Top California Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 3

Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park on this 2-day overnight adventure from San Francisco. Explore highlights of both Yosemite Valley and the Sierra Nevada high country, where you can hike among Giant Sequoias, photograph the spectacular views from Glacier Point, and swim or bike around the base of Yosemite Falls. Enjoy a mix of guided activities and free time to explore the famous park on your own, and stay overnight either in the heart of Yosemite Valley or at a nearby lodge.

Escape San Francisco and head to Yosemite on this hassle-free tour. After easy pickup from the city, your driver will take you straight to the park’s best sites: Yosemite Valley, the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, and more. With plenty of time for pictures, hikes, and meals, explore the park at your own pace after a jam-packed day—seeing yet even more on the next. Please note accommodations are not included in this tour.

Take in the scenery of California wine country on a horseback ride in Sonoma County. With a guide, you'll have the chance to admire the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley and the waters of Lake Sonoma as you traverse the rolling wilderness on horseback.

Let your imagination run wild during a day of fun with tickets to LEGOLAND ®California Resort. Build, play and explore among the park’s range of over 60 rides, shows and attractions. Visit LEGO MOVIE WORLD with a host of new rides and attractions based on the hit movies.

Spare yourself the headache of car rental and navigation with round-trip bus transit from San Francisco to Muir Woods. Listen to live commentary during the drive to the national forest. Entrance is included to the park, where you enjoy 1.5-hours to explore on your own. Next, stop by the scenic seaside town of Sausalito, and stroll independently. Afterwards, relax during your return journey through the Marin Headlands.

Active travelers who want to explore Yosemite National Park without the risk of getting lost or missing the best bits will enjoy this small-group guided tour. After reaching the park in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle you'll be taken on a guided tour of Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoia trees of Tuolumne Grove. Then, hike to the lesser-visited Sequoia Grove for great views with your exercise, followed by free time.

Visit sharks, penguins and puffins with admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, and explore 19 wildlife habitats from every corner of the world’s largest ocean. Slip beneath a full-sized model of a blue whale, and catch the eye of a fierce leopard shark. Travel from a Sea of Cortez kelp forest to the ice-crusted waters off Northern Japan; watch sea horses play in a tropical lagoon, pet a shark in a kid-friendly touch tank and listen to the eerie melodies of an undersea whale song. Join us as the Aquarium of the Pacific celebrates its 25th Anniversary with new exhibits, events, and programs highlighting the remarkable natural world right outside our door. Journey through a re-imagined Southern California Gallery highlighting fascinating local animals and marine habitats. Discover colorful reefs, kelp forests, and sea grass beds as you meet a pod of lobsters, an octopus, deepwater fish, and more.

Goodbye glitz of Palm Springs, hello simpler days. With this tour, you’ll leave behind modernity for a true eco-adventure, hopping on a mule-drawn covered wagon through the Sonoran Desert. With a naturalist leading your way, explore the vast landscapes of the Coachella Valley, returning to the ranch for music, yard games, BBQ, dancing, campfire marshmallows, and desert views under the stars.

Leave the mainland behind for the afternoon, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Monterey Bay, on this family-friendly whale-watching excursion. Grab a lifejacket and hop aboard: With your marine biologist guide’s assistance, you’ll look out for orca and humpback whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions, and much more as you cruise. As you go, take in the coastal views, and relax in the sea breezes.

Train enthusiasts, family travelers, and nature lovers will all enjoy this two-hour Skunk Train journey. You'll ride from the valley floor to the highest point of the rail line, admiring the views of the redwood forest and Noyo River Canyon. Stop to check out the oldest tree along the track, the Wolf Tree. A scenic and relaxing tour into nature.

Book this group tour to spot whales breaching at Sunset in Monterey Bay. Each tour is led by a naturalist or marine biologist who will help to find the whales and tell you all about them. Sip provided coffee or tea while you cruise for around three hours looking for whales. You’ll also keep costs down by booking this shared tour.

Experience the majesty of Northern California’s Coastal Redwood Sequoia trees at Muir Woods. This half-day tour takes visitors to some of the Bay Area’s most peaceful spots. Spend 1.5 hours beneath some of the tallest Redwood trees in the world, take a short hike, or just enjoy the views. Then stop for lunch in Sausalito and opt to take the scenic ferry ride back to the city, or be driven across the Golden Gate Bridge. Ideal for visitors looking to get out of the city and spend some relaxing time in the forest.

View more than 4,000 animals roaming in large enclosures on a 2-day visit to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This admission ticket allows you to spend two days at the Zoo, or split your time between the Zoo and the Safari Park. At the zoo, see the diverse collection of animals, many of which are not present at other zoos in the United States. The Safari Park is inspired by the Serengeti Plains in Africa and the Asian plains and is home to lions, tigers, zebras, which you can see from the a 32-acre (13-hectare) safari trail. Access to all shows and exhibits, as well as use of all the in-park transportation, are included. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Take a detour from Anaheim to do some California dreamin’ on Orange County's most beautiful beaches. Snap photos from a gorgeous clifftop lookout above palm-lined Laguna Beach, and see the real-life filming locations from hit shows like ‘The OC’ and ‘The Bachelor’ at Newport Beach. From here, venture out into the open Pacific Ocean on a dolphin- and whale-watching cruise, then finish your day in the sun by exploring the funky shops and surfing culture of Huntington Beach—the original Surf City, USA.

Commune with giants during this full-day exploration of the coastal redwoods of Muir Woods and other area highlights. Escape the concrete jungle for the solitude and foggy climate of Muir Woods, a grove of 1,000-year old redwoods. Then take a break in Sausalito, a picturesque seaside town offering a wealth of unique boutiques and hip cafes, before continuing north to explore the world-famous California Wine Country for two winery visits. A guide, park entrance fees, wine tastings, and transport are included.

Spend your day exploring the ‘City by the Bay’ before a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument and the nearby waterfront of charming Sausalito. This narrated small-group tour takes in all of the San Francisco highlights, from Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury to the Palace of Fine Arts and Presidio. Then wander on foot under California’s giant coastal redwoods before exploring the gift shops and galleries of Sausalito.

Don't just explore San Francisco—travel beyond city limits to discover the picturesque town of Sausalito and the mighty redwoods of Muir Woods on this half-day excursion. This narrated tour begins with a quick trip past several iconic San Francisco landmarks, including a photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge. Then, venture across the bridge to immerse yourself in the region's spectacular natural scenery.

Escape the city and explore San Francisco’s North Bay, on this guided tour. See massive redwood trees that are over 1,400 years old in a magical redwood forest. Cruise up the coast for a walk on Stinson beach and lunch in the town of Stinson. Enjoy views of the city from the Marin Headlands before stopping in Sausalito where you have the option to take the ferry back.

Get to know a Malibu vineyard on a 2.5 mile loop guided hike. You'll get to see amazing views of the Malibu hills, cave paintings of the local Chumash people and the property's organic garden. Expect an easy to moderate hike with about a 300 feet elevation gain. While we welcome guests of any age, the terrain is not suitable for strollers or wagons and are not allowed. After the hike, enjoy a complimentary two cans of wine to-go!

Experience some of the Bay Area’s top attractions on this Alcatraz and Muir Woods tour that also includes a stop in Sausalito. At Muir Woods National Monument, stare in wonder at the coastal redwoods, some of the tallest trees on Earth. Soak up the charm of seaside Sausalito, and experience Alcatraz in one of two ways—admission to the prison, which includes the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and the audio tour.

California’s Muir Woods National Monument and its towering old-growth redwood trees sit just north of San Francisco. With this tour, save an estimated two hours searching for parking or waiting at the visitor center’s long lines, and explore the protected area at your own pace for about an hour. This leaves enough time for your quick stop at the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point and one hour in Sausalito.

See the towering sequoias and dramatic landscape of Yosemite National Park on a day trip from San Jose that combines Yosemite highlights with free time to explore. Take in Half Dome, Inspiration Point, and El Capitan, join a guide for an hour-long hike through Tuolumne Grove, then hike or bike through the Yosemite Valley on your own. With convenient, round-trip transport from San Jose and park entrance fees included, you can focus on the views and watch for wildlife along the way.

Experience panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline as you embark on a 3.5 mile (5.6 km) hike to one of the highest peaks in Griffith Park. Follow your expert guide as they share captivating tales of Hollywood history. Snap some shots of the iconic Hollywood Sign before finishing your tour at the world-famous, iconic Griffith Observatory. Daily departures at 10am and one hour before sunset.