California Tours & Trips
Ever wanted to visit Santa Barbara, where history comes to life, or walk through Solvang's charming Danish-style streets, making you feel like you're in Europe? In San Francisco, cruise under the famous Golden Gate Bridge, where fog rolls through the bay. In Yosemite National Park, walk among giant sequoias and see waterfalls crashing down granite cliffs. Nature and city life collide in California.
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Elaine • traveled in June
Chad is a great driver and guide. He gave us so much useful information and insights to the places we hiked and walked to and through. Chad has a thirst for knowledge and looks up our questions and later shares the information with us. I liked most of the hotels and motels we went to.
California National Park Discovery - E
Ellen • traveled in June
Annie was our guide, and she did an excellent job! The trip was very well organized, and Annie was very friendly, helpful & informative. I would highly recommend this trip and we enjoyed the camping option. You get a lot of "spare time" in Yosemite Valley and Annie helped us with which hikes, activities etc to do. This trip is one of our favorite ones we have done with a tour company!
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days - S
Stuart • traveled in September, 2024
It was all on my bucket list. No other tour I researched was as good. I’m very pleased.
Northern California with Yosemite National Park
Traveler Photos & Videos from California tours
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4 Day Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco from Las Vegas Lodging
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
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BDBahar
Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Excursion
EHEmily
Coastal California & YosemiteSPShanna
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
OMOriana
Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
Yosemite Classic Summits Half Dome and Clouds RestHeatherMMMary
Death Valley Inn Based Tour
California Express - 3 DaysRosemary
Best of Lassen Volcanic BasecampRussell
Table of contents
- The best California tour packages
- Travel California your way
- Best tour companies for California tours
- Popular California Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your California tour
- California tours for every type of 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
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
5 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
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 Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,830
20% Off- US$2,264+$100 local paymentsYou save $566
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
California's landscapes stretch from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley. Campsites near iconic locations serve as bases for Tuolumne Meadows hikes and alpine lake swims. Highly-rated guides (4.9/5) lead groups age 36+ through moderate trails.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
20% Off- US$795
California National Park Discovery
9 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
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 Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,199
20% Off- US$1,759You save $440
San Francisco gateway leads to Yosemite Valley's wilderness. Lodge accommodation while viewing Giant Sequoias and Tunnel View. Guided hikes through Tuolumne Meadows with options for Merced River activities or mountain biking.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
20% Off- US$1,029
Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Excursion
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The trip was well organized.”
Bahar, traveled in January
The Golden State unfolds through 7 destinations from Los Angeles. Marvel at Santa Monica Pier, roam Danish-inspired Solvang, gaze at Yosemite's El Capitan, and walk among Sequoia's giant forests. Relaxed-pace tour with Anaheim Majestic Garden stays and continental breakfast, ideal for families ages 3+.
Duration 3 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Solvang, Bakersfield, Yosemite National Park, Fresno, Sequoia National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
20% Off- US$627
Northern California with Yosemite National Park
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour. Would highly recommend this tour.”
George, traveled in August
San Francisco's urban charm contrasts with Yosemite's wilderness on this diverse tour. Highlights include Monterey's Cannery Row, Golden Gate Bridge walks, and Salinas Valley farm tours. Luxury awaits at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa and Yosemite Valley Lodge.
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 $3,575
10% Off- US$3,218You save $358
Death Valley to Yosemite National Park's El Capitan showcase California's natural diversity. San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey's Cannery Row, and Santa Barbara's palm-lined beaches complete the picture. Costing approx. $250 per day, premium stays include Hilton Union Square and Radisson Santa Maria.
Duration 8 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Fresno, Yosemite National Park, Modesto, San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Santa MariaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 21+ Operator Omega Tours From
10% Off- US$2,182
Travel California your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for California tours
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.
Popular California Cruise Ships
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.
California tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top California travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers51 tours- Couples62 tours
- Seniors (50+)61 tours
Best time to visit California
- 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.
- 19 tours
- popular 23 tours
- Spring 2026
California's spring tours really shine when connecting Death Valley's painted landscapes with Yosemite's peak-flow waterfalls. Our travelers give high marks to the Vegas-San Francisco routes, where guides schedule Death Valley visits with perfect timing - letting you discover Zabriskie Point and salt flats in ideal temperatures. Moving into Sequoia National Park, visitors walk beneath towering giants along the Congress Trail, and climb Buena Vista Peak for panoramic Sierra vistas. The Yosemite section comes alive in spring as you follow the Mist Trail past roaring Vernal and Nevada Falls, with flexible time to cycle the valley floor or capture El Capitan through your lens. Wine enthusiasts appreciate how these tours weave through Sonoma's vineyards between park visits, while explorations of Haight Ashbury, Golden Gate Park and also Fisherman's Wharf round out the San Francisco experience. TourRadar customers often mention how guides skillfully adjust hiking speeds for different fitness levels, while creating peaceful moments to absorb California's springtime scenery.
- 33 tours
- 24 tours
- popular 37 tours
- Summer 2026
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.
- 42 tours
- popular 54 tours
- 51 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn reveals California's prime travel moments, especially on routes connecting Vegas to San Francisco, where you'll find perfect hiking conditions in Yosemite minus the summer crowds. Our customers tell us these tours hit Death Valley at just the right time, when cooler temperatures make exploring the salt flats and Zabriskie Point much more pleasant. The coastal sections peak in early fall - you drive through Big Sur and pause in Carmel when the fog lifts for maximum visibility. Plenty of travelers pick tours that blend city experiences with national parks; starting in San Francisco's Chinatown, then heading to Yosemite where the Mist Trail leading to Vernal and Nevada Falls sees fewer hikers than summer months. Wine enthusiasts particularly appreciate autumn tours through Sonoma, Napa Valley and also the wine country, where harvest activities fill the calendar from August through October. The quick 3-day express routes deliver too - expect clear skies while cruising Highway 1, discovering Santa Barbara's Spanish missions, exploring Solvang's Danish streets and finally reaching San Francisco.
- popular 55 tours
- 44 tours
- 24 tours
Contact our California travel experts
Tassanee
Expert in California at TourRadar
Tassanee 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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