Coach / Bus Tours & Trips in California
4.5 stars on(8,456 reviews)- Choose from 19 California tours
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10 best coach / bus California tours
Compiled by

MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
- Fascinating West ROT
- Western Frontiers - California Highlights
- Northern California's Finest
- California Classics
- Los Angeles, Yosemite, and Giant Sequoia
- Fascinating West
- California Classics with San Diego
- Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
- Western Experience
- Discover California on a small group tour
The route stretches from LA's entertainment district through Beverly Hills to San Francisco's historic areas. Highlights include Santa Monica Pier, Danish-inspired Solvang, and Sequoia National Park, with evening transfers to Downtown Disney and North Beach.
Duration 9 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Solvang, Bakersfield, Sequoia National Park, Fresno, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Monterey, CarmelSee all destinations Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$3,141
Luxury transportation connects Yosemite's El Capitan to Monterey's Cannery Row. The route includes San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, Santa Barbara's beaches, and Hollywood's Walk of Fame with premium hotel stays throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Fresno, Yosemite National Park, Modesto, San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Santa MariaSee all destinations Age Range 21 to 98 year olds Operator Omega Tours From
- NZ$3,422
Northern California's Finest
220 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic group of tour mates. Well coordinated and excellent presentations.”
David, traveled in September
California's treasures unfold from San Francisco's cable cars to Yosemite's El Capitan. Rest at the elegant Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite and Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia. The 9-day adventure meanders through Sonoma Valley's vineyards and along Monterey's 17-Mile Drive, with expert guides sharing local insights.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Francisco, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Monterey Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From $7,229
3% Off- NZ$6,979You save $250
California Classics
97 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery breath taking. Our accommodation comfortable. Wonderful trip.”
Florence, traveled in June
This 10-day California odyssey begins in San Francisco through wine country. An open-air tram reveals Yosemite Valley, while scenic drives include the 17-Mile Drive to Pebble Beach. Big Sur leads to Hearst Castle, concluding in Los Angeles at Beverly Hills and the Getty Museum.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Francisco, Sausalito, Napa, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, San Simeon, Solvang, Santa BarbaraSee all destinations Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From $7,059
4% Off- NZ$6,809You save $250
The route winds from LA's Beverly Hills through Danish-inspired Solvang. Marvel at Yosemite's El Capitan and Half Dome, plus Sequoia National Park's ancient forests. Comfortable stays at Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel include continental breakfast.
Duration 6 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Solvang, Bakersfield, Yosemite National Park, Fresno, Sequoia National Park Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
4% Off- NZ$2,112
A scenic California route takes you from LA's Sunset Boulevard to San Francisco's Castro district. The itinerary features stops at vibrant areas like North Beach and Downtown Disney, with accommodations at well-located hotels like Anaheim Majestic Garden.
Duration 9 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Solvang, Bakersfield, Sequoia National Park, Fresno, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Monterey, CarmelSee all destinations Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
4% Off- NZ$3,265
California Classics with San Diego
97 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Craig & Marcus did a good job getting us around California & showing us the sights.”
Joyce, traveled in May
A route through California's highlights connects Golden Gate Bridge to Hearst Castle. The journey features scenic drives along 17-Mile Drive, through Big Sur coastline, and visits to Santa Barbara's historic mission.
Duration 13 days Destinations San Francisco, Sausalito, Napa, Yosemite National Park, Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, Solvang, Santa BarbaraSee all destinations Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From
4% Off- NZ$8,249
San Francisco's vibrant streets lead through wine country to Yosemite. Highlights include Little Italy's culinary scene, Sacramento's historic districts, and private stargazing at Tenaya Lodge, plus curated experiences like Ansel Adams Gallery photography tours.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From $6,889
4% Off- NZ$6,639You save $250
German-speaking guides lead this California coach adventure through Yosemite's valleys, Sacramento's capital region, and San Francisco's iconic sites. Guests rest at Courtyard Sacramento and Hotel Caza while traversing the state's varied landscapes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Las Vegas, Tulare, Yosemite National Park, Sacramento, San Francisco, Monterey, Los Angeles Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
4% Off- NZ$2,466
A scenic maxivan route takes you through California's diverse terrain, from Sierra Nevada's Tioga Pass to Pacific Coast Highway. The journey includes stops at Yosemite's Half Dome, San Francisco's Chinatown, and Monterey's historic waterfront.
Duration 9 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sierra Nevada, Lone Pine, Mount Whitney, Tuolumne, San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Salinas, Big SurSee all destinations Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
4% Off- NZ$6,652
What people love about Coach / Bus Tours in California
- 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
- California's Great National Parks
Food service was compromised the entire trip due to limited available services due to COVID. lAll accommodations' were very good except for initial night in Las Vegas, terrible hotel. Overall my experience was good not excellent.
- Las Vegas to San Fran: Parks, Canyons, Valleys
It was a very fun trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas, I got to visit 4 National Parks and the opportunity to know people from different countries. Accommodation was very comfortable and the tour guide helps us during the whole trip to find places to eat, to take photos, to get additional activities non-included, also we had a van and a trailer with us all the time :)
What our customers ask about Coach / Bus Tours & Trips in California
What are the key attractions covered on most bus tours in California?
California coach tours take travelers through the state's most notable sites. Stops include Yosemite National Park where you'll see El Capitan and Half Dome San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge Hollywood's Walk of Fame and the towering trees of Sequoia National Park. The coastal route features Santa Barbara's Spanish Mission Monterey's Cannery Row and views along the 17-Mile Drive. Hotels are typically well-positioned like the Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The itinerary was excellent - we saw all the major California highlights from the redwood forests to the Pacific Coast Highway views."
What is the typical daily schedule like on a coach tour in California?
Most days begin between 8-9am with a mix of planned stops. A typical morning might start with exploring San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf followed by lunch at places like Monterey's Cannery Row. Afternoons often focus on natural landmarks such as Yosemite National Park. Tours usually arrive at accommodations like the Tenaya Lodge with enough time for dinner and evening relaxation. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The pace of the tour was just right. Our tour director Randy had everything well organized. Dave our driver kept us all safe through the winding roads."
How much free time do I have to explore independently on a coach tour in California?
Tours balance guided activities with independent exploration. In San Francisco you'll typically get 2-3 hours to wander Fisherman's Wharf or take optional trips to nearby Sausalito. Nature stops like Yosemite National Park include 1-2 hour breaks for personal hiking or photography. A TourRadar traveler shared "Carolina was friendly invested and made every effort to balance guided activities with personal exploration time." Evenings are often free with optional transfers to dining districts like San Francisco's North Beach or Monterey's Cannery Row. Hotels like the Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway put you close to evening entertainment options.
How do bus tours in California accommodate stops for sightseeing and relaxation?
Tours plan strategic stops that combine major sights with rest breaks. Yosemite visits include photo opportunities at Glacier Point and El Capitan plus extended time at visitor centers. Along Highway 1 you can stretch your legs at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for beach walks and wildlife viewing. One TourRadar traveler noted "Brendan our guide was excellent at finding little-known sunset spots in the eastern sierras with no other tourists." Comfort stops occur every 2-3 hours at places like Holiday Inn Express and lunch breaks happen at scenic spots such as Carmel Valley wineries or Yosemite Valley restaurants.
What unique scenic experiences can travelers enjoy from the comfort of a bus tour in California?
Coach tours provide panoramic views through large windows especially along the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The route covers diverse elevations from coastal roads through Sequoia's forests to Yosemite's high country. A TourRadar traveler shared "The scenery from Death Valley to Yosemite was absolutely incredible - no way would I have experienced these views driving myself." Tours wind through Carmel Valley's wine country and along Santa Barbara's coast. The elevated seating position helps spot wildlife at places like Point Lobos while professional drivers navigate challenging routes like Glacier Point allowing passengers to focus on the views.