestiff Tours From
- NZ$6,597
Best of California
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A tour that starts fast-paced, filled with breathtaking views of nature, and ends with a chilled out west coast cali vibe!”
Siobhan, traveled in October
A small group of 12 travelers gets privileged access to California's most photographed spots - from Yosemite's Tunnel View to McWay Falls. This intimate setting provides personalized attention while hiking Sequoia's Congress Trail and wandering through San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district.
Duration 9 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Bakersfield, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Maria, Los Angeles Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $4,479
15% Off- NZ$3,807You save $672
Intimate groups venture through California's varied terrain. The itinerary features Badwater Basin salt flats, Tuolumne Meadows trails, and wildlife viewing at Lower Yosemite Falls, enriched by local guides' historical knowledge.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Bishop, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range 7 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$2,885+$58 local payments
Small groups wind through California's contrasting landscapes, from Death Valley's salt flats to Yosemite's granite peaks. Flexible scheduling allows impromptu stops at Tuolumne Meadows and Lake Tenaya, with detailed insights at Olmsted Point.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Bishop, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range 7 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,975+$107 local payments
Duration 7 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,425
10% Off- NZ$3,983You save $442
USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I loved my experience with G Adventures. Will definitely travel with G again.”
Sophie, traveled in July
With just 12-15 travelers, this group gains special access to California's highlights. Camp at secluded sites near Yosemite's Vernal Falls, take personalized surf lessons in Venice Beach, and enjoy flexible time at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Santa Cruz boardwalk.
Duration 9 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Margarita, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Hermosa Beach Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$3,939
California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Such an amazing tour! The itinerary was perfect. I would recommend this to everyone I come across.”
Molly, traveled in July
A select group of 8-12 adventurers winds through California's diverse landscapes. The intimate setting allows for exclusive camping spots near El Portal's Merced River and personalized hikes on Yosemite's Mist Trail. Watch wildlife up close at San Simeon's elephant seal colony.
Duration 7 days Destinations Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Simeon, Yosemite National Park, Bishop, Tuolumne, Death Valley National Park, Las Vegas Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,779
Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful 4 days trip and very enjoy it. We hope we have future tours with your company again.”
jiang, traveled in September
Your intimate group of 12-14 travelers gains easy access to California's diverse landscapes, from Mammoth Lakes' alpine terrain to Lake Tahoe's emerald waters. This setting allows for spontaneous stops at Bodie Ghost Town and flexible exploration of Sierra Nevada's hidden gems.
Duration 4 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne, Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile National Monument, Lake Tahoe Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Incredible Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$2,228
Intimate groups of 8-16 delve into California's parks. The size suits navigation through Sequoia's giant trees, Boyden Cavern exploration, and Zumwalt Meadow Loop hikes, ensuring unhurried landmark visits.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Los Angeles Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Operator Incredible Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$4,153
Small groups of 14-16 travel from San Francisco through California's Central Valley. The route includes agricultural regions famous for almonds and cherries before reaching Yosemite's highlights.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator Incredible Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,313
Reviews of Small Group tours to California
Best way to see all the amazing scenery without the hassle of all that driving
Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
What our customers ask about California Small Group Tours
What is the ideal group size for exploring California's national parks?
The sweet spot for California national park tours falls between 8 to 12 participants creating an environment where everyone can hear the guide at Yosemite's viewpoints and move efficiently through Death Valley's narrow canyons. Locations like Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls become more accessible with a smaller group size. A TourRadar traveler notes "Having a great group of fellow travelers enriched our tour tenfold when exploring spots like Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoias." Properties like Rush Creek Lodge near Yosemite and Golden Nugget in Las Vegas work well with these intimate group sizes.
What kind of accommodation can I expect on a small group California tour?
Accommodations range from upscale lodges to well-appointed camping sites depending on the tour's focus and location. Travelers might find themselves at Rush Creek Lodge near Yosemite with its mountain views or enjoying the desert nights at Furnace Creek Campground in Death Valley. A recent TourRadar review states: "I liked most of the hotels and motels we went to especially the comfortable lodging at Rush Creek Lodge which provided the perfect base for exploring Yosemite." Each property is selected based on its ability to complement the small group experience.
How does the pricing compare between small group and large group tours in California?
Daily rates for small group tours in California run between USD 316-753. The higher price point compared to large group tours reflects exclusive experiences like private hiking trails and stays at select properties such as Rush Creek Lodge. Access to hidden spots like Darwin Falls in Death Valley adds value. A TourRadar participant shares "The extra cost was worth it for the personalized attention and ability to visit places larger groups couldn't access."
What is the typical daily schedule like on a small group California tour?
Days begin early to beat the crowds at popular sites with schedules adapting to group preferences and weather conditions. Mornings often start with breakfast at accommodations like Rush Creek Lodge followed by guided exploration of sites such as Vernal Falls or Mesquite Sand Dunes. A TourRadar participant notes "Our guide was able to show us the best of the parks and tailor the itinerary to the mood of our group on any given day." Evenings feature group meals either at local establishments or around campfires at sites like Furnace Creek.
What is the best season for small group tours in California?
The optimal touring season shifts with geography. Death Valley draws visitors from October through March when temperatures are mild while Yosemite's peak season runs June through September. Booking data shows July and September emerge as preferred months for exploring California's national parks in small groups when weather conditions are most favorable.
How much interaction can I expect with the guide on a small group tour?
Guides remain consistently available throughout the journey working with groups of 8-12 people. They provide context at viewpoints like Yosemite's Tunnel View and share insights at Death Valley's Zabriskie Point. A recent review reads: "Our guide Chad gave us so much useful information and insights to the places we hiked and walked through always looking up our questions and sharing information later." Guide accessibility remains constant whether staying at established lodges or camping under the stars.