USA  »  California

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
Sort
San Diego Old Town: Haunted Houses, Tacos & Tequila Walk
San Diego Old Town: Haunted Houses, Tacos & Tequila Walk★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (129)2h 30mYou’ll wander through San Diego’s Old Town with a local guide, hearing tales of haunted houses and early settlers as you walk past historic chapels and cemeteries. Taste fresh handmade tortillas before ending with street tacos and tequila at a local tequileria. Expect laughter, real conversation, and flavors you’ll remember long after you leave.Free cancellationLikely to sell outMost bookedfromUS$ 85View ›
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour: Geology and Cahuilla Culture
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour: Geology and Cahuilla Culture★★★★★★★★★★ 4.82 (129)3hThis three-hour open-air Jeep tour from Palm Springs takes you into the San Andreas Fault Zone at Metate Ranch, where a naturalist guide describes the geology while you walk between steep canyon walls, explore a natural palm oasis, and tour a recreated Cahuilla Indian Village. The tour includes bottled water and granola snacks, and operates on dirt trails and washes—the ride is bumpy but suitable for all fitness levels.Is it for me?The ride on dirt trails and washes is bumpy and the pace includes several stops for walking, so this tour works best for travelers comfortable with rough terrain and short hikes rather than smooth pavement and continuous riding. The three-hour window and multiple stops mean you can fit this into a Palm Springs day without committing to a full afternoon.Free cancellationfromUS$ 175View ›
Safari West Sonoma: Giraffes, Zebras & Open-Air Jeep Tour
Safari West Sonoma: Giraffes, Zebras & Open-Air Jeep Tour★★★★★★★★★★ 4.63 (128)3hSafari West is a three-hour guided wildlife tour through a 400-acre preserve near Santa Rosa where you ride an open-air Jeep past herds of African animals, then walk through habitats to see cheetahs, lemurs and birds up close. The preserve sits about 20 minutes north of downtown Santa Rosa and welcomes children from age 4. Every ticket supports the care of over 900 animals and Safari West's conservation work.Is it for me?Book this if you're comfortable with open-air Jeep travel over rough terrain and moderate walking—the guide navigates while you focus on spotting wildlife across multiple habitats.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −59%fromUS$ 110View ›
3-Hour GoCar GPS Tour San Francisco: Drive yourself, no guide needed
3-Hour GoCar GPS Tour San Francisco: Drive yourself, no guide needed★★★★★★★★★★ 4.83 (127)3hYou rent a two-seat GPS-guided GoCar and drive yourself through San Francisco's major landmarks—Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint, Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and Lombard Street—over three hours at your own pace. Gas, map, and helmets are included; you set when to stop and how long to linger at each spot.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want to see San Francisco's main landmarks—Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, Lombard Street—without a guide talking at you the whole time. You'll be out for three hours at your own speed, which means you can linger at views or skip ahead; plan for an average pace of 30 mph through city streets.Free cancellationfrom · per groupUS$ 229View ›
San Luis Obispo Ghost & True Crime Tour: Haunted Sites
San Luis Obispo Ghost & True Crime Tour: Haunted Sites★★★★★★★★★★ 4.62 (127)1h–1h 30mA nightly walking tour through San Luis Obispo's downtown district led by a local guide who shares ghost stories, murders, and true crime tied to specific buildings and sites. The tour covers the city's turbulent founding, including the treatment of indigenous people, prominent families with dark secrets, and unsolved mysteries connected to real crimes. Choose between a tour for all ages or an adults-only version; both run roughly an hour to an hour and a half.Is it for me?Pick the all-ages version if you're bringing children or want the history without graphic detail; choose the adults-only tour if you want the full account of the crimes and darker stories. Either way, you're standing outside the buildings themselves — not watching a slideshow or sitting in a theater — so the city becomes the backdrop for what the guide is telling you.Instant confirmationTravelers' pickLikely to sell outfromUS$ 30View ›
Electric Dirtbike Adventure Lake Tahoe: Off-Road Trails
Electric Dirtbike Adventure Lake Tahoe: Off-Road Trails★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (126)2h–3hAn electric dirtbike adventure at Lake Tahoe puts you on a 2x2 dual-motor machine built for rugged off-road terrain, with instruction, protective gear and a professional guide included. The activity runs two to three hours and covers hidden backcountry trails accessible only by dirt bike, with stops for photos and views of South Lake Tahoe from high above. Moderate fitness and solid coordination are required; minimum age is 15, and weight must not exceed 285 lbs.Is it for me?Book this if you have solid coordination and at least some bicycle or mountain-bike experience—the machines are forgiving, but the terrain demands focus and balance. It's not the ride for anyone timid or uncomfortable with technical off-road handling.Free cancellationTop ratedfromUS$ 200View ›
Solvang Wine & True Crime Tour with 3 Drinks Included
Solvang Wine & True Crime Tour with 3 Drinks Included★★★★★★★★★★ 4.98 (125)2hYou visit three wine bars in two hours, tasting three wines, a wine cocktail, and champagne, while your guide shares stories of crime and hauntings tied to Solvang's historic sites. You don't arrange transportation between stops or worry about what to order — the tastings and route are set, and you show up ready to listen and drink.Is it for me?Pick this if you want a night out that's equal parts wine and storytelling, and you'd rather have someone else plan the route and pour the drinks. The small group and fixed itinerary mean you show up, listen, and move at a pace that lets the stories land.Instant confirmationfromUS$ 120View ›
Half-Day Guided Hike Joshua Tree National Park: Customized Route
Half-Day Guided Hike Joshua Tree National Park: Customized Route★★★★★★★★★★ 4.96 (122)4h 30mA half-day guided hike in Joshua Tree National Park where the guide customizes the route, pace and mileage to your group's fitness level and interests before you arrive. The guide, a 22-year resident who logs over 500 miles annually in the park, discusses the flora, fauna, geology and cultural history as you walk. Water and a daypack are provided; the hike runs 4.5 hours and can be leisurely or strenuous depending on what your group chooses.Is it for me?The hike runs 4.5 hours with a pace and mileage the guide adjusts to your group's fitness level in real time, so you can choose whether you want a leisurely walk or something more strenuous—either way, the route is built around what you actually want to see and do, not a fixed itinerary.Free cancellationfromUS$ 335View ›
Yosemite: Semi Private Day Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch & Pickup
Yosemite: Semi Private Day Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch & Pickup★★★★★★★★★★ 4.68 (120)8hYou’ll wander through Yosemite Valley with a small group, led by a local who knows every story behind each viewpoint. Feel Glacier Point’s breeze on your face, spot waterfalls from quiet spots away from crowds, and share lunch at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel—or enjoy a picnic if you hike. It’s less like a tour and more like sharing Yosemite with new friends.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 250View ›
Valle de Guadalupe: Wine & Food Tour with Rosarito Tacos
Valle de Guadalupe: Wine & Food Tour with Rosarito Tacos★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (120)12hYou’ll start your day with fresh tacos by the sea in Rosarito before heading into Valle de Guadalupe for wine tastings at three boutique wineries. Share tapas-style lunch plates filled with local flavor, relax in a private van stocked with drinks, and soak up stories from your guide and winemakers along the way.Free cancellationLikely to sell outfromUS$ 259View ›
Marina del Rey: Brunch Cruise with Champagne & Buffet
Marina del Rey: Brunch Cruise with Champagne & Buffet★★★★★★★★★★ 4.73 (119)2hYou’ll step onto a yacht in Marina del Rey for a two-hour brunch cruise filled with bottomless mimosas, chef-made favorites, and live music as you glide past coastal views. Expect laughter, sea air, and moments that linger long after you’re back on land.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −19%fromUS$ 101View ›
ATV Wine Tour Malibu: Saddlerock Ranch vineyard ride
ATV Wine Tour Malibu: Saddlerock Ranch vineyard ride★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (119)2hYou ride a 4x4 through Saddlerock Ranch vineyards in Malibu, stopping at a Chumash archaeological site, mountain overlooks, and organic gardens. Snacks and beverages are included. The whole thing takes two hours, and groups stay under six people, so you get the ranch without the crowds or the logistics of arranging your own transport.Is it for me?Right for travelers with a free afternoon in Los Angeles who want to see Malibu ranch land without driving themselves. The 4x4 handles terrain a regular car can't, which is what gets you to the archaeological site and overlooks in two hours.Free cancellationfrom · per groupUS$ 475View ›
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour: 4 Wineries, Small Group
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour: 4 Wineries, Small Group★★★★★★★★★★ 4.85 (117)6hA small-group wine tour through Santa Ynez Valley visiting 4 family-owned and independent wineries for tastings, with gourmet picnic lunch and door-to-door transportation from your Santa Barbara accommodations. The itinerary varies based on which wineries are featured that day. Minimum age is 21; a guide leads the group in English and handles all driving so you can taste without worrying about the road.Is it for me?Most wine tours in the region run the same route every day, so you see the same tasting rooms and the same crowds. This one rotates through 25+ wineries, which means smaller producers get your visit and you taste something different each time you go.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 225View ›
Morro Bay: Private E-Bike Tour with Scenic Stops & Wildlife
Morro Bay: Private E-Bike Tour with Scenic Stops & Wildlife★★★★★★★★★★ 4.99 (115)2h–3hYou’ll ride an electric bike with a local guide past Morro Rock, watch sea otters float by, and wander through waterfront streets full of sounds and smells you can’t plan for. Expect spontaneous stops for wildlife or views — plus plenty of time to soak in what makes Morro Bay feel alive.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 95View ›
Santa Ynez Wine Tour: 3 Wineries, Picnic Lunch & Tastings
Santa Ynez Wine Tour: 3 Wineries, Picnic Lunch & Tastings★★★★★★★★★★ 4.90 (115)5hYou get picked up from your hotel, driven to three Santa Ynez wineries with tasting fees already paid, eat a picnic lunch with a view, and return without worrying about driving or logistics. The whole day is planned; you just show up and taste.Is it for me?Book this if you want to taste three good Santa Ynez wineries without arranging transport, paying tasting fees separately, or deciding which wineries to visit—the driver handles the route and the timing, which is what makes a full day of tasting possible without the logistics.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 169View ›
Santa Monica: Donut Food Tour & Beach Walk with Local Stops
Santa Monica: Donut Food Tour & Beach Walk with Local Stops★★★★★★★★★★ 4.96 (113)2hYou’ll follow a real donut trail across Santa Monica—from famous Randy’s Donuts to fresh churros near the beach—with stories from your local guide and plenty of chances to taste California’s sweetest traditions. Expect laughter, unexpected flavors, and maybe even an ocean breeze tangled with cinnamon sugar.Free cancellationfromUS$ 70View ›
Napa & Sonoma: Private Wine Tour with Local Expert & 3 Wineries
Napa & Sonoma: Private Wine Tour with Local Expert & 3 Wineries★★★★★★★★★★ 4.98 (113)7hYou get three winery tastings, lunch, and a private vehicle with a guide who actually works in wine country — no tourist circuit, no strangers in your group, no fixed script. The day is built around what you like to drink and how you want to spend your time. Pickup and water are included, and the concierge can help with anything else you need before or after.Is it for me?A good fit if you want to taste real wine country without the tourist circuit and don't want to worry about driving or navigation. The guide's industry background means you're getting access and insight most visitors don't find, and the private vehicle keeps the day relaxed and focused on what you actually want to taste.Free cancellationfrom · per groupUS$ 1,300View ›
Lake Tahoe: Private Boat Tour for 6 with Emerald Bay & Vikingsholm
Lake Tahoe: Private Boat Tour for 6 with Emerald Bay & Vikingsholm★★★★★★★★★★ 4.96 (112)2hYou board a private six-person boat with a USCG captain and cruise Lake Tahoe's main attractions in one trip: Emerald Bay's turquoise water, Vikingsholm Castle, Fanette Island's tea house, and D.L. Bliss State Park. Snacks and beverages are included, and the small group size means you get space and attention instead of a crowded deck.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Lake Tahoe's main attractions without renting your own boat or joining a large group tour—the small six-person limit and private captain mean you move at your own pace and stop where you want.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfrom · per groupUS$ 649View ›
2.5-Hour Catamaran Sailing in San Diego: Small-Group Harbor Tour
2.5-Hour Catamaran Sailing in San Diego: Small-Group Harbor Tour★★★★★★★★★★ 4.97 (112)2h 30mA 2.5-hour catamaran sailing adventure in San Diego Harbor for small groups, with complimentary drinks and blankets included. You'll explore the downtown skyline, Coronado Bay Bridge, Embarcadero and Midway aircraft carrier while watching for sea lions, seabirds and often dolphins. The wide, stable catamaran design keeps the boat level and comfortable, and the captain keeps groups small enough that it feels like sailing with friends rather than a crowd.Is it for me?The guide speaks English and the commentary is delivered by the captain as you sail, so you follow along naturally without needing to gather around or take notes—it works for all ages from 4 up, and for anyone who wants to relax rather than rush through a schedule.Free cancellationfromUS$ 119View ›
Los Angeles: Full Day Private Tour Griffith, Venice & Hollywood
Los Angeles: Full Day Private Tour Griffith, Venice & Hollywood★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (112)8hYou’ll move through Los Angeles like a local—starting with sweeping city views from Griffith Observatory, walking Hollywood Boulevard’s famous sidewalks, tasting your way through the Farmers Market for lunch, then catching ocean air at Venice Beach. With private transport and a guide who knows every shortcut, you’ll feel both taken care of and genuinely connected to LA’s wild energy.Free cancellationfrom · per groupUS$ 749View ›
Do you need help planning your next activity?