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
- Death Valley & Yosemite (Camping) - 4 days
- Best of California National Parks - 6 days
- San Francisco, Redwoods & Vineyards (Women Only) - 5 days
- San Francisco, Redwoods & Vineyards - 5 days
- Best of California's National Parks
- Wild California Explorer - 8 days
- Palm Springs, Joshua Tree & Death Valley - 6 days
- California's Central Coast from Los Angeles: Santa Barbara, Solvang, Hearst Castle & Wine Country
- California's Central Coast: Santa Barbara, Solvang, Hearst Castle, Wine Country & Redwoods | Los Angeles to San Francisco
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 Ages 21+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Bindlestiff Tours From $6,911
15% Off- NZ$5,874You save $1,037
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 Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$2,055+$138 local payments
Duration 6 days Destinations Los Angeles, Angelus Oaks, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Lone Pine, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$10,205
Duration 5 days Destinations San Francisco, Sausalito, Bodega Bay, Healdsburg, Guerneville, Sonoma Age Range Ages 21+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$8,585
Duration 5 days Destinations San Francisco, Sausalito, Point Reyes National Seashore, Inverness Park, Bodega Bay, Healdsburg, Sonoma Age Range Ages 21+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$8,585
Duration 7 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
15% Off- NZ$4,790
Duration 8 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Cambria, Monterey, Big Sur Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$10,750
Duration 6 days Destinations Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park, Las Vegas Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$6,450
Personalized guided tours showcase California's Central Coast. The itinerary includes Santa Barbara's Mediterranean architecture, Solvang's Danish shops, and exclusive Paso Robles wine tastings with your dedicated guide.
Duration 3 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Paso Robles, San Simeon, Cambria Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Toast Tours LLC From
15% Off- NZ$5,933
The intimate setting of 2-6 guests allows unhurried visits to California's gems. Your private guide provides dedicated attention at Santa Barbara's Mediterranean architecture, boutique wine tastings in Paso Robles, and tranquil walks through Henry Cowell State Park's ancient redwoods.
Duration 3 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Paso Robles, San Simeon, Cambria, Santa Cruz, San Francisco Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Toast Tours LLC From
15% Off- NZ$7,075
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.