Central California Tours & Trips
Picture California's heartland beyond just the coast. Central California brings Yosemite's granite cliffs and waterfalls, Sequoia’s massive trees, and Kings Canyon's depths. Visit Fresno, Bakersfield, and Modesto. The Central Valley produces huge portions of America's food, including almonds, grapes, tomatoes, and dairy. Don’t miss this area; it’s a hidden gem that’s growing year on year.
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Simon • traveled in July, 2025
Simply brilliant. Dazzling and jaw-dropping scenery, a great itinerary and being able to leave the driving and details to our guide. Huge shout out to Lawton who was an exceptional guide and just a great human being. Can't recommend this tour highly enough.
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days - M
Mark • traveled in August
Yosemite tour was amazing. Choice of lodging needed to be different. Too far out of the way which caused a lot of extra driving. A hotel which was previously used would have been better. And virtually no response to questions thru the Tour Radar app. Had to take care of extra nights stays & transportation myself when the app stated that they would assist with it.
Hiking in Yosemite National Park - B
Brent • traveled in August, 2024
Great time and experience
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
The best Central California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral California travel expert at TourRadar
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
- Yosemite Escape Lodging - 3 Days
- Hiking in Yosemite National Park
- Best of California's National Parks
- Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
- California's Great National Parks
- Western Triangle - Los Angeles Airport
- USA Road Trip — Yosemite Hiking & Cali Surfing
- Wild California Explorer - 8 days
- Womens Yosemite Valley North Rim
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a great time!! We were able to go all over the park and see so many beautiful sites.”
Krystal, traveled in June
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
- US$795
The route winds from Bay Area to Yosemite Valley through Central California's landscapes. Walk among Giant Sequoia groves, admire Tunnel View vistas, and roam Tuolumne Meadows' alpine terrain. Two nights in comfortable lodge with hot tub access and nearby mountain pub.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
- US$1,029
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“it was actually an amazing experience with affordable cost.”
Rogerio, traveled in March
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 Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,830
20% Off- US$2,264You save $566
Duration 7 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,790
20% Off- US$2,232You save $558
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had a great time, going to some amazing places and meeting some really cool people.”
Richard, traveled in August
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 Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $1,849
25% Off- US$1,387You save $462
California's Great National Parks
3 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 All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From
25% Off- US$4,401
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 Ages 12+ Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator ATP - AlliedTPro From
25% Off- US$1,982
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 Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,699
17% Off- US$1,410You save $289
Hike alongside Vernal Falls and Emerald Pool in Yosemite Valley, and stand beneath the world's largest tree by volume - the 83-meter General Sherman sequoia - plus see the towering 1,500-year-old General Grant tree in Grant Grove. This 8-day small-group tour (max 14 travelers, ages 12+) includes stays near well-known sites like Cambria and Monterey. You'll check out Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park's redwoods and Bixby Bridge. The tour wraps up with a San Francisco Bay dinner cruise and Alcatraz Island tour.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Cambria, Monterey, Big Sur Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From $5,760
10% Off- US$5,184You save $576
Yosemite's crown jewel reveals itself on this 19-mile trek. Snow Creek Trail's 3,000-foot climb, camping beneath black oaks, and sunset from North Dome await. Professional guides lead this approx. $430 per day adventure, including gourmet backcountry meals and premium camping equipment.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- US$1,600
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."