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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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Santa Barbara: Harbor Kayak Tour with Sea Lions & Local Guide
Santa Barbara: Harbor Kayak Tour with Sea Lions & Local Guide★★★★★★★★★★ 4.97 (457)1h 30mYou’ll paddle Santa Barbara’s calm harbor waters with a local guide, spot sea lions up close (and maybe dolphins), learn quirky facts about boats and mountains, and feel that salty breeze on your face. All gear is included — just bring your swimsuit, towel, and curiosity. It’s not fancy or hard; it’s just real time on the water with good people.Free cancellationTravelers' pickMost bookedfromUS$ 55View ›
17-Mile Drive & Monterey tour from San Francisco: Small group
17-Mile Drive & Monterey tour from San Francisco: Small group★★★★★★★★★★ 4.82 (451)11hA full-day small-group tour from San Francisco traces the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey, the 17-Mile Drive and Carmel-by-the-Sea, with a live English-speaking guide, entry to Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the 17-Mile Drive attractions and two hours at Cannery Row and Carmel Plaza. You travel in a comfortable vehicle with other travelers, stops are set, and all park admission is included—the route and timing are arranged so the day holds together without building it yourself.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want the Pacific Coast Highway and all three coastal towns—Monterey, the 17-Mile Drive and Carmel—in a single day without driving yourself or arranging the stops. The guide handles the route and timing, all park entry is included upfront, and the two-hour windows at Cannery Row and Carmel Plaza give you freedom to spend time on what interests you instead of moving through on a fixed schedule.Free cancellationTravelers' pick-5%fromUS$ 112View ›
Dana Point: Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Tour
Dana Point: Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Tour★★★★★★★★★★ 4.95 (450)2hYou board a small, fast zodiac boat from Dana Point Harbor and spend two hours watching whales and dolphins at close range, with a licensed captain providing live commentary throughout. The boat operates year-round in all weather, carries fewer than 20 passengers, and includes a famous brownie at the end. If you don't spot any wildlife, you return free within the year.Is it for me?Book this if you want close-range whale and dolphin watching without the size and pace of a larger tour boat — the zodiac's speed and small group limit mean you spend less time searching and more time actually watching, and the year-round wildlife sightings mean the season you choose shapes what you see rather than whether you see anything at all.Instant confirmationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 106View ›
La Jolla & Mt. Soledad: Electric Bike Tour Coastal Views
La Jolla & Mt. Soledad: Electric Bike Tour Coastal Views★★★★★★★★★★ 4.96 (449)2h 30mYou’ll cruise La Jolla’s hills by electric bike, laugh with your guide over local stories, watch sea lions at Children’s Pool Beach, and stand atop Mount Soledad for sweeping views—all with snacks, water, and small group company included.Free cancellationfromUS$ 119View ›
Yosemite 2-Day Tour from San Francisco & Lodging
Yosemite 2-Day Tour from San Francisco & Lodging★★★★★★★★★★ 4.67 (448)2dYou get picked up from your San Francisco hotel, driven to Yosemite, and guided through Tuolumne Grove's Giant Sequoias, Tunnel View, and Yosemite Falls on day one. Day two includes a morning or afternoon hike of your choice and a trip to Glacier Point, with lodging included inside or near the park. The return drive lands you back at your hotel by evening, and the transport runs on zero-emission biofuel.Is it for me?This tour works well if you want to see Yosemite's main highlights without renting a car or figuring out logistics yourself — the guide handles the route, timing, and recommendations, which is what lets you fit a full two-day park experience into a weekend trip from San Francisco.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 629View ›
San Diego Bay: Jet Boat Ride with Spins & City Views
San Diego Bay: Jet Boat Ride with Spins & City Views★★★★★★★★★★ 4.78 (447)30mYou’ll feel pure adrenaline as you speed across San Diego Bay on a jet boat ride—with wild spins, city skyline views, salty wind in your face, and close-ups of iconic ships like the U.S.S. Midway. Ponchos keep you mostly dry (but not your shoes), and your local captain keeps things lively all along the waterfront.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 45View ›
Healdsburg: Small-Group Food & Wine Walking Tour
Healdsburg: Small-Group Food & Wine Walking Tour★★★★★★★★★★ 4.96 (447)4hYou’ll wander Healdsburg’s sunlit streets with a small group, tasting local wines and tapas while hearing stories from passionate guides and artisans. Expect friendly faces, unexpected flavor pairings, and plenty of laughter as you discover why Sonoma County’s food scene feels so personal—and why you might want to linger long after dessert.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 133View ›
Slot canyon hike in Mandi with guide and photos
Slot canyon hike in Mandi with guide and photos★★★★★★★★★★ 4.93 (445)2hA guided slot canyon hike in Mandi led by an experienced guide who doubles as a photographer, taking you through narrow passages, wind-carved caves and steep terrain to panoramic overlooks of the Pacific. The tour runs about two hours, includes ropes and climbing gloves, and you walk away with free photos. Children from age 8 are welcome; the hike is physically demanding in places and requires at least moderate fitness.Is it for me?The hike starts at a trailhead with free parking and easy access, so you don't need a car or a ride to get there—show up and the guide meets you. If you're staying in Mandi without transport, public transit reaches the area, which means the logistics settle before you book.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 59View ›
Malibu: Vineyard Hike with Chumash Cave Art & Wine To-Go
Malibu: Vineyard Hike with Chumash Cave Art & Wine To-Go★★★★★★★★★★ 4.78 (436)2h–3hYou’ll walk through Malibu’s vineyards with a local guide who knows every turn and story on the land. See ancient Chumash cave paintings up close, wander past organic gardens, and finish your hike with estate wine to take home—plus those little moments you can’t plan for but remember later.Free cancellationLikely to sell outInfants freefromUS$ 49View ›
La Jolla & Pacific Beach: Electric Bike Tour with Sea Lions
La Jolla & Pacific Beach: Electric Bike Tour with Sea Lions★★★★★★★★★★ 4.98 (434)2h 10mYou’ll ride premium electric bikes along La Jolla & Pacific Beach’s coastline, spot sea lions at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, watch surfers at Windansea Beach, and wander historic piers—all with snacks, water, and a local guide who keeps things easygoing. Expect salty air, laughter, and plenty of time to soak it all in.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 99View ›
San Francisco Escape Rooms: 60-Min Downtown Adventures
San Francisco Escape Rooms: 60-Min Downtown Adventures★★★★★★★★★★ 4.99 (434)1h 15mYou arrive 15 minutes early for a mission briefing, then spend 60 minutes solving puzzles and finding clues across multiple rooms with your team while a game guide helps as needed. After you escape, you debrief and take photos, then head to one of the nearby restaurants within walking distance. Total time: about 90 minutes from arrival to leaving the building.Is it for me?Book this if you want a structured group activity that doesn't require planning beyond showing up — the guide handles the pacing, the puzzles are built in, and the location on Kearny Street means you can walk straight to dinner afterward without arranging anything else.Free cancellationTop ratedfromUS$ 46View ›
San Francisco Bay Sunset Sail: Golden Gate & Alcatraz Views
San Francisco Bay Sunset Sail: Golden Gate & Alcatraz Views★★★★★★★★★★ 4.73 (431)2hYou board at Pier 39, sail past Alcatraz and Angel Island, watch the Golden Gate Bridge turn gold as the sun sets, and sip two included drinks while the city lights come on. The boat holds 28 people, takes two hours, and leaves you back at the dock as evening settles in. Bring layers and closed shoes.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline from the water without renting a boat or navigating the bay yourself—the fixed departure time and included drinks mean you arrive, sit back, and the evening unfolds on schedule.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −50%fromUS$ 129View ›
Healdsburg Wine and Food Pairing Walking Tour
Healdsburg Wine and Food Pairing Walking Tour★★★★★★★★★★ 4.90 (420)4hA 4-hour guided walking tour of Healdsburg that pairs wines from local boutique wineries with food, starting at Healdsburg Plaza at 11 am. You visit 3 to 4 tasting locations, learn pairing techniques from a live guide, and all tasting fees are included. Minimum age is 21; meet at the Gazebo in the Plaza 15 minutes early.Is it for me?Book this tour if you have a free afternoon in Healdsburg and want to learn how wine and food pairing works without paying separate fees at each tasting room. The fixed 4-hour schedule and included tastings mean you move through the town's highlights without stopping to negotiate prices or figure out where to go next.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 139View ›
Carmel Food Tour: 5 Tastings & Wine with Local Guide
Carmel Food Tour: 5 Tastings & Wine with Local Guide★★★★★★★★★★ 4.88 (417)3h 15mYou walk through Carmel-by-the-Sea for three hours with a local guide, stopping at five restaurants and specialty shops for tastings that amount to lunch. Wine or a cocktail is included, along with all beverages and food. Groups stay small — under 16 people — so the pace stays unhurried and the guide can actually share the stories behind each stop. Book with any dietary needs noted in advance.Is it for me?Book this if you want to eat well in Carmel without spending the afternoon researching restaurants or figuring out where to go next — the guide's decade-long relationships with local owners is what makes each stop feel like an insider's secret rather than a tourist stop.Instant confirmationfromUS$ 159View ›
San Francisco Bay Cruise: Golden Gate & Alcatraz 1-Hour
San Francisco Bay Cruise: Golden Gate & Alcatraz 1-Hour★★★★★★★★★★ 4.44 (411)1hYou board at Pier 39 and sail for one hour underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, and past the San Francisco waterfront. An audio narration in 10 languages plays throughout, covering the history of each landmark; you can listen on the boat's system or on your own device via WiFi. The ticket includes skip-the-line access to boarding, a snack bar, and the chance to spot sea lions, dolphins, and pelicans. The whole experience takes roughly 60 minutes from departure to return.Is it for me?Book this if you're in San Francisco for a day or two and want the main bay landmarks without renting a car or arranging separate transport—the boat leaves from Pier 39 on a fixed schedule, and the skip-the-line ticket means you board without hunting for the ticket office.Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell outfromUS$ 39View ›
Petco Park Behind-the-Scenes Tour: San Diego dugout, clubhouse, press box
Petco Park Behind-the-Scenes Tour: San Diego dugout, clubhouse, press box★★★★★★★★★★ 4.76 (410)1h 20mA behind-the-scenes tour of Petco Park in downtown San Diego takes you through the major league dugout, visitors' clubhouse, press box and Padres Hall of Fame with a live English-speaking guide. The route covers roughly 80 minutes and includes access to areas closed to regular ticket holders, from the field warning track to the historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building.Is it for me?The guide speaks English and leads the whole route, so anyone comfortable following a live tour in English will follow the commentary without strain. The tour moves at a walking pace through accessible areas, and it suits all fitness levels.Free cancellationTravelers' pickBest valuefromUS$ 43View ›
San Francisco Bay: 90-Min Sailing Tour & Golden Gate Views
San Francisco Bay: 90-Min Sailing Tour & Golden Gate Views★★★★★★★★★★ 4.81 (405)1h 30mYou board a traditional 16-person sailboat at Pier 39 and spend 90 minutes under sail, passing the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Bay Bridge while the crew handles the boat and you handle a beer or wine. No crowds, no narration you didn't ask for, no schedule that fights the wind. You're back at the pier by late afternoon.Is it for me?Right for anyone who wants to see the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay from the water without the noise and crowds of a large tour boat — the 16-person limit and traditional sailboat pace are what make that possible.Free cancellationKids −50%fromUS$ 99View ›
LA & Hollywood Tour from Anaheim: Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory & Venice Beach
LA & Hollywood Tour from Anaheim: Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory & Venice Beach★★★★★★★★★★ 4.90 (399)8h–9hYou're picked up from your Anaheim hotel and driven through LA's most recognizable landmarks: the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory with views of the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip's legendary clubs, and Venice Beach with the Santa Monica Pier. Lunch is at the Farmers Market, and the driver handles all navigation and timing so you can focus on the sights.Is it for me?Book this if you're staying near Disneyland and want to see LA's main Hollywood landmarks without renting a car or navigating traffic yourself—the fixed route and included pickup mean you skip the planning and just show up at your hotel in the morning.Free cancellationLikely to sell outInfants freefromUS$ 92View ›
Palm Springs: Modernism Bike Tour in Deepwell, Twin Palms & Indian Canyons
Palm Springs: Modernism Bike Tour in Deepwell, Twin Palms & Indian Canyons★★★★★★★★★★ 4.98 (398)2h 55m–3h 10mYou’ll cruise quiet Palm Springs streets on a colorful bike (rentals nearby), stopping often as your local guide shares stories of Deepwell Estates, Twin Palms, and Indian Canyons. Expect sunlight on your shoulders, laughter over old Hollywood tales, and moments where midcentury history suddenly feels personal.Free cancellationfromUS$ 115View ›
Temecula Wine Tasting Tour: 3 Wineries & Limo Party Bus
Temecula Wine Tasting Tour: 3 Wineries & Limo Party Bus★★★★★★★★★★ 4.72 (386)5hYou get picked up from a designated Temecula location, visit three wineries with production tours and 18 ounces of tastings, eat lunch at a premier winery, and return in a limo party bus—all without driving yourself or arranging the logistics. The guide and driver handle the route and timing, which is what makes fitting three stops and lunch into one afternoon possible.Is it for me?Right for groups or couples who want to taste wine without managing the drive or the route between stops. Plan for a full afternoon out—that's what lets the guide fit three wineries, production tours, and lunch into one trip without rushing.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 119View ›
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