Northern California Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Northern California tour packages
- What people love about Northern California Tours
- Travel Northern California your way
- Best tour companies for Northern California tours
- Popular Northern California Cruise Ships
- Northern California tours for every type of group
- Top Northern California travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern California
- Contact our Northern California travel experts
- What our customers ask about Northern California Tours & Trips
The best Northern California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern California travel expert at TourRadar
California Express - 3 Days
186 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amadeo TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES its well and good provider.”
Naveen, traveled in July
San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf to Yosemite's waterfalls highlight this Northern California adventure. The tour features Union Square, Alcatraz cruises, and relaxing stays at SpringHill Suites Oakland.
Duration 3 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Carmel, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese Operator Empire Vacations From
- NZ$1,063
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“it was actually an amazing experience with affordable cost.”
Rogerio, traveled in March
Duration 6 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$4,225
California National Park Discovery
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved visiting Yosemite. A definite highlight and one to tick off the bucket list.”
Sarah, traveled in September
Three unforgettable days await in Yosemite National Park, with hikes along the Mist Trail and views of Half Dome. The tour continues to San Francisco's iconic sites including Golden Gate Bridge and Haight-Ashbury district. Suitable for ages 5+, featuring comfortable hotel stays and guided tours throughout.
Duration 7 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Bakersfield, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $3,419
10% Off- NZ$3,077You save $342
Duration 7 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada, Las Vegas Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$2,685
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a great time!! We were able to go all over the park and see so many beautiful sites.”
Krystal, traveled in June
Towering 300-foot Sequoias and Tunnel View showcase Northern California's premier park. Camping near Yosemite Valley includes hot tub access, High Country trail walks, and guide-prepared meals. Perfect 5.0 transport rating in eco-friendly vehicles.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,362
What people love about Northern California Tours
- California Express - 3 Days
Excellent service. Jacob tour guide was very nice
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
Yosemite is a delight 3 days gives you a good overview
- Northern California's Finest
Excellent: Monterey Aquarium, Ferry across Lake Tahoe, breakfasts at Marriott Marquis, Yosemite tram and scenery, Bus driver - Greg, hotel after Yosemite, Tenaya?? Good to Very Good: Guide Sharon was new and tried very hard Horrible and should be replaced: buffet at Harrahs in Nevada, food unappetizing and uneatable Overall: enjoyable trip, ditch Harrahs buffet
Travel Northern California your way
For hikers looking to explore California's natural wonders, our multi-day treks through Yosemite deliver remarkable experiences. The most popular routes combine the Mist Trail's granite steps alongside Vernal and Nevada Falls with more challenging climbs like the Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome. Our travelers especially love the flexibility - you can choose between an easy walk through Tuolumne Grove to see ancient sequoias or take on the more demanding North Dome Trail for panoramic valley views. Three to five day trips work well, with camping options letting you wake up right in the park. Our customers consistently mention how helpful it is having guides who know exactly when to visit popular spots like Half Dome and El Capitan while avoiding the busiest times.
Our Northern California coach tours make it simple to reach those out-of-the-way spots in total comfort. Travelers love how we connect Santa Barbara's old missions with Solvang's Danish charm before heading up to San Francisco. Most routes take in Monterey's Cannery Row and give you time to wander through Carmel-by-the-sea's little streets. The feedback we get shows how much people appreciate having someone else handle the tricky driving, especially on the Pacific Coast Highway and those winding Yosemite roads. It's perfect for families and first-time visitors who want to see all the highlights without worrying about the details.
For those seeking to really dig into Northern California's wilderness, we've got several explorer-focused tours that our travelers consistently rate highly. The most popular runs from Vegas to San Francisco over 6 days, giving you proper time in Death Valley's salt flats and Yosemite's river valleys. What makes this route special is how it combines big landmarks with hidden spots - our guides know exactly where to take you for those quiet moments in Merced River when the tour buses have left. Another solid choice gives you 3 days focused purely on Yosemite, with our customers loving the mix of guided hikes and free time to explore. The camp setup includes everything except sleeping bags, and people particularly enjoy having hot showers and a mountain pub nearby after long days on the trails.
Select from our extensive range of 72 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Northern California with our expert guides leading the way.
Best tour companies for Northern California tours
Looking at the customer feedback, Intrepid Travel comes through as solid organizers - they've got the logistics nailed down which lets you focus on the actual trip rather than worrying about details. There have been some hiccups with guide training and communication though, so that's worth noting. G Adventures really shines with their California park tours. Their CEOs (that's what they call their guides) bring loads of energy and adapt well to what different groups want to see and do. They seem to know exactly how to showcase the best spots in the parks. If you're after comfort, Globus tends to book nicer hotels and plans thorough itineraries that cover all the main attractions. Just keep in mind that breakfast quality can be hit or miss at some stops - it's not a deal-breaker but good to know ahead of time. As for Incredible Adventures, their guide Lisa gets mentioned quite a bit in reviews. Customers really appreciate how she shares interesting facts about places and keeps everyone engaged throughout the journey. The company seems to pick their guides well, with many travelers noting how accommodating and knowledgeable they are on the routes. The nice thing about all these operators is that TourRadar customers have given pretty detailed feedback, so you can get a real sense of what to expect from each one.
Popular Northern California Cruise Ships
Northern California tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
82 tours in Northern CaliforniaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern California. We have 82 adventures that vary from 3 days to 23 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
46 tours in Northern CaliforniaNorthern California's small-group tours offer thoughtfully curated experiences connecting travelers to the region's diverse landscapes. The classic route starts in Las Vegas, winds through Death Valley's dramatic salt flats, and leads into Yosemite's granite wilderness, where expert guides know hidden spots along the Merced River perfect for avoiding peak-season crowds. The parks-focused tour immerses you in California's natural wonders - from walks beneath towering sequoias in General Sherman Grove to treks along the misty waterfall trails and explorations across Death Valley's stark terrain. Our tour groups stay small to adapt easily to conditions and interests, mixing planned excursions with independent time so you can tackle challenges like the Four Mile Trail or take leisurely strolls around Mirror Lake. Out in the campgrounds, travelers naturally bond over shared meals and evening conversations around the fire. The magic happens when guides can adjust on the fly, perhaps lingering at Half Dome for photos or cooling off with an impromptu swim in the Merced River when temperatures climb.
Top Northern California travel itineraries to fit your plans
For quick Northern California escapes, our 3-day tours pack in the must-see highlights efficiently. The most popular route starts in San Francisco, taking you through Santa Barbara's Spanish mission before heading up the coast to explore Solvang's Danish village streets and also Carmel. Our travelers especially love the flexible winter and summer routes - in summer you'll get deep into Yosemite's valley floor to see El Capitan and Half Dome, while winter visitors get extra time along the coast at Monterey's Cannery Row. Another excellent option focuses solely on Yosemite, with camping under the stars and guided hikes. Our customers particularly mention loving the campfire s'mores and how the guides customize hikes to match group abilities. You'll get proper showers and amenities at camp, which makes a big difference after full days exploring the High Country trails.
You can really sink into Northern California's landscapes on our week-long tours. The route that gets the most praise kicks off in Las Vegas and takes you across Death Valley's salt flats and sand dunes before climbing into Yosemite's granite landscape. We've built in a full free day in Yosemite - our travelers use it for waterfall hikes, valley bike rides or wandering through the Ansel Adams Gallery. If you're keen on national parks, there's also a solid route that connects Death Valley, Sequoia's giant trees and also Yosemite's trails. The mix of guided walks and free time works really well here, with stops at impressive spots like the General Sherman Tree and Lembert Dome.
Ten days gives you time to really experience California from city to wilderness. Our main route begins in San Francisco and weaves through wine country before heading to Yosemite's high country. We've planned it so you get two nights in key places like San Francisco and also Monterey - that makes a real difference in how much you can explore. Our travelers tell us they love how the tour mixes culture with nature; you might start your day at San Francisco's Japanese Tea Garden and finish watching the sunset from Carmel's 17-Mile Drive. The southern stretch includes Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara's Old Mission and finishes in Los Angeles with time at the Getty Museum and also Beverly Hills.
Demographics
Going solo in Northern California? You'll find plenty of chances to connect with other travelers while keeping your independence. The Vegas to San Fran route brings together solo explorers naturally - our small groups mean everyone gets to know each other while setting up camp, cooking meals and sharing daily tasks. Many stay friends long after heading home. The Yosemite-focused tour balances group hikes to spots like Nevada Falls with time to wander on your own. For those wanting variety, our California National Park Discovery lets you experience Death Valley's vast salt flats, walk beneath massive Sequoias and explore Yosemite's trails - our guides make sure everyone feels part of the group while respecting your space.
Northern California offers fantastic multi-day tours that combine physical challenges, natural wonders and social connections for young adventurers. The standout 6-day route from Vegas to San Francisco takes you across Death Valley's stark salt flats, then into Yosemite's rugged backcountry where you'll tackle steep trails and camp under starlit skies. Our travelers consistently tell us how much they enjoy the mix of demanding hikes, shared meals around the campfire and group activities that build lasting friendships. The focused 3-day Yosemite option lets you choose between conquering the challenging Upper Yosemite Falls trail or taking gentler walks through ancient sequoia groves in Tuolumne. For those seeking variety, the coastal tours start in the mountains hiking among towering redwoods, then shift to surfing the waves at Venice Beach. The camping experience creates a perfect social atmosphere, with modern facilities close by and plenty of downtime for the group to relax together after active days exploring. What our young travelers particularly value is the balance between scheduled activities and free periods to discover places like Fisherman's Wharf or join optional side trips and excursions.
Our 8-day Northern California tour really clicks with senior travelers who appreciate good hotels and a comfortable pace. There's plenty of time to really explore each stop, whether you're wandering through San Francisco's neighborhoods or taking in the views along 17-Mile Drive. The national parks tour moves at an easy rhythm, and our guides adjust hike lengths so everyone's comfortable. If you prefer a shorter trip, the California Express hits the main spots like Santa Barbara and San Francisco without rushing. Our senior travelers often mention how much they like having everything organized while keeping the freedom to skip activities if they want. We've picked hotels that work especially well - they're comfortable, well-located and also have good elevator access.
Northern California really works well for families - our 8-day tour hits the sweet spot between city excitement and nature. Parents tell us they love how the schedule gives them both guided activities and free time to explore. Kids get a kick out of San Francisco's cable cars and watching sea lions play at Pier 39. The 4-day Yosemite trip is another solid choice, with a stay at Tenaya Lodge where kids can splash in the pool while parents take it easy. When time is tight, our California Express fits the bill - you'll see Santa Barbara's mission architecture, experience Danish culture in Solvang and spend a full day discovering San Francisco, all at a pace that works for the whole family.
Solo Travelers35 tours- Couples44 tours
- Seniors (50+)58 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Northern California
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Northern California's fall tours consistently draw travelers to routes starting in Vegas, crossing Death Valley, and reaching Yosemite. Near Bishop, the mild temperatures create ideal camping conditions with fewer people on the trails. Our most requested autumn itinerary takes you floating down Merced River while incorporating both Mist Trail and Four Mile Trail hikes, which shine during fall's gentle weather. The guides have mastered the art of timing, helping you dodge busy periods at Half Dome, El Capitan and also other landmarks. A focused 3-day Yosemite option provides all camping equipment except sleeping bags, letting you travel light. These autumn tours balance structured hikes with independent exploration time - your morning might start at Tunnel View, then leave afternoons open to wander Valley Floor as you please. Many tours add cultural dimensions, stopping at Santa Barbara's Spanish mission, Solvang's Danish streets and finally San Francisco, crafting a varied journey during the prime outdoor season.
- popular 17 tours
- Spring 2026
You'll catch Northern California at its finest in spring, when Yosemite's waterfalls are at full force and Death Valley bursts with wildflowers. Lots of our travelers pick the Vegas to San Francisco route this time of year - the mild temperatures make camping near Bishop and exploring Death Valley much more pleasant. The dedicated Yosemite tours really shine in spring; conditions are just right for hiking the Mist Trail and also Four Mile Trail. We've found spring works beautifully for combining Sequoia and Yosemite in one trip. You'll see both parks waking up after winter, and our guides know the quiet times to visit spots like General Sherman Tree. The San Francisco tours make good use of those clear spring days, with plenty of time for biking the Golden Gate Bridge and wandering through Chinatown.
- popular 23 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer fills Northern California with energy, and our tours tap into those long daylight hours. The Yosemite-focused trips get great feedback, especially when we include time floating down the Merced River - it's the perfect cool-down after a good hike. When you book a multi-park tour through Sequoia, Kings Canyon and also Yosemite, you'll get the complete Sierra Nevada experience. Our guides really earn their keep here, knowing exactly when to visit each spot to avoid the crowds. The coastal routes show a different side in summer - you might spot morning fog rolling under Golden Gate Bridge, and we time our visits to Carmel and Monterey for that perfect afternoon light. Active travelers love our summer hiking options in Yosemite, from the challenging Nevada Falls route to easier walks like Mirror Lake.
- 29 tours
- popular 41 tours
- 41 tours
Contact our Northern California travel experts
Micaela
Expert in Northern California at TourRadar
Micaela is one of our seasoned Northern California Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern California tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Northern California Tours & Trips
What's the best time to visit Northern California if you want great weather and experiences?
Northern California's got these amazing microclimates so picking the perfect time really depends on what you're into. Spring around April-May is fantastic you'll catch wildflowers blooming in Yosemite and it's perfect for wine tasting up in Napa Valley. The California Express 3-day tour is great this time of year you can check out Spanish Missions in Santa Barbara and wander through Solvang's charming Danish streets. Summer June through August brings warm weather that's ideal for hiking and park exploring but yeah it gets pretty crowded. It's actually the best time for the California National Park Discovery tour where you can hike up to those incredible Vernal and Nevada Falls in Yosemite though they use smaller vehicles on Route #1 because of summer traffic. Fall September-October shows off amazing colors in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada perfect for drives and photography. Winter from November to March is great for skiing Tahoe and you'll find fewer crowds in Yosemite but heads up some high areas might be closed from snow. The winter version of that California Express tour swaps Yosemite for Monterey and includes the stunning 17-mile drive.
Which natural areas can you visit in Northern California beyond the cities and how do you get to them?
You've got Yosemite National Park this incredible UNESCO site with massive granite cliffs waterfalls and giant sequoias. Getting there's pretty flexible you can join guided tours rent a car or hop on park shuttles. The Yosemite Escape Camping 3-day tour picks you up right from San Francisco and takes you hiking to see those amazing Giant Sequoias and that iconic Tunnel View. Up north there's Redwood National and State Parks protecting these ancient coastal redwoods some reaching over 350 feet tall. The Redwoods & Coast Multisport Tour lets you cycle and hike around these giants including Big Tree that's over 300 feet and about 1500 years old pretty incredible. Lake Tahoe sitting right on the California-Nevada border is perfect for boating kayaking and hiking in alpine scenery. You can drive there or catch shuttles from nearby cities. The Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras 4-day tour includes a night in South Lake Tahoe with options to explore by kayak paddleboard bike or gondola.
What are some of those hidden routes around Northern California that travelers love and why do they choose them?
Highway 1 or Pacific Coast Highway hugs the California coast it's absolutely stunning with ocean views and sweet stops like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. People love it for whale watching and just taking in those views. The California Express 3-day tour and Big Sur Coast Bike Tour both use this route. For something more off the beaten path check out Gold Country east of Sacramento it's full of historic towns and Gold Rush sites. The Private 4 Day Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco from Las Vegas tour stops in Bishop an old Gold Rush town that's pretty fascinating.
Which places in Northern California are still kind of under the radar but totally worth visiting for their culture or nature?
Lassen Volcanic National Park north of Yosemite is really unique with bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles you can hike through volcanic landscapes without the crowds. Point Reyes National Seashore just north of San Francisco's got these amazing rugged cliffs hidden beaches and tons of wildlife. The Salinas Valley known as the Salad Bowl of the World gives you a real taste of local life. The California Express 3-day tour actually includes a cool agricultural tour at one of Monterey County's oldest family farms.
What's the best way to get around Northern California using public or private transport?
Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore but watch out for traffic and parking in cities. The Private 4 Day Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco from Las Vegas tour uses a private vehicle which is pretty convenient. San Francisco's got this great public transport system with those iconic cable cars historic streetcars and BART. The Vegas to San Fran tour actually drops you at any BART station you want. For longer trips you might want to look at Amtrak trains or Greyhound buses they connect the major cities and the views are pretty amazing.