Central California Tours & Trips
Picture California's heartland beyond just the coast. Central California brings Yosemite's granite cliffs and waterfalls, Sequoia’s massive trees, and Kings Canyon's depths. Visit Fresno, Bakersfield, and Modesto. The Central Valley produces huge portions of America's food, including almonds, grapes, tomatoes, and dairy. Don’t miss this area; it’s a hidden gem that’s growing year on year.
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- Choose from 39 Central California tours
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John • traveled in September
Yosemite is a delight 3 days gives you a good overview
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days - M
Mark • traveled in August
Yosemite tour was amazing. Choice of lodging needed to be different. Too far out of the way which caused a lot of extra driving. A hotel which was previously used would have been better. And virtually no response to questions thru the Tour Radar app. Had to take care of extra nights stays & transportation myself when the app stated that they would assist with it.
Hiking in Yosemite National Park - R
Ruslan • traveled in August
Great and rewarding experience.
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
The best Central California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral California travel expert at TourRadar
- Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
- Western Triangle - Los Angeles Airport
- Hiking in Yosemite National Park
- Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
- California's Great National Parks
- Best of California's National Parks
- USA Road Trip — Yosemite Hiking & Cali Surfing
- Wild California Explorer - 8 days
- California's Central Coast from San Francisco: Coastal Redwoods, Santa Cruz, Hearst Castle & Wine Country
Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Unforgettable Yosemite, Tahoe Lake views and hikes. This is a must-see tour!”
Igor, traveled in September
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$2,601
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic value for money and many memorable moments.”
Craig, traveled in October
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$1,370
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
- NZ$3,261
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“it was actually an amazing experience with affordable cost.”
Rogerio, traveled in March
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$4,895
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had a great time, going to some amazing places and meeting some really cool people.”
Richard, 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
- NZ$2,759
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
- NZ$8,075
Duration 7 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$4,860
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
- NZ$2,699
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
- NZ$10,290
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
- NZ$5,498
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."