California Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(9,453 reviews)- Choose from 150+ California tours
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Table of contents
- The best California tour packages
- What people love about California Tours
- Travel California your way
- Best tour companies for California tours
- Popular California Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your California tour
- California tours for every type of group
- Top California travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit California
- Contact our California travel experts
- What our customers ask about California Tours & Trips
The best California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
California Express - 3 Days
187 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip overall was a fantastic experience, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely do another.”
Denzel, traveled in March
Rated 4.5/5 by 40+ travelers, this California adventure spans 5 cities in 3 days. San Francisco Bay cruising, Monterey's Cannery Row, and Carmel - Clint Eastwood's hometown await. Summer brings Yosemite's 730-meter falls, while winter offers extended Monterey stays. Continental breakfasts and multilingual guides included.
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$1,105
San Francisco & Yosemite Express 3D/2N (From Los Angeles)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The San Francisco/Yosemite tour was awesome. It exceeded my expectations.”
Ritika, traveled in March
Three days of California's treasures cost approx. $270 per day. The route winds from Los Angeles through Santa Barbara's Spanish Mission, along Carmel's 17-Mile Drive, into San Francisco's Chinatown, and up to Yosemite's Half Dome. Highly-rated accommodations (4.7/5) and expert guides enhance the trip.
Duration 3 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Carmel, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$1,461
California National Park Discovery
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Awesome new friends, great itinerary and fantastic experience.”
Amelia, traveled in May
California's diverse terrain unfolds from Death Valley's Badwater Basin to Sequoia's General Sherman Tree. The Mist Trail leads to Vernal Falls in Yosemite before visiting San Francisco's iconic sites. This 7-day adventure features comfortable hotels and maintains a 4.8/5 rating.
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
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great itinerary.”
Hitesh, traveled in May
California's premier national parks reveal their glory over 8 days. Visitors trek Sequoia's Giant Forest, reach Kings Canyon's Buena Vista Peak, and ascend Yosemite's Mist Trail to Nevada Falls. Nights are spent camping under ancient sequoias with challenging 2,000ft elevation gains.
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
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
California's landscapes stretch from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley. Campsites near iconic locations serve as bases for Tuolumne Meadows hikes and alpine lake swims. Highly-rated guides (4.9/5) lead groups age 36+ through moderate trails.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,417
What people love about California Tours
- California Express - 3 Days
Excellent service. Jacob tour guide was very nice
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
- California National Park Discovery
the tour itself was amazing. The national parks do not disappoint. The travel accomodations were very cramped and uncomfortable. I am only 5 foot tall and I was cramped in this 14 passenger van. Food opportunities were limited.
Travel California your way
Want to experience Yosemite's waterfalls up close? Our most popular hike combines the Mist Trail with Nevada Falls - you'll feel the spray on your face while climbing granite steps next to powerful cascades. For a deeper dive into California's natural wonders, multi-day trips cover both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, where trails meander through groves of ancient sequoias including the 275-foot General Sherman. The North Dome trail challenges hikers but pays off with sweeping views of Half Dome, while the Lower Yosemite Falls path offers an easier option. Our guides share rich Native American history and conservation insights along the way. Most tours include nights camping under bright stars, though we can arrange lodge stays if you prefer a proper bed after hiking.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through California. We have 19 adventures that vary from 3 days to 14 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus toursThe Vegas to San Francisco route takes you right into California's most captivating landscapes. You'll start in Death Valley's salt flats and work your way to Yosemite's granite formations, with each day mixing challenging terrain and comfortable breaks. Our travelers tell us the guides excel at reading the group's energy - knowing exactly when to push on and when to ease back, though some wished for more flexible hiking speeds. What sets these tours apart is their access to hidden spots; while most visitors stick to main viewpoints, you'll explore quieter corners of Tuolumne Meadows and venture into lesser-known parts of Sequoia National Park. The days flow naturally from morning treks along the Merced River to afternoon floating sessions on its waters.
Select from our extensive range of 103 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through California with our expert guides leading the way.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for California tours
TourRadar customers consistently highlight three tour companies that stand out for different reasons. Intrepid has earned a solid reputation for their thoughtful itineraries and comfortable places to stay, with guide Shane getting special mentions for his enthusiasm and deep local knowledge. Though it's worth noting that some travelers mention their guides can sometimes rush through activities and aren't always helpful with money matters. For families traveling together or older folks looking for a reliable experience, Amadeo Travel seems to hit the mark. Their guides Jacob and Roberto get lots of positive feedback, especially for how they handle the specific needs of larger family groups and senior travelers. Those heading to Yosemite often choose IncAdventures, where guides Kate and Jill have built quite a following. They've got a knack for turning regular park visits into really meaningful experiences - you'll find lots of stories from travelers about how these guides helped them connect with Yosemite in ways they hadn't expected. Each company brings something different to the table, but they all share one thing in common: guides who know their stuff and genuinely care about giving travelers a good experience. The small hiccups mentioned with Intrepid's guides are worth keeping in mind, but overall, these companies seem to deliver what they promise.
Popular California Cruise Ships
Best places to start your California tour
You've got options for starting points - San Francisco and Los Angeles each kick off 22 different tours, while Las Vegas launches another 14 routes. Our booking data shows most people lock in their trips about 67 days ahead, which really helps if you're hoping to stay inside Yosemite where rooms get snapped up fast. The California coast - places like Monterey and San Diego - shows its best side in early fall with clear skies and nice temperatures. Wine lovers get the full experience during harvest from August through October, though spring brings flowers and smaller crowds. Most folks find 10-14 days hits the sweet spot - enough time to really explore without rushing from place to place.
California tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
120 tours in CaliforniaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through California. We have 120 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
59 tours in CaliforniaThese small-group California tours adapt smoothly to nature's pace and guests' interests. The Vegas to San Francisco journey gives you freedom to climb the Mist Trail up to Vernal and Nevada Falls at whatever speed suits you, with guides who instinctively know when to push and when to pause. Group connections develop naturally around evening campfires and shared meals, leaving plenty of room to explore Bishop's hot springs or find peaceful spots by the Merced River on your own. Yosemite-focused departures spend quality time among the giant sequoias in Tuolumne Grove, while guided walks reveal rich Native American heritage and conservation stories. Our travelers often mention how these intimate groups navigate away from busy spots - whether that's exploring Death Valley's salt flats at dawn before others arrive or discovering quiet corners of Tuolumne Meadows. The coastal routes blend active exploration with local culture beautifully: you'll pedal through ancient redwood forests, sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, explore San Francisco's character-filled neighborhoods and still maintain that close-knit group atmosphere.
Private / Personalized
33 tours in CaliforniaOur private California tours adapt to exactly how you want to travel. The San Francisco to Yosemite route lets you control the timing - some guests spend extra time capturing El Capitan photos while others prefer longer walks by the Merced River. On the Death Valley to San Francisco journey, you can explore the salt flats and Zabriskie Point when the lighting works best for you, not when tour buses show up. The LA Explorer keeps things flexible so you can really get into the areas that interest you most, from Melrose's boutique shopping to finding the best street food spots in Little Tokyo. These work particularly well for photographers and families who need that extra flexibility with their schedule.
Top California travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our California quick trips run for 3 days and hit both cities and nature spots. Most people start in Los Angeles before heading up to Santa Barbara where you'll see Spanish missions and then onto Solvang with its Danish-style streets. The first night is often in Santa Margarita, and next day you're cruising Highway 1 to watch elephant seals at San Simeon. Some routes head east to see Yosemite's El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls, while others stick coastal, taking you under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco to explore Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square and also Chinatown. Our guide Dorit gets lots of praise for mixing big attractions with local hidden spots.
Seven-day California tours really let you dive into the national parks. Most people choose routes from Las Vegas across Death Valley's salt flats and up into Sequoia National Park. You get full days with the giant trees, doing guided walks on the Congress Trail and up Buena Vista Peak to see these ancient forests from different angles. In Yosemite, you can tackle the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, plus there's time to rent bikes and cruise around the valley floor. Our guests often mention how much they like having both guided hikes and free time, especially around Bridalveil Fall and also Half Dome.
Ten days in California means properly experiencing both coast and mountains. Starting from San Francisco, you'll explore Nob Hill, Chinatown and then head to Sonoma's wine country. The route takes you through Yosemite's granite peaks and waterfalls, then down the coast via Big Sur to Carmel. Our travelers love mixing it up - tasting wines in Sonoma Valley one day, walking among ancient sequoias in Mariposa Grove the next. The journey wraps up in Los Angeles with visits to Olvera Street and also the Getty Museum. These longer tours mean you're not rushing; there's proper time to really get to know each place.
Demographics
The Vegas to San Francisco routes really work well if you're traveling solo - you get that perfect mix of group time and doing your own thing. You'll tackle the Mist Trail in Yosemite with fellow independent travelers and share starlit camps in the Sierra Nevada, but there's plenty of space to explore Bishop's hot springs at your own speed. What makes these trips click is how naturally everyone bonds over cooking and cleaning up together - it just happens without any forced fellowship. When you're crossing Death Valley, you can take all the time you want at Zabriskie Point and the salt flats, then link up with everyone for evening camping. Our solo travelers tell us they love how the guides read the room - knowing when to plan group activities and when to let people wander San Francisco's streets or find their own quiet spot along the Merced River.
These California adventures draw in younger travelers who want physical challenges mixed with social connections. Our Vegas to San Francisco routes take you from Death Valley's salt flats straight to Yosemite's granite peaks, with days flowing between guided activities and personal discoveries. The journey puts you on the Mist Trail with fellow travelers, brings everyone together for meals under Sierra stars, and then lets you discover Bishop's hot springs at your own leisure. We keep groups small at 14 people, which naturally creates bonds through shared moments - whether that's preparing camp dinners together or floating along the Merced River. Our guides have mastered the art of group dynamics, knowing precisely when to bring everyone together and when to let travelers wander solo through San Francisco's diverse neighborhoods or find quiet corners of Yosemite Valley. Your days mix active pursuits with cultural encounters, from walks at Zabriskie Point, cycling in Yosemite Valley, and also exploring historic Gold Rush settlements.
Our Northern California routes fit senior travelers particularly well, mixing active exploration with proper comfort. You'll see Yosemite Valley from an open-air tram first, then pick walks that suit you - whether that's an easy meadow path or something more challenging if you're feeling energetic. The hotels are carefully picked (no camping on these ones) and they're all well-located with good elevator access. The timing works nicely too; you'll spend mornings among Sequoia's massive trees, then get time to take it easy in places like Monterey's Cannery Row or browsing Carmel's art scene. Our older guests often tell us how much they appreciate having experienced drivers tackle those mountain roads while guides share fascinating stories about California's natural and human history.
Solo Travelers61 tours All tours for Solo Travelers- Couples73 tours
- Seniors (50+)67 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit California
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn reveals California's prime travel moments, especially on routes connecting Vegas to San Francisco, where you'll find perfect hiking conditions in Yosemite minus the summer crowds. Our customers tell us these tours hit Death Valley at just the right time, when cooler temperatures make exploring the salt flats and Zabriskie Point much more pleasant. The coastal sections peak in early fall - you drive through Big Sur and pause in Carmel when the fog lifts for maximum visibility. Plenty of travelers pick tours that blend city experiences with national parks; starting in San Francisco's Chinatown, then heading to Yosemite where the Mist Trail leading to Vernal and Nevada Falls sees fewer hikers than summer months. Wine enthusiasts particularly appreciate autumn tours through Sonoma, Napa Valley and also the wine country, where harvest activities fill the calendar from August through October. The quick 3-day express routes deliver too - expect clear skies while cruising Highway 1, discovering Santa Barbara's Spanish missions, exploring Solvang's Danish streets and finally reaching San Francisco.
- popular 16 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter shows California's different character, with routes shifting to match the season. Tours often start in Los Angeles before heading up to Santa Barbara, where you can walk through the old Spanish Mission and get good ocean views from Stearns Wharf. Many groups continue to Solvang - the Danish-style streets feel extra welcoming in winter with their cozy atmosphere. Following the coast up to Monterey and Cannery Row, our travelers really enjoy spotting whales during their winter migration. When snow closes Tioga Pass, Yosemite tours adapt to lower areas. The winter light at Death Valley spots like Zabriskie Point is particularly good for photos, with morning sun bringing out all the texture in those folded landscapes.
- 27 tours
- January 2026 25 tours
- popular 28 tours
- Spring 2026
California's spring tours really shine when connecting Death Valley's painted landscapes with Yosemite's peak-flow waterfalls. Our travelers give high marks to the Vegas-San Francisco routes, where guides schedule Death Valley visits with perfect timing - letting you discover Zabriskie Point and salt flats in ideal temperatures. Moving into Sequoia National Park, visitors walk beneath towering giants along the Congress Trail, and climb Buena Vista Peak for panoramic Sierra vistas. The Yosemite section comes alive in spring as you follow the Mist Trail past roaring Vernal and Nevada Falls, with flexible time to cycle the valley floor or capture El Capitan through your lens. Wine enthusiasts appreciate how these tours weave through Sonoma's vineyards between park visits, while explorations of Haight Ashbury, Golden Gate Park and also Fisherman's Wharf round out the San Francisco experience. TourRadar customers often mention how guides skillfully adjust hiking speeds for different fitness levels, while creating peaceful moments to absorb California's springtime scenery.
- 33 tours
- 29 tours
- popular 39 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer opens up every trail and vista California has to offer. The Vegas-San Francisco route gets lots of bookings - our guides know to hit Death Valley's salt flats early before the real heat kicks in. Yosemite really comes into its own: you can tackle the Mist Trail up to Vernal and Nevada Falls, cycle through the valley and cool off floating down the Merced River. Our customers love walking among the giant sequoias in Tuolumne Grove, where the massive trees create natural air conditioning. The coast is perfect this time of year too - you can sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and explore around Fisherman's Wharf. Small groups work especially well because guides can adjust the pace, find quiet spots and dodge the busy areas.
- 44 tours
- popular 55 tours
- 54 tours
Contact our California travel experts
Nadine
Expert in California at TourRadar
Nadine is one of our seasoned California Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about California tours answered!
- Choose from 153+ California tours
- 1,142 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about California Tours & Trips
How Do You Get Around California - What's The Best Way to Explore?
You know while California has great public transport options like San Francisco's iconic cable cars and the BART system getting around really depends on what you want to see. LA's got its Metro Rail and Amtrak connects the major spots like San Francisco LA and San Diego which works well if you're sticking to cities. But honestly if you want to drive the Pacific Coast Highway or check out some of those amazing remote areas you'll probably want to rent a car - it just gives you so much more freedom to explore at your own pace.
How Long Should You Plan for a California Trip?
Look if you really want to experience everything California's got to offer you're looking at 2-3 weeks to do it right. That said if you're short on time you can definitely focus on specific regions. Our 3-Day California Express tour for example packs in Santa Barbara Solvang San Francisco and Yosemite National Park it's quick but you'll get a great taste of what California's about.
Where Can You Find Those Hidden Cultural Gems in California?
There's this amazing Danish village called Solvang that our TourRadar travelers just love - it's got this authentic Danish feel with beautiful architecture local bakeries and cute shops. Over in Yosemite Valley you can take these incredible guided walks with Yosemite Conservancy experts who'll share Native American history and conservation stories. And if you're into historical spots our 8-Day Northern California tour takes you through Virginia City this fascinating old gold and silver mining town that really brings the past to life.
What About the Food Scene - Where Should You Eat?
California's food is this amazing mix of different influences and you've got to try it all. Head to San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf for fresh Dungeness crab and their famous clam chowder in sourdough bowls. If you're into fresh local food Monterey County's agricultural scene is incredible - our 8-Day Northern California tour actually includes this cool agricultural tour through Salinas Valley where you can taste stuff right from the source.
When's The Best Time to Visit California and What's The Weather Like?
The weather in California really varies depending on where you are. Summer's great for beaches and national parks while winter stays pretty mild in Southern California but gets cooler up north with some rain. Spring's beautiful with wildflowers everywhere and fall gives you those gorgeous mountain colors. Just keep in mind Yosemite's Tioga Pass usually closes from mid-October through May because of weather. If you're traveling in winter our San Francisco & Yosemite Express tour's got you covered - we swap out Yosemite for Hearst Castle when the weather's not cooperating.