Top California Unique Experiences

Hop on a ‘70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman’s Wharf, this 2-hour sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to ‘60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

Take an open-air bus tour through Hollywood and Beverly Hills and explore some of the area’s landmarks and celebrity homes. See famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and the Chinese Theatre. Keep an eye out for celebrity sightings as you drive through Beverly Hills and view the homes of Tom Cruise, Taylor Swift, Leonardo DiCaprio and many more.

Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this "painted ladies" tour by vintage Volkswagen bus decorated with long gorgeous eyelashes so you can't miss your tour vehicle. You'll pass by neighborhoods like Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Marina, and Hayes Valley, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, and more.

With its iconic hills, architecture, bridge and bay, it’s no wonder so many movies have been filmed in San Francisco. See filming locations from more than 55 productions—from blockbusters like ‘San Andreas’ to family favorites like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’—on this movie sites tour from Fisherman’s Wharf. Watch clips on the tour bus as you pass by the real locations with an informative actor-turned-guide who shares stories about the city and cinema history.

Discover San Francisco’s dark side on a ghost-hunting tour, using a provided, personal EMF detector to scan haunted alleys, neighborhoods, and street corners. It’s not just ghosts. Exploring with a ghost-hunter guide means you’ll learn the city's scariest secrets and stories, too. As you walk through its nighttime streets, hear about everything from Gold Rush cemeteries to paranormal activity and unexplained deaths in the heart of San Francisco.

Explore Hollywood and Beverly Hills on a tour that highlights celebrity homes and famous landmarks in Los Angeles. Hear live commentary and get clear views from your seat in the open-air bus as you drive past the Hollywood Sign, TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and more, and cruise along famous streets including Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip.

It’s difficult to appreciate the beauty of Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards from between the vines—it’s much easier from the skies. Starting just after sunrise, step into your hot-air balloon to watch the valley come alive, floating up to 2,000 feet in the air. Enjoy coffee before and sparkling wine after, celebrating your silent journey gliding along the California horizon.

Get a taste of Northern California wine country on this full-day tour of Napa and Sonoma County. Led by an expert guide, you’ll stop at three boutique wineries to sample delicious reds and whites. As you travel through the countryside, you’ll learn the history and viticulture of this world-class region. Your tour will conclude with drop-off at your hotel in San Francisco.

Hear spine-tingling stories about San Diego’s history and infamous residents during a ghost tour led by an entertaining guide. Visit five locations with supernatural tales behind their facades, and learn why San Diego is known as one of the most haunted cities in the west. You’ll join a small group that is limited to 14 people, traveling by bus and on foot.

Get an intimate look at the diverse neighborhoods of LA during this small-group cycling exploration. Join a group of no more than 10 riders for a 32-mile (51-kilometer) adventure through areas like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Bel-Air, and Beverly Hills, listening to insightful and entertaining stories from your guide as you cycle. During the trip, you’ll also stop in Venice Beach, where you can buy lunch, and take a guided walking tour of historic Greystone Mansion. A hybrid road bike, safety equipment, and bottled water are also included.

Join other wine lovers and your host for a day exploring some of Temecula’s best wineries. A different combination of wineries are selected according to time of year and events happening, so you can be sure of variety and a streamlined experience. Enjoy a delectable lunch at one vineyard, and go behind the scenes at several others.

Take an open-air fire truck tour of San Francisco aboard a shiny red vintage fire engine. Be the talk of the town as you suit up in a firefighter jacket and hat for a fun ride with the whole family. Your professional driver narrates the tour from Fisherman's Wharf through the Presidio and across the city's world-famous Golden Gate Bridge to charming Sausalito. Fasten your seat belt for the drive of a lifetime on this small-group San Francisco fire engine tour, limited to 13 passengers.

Stroll the narrow streets and back alleys of San Francisco's Chinatown on this walking tour with a small group. Stop by shops selling authentic Chinese crafts and pottery, as well as hard-to-find herbs and produce. A variety of tastings add up to a full lunch, including tea, fortune cookies, dim sum, and other treats. Listen to guided commentary and ask plenty of questions as you explore.

Pismo Beach is a surfing hot spot, with riders coming from all over California to catch a wave here. While you could just watch surfers from the shore, it’s much more fun to experience the thrill for yourself with a surf lesson. Instructors will guide you through the basics and get you out into the water. Plus, there’s no need to rent equipment with a surfboard and wetsuit included.

Satisfy your taste buds on a food and walking tour of Venice Beach, an easy day trip for visitors staying in Los Angeles. In addition to sharing trivia and stories about the area’s history, your guide brings you to popular food stands as well as hidden gems loved by locals. A small group size ensures intimate food tastings, from poke and tacos to crostini and local wine.

Get around Santa Barbara with a 1- or 2-day bicycle rental that provides three options: an electric, mountain or hybrid bike. You can cover a lot of ground, including the city streets and coastline, without even pedaling, or explore the nearby hills or Santa Ynez Mountains on a mountain bike. Opt for a hybrid bike if you want to experience the speed of a road bike combined with the stability of a cruiser. Choose from a selection of models appropriate for both beginning riders and those with more advanced skills.

Conquer San Francisco's urban jungle on this 3-hour urban hike. Trek your way up Tank Hill and Kite Hill, spots favored by locals for great city views, and stroll through hidden forests. Visit the Seward Street Slides to play like a local kid and take spectacular photos from the top of Twin Peaks. Between the forests, lush greenery and hidden pocket parks, you'll find it hard to believe you're in the midst of one of the country's busiest cities. Learn urban legends, history and culture from your local hiking guide.

Hit the Los Angeles roads feeling like you’re in a Hollywood movie on this one-of-a-kind private tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Drive around Tinseltown in a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, the wind in your hair as you explore these glossy neighborhoods and stop for photo ops at landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, the Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hear stories about the famous people that made this city, and the celebrities that live here now, from your dedicated guide.

There’s hardly a better place to learn to surf than the Southern California locale of Santa Barbara, which offers fantastic weather year-round. During this 1.5-hour lesson, an expert instructor shows you how to stand up on your surfboard and balance, offering tips on how to catch the perfect wave while ensuring your safety in the water. Wetsuit and surfboard rental are included, and all skill levels are welcome.

Suitable for all ages and experience levels, this private surfing lesson in Newport Beach will teach you how to ride the waves. Surfboards and wetsuits are included, so you can simply show up and hit the water. Get a hands-on lesson from a professional instructor. Private tutorials can be adapted to all skill levels.

Explore Santa Monica on a private tour by electric bike and see the highlights of the vibrant coastal city. Follow your guide along Santa Monica’s palm-lined streets. Stroll the boardwalk at the Santa Monica Pier, dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean and experience the laid-back culture and classic scenery of this iconic beach town. Cruise to vibrant Venice to see the skate park, street art and the bustle of the crowd on the oceanfront walk and onward to the "gem of the tour" or the Venice canals. Then a final stop at Muscle Beach before zipping back to the shop.

Get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today aboard a colorful 1970s-era Volkswagen bus. Enjoy the illuminated city during this night tour that takes you to Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. Check out the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to ‘60s classics. So dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet and shake some beaded curtains. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

Pedal along the trails of Malibu on an electric mountain bike during this adventurous excursion. Whether you're a beginner or advanced rider, your guide will adjust their route and pace to your abilities. Use the electric assist as little or as much as you like, enabling to work as hard as you want. See the flora and fauna of Southern California up close and learn about the environment through guided commentary.

Plan your itinerary for your private half-day San Francisco tour and travel in style in a restored vintage Volkswagen bus. Customize your tour to your interests, whether you want to cover city highlights like the Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks, or venture further afield to Muir Woods, Sausalito, or Half Moon Bay. The bus accommodates up to seven passengers, perfect for family and friends.