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Top Things to Do in California

We compared all 782 experiences in California so you can choose in minutes — real prices, verified reviews and our editorial picks.

4.7 782 experiences from US$ 5 Free cancellation on most experiences
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San Francisco to Muir Woods: Redwood Shuttle & Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco to Muir Woods: Redwood Shuttle & Golden Gate Bridge★★★★★★★★★★ 4.93 (202)4hYou ride from Fisherman's Wharf across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods, where you spend over an hour walking among coastal redwoods with a local guide. The shuttle includes water and stops at Fort Point for photos and the Palace of Fine Arts on the way. Morning departures can stay in Sausalito and ferry back instead of returning by shuttle—ferry ticket separate.Is it for me?Pick this if you want to see the redwoods and the Golden Gate Bridge in one trip without renting a car or coordinating multiple rides—the fixed schedule and included guide handle the logistics so you just show up at Fisherman's Wharf.Free cancellationTravelers' pickMost bookedfromUS$ 79View ›
Yosemite Day Trip from Lake Tahoe: Half Dome, El Capitan & Tunnel View
Yosemite Day Trip from Lake Tahoe: Half Dome, El Capitan & Tunnel View★★★★★★★★★★ 4.89 (201)14hYou’ll hear waterfalls before you see them, stand beneath giants like El Capitan and Half Dome, and share a picnic lunch in Yosemite Valley with new friends. This full-day trip from South Lake Tahoe includes snacks, drinks (even beer or wine), park entry fees and a local guide who knows every turn of the road. Expect moments that stick with you long after you leave.Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell outfromUS$ 270View ›
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour San Francisco: 2-Day Open-Top Pass
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour San Francisco: 2-Day Open-Top Pass★★★★★★★★★★ 4.01 (201)1hYou board at Fisherman's Wharf or any of eleven other stops, ride the open-top red loop bus for two days straight, and get off whenever a landmark catches you — Ferry Building, Chinatown, Union Square, Golden Gate Bridge, Civic Center. The audio guide is included; you control the pace. Your ticket is valid from 10am to 5pm both days.Is it for me?Pick this if you're in San Francisco for a couple of days and want to see the main landmarks without renting a car or memorizing a transit map — the two-day pass and flexible stops mean you set the itinerary, not a tour operator.Instant confirmationfromUS$ 78View ›
Truckee River Boca-Floriston Run: Class III Whitewater
Truckee River Boca-Floriston Run: Class III Whitewater★★★★★★★★★★ 4.81 (199)3h 30mThe Boca-Floriston Run on the Truckee River near Lake Tahoe is a half-day whitewater rafting trip mixing Class III+ rapids with long flat sections for swimming, starting at the historic town of Boca and finishing in Floriston Gorge. The operator was the first to offer commercial trips on this stretch. All safety gear—PFD, helmet, wetsuits in cold weather—is included, and transport back to the meeting point is arranged.Is it for me?At 3.5 hours, this half-day trip leaves room for other activities in your Lake Tahoe day—a morning or afternoon slot that doesn't consume the whole schedule. The mix of technical rapids and flat swimming sections suits both first-time rafters and experienced paddlers in the same group.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −16%fromUS$ 128View ›
LA & Hollywood Day Tour from Anaheim: Beaches, Walk of Fame & Rodeo Drive
LA & Hollywood Day Tour from Anaheim: Beaches, Walk of Fame & Rodeo Drive★★★★★★★★★★ 4.75 (198)8h–9hYou get picked up from your Anaheim hotel and driven through LA's main landmarks: Downtown's architecture, 45 minutes exploring Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, an hour for lunch at the Farmers Market, 30 minutes on Rodeo Drive, and time at both Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. Hotel return is included, and the group stays under 12 people so stops feel less rushed.Is it for me?Book this if you're staying near Disneyland and want to see LA's main sights without renting a car or planning the route yourself—the small group size and hotel pickup mean you skip the logistics and just show up ready to go.Free cancellationKids −16%fromUS$ 119View ›
Private Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco: 5 stops, 8 hours
Private Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco: 5 stops, 8 hours★★★★★★★★★★ 4.60 (198)8hYou choose which wineries to visit from over 400 options across both valleys, travel in a private SUV with your group, and start the day at the Golden Gate Bridge with sparkling wine already poured. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the operator customizes the entire itinerary before you leave San Francisco.Is it for me?A good fit if you want to visit multiple wineries without arranging transport, choosing which ones to visit, or worrying about tasting fees—the eight-hour window and private SUV are what make customization and five stops possible in one day.Free cancellationfromUS$ 650View ›
Beverly Hills & LA: Movie Star Homes E-Bike Tour, Sunset Strip
Beverly Hills & LA: Movie Star Homes E-Bike Tour, Sunset Strip★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (198)3hYou’ll pedal through Beverly Hills with a local guide who keeps things real—from celebrity homes and Rodeo Drive to quirky film locations and quiet garden stops. Expect laughter, unexpected views of the Hollywood Sign, and little moments that make LA feel less like a movie set and more like someone’s home.Free cancellationfromUS$ 98View ›
San Diego: 2-Hour GoCar Self-Drive Tour Downtown & Old Town
San Diego: 2-Hour GoCar Self-Drive Tour Downtown & Old Town★★★★★★★★★★ 4.73 (198)2h–3hYou drive yourself through San Diego's main neighborhoods—Little Italy, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, and past the Zoo—following GPS turn-by-turn directions and tour commentary for two hours. The rental includes gas, helmet, and orientation; you just need a valid license and to be 21 or older. It's the fastest way to see the city's layout and history without being herded through it.Is it for me?Best for travelers who want to cover San Diego's main neighborhoods and landmarks in two hours without following a guide's schedule—you control the pace and stops, though you're still guided by GPS and commentary the whole way.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 52View ›
Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco with Lunch
Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco with Lunch★★★★★★★★★★ 4.84 (196)9hYou'll visit two wineries with included tastings, stop at the Golden Gate Bridge for photos, and have a two-hour lunch break in historic Sonoma Square where you can eat, shop, or taste more wine on your own dime. A professional guide handles the commentary and timing throughout, and you're back in San Francisco by late afternoon without arranging transport or paying tasting fees separately.Is it for me?Right for travelers based in San Francisco who want to taste two quality wineries without renting a car or paying tasting fees separately. Expect a full day out — the nine hours of travel and stops is what fits both valleys and a proper lunch into one departure.Free cancellationInfants freefromUS$ 179View ›
LA Open Bus Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Griffith Observatory
LA Open Bus Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Griffith Observatory★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (193)7hYou ride an open-air bus for seven hours hitting four major LA landmarks—Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, the Original Farmers Market with lunch included, and Griffith Observatory. A live guide handles the commentary and timing, so you don't navigate, park, or plan. Each stop gives you a full hour to explore, and you return to Santa Monica in the late afternoon.Is it for me?Best for first-time visitors to LA who want to see the main landmarks without renting a car, planning a route, or figuring out parking—the fixed schedule and included transport mean you show up and the day unfolds without decisions.Free cancellationKids −21%fromUS$ 95View ›
Sequoia National Park: General Sherman & Tunnel Log Small-Group Tour
Sequoia National Park: General Sherman & Tunnel Log Small-Group Tour★★★★★★★★★★ 4.92 (191)7hYou spend six hours in a small group exploring Sequoia's main attractions—the General Sherman Tree, Tunnel Log, Moro Rock, and Crescent Meadow—with an expert local guide driving an air-conditioned van. Lunch and park entry (for US residents) are included, so you show up and the logistics are handled. The pace is slow enough to actually absorb what you're seeing, not fast enough to feel rushed.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Sequoia's signature trees and viewpoints in one morning without arranging your own transport, park tickets, or timing—the fixed schedule and included lunch mean you arrive and the day unfolds.Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell outfromUS$ 319View ›
Temecula Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight & Wine Country Views
Temecula Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight & Wine Country Views★★★★★★★★★★ 4.91 (191)3hYou get picked up before dawn, float above Temecula's vineyards as the sun rises, hear from your pilot about local wineries and restaurants worth visiting, and return to your hotel with mimosas in hand. The whole outing takes about two hours, leaving the rest of your day open.Is it for me?Right for travelers staying in Temecula who want to see the wine country from the air without arranging their own transport or timing the sunrise themselves. The flight happens early and takes about two hours total, which means you're back by mid-morning and the rest of your day is free.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 190View ›
San Diego: Amphibious Seal Tour & Bay Cruise from Port
San Diego: Amphibious Seal Tour & Bay Cruise from Port★★★★★★★★★★ 4.84 (190)1h 45mYou board an amphibious vehicle at Seaport Village and spend 90 minutes traveling by land and water through San Diego Bay. The tour includes narrated history of early sailors and the military's role in the city, a cruise past the airport and Maritime Museum, and a water portion where you watch for seals, sea lions, and pelicans in Quivira Basin and Mission Bay. You return to your starting point and walk back to the cruise port on your own schedule.Is it for me?Book this if you're docked in San Diego and want to see the bay and wildlife without arranging separate transport back to the port—the five-minute walk from Seaport Village and self-timed return mean you're never stuck waiting for a shuttle or watching the clock.Free cancellationKids −29%fromUS$ 56View ›
San Francisco: Ghost Hunt Walking Tour with Storyteller Guide
San Francisco: Ghost Hunt Walking Tour with Storyteller Guide★★★★★★★★★★ 4.99 (190)1h 30m–2hYou’ll join a small group for a lantern-lit walk through San Francisco’s haunted past with a local storyteller as your guide. Hear true tales of poltergeists, secret heroes, and legendary mansions while wandering Victorian-lined streets after dark. Expect laughter, shivers, and moments where you can’t help but glance over your shoulder—it’s more than just ghost stories; it’s real history coming alive around you.Free cancellationTravelers' pickTop ratedfromUS$ 29View ›
Los Angeles: Ferrari Hollywood Sign Drive & Mulholland Views
Los Angeles: Ferrari Hollywood Sign Drive & Mulholland Views★★★★★★★★★★ 4.93 (189)50mYou’ll get to drive a real Ferrari through Hollywood with a local guide riding shotgun, passing icons like the Walk of Fame and Sunset Blvd before stopping for photos near the Hollywood Sign and along Mulholland Drive. Feel LA’s pulse from behind the wheel, catch those city views, and leave with pictures (and memories) you’ll replay long after.Free cancellationfromUS$ 110View ›
San Francisco: Electric Bike Tour Golden Gate Bridge & Food
San Francisco: Electric Bike Tour Golden Gate Bridge & Food★★★★★★★★★★ 4.98 (189)3h 30mYou’ll ride an electric bike through San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods and parks with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste a pastry from a beloved bakery, cross the Golden Gate Bridge with ocean air on your face, and stop for a picnic with epic views — all without breaking a sweat.Free cancellationfromUS$ 104View ›
Paso Robles: Wine Tour with 4 Boutique Wineries & Picnic
Paso Robles: Wine Tour with 4 Boutique Wineries & Picnic★★★★★★★★★★ 4.70 (188)5h–6hYou’ll spend your day winding through Paso Robles vineyards, tasting at four handpicked wineries chosen for your group’s vibe. Expect friendly guides who know their stuff, an easygoing picnic lunch under old trees, and plenty of space to wander or chat as you please. If you want relaxed discovery without worrying about driving or planning, this one’s got you covered.Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell outfromUS$ 200View ›
Private Yacht-Class Boat Tour on Lake Tahoe
Private Yacht-Class Boat Tour on Lake Tahoe★★★★★★★★★★ 4.99 (186)2hA private, yacht-class boat tour on Lake Tahoe covers the lake's most scenic stretch in two hours with a live English-speaking captain. You'll see Vikingsholm and its tea house on Fannette Island in Emerald Bay, Eagle Falls, the cliffs and lighthouse of D.L. Bliss State Park, and the Rubicon Estates. The boat includes a cooler with ice and bottled water; you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks (no red wine).Is it for me?The boat runs at a steady pace with no walking or water entry, so it works for any fitness level and anyone who wants the views without the logistics of renting a boat or timing a group departure. Book this if you have a free afternoon and want a captain who knows the lake to show you the landmarks most visitors see only from the highway or not at all.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfrom · per groupUS$ 642View ›
Lake Tahoe: 6-Hour Van Tour, Film Sites & Sand Harbor
Lake Tahoe: 6-Hour Van Tour, Film Sites & Sand Harbor★★★★★★★★★★ 4.88 (185)6hYou’ll circle Lake Tahoe by comfortable van with a local guide who shares stories at every stop—from Emerald Bay’s misty overlooks to movie sites and Sand Harbor’s blue water. Expect time for photos, a lunch break at a locals’ favorite bakery-café (not included), and plenty of small details you wouldn’t notice on your own.Free cancellationTravelers' pick-10%fromUS$ 207View ›
Los Angeles: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Beach Day Tour Pickup
Los Angeles: Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Beach Day Tour Pickup★★★★★★★★★★ 4.60 (184)7h 30mYou’ll feel LA’s pulse from downtown to Venice Beach—all in one smooth ride with hotel pickup included. Expect stories from your local guide, time for lunch at the Original Farmers Market, photo stops by Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Boulevard, plus enough beach air to last you weeks.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 95View ›
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