Northern California Tours & Trips
Picture yourself exploring Spanish Missions in Santa Barbara, strolling Solvang's Danish streets, cruising under the Golden Gate, and walking among Yosemite's giants. What a true expedition in California! Drive scenic Route 1, hike Death Valley's landscapes, discover Sequoia's ancient trees, and trek Yosemite's Vernal and Nevada Falls. There’s so much to see.
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Liam • traveled in June
Noah is the best. Awesome trip he cooked an amazing dinner and brekkie and linch was awesome. Noah is seriously the best guide for this
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days - P
Paul • traveled in September, 2024
Great vacation. Saw so much.
Northern California with Yosemite National Park - R
Ruslan • traveled in August
Great and rewarding experience.
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
Traveler Photos & Videos from Northern California tours
Table of contents
- The best Northern California tour packages
- Travel Northern California your way
- Best tour companies for Northern California tours
- Popular Northern California Cruise Ships
- Northern California tours for every type of group
- Top Northern California travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern California
- Contact our Northern California travel experts
- What our customers ask about Northern California Tours & Trips
The best Northern California tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern California travel expert at TourRadar
California National Park Discovery
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour is a good one, giving us a chance to experience the opulence of Vegas, the majesty of the giant sequoias.”
Gwen, traveled in October
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 Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,199
17% Off- US$1,825You save $374
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was very well organized, and we enjoyed the camping option.”
Ellen, traveled in May
Towering 300-foot Sequoias and Tunnel View showcase Northern California's premier park. Camping near Yosemite Valley includes hot tub access, High Country trail walks, and guide-prepared meals. Perfect 5.0 transport rating in eco-friendly vehicles.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
17% Off- US$795
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“it was actually an amazing experience with affordable cost.”
Rogerio, traveled in March
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 Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
17% Off- US$2,830
The ancient Sequoias and Tunnel View await in Northern California's crown jewel. Lodge accommodations serve as base for hikes through Tuolumne Meadows and Lembert Dome, with chances to spot black bears and climbers scaling El Capitan's granite face.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
17% Off- US$1,029
Northern California with Yosemite National Park
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Impressed by the thoughtful trip planning and pacing. Would DEFINITELY recommend this trip to others!”
Geralyn, traveled in September
Eight days of Northern California's finest, from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf to Yosemite's El Capitan. The Beacon Grand hotel serves as home base, with wine tasting in Sonoma Valley and Lake Tahoe's alpine beauty. Features farm-to-table dining at Happy Girl Kitchen.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Francisco, Sausalito, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada, Mariposa, MontereySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From
17% Off- US$3,575
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
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 Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $1,849
25% Off- US$1,387You save $462
Northern California's Finest
220 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful time. Our tour director Randy had everything well organized.”
Rosemary, traveled in September
Luxurious stays at Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite and historic Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia anchor this tour. San Francisco's iconic sights lead to Sonoma's wine country and giant sequoias. Includes Valley Floor Tram tour in Yosemite and stargazing under ancient trees.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Francisco, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Monterey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $4,479
3% Off- US$4,329You save $150
5 day California Coastlines and Vineyards, Waves and Wine small group tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This is a really well put together tour with super cute accommodation and a good range of included activities.”
Craig, traveled in May
Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and kayak through bioluminescent waters in Tomales Bay under starlight. A VIP Chef's Table lunch at Capo Creek Winery pairs with Russian River Valley vintages, and cycling through vineyard-lined roads includes stops at boutique wineries. Four nights at distinctive properties - Tomales Bay Resort inside Point Reyes National Seashore, the oceanfront Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay, and redwood-surrounded Cottages on River Road in Guerneville.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore Age Range Ages 21+ Operator Bindlestiff Tours From $3,995
12% Off- US$3,516You save $479
Duration 7 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
12% Off- US$2,790
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
Mammoth Lakes' alpine vistas to Yosemite Valley's iconic formations showcase Northern California's wonders. The route winds through Tioga Pass, includes meetings with climbing experts at El Capitan, and visits to Tuolumne Meadows' natural beauty.
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
12% Off- US$4,401
Travel Northern California your way
Best tour companies for Northern California tours
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.
Popular Northern California Cruise Ships
Northern California tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Northern California travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers33 tours- Couples45 tours
- Seniors (50+)52 tours
Best time to visit Northern California
- Spring 2026
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.
- popular 24 tours
- Summer 2026
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.
- 28 tours
- popular 40 tours
- 39 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Northern California's fall tours consistently draw travelers to routes starting in Vegas, crossing Death Valley, and reaching Yosemite. Near Bishop, the mild temperatures create ideal camping conditions with fewer people on the trails. Our most requested autumn itinerary takes you floating down Merced River while incorporating both Mist Trail and Four Mile Trail hikes, which shine during fall's gentle weather. The guides have mastered the art of timing, helping you dodge busy periods at Half Dome, El Capitan and also other landmarks. A focused 3-day Yosemite option provides all camping equipment except sleeping bags, letting you travel light. These autumn tours balance structured hikes with independent exploration time - your morning might start at Tunnel View, then leave afternoons open to wander Valley Floor as you please. Many tours add cultural dimensions, stopping at Santa Barbara's Spanish mission, Solvang's Danish streets and finally San Francisco, crafting a varied journey during the prime outdoor season.
- popular 38 tours
- 27 tours
Contact our Northern California travel experts
Tassanee
Expert in Northern California at TourRadar
Tassanee 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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Call us
+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Northern California Tours & Trips
What's the best time to visit Northern California if you want great weather and experiences?
Northern California's got these amazing microclimates so picking the perfect time really depends on what you're into. Spring around April-May is fantastic you'll catch wildflowers blooming in Yosemite and it's perfect for wine tasting up in Napa Valley. The California Express 3-day tour is great this time of year you can check out Spanish Missions in Santa Barbara and wander through Solvang's charming Danish streets. Summer June through August brings warm weather that's ideal for hiking and park exploring but yeah it gets pretty crowded. It's actually the best time for the California National Park Discovery tour where you can hike up to those incredible Vernal and Nevada Falls in Yosemite though they use smaller vehicles on Route #1 because of summer traffic. Fall September-October shows off amazing colors in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada perfect for drives and photography. Winter from November to March is great for skiing Tahoe and you'll find fewer crowds in Yosemite but heads up some high areas might be closed from snow. The winter version of that California Express tour swaps Yosemite for Monterey and includes the stunning 17-mile drive.
Which natural areas can you visit in Northern California beyond the cities and how do you get to them?
You've got Yosemite National Park this incredible UNESCO site with massive granite cliffs waterfalls and giant sequoias. Getting there's pretty flexible you can join guided tours rent a car or hop on park shuttles. The Yosemite Escape Camping 3-day tour picks you up right from San Francisco and takes you hiking to see those amazing Giant Sequoias and that iconic Tunnel View. Up north there's Redwood National and State Parks protecting these ancient coastal redwoods some reaching over 350 feet tall. The Redwoods & Coast Multisport Tour lets you cycle and hike around these giants including Big Tree that's over 300 feet and about 1500 years old pretty incredible. Lake Tahoe sitting right on the California-Nevada border is perfect for boating kayaking and hiking in alpine scenery. You can drive there or catch shuttles from nearby cities. The Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras 4-day tour includes a night in South Lake Tahoe with options to explore by kayak paddleboard bike or gondola.
What are some of those hidden routes around Northern California that travelers love and why do they choose them?
Highway 1 or Pacific Coast Highway hugs the California coast it's absolutely stunning with ocean views and sweet stops like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. People love it for whale watching and just taking in those views. The California Express 3-day tour and Big Sur Coast Bike Tour both use this route. For something more off the beaten path check out Gold Country east of Sacramento it's full of historic towns and Gold Rush sites. The Private 4 Day Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco from Las Vegas tour stops in Bishop an old Gold Rush town that's pretty fascinating.
Which places in Northern California are still kind of under the radar but totally worth visiting for their culture or nature?
Lassen Volcanic National Park north of Yosemite is really unique with bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles you can hike through volcanic landscapes without the crowds. Point Reyes National Seashore just north of San Francisco's got these amazing rugged cliffs hidden beaches and tons of wildlife. The Salinas Valley known as the Salad Bowl of the World gives you a real taste of local life. The California Express 3-day tour actually includes a cool agricultural tour at one of Monterey County's oldest family farms.
What's the best way to get around Northern California using public or private transport?
Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore but watch out for traffic and parking in cities. The Private 4 Day Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco from Las Vegas tour uses a private vehicle which is pretty convenient. San Francisco's got this great public transport system with those iconic cable cars historic streetcars and BART. The Vegas to San Fran tour actually drops you at any BART station you want. For longer trips you might want to look at Amtrak trains or Greyhound buses they connect the major cities and the views are pretty amazing.