Northern California Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,603 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Northern California tours
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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
- Top operators in Northern California
- Northern California tours for every group
- Top Northern California travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern California
- Contact our Northern California travel experts
The best Northern California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern California travel expert at TourRadar
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 2022
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 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“Hiking in Yosemite was awesome!! Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in visiting a national park.”
Cecilia, traveled in September 2024
Northern California unfolds from San Francisco's Haight Street to Yosemite's grandeur. Hikers pass Half Dome on Mist Trail, climb Sentinel Dome, and walk among Tuolumne Grove sequoias before a final Golden Gate Bridge stroll.
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 Northern California's finest. Walk among Yosemite's Tuolumne Grove sequoias, capture Half Dome photos, and visit Mono Lake's crystal waters. Four nights camping under stars with provided equipment plus one hotel night.
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 itinerary.”
Hitesh, traveled in May 2023
The grand finale in San Francisco caps off Yosemite's granite monoliths exploration. Take on the Valley Loop Trail, ascend the Mist Trail to Nevada Falls, and challenge yourself on the North Dome trek for spectacular Half Dome views.
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“Itinerary was great, stops were time limited but gave enough chance to see the attractions and views!”
Ivana, traveled in March 2024
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 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 Northern California Tours
- 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.
- Northern California (8 Days)
Very good trip. Tour guide and coach driver were excellent. Accommodations were great. I would recommend this trip to others. Except, I would not recommend going to the trip sponsored dinner at the Happy Girl Coffee House in Monterey. The food was just awful in my opinion. Best place for dinner that night would at one of the seafood restaurants at be Fisherman's Warf located right in back of the hotel.
- 4 Day Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco from Las Vegas Lodging
The trip was made excellent because of our guide, Chelsea. She took us to unknown spots, was patient, flexible, and a pleasure to be around. The only thing I would take issue with is the lodging at Yellowstone. I understand we are in a dead zone, but the ridiculous amount they wanted to charge for the wi-fi blew us away! It was more than what cruise ships charge! Other than that, we having nothing but rave reviews for the tour and our guide!
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.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursOur 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.
See all Coach / Bus toursFor 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.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 65 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Northern California with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided tours
Top operators in Northern California
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.
- 5.0 (22,800 reviews)
"Great time and experience
- Tours
- 6 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $306
- 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
- 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
- 25h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $300
Northern California tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
78 tours in Northern CaliforniaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern California. We have 78 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
47 tours in Northern CaliforniaVisit Northern California with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
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.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
San Francisco, Yosemite National Park
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.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Fresno, Lone Pine, Sequoia National Park
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.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Los Angeles, Santa Margarita, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Hermosa Beach
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.
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 Travelers34 tours- Couples44 tours
- Seniors (50+)64 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Northern California
- Spring 2025
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.
- 15 tours
- popular 31 tours
- Summer 2025
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.
- 39 tours
- popular 49 tours
- 44 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn offers vibrant foliage in the wine country. Cooler, less crowded visits to San Francisco and coastal regions.
- popular 43 tours
- 26 tours
Contact our Northern California travel experts
Giovanna
Expert in Northern California at TourRadar
Giovanna 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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