The 10 Best Cultural Tours in California, United States

December 9, 2021 Jana Sager

California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California

1. Cow Heaven: A VoiceMap Driving Audio Tour from Point Reyes Seashore to Tomales

Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956, USA VoiceMap Point Reyes
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

A 21-mile self-guided audio driving tour from Point Reyes National Seashore to the town of Tomales. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, fifth-generation sheep rancher Bill Jensen guides recalcitrant lambs through a foot bath. A few miles down the road, Bob Giacomini checks out his high-tech milking barn. Bill and Bob are part of a rich agricultural community of dairy farmers, cattle and sheep ranchers and oyster growers in West Marin County. How was this rural paradise, so close to a major metropolitan area, saved from development? A lot of the credit goes to two women who came up with a unique idea...

Inclusions: Lifetime access to 'Cow Heaven: Saving the Family Farm' Tour, VoiceMap Application, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions: Smartphone, Transportation, Food/Drink, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Reviewed By Camper19590

This was a wonderful experience. I found the stories compelling and learned a lot about California history and culture. The scenery was spectacular and I found that I observed much more because of the audio tour.

2. Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour from San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach

The Wine Line
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

This semi-private door-to door, "hop-on, hop-off" wine tasting tour service lets you set your pace and create your own wine tasting itinerary in Paso Robles Wine Country. The approximately 5-hour service picks you up at your accommodations and start you on their loops. They service over 60 wineries in the region and you just pick and choose where you want to “hop on” and “hop off” all day long.  When you decide to "hop off" your driver walks you in, introduces you to the staff who will conduct your tasting.  S/he will return in approximately 40 minutes, come into the tasting room, let you know s/he is back and if you're ready to go you just "hop on" and proceed to the next winery of your choice. If you are enjoying yourself, you can stay for another approximately 40minutes, or longer. It's your choice!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Driver, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Hop-on hop-off tour, Lunch

Exclusions: Lunch, unless selected, Gratuities

Reviewed By MaryMcBabe

Just went this past weekend for Mother’s Day 5/8/2021. Chose the East Side tour and went to Hemingway first. Gorgeous winery with a very chill vibe. They were just setting up for mid-afternoon music but we were scheduled to have lunch at Robert Hall. Our driver Spencer got us there exactly at 1pm. At this point we are starving and little tipsy from the first tasting. Come to find out the kitchen is closed for lunch at 1pm. Yes, that is ridiculous!! We begged our waiter to bring us something more than cheese and bread and he begrudgingly brought us out 2 sandwiches. My vegan daughter who was also ravenous AND tipsy had nothing to eat. I complained the Jason at the Wine Line. He was shocked that they were closed for lunch. He offered to supply a veggie wrap at a cost. Little shocking to us, since he should have known that our only lunch spot would not be serving lunch. Finally, he offered to pay for the sandwich and Spencer had it available at our next winery which was Eberle. We skipped Penman because we drove by it on the way to Hemmingway’s and it looked sad. I’m sure they have great wines. Anyway, back at Eberle all is good. They have a beautiful tasting spot in the shade looking out over sprawling vineyards. Definitely the best stop. Shout out to our driver Spencer who was over the top helpful and a pleasure to chat with. All and all a good bordering on great experience!!

3. Guided Celebrity Bike Tour of Beverly Hills and Bel-Air

8500 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA Bikes And Hikes LA
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

Experience LA’s most exclusive enclaves, Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, in the most up-close-and Instagram-friendly way imaginable: take Bikes and Hikes LA's Beverly Hills CELEBRITY BIKE TOUR! Beverly Hills is the best area to bike in LA, and Bikes and Hikes LA will show you the most exciting parts of it. This 10 mile, 2.5 hour bike ride will travel through West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Bel-Air while your experience guide shares stories of the legendary people who have shaped the area's iconic history.  On our world famous bike tour of Beverly Hills you'll spot over 30 celebrity homes, famous filming locations, and iconic luxury shops and restaurants- you may even see a star! Top Los Angeles sites on this tour include Rodeo Drive, Robertson Boulevard, and the famous Beverly Hills Sign. Your tour guide will regale you with fun facts and stories about life in La La Land.

Inclusions: Expert tour guide who is First Aid/CPR certified, High-End 24-Speed city bike - Pedal bike (electric bike upgrade available on site), Safety equipment (helmet & vest), Optional electric bike upgrade available at check in for an additional $25 (pay at shop)

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Transport between tours, Due to COVID-19, guests must provide their own water for this tour.

Reviewed By christigray1

We had the best day with Harris as our private tour guide. We hit 8 cities in 7 hours. I would not want to miss any parts of the ride. You see the hot spots but also the average living areas. I highly recommend the electric bike.

4. Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon

Catalina Tour Guide
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Catalina Island’s original custom guided golf cart tour! Explore Avalon through the eyes of a local. With us you will learn about the history of the Island and the lifestyle of its residents. Custom tours of 2 hours will entertain and educate you! Reserve your tour time in advance, limited times and space are offered each day. SOLD OUT? NEED A DIFFERENT TOUR TIME? CALL US!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, Landing and facility fees

Exclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Reviewed By LisaLSkinner

This is a good tour for someone who has never been to Catalina Island before. We took this tour and the Bison tour; they both had similarities in narration. I thought because we were on a bus that the ride would be smooth but it was rough and rugged for a city tour. It's a great opportunity to explore for first timers.

5. Gold Rush to Golden Gate: Self-Guided Tour of San Francisco

490 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA Extranomical Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Professional tour guide and city Insider, Brad Prickett, hosts you on a tour of San Francisco. GPS-activated audio plays automatically on your phone as you learn the colorful history and see the top attractions along San Francisco’s waterfront and across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Drive the tour at your own pace, using your phone as your guide. Learn the history, hear the stories of San Francisco’s founders, scoundrels and visionaries as you visit.

Inclusions: GPS-activated audio app that plays on your phone, Local insider narration and special guest interviews, Easy pause and play to go at your own pace, Available for three days after purchase

Exclusions: Transportation, Meals or Beverages, Tickets to attractions or Alcatraz, Tolls

Reviewed By Brittany B

The tour was super fun! Met a lot of cool peeps and our tour guide Dustin was super funny! I don't even like wine and I would definitely go on the tour again just for the experience!

6. Modern & More Bike Tours Palm Springs

Palm Springs Bike Rentals by Big Wheel Tours, 1590 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA Modern & More Bike Tours Palm Springs
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 41 reviews

This is a small group 2+ hour bike tour of three architecturally & historically significant residential neighborhoods in South Palm Springs. Quiet streets, no hills, constant sunshine, & very little traffic make for a great ride for novices or expert cyclists alike. Please note: Bike rental is NOT INCLUDED in this tour. You're welcome to bring your own bikes, or discounted rentals are available at Big Wheel Tours. Our tour begins & ends in their parking lot. We'll explore the neighborhoods of Deepwell Estates, Twin Palms, & Indian Canyons. We'll make frequent stops for photos & to learn details about specific homes. Please note: This tour is designed for serious architecture & history fans, with a lot of academic-level information & detail. It may not be the most enjoyable tour for some children. COVID Safety Update: Masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests while biking outside. Please wear a mask when entering Big Wheel Tours. Brennan & Tim have both been vaxed!

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions: Use of bicycle

7. San Diego: Coronado History and Highlights

Rotary Park, Coronado, CA 92118, USA San Diego Walks
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Charming Coronado is a short ride from downtown San Diego, but it feels like a world away! We'll stroll the streets and look at multi-million dollar homes, beautiful landscaping, unique architecture, and, of course, the beach. After a quick stop for a sweet treat we'll continue to explore this beach town that was home to artists, aviators and innovators.

Inclusions: Snacks, Museum Donation (if open at time of visit), Professional Tour Guide

Exclusions: Guide Gratuity

Reviewed By Rick T

Great walking tour of Old Town - Jennifer gave us a lot of history in just 2.5 hours, plus she has a great sense of humor.

8. Best Day in San Francisco with Muir Woods

2800 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA SF Excursions
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 89 reviews

Enjoy an introduction to San Francisco on this 6-hour tour that includes a trip across San Francisco Bay to Muir Woods National Monument. You'll be driven around the city to see its diverse neighborhoods and geography, stopping several times for photo ops. At Muir Woods, admire the towering redwood trees, and visit the waterfront town of Sausalito for lunch (own expense).

Inclusions: Bottled water, Local guide

Exclusions: Lunch in Sausalito, Muir Woods entrance fee ($15), Gratuities

Reviewed By J3907FKemilyg

The best part was the ease of the tour- also it was very informational. The kids enjoyed it as well as the adults!

9. Semi-Private Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Tour from Paso Robles

The Wine Line
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 39 reviews

This semi-private door-to door, "hop-on, hop-off" wine tasting tour service lets you set your pace and create your own wine tasting itinerary in Paso Robles Wine Country. The approximately 5-hour service picks you up at your accommodations and start you on their loops. They service over 70 wineries in the region and you just pick and choose where you want to “hop on” and “hop off” all day long.  When you decide to "hop off" your driver walks you in, introduces you to the staff who will conduct your tasting.  S/he will return in approximately 40 minutes, come into the tasting room, let you know s/he is back and if you're ready to go you just "hop on" and proceed to the next winery of your choice. If you are enjoying yourself, you can stay for another approximately 40minutes, or longer. It's your choice!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Driver, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Hop-on hop-off tour

Exclusions: Lunch, unless selected, Gratuities, Wine Tasting Fees, unless selected

Reviewed By ajd872

I booked this trip about five days ahead of time and was pleased to get a quick response that they could accommodate our group of four. Jason was quick to respond and very pleasant to do business with. Our driver Spencer was amazing! He had just the right amount of laid back, "enjoy your time tasting", and the right amount of "hey...it's about time to get going." We will definitely book another Wine Line tour for our next trip to the Paso Robles area!! Hopefully, we can have Spencer as our driver again!!

10. Private Guided E-Bike Tour of Morro Bay

575 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442, USA Cal Coast Adventures
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 15 reviews

Our Private Electric Bike Tour of Morro Bay will take you through the best bike routes and viewpoints of the city! The private tour will allow us to give you a custom and personable experience so be sure to let us know what type of ride you are looking for! History, we can do that. Non stop exploring and wind in your hair, nooo problem. Our favorite places to see are the up high panoramic views and overlooks, winding roads along the estuary, right up close with Morro Rock and of course all our favorite beaches to the North. Don’t forget your camera as there will be plenty of photo opportunities. These fun and informative bike tours operate daily and are designed for all abilities.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Electric Bike, Water, Knowledgable Guide

Exclusions: Gratuity

Reviewed By nancyeZ959CL

My Husband and I wanted to buy e-bikes. Cal Coast Adventures was the closes place to try out different models of RAD Riders. Nathan was super informative and very professional! Had a get time riding these e-bikes, wish we could have bought the bikes from Nathan, but he doesnt sell brand new ones! But he is a great representative of their RAD Bikes. Going to go home and order Rad Bikes online!! Thanks Nathan

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.