Central California Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(8,078 reviews)- Choose from 49 Central California tours
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The best Central California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral California travel expert at TourRadar
- Vegas to San Fran
- Hiking in Yosemite National Park (5 destinations)
- Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
- Cali Coast & Yosemite From San Fran - 4 days
- Western Triangle - Los Angeles Airport
- USA Road Trip — Yosemite Hiking & Cali Surfing
- California's Great National Parks
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
- Western Triangle - Los Angeles Downtown
- Yosemite High Country Basecamp Tour
Vegas to San Fran
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The activities were great and we learned about each area we were going to. It made sure everyone was included and got to know each other.”
Claire, traveled in June
Duration 6 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$1,430
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
The route winds through Central California's diverse landscapes from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley. Follow trails through Tuolumne Grove's sequoias, climb Mist Trail waterfalls, and reach Sentinel Dome's summit. Delve into Native American history at historic Ahwahnee Hotel.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,740
10% Off- US$2,466You save $274
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great itinerary.”
Hitesh, traveled in May
From Sequoia to Yosemite, this mountain trek showcases Central California's peaks. Marvel at world's largest tree General Sherman, wander Tokopah Canyon, and climb Buena Vista Peak. Trails range from valley floors to high-altitude paths with elevations up to 2,000 feet.
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 $1,899
10% Off- US$1,709You save $189
San Francisco Bay to Yosemite Valley showcase Central California's varied terrain. Summer visits feature 730-meter Yosemite Falls and El Capitan, while winter routes highlight Monterey's historic Cannery Row and Carmel-by-the-Sea's boutiques.
Duration 4 days Destinations San Francisco, Modesto, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Las Vegas, Los Angeles Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- US$855
Western Triangle - Los Angeles Airport
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a great experience, with a knowledgeable and organized guide providing equal explanations in all 3 languages.”
Nisha, traveled in July
From Yosemite's waterfalls to Monterey's historic sites, Central California unfolds its beauty. Cruise the exclusive 17-Mile Drive past world-class golf courses, stroll through charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, and tour San Francisco's vibrant neighborhoods.
Duration 9 days Destinations Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator ATP - AlliedTPro From
10% Off- US$1,842
USA Road Trip — Yosemite Hiking & Cali Surfing
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Nice group, beautiful places and a lot of fun!”
Daniel, traveled in June
The path leads through Central California's diverse terrain from Yosemite's granite peaks to Venice Beach's surf spots. Browse farmer's markets in Central Valley, ascend to Vernal and Nevada Falls, and walk among Tuolumne Grove's ancient sequoias. Includes 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners with camping equipment provided.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Los Angeles Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $1,649
22% Off- US$1,286You save $362
California's Great National Parks
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All accommodations' were very good except for initial night in Las Vegas, terrible hotel.”
Richard, traveled in May
Central California reveals its diversity from Death Valley's Badwater Basin to Sequoia's Giant Forest. Rejuvenate with Forest Bathing at Tenaya Lodge, visit Kings Canyon's General Grant Tree, and watch stars at Wuksachi Lodge.
Duration 8 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Los Angeles Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From
22% Off- US$3,825
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a great trip. The camping grounds were stellar. Waking up to a delicious breakfast and beautiful scenery, I was blessed to have done this tour.”
Amanda, traveled in October
The journey moves through Central Valley's heartland to Yosemite's wilderness. Stand among ancient Sequoia groves with 2,000-year-old giants, wander glacier-carved valleys, and rest in comfortable camps. Includes biofuel transport and expert guides with perfect 5.0 transport rating.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Incredible Adventures From
22% Off- US$795
Yosemite National Park's waterfalls and wildlife await, followed by historic Monterey's capital sites. Cruise along exclusive 17-Mile Drive past premium golf courses before discovering Carmel's charming coastal village.
Duration 9 days Destinations Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator ATP - AlliedTPro From
22% Off- US$2,035
Yosemite High Country Basecamp Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The magnificent scenery, the delicious meals, quality equipment - everything was top notch!”
Ann, traveled in July
The granite landscape of Central California unfolds on this 4-day expedition. Trek from Vernal Falls to Cathedral Lake, walk among Tuolumne Grove's ancient sequoias, and climb Mount Hoffman. Camp near Mono Lake with all meals and expert guidance included.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Wildland Trekking From
22% Off- US$2,210
What people love about Central California Tours
- Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
Great itinerary and guide.
- Western Triangle - Los Angeles Airport
Overall our family had a great experience The tour guides were nice and helpful , our second tour guide Gratyana was especially very knowledgeable and organized and gave equal explanations in all 3 languages The hotel booked in Vegas , as to the Luxor could get a better option with atleast a coffee machine or a water cooker in the room Some of the important points within a city were always only in the Optional tour and not in the core programme . Atleast it should be seen to it that the top 5 attractions in a city were included within the core program even if it calls for revising the core prices Wake-up alarms at hotels were not necessary as we had our own alarms and were thought to be a forceful imposed botheration ?
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
This tour maximises the time in the park along with seeing the big name sights. Camping set up and cooking was great, with everything catered for.
What our customers ask about Central California Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights on a general tour through Central California's Country Region?
Central California's highlights center around two distinct regions: the mountains and the coast. Yosemite Valley draws visitors to El Capitan and Half Dome's towering granite faces while the Giant Sequoia groves in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks showcase California's natural legacy. Key stops include Bridalveil Falls the panoramic Tunnel View and the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. Along the coast the winding 17-Mile Drive near Carmel offers ocean vistas while Monterey's coastal charm provides a different perspective. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The views were more than I could've asked for - from the towering sequoias to the breathtaking valley vistas every stop was picture-perfect."
What types of accommodations are available on general tours in this region?
The accommodation options span from established hotels to wilderness lodges. Yosemite Valley features the upscale Ahwahnee Hotel and the practical Yosemite Valley Lodge. In Sequoia National Park the Wuksachi Lodge provides rooms with mountain panoramas. Coastal options include oceanfront stays at the FogCatcher Inn in Cambria and Asilomar Hotel in Pacific Grove. For outdoor enthusiasts campgrounds like Upper Pines in Yosemite Valley provide basic amenities and close access to nature. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The mix of accommodations was perfect - from the rustic charm of Yosemite's lodges to the coastal comfort of our Monterey hotel."
When is the best time to visit the Central California Country Region for a general tour?
Peak visiting season runs May through September when weather conditions are most reliable. During these months Yosemite Valley sees temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) ideal for outdoor exploration. Spring brings rushing waterfalls while fall offers autumn colors and smaller crowds at popular viewpoints like Tunnel View and Glacier Point. A TourRadar traveler commented on their summer experience: "We had the most amazing trip with perfect weather for hiking and sightseeing through Yosemite Valley."
How physically demanding are general tours in Central California's Country Region?
Tours adapt to different fitness levels though most include some walking and hiking. Common routes feature the gentle 2.2-mile Sentinel Dome loop or flat walks through Yosemite Valley. More energetic visitors can opt for challenges like the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls a 3-mile round trip gaining 1000 feet elevation. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Our guide was excellent at adapting the hiking routes to match everyone's abilities while still ensuring we saw all the highlights."
How many days should I plan for a comprehensive general tour of Central California?
A thorough exploration typically needs 5-7 days. The Best of California's National Parks tour uses 6 days to cover both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. Shorter options like the 3-4 day Yosemite Escape focus on key areas. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The 6-day tour was perfect - enough time to see the major sights without feeling rushed and really soak in the natural beauty."
What's the best way to avoid crowds at popular destinations in Central California?
Visit major attractions in Yosemite Valley during early morning or late afternoon hours. Many tours including the Yosemite Escape plan visits around off-peak times. Less frequented spots like Tuolumne Meadows or Sequoia's Giant Forest offer quieter alternatives to valley hotspots. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Our guide timed our visits perfectly - we had Tunnel View almost to ourselves for sunrise and beat the crowds to the Giant Sequoias."