Shore Excursions in California

On most shore excursions you're relegated to cityscapes in ports of call. However this half-day tour of the Muir Woods National Monument will get you out of the urban jungle and into some of northern California's most-famous redwood country. Pass over the majestic Golden Gate Bridge with dramatic views of the Marin headlands, and eventually drop down into Muir Woods to wander the loamy soil beneath centuries-old coastal redwoods. Choose from tours at several different start times, and bring comfortable walking shoes.

When you're in port in San Diego, see the sights of the city in a convenient way with this 4-hour shore excursion. Traveling by coach, you'll see Balboa Park, Old Town, the Embarcadero, Petco Park, and more. Stop for photo ops at select places, and visit La Jolla, the idyllic coastal suburb north of the city known for its sea caves.

Fly above Los Angeles in a helicopter, and see this glamorous port of call on a VIP 55-minute flight that's a perfect pre- or post-cruise shore excursion. Soar over the gorgeous Pacific coast, bank over long, sandy beaches then steer for the arid Santa Monica Mountains. Get a glimpse of celebrity homes and the Hollywood sign, buzz over film studios and the Dodger Stadium and cross the gleaming expanse of downtown Los Angeles as you return to your ship.

San Francisco is not your typical port of call; nearly every street has something of interest to the visitor. If it's overwhelming to figure out exactly what to visit and when, this city tour might be just what you need. Start from Fisherman's Wharf and check out all the major sights that the city has to offer. From Chinatown to North Beach to Nob Hill to the Presidio, you'll enjoy all the stunning scenery from your window perch - just be sure to get out for photo ops at Golden Gate Park and City Hall.

While in port in San Francisco, discover the city on a 1- to 2-day hop-on hop-off tour. Climb aboard your double-decker bus and see top attractions including Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge's South Vista Point and the Haight-Ashbury District, hopping off to explore at your own pace whenever you choose. Head to the upper deck to see 360-degree views and enjoy live narration on board. Upgrade to the 2-day pass to include a stop in the charming town of Sausalito with spectacular views of the Bay.

Next time you're in port in San Francisco, why not spend your day touring the city's top attractions? Board a ferry for Alcatraz, and at the Rock, hear the stories and legends associated with the infamous penitentiary on a self-guided audio tour. Then, travel by coach to renowned sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, and Chinatown.

Sip champagne as you soar above Los Angeles on a deluxe, 55-minute airplane tour from your Long Beach port of call, and experience the city of angels at its glamorous best. Fly up the scenic coastline and cross the city's iconic beaches as you cruise towards the arid Santa Monica Mountains. Get a glimpse of celebrity homes and film studios, take in the Hollywood sign from the air then fly past and Dodger Stadium and glittering downtown Los Angeles as you return to the Pacific Ocean.

Sip champagne above the city of angels on a 55-minute airplane tour of Los Angeles that's a glamorous pre- or post-cruise shore excursion. Soar over the LA Harbor to Manhattan Beach and Marina Del Rey, bank above Pacific Palisades toward the Getty Center and Beverly Hills's celebrity homes, then see the Hollywood sign, film studios and Dodger Stadium from the air. Turn back towards the coast and cruise above downtown Los Angeles' glittering skyscrapers you return to your Long Beach port of call.

Walk the decks of the Battleship Iowa with admission to this remarkable naval museum, a 10-minute taxi ride from your Long Beach port of call. Learn about life below decks for the sailors that served during World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. Explore the missile decks and the captain's cabin, experience virtual aerial combat in an onboard theater and discover the history of the USS Iowa as you explore independently on a self-guided tour through America's naval past. 

Travel in comfort with your own group and see Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Los Angeles in a private air-conditioned Mercedes (up to 11 passengers) with an experienced tour guide. See the sights you can't see in a hop-on hop-off bus or regular tour bus (Hollywood Hills, Rodeo Drive). And we pick you up from your cruise ship berth and can return you to the cruise ship or drop off at LAX.

Explore San Diego at your own pace with a full-day ticket to ride a hop-on, hop-off trolley through the city. Simply board the trolley at your cruise ship's port of call and visit historic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods at eleven centrally-located stops. Get a glimpse of California's past in Old Town then see the magnificent ships that moor at the bustling waterfront; grab a spot on a beach to watch surfers catch breaking waves, and try to spot the famous ghost at the elegant Hotel del Coronado.

Cruise high above Los Angeles and the Hollywood Strip on a 20-minute helicopter flight shore excursion, and see the glittering sights of California's most glamorous port of call. Meet a luxury PT Cruiser at your ship then take off above the Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Hills, and enjoy an aerial view of tinseltown's stars, scenery and historic landmarks.

Avoid the cruise ship crowds and overstuffed bus tours on your day in LA. Take a private shore excursion into the city instead, one that caters specifically to what you and your small group want to see. Rather than tying yourself down to a rigid itinerary, customize your shore time to suit your tastes. Sightseers can head into Hollywood, shoppers can explore the stores on Rodeo Drive, science buffs can enjoy the California Science Center, and sun-seekers can stop by beach cities like Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Take off above Los Angeles' iconic sights on a 55-minute grand helicopter shore excursion from your Long Beach port of call. Buzz the beautiful Pacific shoreline and veer towards the Santa Monica Mountains to see film studios, celebrity homes and the city's most glamorous landmarks. Cruise above the Hollywood sign and the searchlights that surround the Walk of Fame, get a birds-eye view of Dodger Stadium then soar over downtown Los Angeles' elegant skyscrapers as you return to your ship.

See San Diego's sights by land and water on a 1.5-hour seal tour independent shore excursion, and explore this picturesque port of call in an amphibious vehicle. Listen to stories that bring San Diego's history to life as you travel along the water's edge, then steer straight into San Diego Bay. Take in sweeping views of SeaWorld, watch for the seals and sea lions that play, eat and bask at Quivira Basin and return to your ship along the scenic Harbor Drive.

Walk the decks of American naval history with an independent shore excursion to San Diego's USS Midway Museum. Visit an aircraft carrier that was the world's largest, and whose career stretched from the end of World War II to Operation Desert Storm. Learn how 4,500 crew members made their home onboard the massive 'city at sea, ' and get a glimpse of life below decks. Climb into the cockpit of a fighter plane, see the museum's vast collection of historic aircraft then take off on a hair-raising flight simulator.

Soar above Los Angeles' celebrity homes on a 35-minute helicopter tour that's the perfect, star-studded pre- or post-cruise shore excursion. Meet a mini-limousine at your Long Beach port of call then take in the city's most iconic sights. Fly over downtown Los Angeles, get a birds-eye view of Dodger Stadium and bank above the Hollywood Sign. Get a glimpse of elegant homes in Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and the Hollywood Hills and cruise above the Playboy Mansion as you see the city of angels from above.

Getting off a cruise ship in an unknown land can be daunting, so give your sea legs some rest on a coach tour of Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Enjoy the scenery or catch up on some shut-eye en route to wine tasting at Madonna Estate, Sutter Home and Sebastiani Vineyards. For lunch, you'll stop in either Yountville or the picturesque downtown Sonoma Square. Then, return via the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Make the most of your time when your ship docks in San Francisco with a combination of a morning tour to Muir Woods and an independent hop-on hop-off city bus tour in the afternoon. First, cross the Golden Gate Bridge to meander through the ancient coastal redwood forest at Muir Woods National Monument, returning to the city via the waterfront town of Sausalito. Then explore San Francisco at your own pace on a hop-on, hop-off tour with 20 different stops.