Central California Tours & Trips
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The best Central California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral California travel expert at TourRadar
- Hiking in Yosemite National Park
- Vegas to San Fran
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
- California's Great National Parks
- Cali Coast & Yosemite From San Fran - 4 days
- USA Road Trip — Yosemite Hiking & Cali Surfing
- California's Central Coast from San Francisco: Coastal Redwoods, Santa Cruz, Hearst Castle & Wine Country
- Yosemite Escape Lodging - 3 Days
- Western Triangle - Los Angeles Airport
- Yosemite Valley Basecamp Tour
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Yosemite National Park is breathtaking. As I walked along the hikes, there was so much natural beauty.”
Linda, traveled in June
The route winds through Central California's diverse landscapes from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley. Follow trails through Tuolumne Grove's sequoias, climb Mist Trail waterfalls, and reach Sentinel Dome's summit. Delve into Native American history at historic Ahwahnee Hotel.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,645
25% Off- NZ$3,484You save $1,161
Vegas to San Fran
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The activities were great and we learned about each area we were going to. It made sure everyone was included and got to know each other.”
Claire, traveled in June
Duration 6 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,130
25% Off- NZ$1,598You save $532
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“If you're there everything is so peacefull and breathtaking!!”
AndreasMller, traveled in June
The journey moves through Central Valley's heartland to Yosemite's wilderness. Stand among ancient Sequoia groves with 2,000-year-old giants, wander glacier-carved valleys, and rest in comfortable camps. Includes biofuel transport and expert guides with perfect 5.0 transport rating.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
25% Off- NZ$1,335
California's Great National Parks
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All accommodations' were very good except for initial night in Las Vegas, terrible hotel.”
Richard, traveled in May
Central California reveals its diversity from Death Valley's Badwater Basin to Sequoia's Giant Forest. Rejuvenate with Forest Bathing at Tenaya Lodge, visit Kings Canyon's General Grant Tree, and watch stars at Wuksachi Lodge.
Duration 8 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Los Angeles Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $8,743
10% Off- NZ$7,869You save $874
San Francisco Bay to Yosemite Valley showcase Central California's varied terrain. Summer visits feature 730-meter Yosemite Falls and El Capitan, while winter routes highlight Monterey's historic Cannery Row and Carmel-by-the-Sea's boutiques.
Duration 4 days Destinations San Francisco, Modesto, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Las Vegas, Los Angeles Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,565
USA Road Trip — Yosemite Hiking & Cali Surfing
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Nice group, beautiful places and a lot of fun!”
Daniel, traveled in June
The path leads through Central California's diverse terrain from Yosemite's granite peaks to Venice Beach's surf spots. Browse farmer's markets in Central Valley, ascend to Vernal and Nevada Falls, and walk among Tuolumne Grove's ancient sequoias. Includes 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners with camping equipment provided.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Los Angeles Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,599
30% Off- NZ$1,819You save $780
Henry Cowell redwoods, Santa Cruz Boardwalk thrills, and Hearst Castle's opulence showcase Central California. The trip includes boutique Paso Robles wine tasting and comfortable hotel with pool and breakfast included.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Paso Robles, San Simeon, Cambria Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Toast Tours LLC From
30% Off- NZ$5,358
The route winds from Bay Area to Yosemite Valley through Central California's landscapes. Walk among Giant Sequoia groves, admire Tunnel View vistas, and roam Tuolumne Meadows' alpine terrain. Two nights in comfortable lodge with hot tub access and nearby mountain pub.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
30% Off- NZ$1,695
Western Triangle - Los Angeles Airport
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a great experience, with a knowledgeable and organized guide providing equal explanations in all 3 languages.”
Nisha, traveled in July
From Yosemite's waterfalls to Monterey's historic sites, Central California unfolds its beauty. Cruise the exclusive 17-Mile Drive past world-class golf courses, stroll through charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, and tour San Francisco's vibrant neighborhoods.
Duration 9 days Destinations Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator ATP - AlliedTPro From
30% Off- NZ$3,094
This 19.6-mile expedition covers iconic Yosemite trails. Upper Pines serves as basecamp while visiting Vernal Falls, Upper Yosemite Falls, and Mariposa Grove. The route includes historic Camp 4 and spectacular Half Dome sunsets.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
30% Off- NZ$3,485
What people love about Central California Tours
If you want to go on a tour that’ll change your life, this one is the one for you! We were able to hug the huge sequoia trees, hike, swim in the lakes, have s’mores by the campfire, watch the stars and so much more. Jill was an amazing guide as she gave us lots of information about all the places along the way to Yosemite as well as the park itself. She is so fun, has an amazing roadtrip playlist, and an amazing campfire burrito recipe to make sure you have the best. Time. Ever.
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
- Western Triangle - Los Angeles Airport
Overall our family had a great experience The tour guides were nice and helpful , our second tour guide Gratyana was especially very knowledgeable and organized and gave equal explanations in all 3 languages The hotel booked in Vegas , as to the Luxor could get a better option with atleast a coffee machine or a water cooker in the room Some of the important points within a city were always only in the Optional tour and not in the core programme . Atleast it should be seen to it that the top 5 attractions in a city were included within the core program even if it calls for revising the core prices Wake-up alarms at hotels were not necessary as we had our own alarms and were thought to be a forceful imposed botheration ?
Hard working and efficient CEO. Camping sites were ok - facilities not working well. Stated iteniary changes - hiking options (unavoidable) and drop off at end of tour (would have been helpful to know sooner). Beautiful area to experience - some hikes too difficult for me unfortunately. I will look more closely at the rating in the future.
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
What our customers ask about Central California Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights on a general tour through Central California's Country Region?
Central California's highlights center around two distinct regions: the mountains and the coast. Yosemite Valley draws visitors to El Capitan and Half Dome's towering granite faces while the Giant Sequoia groves in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks showcase California's natural legacy. Key stops include Bridalveil Falls the panoramic Tunnel View and the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. Along the coast the winding 17-Mile Drive near Carmel offers ocean vistas while Monterey's coastal charm provides a different perspective. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The views were more than I could've asked for - from the towering sequoias to the breathtaking valley vistas every stop was picture-perfect."
What types of accommodations are available on general tours in this region?
The accommodation options span from established hotels to wilderness lodges. Yosemite Valley features the upscale Ahwahnee Hotel and the practical Yosemite Valley Lodge. In Sequoia National Park the Wuksachi Lodge provides rooms with mountain panoramas. Coastal options include oceanfront stays at the FogCatcher Inn in Cambria and Asilomar Hotel in Pacific Grove. For outdoor enthusiasts campgrounds like Upper Pines in Yosemite Valley provide basic amenities and close access to nature. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The mix of accommodations was perfect - from the rustic charm of Yosemite's lodges to the coastal comfort of our Monterey hotel."
When is the best time to visit the Central California Country Region for a general tour?
Peak visiting season runs May through September when weather conditions are most reliable. During these months Yosemite Valley sees temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) ideal for outdoor exploration. Spring brings rushing waterfalls while fall offers autumn colors and smaller crowds at popular viewpoints like Tunnel View and Glacier Point. A TourRadar traveler commented on their summer experience: "We had the most amazing trip with perfect weather for hiking and sightseeing through Yosemite Valley."
How physically demanding are general tours in Central California's Country Region?
Tours adapt to different fitness levels though most include some walking and hiking. Common routes feature the gentle 2.2-mile Sentinel Dome loop or flat walks through Yosemite Valley. More energetic visitors can opt for challenges like the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls a 3-mile round trip gaining 1000 feet elevation. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Our guide was excellent at adapting the hiking routes to match everyone's abilities while still ensuring we saw all the highlights."
How many days should I plan for a comprehensive general tour of Central California?
A thorough exploration typically needs 5-7 days. The Best of California's National Parks tour uses 6 days to cover both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. Shorter options like the 3-4 day Yosemite Escape focus on key areas. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The 6-day tour was perfect - enough time to see the major sights without feeling rushed and really soak in the natural beauty."
What's the best way to avoid crowds at popular destinations in Central California?
Visit major attractions in Yosemite Valley during early morning or late afternoon hours. Many tours including the Yosemite Escape plan visits around off-peak times. Less frequented spots like Tuolumne Meadows or Sequoia's Giant Forest offer quieter alternatives to valley hotspots. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Our guide timed our visits perfectly - we had Tunnel View almost to ourselves for sunrise and beat the crowds to the Giant Sequoias."