California Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,603 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“Chad has a thirst for knowledge and looks up our questions and later shares the information with us.”
Elaine, traveled in June 2023
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 $2,099
10% Off- US$1,889You save $209
Hiking in Yosemite National Park (5 destinations)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Yosemite National Park is breathtaking. As I walked along the hikes, there was so much natural beauty.”
Linda, traveled in June 2021
From San Francisco to Yosemite, iconic landscapes await. The route passes Half Dome views and includes scaling Sentinel Dome via Four Mile Trail, with visits to Tuolumne Grove sequoias. A rustic mountain lodge serves as base for daily guided adventures.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,625
10% Off- US$2,363You save $262
Vegas to San Fran
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I especially loved the non-touristic, but amazing activities. The mix of very different people created a cosy and respectful atmosphere.”
Nena, traveled in July 2019
Sierra Nevada to San Francisco Bay showcase California's natural diversity. The route includes Bishop's hot springs, Yosemite's Tuolumne Grove and Half Dome, ending at Golden Gate Bridge. Four nights camping with provided gear and one night hotel stay complete the package.
Duration 6 days Destinations Las Vegas, Bishop, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,430
10% Off- US$1,287You save $143
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great adventure, sightseeing, exactly what I was looking for.”
Lauren, traveled in September 2022
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 $1,749
17% Off- US$1,452You save $297
California Express - 3 Days
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Thank you very much !!!”
Ceren, traveled in February 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
17% Off- US$600
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
Excellent service. Jacob tour guide was very nice
- Northern California (8 Days)
Every aspect was well planned, tour guide & driver were courteous & knowledgeable
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 June, 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 (22,800 reviews)
"Great time and experience
- Tours
- 7 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $323
- 3.5 (7 reviews)
- Tours
- 6 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 49h
- Response rate
- 68%
- Average price
- $743
- 4.5 (11,928 reviews)
"Hiking in Yosemite was awesome!! Our tour leader, Ron, was very knowledgeable and always put our group's interest first. Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in visiting a national park.
- Tours
- 2 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Hiking & Trekking
- Response time
- 6h
- Response rate
- 88%
- Average price
- $457
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 CaliforniaVisit California with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
28 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:
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Solvang, Bakersfield, Sequoia National Park, Fresno, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
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.
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 Travelers67 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples76 tours
- Seniors (50+)76 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit California
- Spring 2025
Spring brings moderate temperatures ideal for exploring California's cities. See cherry blossoms in San Francisco, go whale watching off the California coast, or visit Disneyland.
- 60 tours
- 58 tours
- popular 66 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.
- 74 tours
- popular 82 tours
- 74 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn sees fewer tourists. It's wine harvest time in Napa Valley. Experience the Monterey Jazz Festival and witness the striking fall foliage of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- popular 76 tours
- 62 tours
- 45 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.
- January 2025 17 tours
- popular 49 tours
- 40 tours
Contact our California travel experts
Marianne
Expert in California at TourRadar
Marianne 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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