Day Trips in California

Tired of the urban cityscape and feel like you need a breath of fresh air? Then jump on this San Francisco day trip by bus, and visit some of the world's tallest trees at Muir Woods National Historic Monument, only minutes from downtown. One moment you'll be kicking your way past the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito, and a short while later wandering beneath the majestic canopy of centuries-old California coastal redwoods.

Experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world from the land, air and water on this guided, full-day tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Travel through a Joshua tree forest with a photo stop at Hoover Dam en route to the Grand Canyon's West Rim for three hours of sightseeing. Upgrade to add a thrilling walk on the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk and/or a helicopter flight into the canyon coupled with a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. A hot lunch at the Grand Canyon and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Earn panoramic views of Yosemite Valley from Half Dome's summit on a full-day guided hike up the National Park's most iconic landmark. This strenuous trip is a rite of passage for hikers from around the world, a physical and mental challenge with breathtaking rewards. Walk alongside your guide as you trace the legendary rock path and cable route, learn the natural and geologic history of the Sierra Mountains and finish the epic adventure with sore muscles, stunning photos and a lifetime place in the Half Dome Summit Club. IMPORTANT: Hikers must obtain a permit to hike Half Dome. The supplier may have a permit depending on time of departure. To apply for a permit yourself, the Half Dome Permit Application Process is from March 1-31, and done through recreation.gov.

Visit the Hoover Dam and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mead during this full-day excursion from Las Vegas. Travel to the Hoover Dam with your expert guide to learn about its history and inner workings. Visit the Nevada wing of the power plant and peruse the displays at the Visitors Center. Take a 90-minute cruise on Lake Mead, during which you'll enjoy lunch onboard. Stop at the legendary Ethel M Chocolate Factory on your trip back to Vegas.

Drive down the Pacific Coastal Highway on one of the most memorable and scenic routes from San Francisco. Big Sur, Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea await to be explored with your personal guide. Get postcard-perfect snaps of the breathtaking coastline, search for marine life in Monterey Bay and learn about the peninsula's history in these top-rated destinations. This private day trip offers a customizable itinerary, allowing you to travel at your own pace. Pricing is per group, based on a maximum of six people.

On this private tour from San Francisco, head across the Golden Gate Bridge to explore two delightful bayside towns, Sausalito and Tiburon. Stop to stroll under a cathedral of 400- to 800-year-old redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument, an homage to tree lovers worldwide. You determine how long to spend in each locale with this customizable 4-hour itinerary. Pricing is per group, based on a maximum of six people.

Customize a private getaway to Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach, reached via the cliff-hugging Pacific Coast Highway and scenic 17-Mile Drive. You're chauffeured in the comfort of a luxury limo with personalized commentary by your very own guide. Stop to stroll down Cannery Row and browse the boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You'll get a glimpse of Silicon Valley's tech campuses on the return drive to the San Francisco Bay Area. Price is per group, based on a maximum of six people.

Explore the Grand Canyon by helicopter, boat and luxury SUV on this full-day tour. Travel to the West Rim of the Canyon in a luxury SUV, fly to the bottom of the Canyon in a helicopter for spectacular views, then cruise down the Colorado River by boat. Spend several hours exploring the Grand Canyon's attractions at your leisure. This tour, led by a local guide, ensures a fascinating experience. Round-trip Las Vegas hotel transportation and lunch are included.

See two major American attractions - one natural, one man-made - on this 10-hour tour from Las Vegas. First take in the engineering wonder that is Hoover Dam, including the generator room and top of the dam, and then cross into Arizona to the Grand Canyon West Rim to visit scenic viewpoints and enjoy a picnic lunch. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Explore the most popular areas of the Grand Canyon on this guided, full-day sightseeing adventure around the South Rim. Beginning in Las Vegas, travel past Hoover Dam, Eldorado Canyon State Park and famous Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona en route to the Grand Canyon's South Rim for an entertaining and educational 3-hour tour. See a number of different panoramic views from various lookout locations while learning about the history and geology of the canyon from the expert tour guide. Continental breakfast, lunch, bottled water and Las Vegas hotel pickup/drop-off included.

Explore Monterey, Carmel, and the Pacific Coast Highway without the hassle of renting a car during this 14-hour tour from San Francisco. Wind down the coast through Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, the 17 Mile Drive, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Pickup and drop-off at downtown San Francisco hotels included. Small group of 13 passengers or fewer.

Take a break from Las Vegas with a day trip to Grand Canyon National Park, stopping by Hoover Dam and Historic Route 66 on the way. When you arrive at the canyon, you'll have free time to explore trails and viewpoints, marveling at the red rock landscape down to the Colorado River.

Discover all that Palm Springs has to offer, including stunning desert scenery, luxe celebrity homes and high-end shopping, during this 12-hour day trip from Los Angeles. Ascend into the mountains above town on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, enjoying the amazing landscape below. Then check out the unique flora and fauna at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Finish your day by admiring the exclusive celebrity homes along El Paseo and search for a few designer bargains at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Your trip also includes transport by air-conditioned coach, a guide, Palm Springs city tour, and entrance fees.

Have only one day to visit Grand Canyon National Park during your Las Vegas stay? Then this bus tour to the park's West Rim is for you. Visit Eagle Point, upgrade to include a stroll on the Skywalk and Guano Point that overlooks the Colorado River. You can also upgrade to include a guided tour at the canyon. Enjoy the breathtaking views while your bus driver-guide provides engaging commentary along the way. En route, enjoy a photo stop at the Hoover Dam and drive over the Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. A light snack, boxed lunch and hotel transport are included.

Experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world on this guided, full-day tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Travel through the Mojave Desert - with stops at the iconic Hoover Dam and a Joshua tree forest - en route to the Grand Canyon's West Rim. Meet members of the Hualapai Tribe, take a thrilling walk on the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk, or simply roam and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Lunch, bottled water and hotel pickup and drop-off are included on this small-group tour.

Explore the Grand Canyon National Park on this guided, full-day sightseeing adventure tour around the South Rim. Beginning in Las Vegas, travel to the Grand Canyon's South Rim and the National Geographic Visitor Center. See panoramic views from various lookout locations while learning about the history and geology of the canyon from your guide. Upgrade to include an IMAX movie and/or 2-hour tour of the canyon rim by Jeep or a scenic helicopter flight. Lunch and a Las Vegas hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Explore one of the seven wonders of the world - the Grand Canyon - on this 15-hour day trip to the south rim from Las Vegas. With included transport to and from the Strip, you can easily plan this day trip into your Las Vegas getaway. This tour is also one of the only to make a stop at the National Geographic Visitor Center. See the center's exhibits and photo galleries before making your way to the Grand Canyon National Park where you can take in views from three lookout points.

See the highlights of the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in a day on this convenient, private tour. Cruise down the highway making stops at viewpoints and landmarks including Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Piedras Blancas Beach, Pebble Beach, and more. Round-trip transportation from your hotel or cruise port is included.

Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing the mansions of Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck's Cannery Row or visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Browse the ritzy boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea and get a glimpse of Silicon Valley's tech campuses on the return drive to San Francisco.

Kayak along the Colorado River on this day trip from Las Vegas. You'll launch from Willow Beach and enjoy a gentle kayak along the river while enjoy a picnic lunch on a beach.