California Tours & Trips
4.4 stars on(828 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
- Top operators in California
- Best places to start your California tour
- Discover California tours for every budget
- California tours for every group
- Top California travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit California
- Contact our California travel experts
The best California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
California National Park Discovery
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall it was a great trip.”
Matthew, traveled in May 2022
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 up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From
- US$2,099
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great way to travel and meet new people! CEO adapted meals for vegetarian travelers in the group.”
Shanna, traveled in June 2023
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 12 to 99 year olds Operator G Adventures From
- US$1,749
California Express - 3 Days
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amadeo TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES its well and good provider.”
Naveen, traveled in July 2024
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 up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese Operator Amadeo From
- US$600
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 2019
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From $820
10% Off- US$738You save $82
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was very well organized, and we enjoyed the camping option.”
Ellen, traveled in May 2023
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Incredible Adventures From
10% Off- US$795
What people love about California Tours
Great way to travel and meet new people! Changes were made to the itinerary due to road/trail closures but it worked out in the best way. CEO adapted meals for vegetarian travelers in the group. I would book with them again!
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
- California Express - 3 Days
Brilliant tour. Jacob and Belinda were fantastic. Busy jam packed tour to see as much as we could vet the three days. Lovely hotel. Many thanks.
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
I went to visit the west coast for a few weeks from Ireland and took in lots of different tours and trips. This tour was by far the highlight of my trip. The scenery was amazing obviously but the way we wrre guided by Kate was right up there. She was so considerate, knowledgeable and patient. Also so much fun, she really made the tour for me. Such a cool girl. Have mentioned inca specially to all my friends living in SF because of how much better the trip was due to Kate.
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 25 adventures that vary from 3 days to 14 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, 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.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 103 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through California with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in California
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.
- 5.0 (22,805 reviews)
"Great time and experience
- Tours
- 7 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $323
- 3.5 (7 reviews)
- Tours
- 6 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 51h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $736
- 4.5 (1,954 reviews)
"The tour guides were very good, but not enough time was planned. It would have been nice if the trip had been along the Pacific Coast Highway
- Tours
- 1 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 29h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $300
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.
Discover California tours for every budget
Three reliable California trips stand out for travelers watching their budget. Many choose to combine Yosemite's waterfalls with Giant Sequoia walks - you get quality time at El Capitan and Half Dome before walking among trees that have lived over a thousand years. Another good route starts in Toronto and covers California's highlights, with time to explore San Francisco's Chinatown, check out Fisherman's Wharf and then head to Sequoia National Park. The third option sticks to the coast, taking you through Santa Barbara's Spanish mission, the Danish town of Solvang and along the famous 17-Mile Drive near Carmel. These trips run anywhere from 3 to 8 days with simple, clean hotels that skip unnecessary extras.
Our premium California trips focus on unique Yosemite access and private coastal experiences. The top choice puts you in Rush Creek Lodge while you tackle a different trail each day - from Nevada Falls right up to Mount Hoffmann's peak where you'll look down on Half Dome. Our Rose Parade package includes great grandstand seats for New Year's and special access to float preparation, though some guests mentioned the downtown LA hotel could use an upgrade. Active travelers really enjoy our redwoods and coast multisport tour - you cycle through ancient forests in Prairie Creek and paddle kayaks in Humboldt Bay's clear waters, staying at carefully picked historic inns along the way.
California budget tours
California tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
128 tours in CaliforniaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through California. We have 128 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
63 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
30 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.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Los Angeles, Solvang, Bakersfield, Yosemite National Park, Fresno, Sequoia National Park
See all tours
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.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Fresno, Lone Pine, Sequoia National Park
See all tours
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.
Don't miss out on visiting:
San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Carmel, Pismo Beach, Solvang, Santa Barbara, San Juan Capistrano, San Diego, Los Angeles
See all toursDemographics
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 Travelers69 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples78 tours
- Seniors (50+)76 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit California
- Spring 2025
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.
- 61 tours
- 57 tours
- popular 68 tours
- Summer 2025
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.
- 75 tours
- popular 84 tours
- 77 tours
- 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 78 tours
- 64 tours
- 47 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.
- 37 tours
- popular 44 tours
- January 2026 21 tours
Contact our California travel experts
Anita
Expert in California at TourRadar
Anita is one of our seasoned California Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about California tours answered!
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