Central California Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(9,268 reviews)- Choose from 40 Central California tours
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The best Central California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral California travel expert at TourRadar
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
- Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
- Hiking in Yosemite National Park
- Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
- California's Great National Parks
- Womens Yosemite High Country Basecamp Tour
- USA Road Trip — Yosemite Hiking & Cali Surfing
- Hiking in Yosemite National Park
- Wild California Explorer - 8 days
- Cali Coast & Yosemite From San Fran - 4 days
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Awesome trip he cooked an amazing dinner and brekkie and linch was awesome.”
Liam, traveled in May
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
- NZ$1,384
Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The views were more than I could've asked for. Can not express enough what this trip has done for me.”
Matthew, traveled in August
Mountains and valleys paint Central California's landscape from Yosemite's granite cliffs to Tuolumne's Giant Sequoias. Tour Devil's Postpile National Monument and historic Bodie Ghost Town. Three distinct mountain properties serve as base while elevation changes dramatically from valley to peaks.
Duration 4 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne, Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile National Monument, Lake Tahoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
- NZ$2,348
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
5 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
- NZ$4,225
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great and rewarding experience.”
Ruslan, traveled in August
From Sequoia to Yosemite, this mountain trek showcases Central California's peaks. Marvel at world's largest tree General Sherman, wander Tokopah Canyon, and climb Buena Vista Peak. Trails range from valley floors to high-altitude paths with elevations up to 2,000 feet.
Duration 8 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,759
10% Off- NZ$2,483You save $276
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
10% Off- NZ$8,075
Women adventurers tackle 27.6 miles of diverse hiking through Yosemite's most scenic terrain. The path leads from Valley floor to high-country peaks, including Mount Hoffman summit. Comfortable basecamp with showers, expert guides, and all meals included for around $2,200.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- NZ$3,960
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 $2,699
10% Off- NZ$2,429You save $270
Duration 6 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$4,695
Duration 8 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Cambria, Monterey, Big Sur Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$10,695
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$1,635
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
- Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
Great itinerary and guide.
- Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is breathtaking. As I walked along the hikes that we went on, many times I did not know which direction to look since there was so much natural beauty.
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."