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Central Valley, California Photography tours

Our most recommended Central Valley, California Photography tours

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

1. Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Discover a variety of whale species in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on this cruise from Monterey. Uncover one of the world’s best locations for whale watching due to its deep submarine canyon close to shore. With whales spotted almost every day, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Set sail from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Catch a glimpse of the hundreds of Californian Sea Lions inside the harbor as the boat leaves the dock. Take advantage of the view and snap a photo to capture the memory. Pass the historic Cannery Row as you leave the harbor and enter the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Search for feeding humpback whales, a variety of dolphin species, porpoises, blue whales, and fin whales. Listen as the onboard biologist provides fascinating insights into the creatures of the bay and what is being done to protect them. During the summer/ fall season, the tour will focus on feeding whales that come to the bay to feast on small fish and krill. Spot humpback whales daily but keep an eye out for blue whales, fin whales, gray whales (finishing migration), orcas and a variety of other dolphin species. During the winter season, the tour will focus on migrating whales at the south end of Monterey Bay where gray whales pass by. Return to your starting point at the end of your tour.

From San Francisco: Yosemite Tour with Giant Sequoias Hike

2. From San Francisco: Yosemite Tour with Giant Sequoias Hike

Begin your Yosemite National Park day tour by getting picked up at select San Francisco hotels. Cross the Bay Bridge and drive through the Central Valley to the town of Oakdale where you will stop for a short break. Start your day in the park at Tunnel View. Then, go to Bridalveil Falls for a quick walk to the base of the roaring waterfall. Next, proceed onto Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. After, enjoy some free time where you will get a chance to picnic at the base of Yosemite Falls, by a river, or in a granite-enclosed meadow. Chances are high that you will see rock climbers in the spring or fall, bears in the summer, and spectacular ice formations in the winter. After regrouping, head to El Capitan, the center of the rock climbing universe. Depending on the season, you may see some climbers on the rock, but they will appear smaller than ants on the 3000-foot (914 meters) rock. Enjoy a photo stop at Valley View and then head to the Tuolumne Grove to take a one-mile (1.6 km) hike to see a grove of 1500-year-old giant sequoia trees. Please note that the hike to the sequoias may not be available during the snow season. After the hike, head back to San Francisco with a restroom stop along the way.

From San Francisco: Yosemite Park Guided Day Trip

3. From San Francisco: Yosemite Park Guided Day Trip

Escape the crowds of San Francisco on a full-day guided tour to Yosemite National Park. See highlights, including Yosemite Falls and Inspiration Point. Enjoy seamless travel in a bio-fueled mini-coach. Heading east across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge offers great views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. En route to the park the tour crosses through the Central Valley, where you will stop at a fruit stand for some local produce. Famous for its rich volcanic soil, the Central Valley is the largest agricultural region in the United States. The section the tour drives through is best known for specialty fruits and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cherries, and strawberries. After this quick rest stop, you will enter the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. Continuing into the mountains brings you to California gold country and the gold rush town of Groveland before the tour winds its way into Yosemite National Park. On your 1.5-hour narrated coach tour of Yosemite's glaciated valley, you will see famous waterfalls and rock formations including Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. Continue on past El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Dome, and much more. During the tour you will see Yosemite Valley from a number of great vantage points, the best of which is perhaps Inspiration Point. After the tour, you will stop for the afternoon near the base of Yosemite Falls. If you have not already picked up picnic supplies, there are many options for getting lunch in the park. You will have 3-4 hours of free time to explore the valley as you choose. You can walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, check out the visitor center, visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, stop in at the Ahwahnee Hotel, rent a cruiser bike, or hike some of the trails that originate from the valley. Although you could easily spend 3 weeks in Yosemite, the 3 hours you get on your own is enough time to understand why Yosemite is one of America's most popular national parks.

From San Francisco: Yosemite National Park

4. From San Francisco: Yosemite National Park

Travel through the Great Central Valley into the Sierra Foothills where Forty-Niners panned for Gold. Follow the beautiful Merced River to the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Glaciers cut through these mountains forming spectacular granite monuments you will see throughout the park. Spend a total of 4 hours within the Yosemite National Park: 1-hour on a guided tour and 3 hours to explore on your own. There is the option of selecting a Chinese-speaking guide on certain days. Take advantage of the photo opportunities at: • El Capitan • Bridalveil Falls • Vernal Falls • Yosemite Falls • Cathedral Spires • Half Dome

Monterey: Electric Bike Rental with GPS Guided Tours

5. Monterey: Electric Bike Rental with GPS Guided Tours

Discover the best of Monterey at your own pace and enjoy an eco-friendly way to sightsee with this electric bike rental. Choose from 2 different GPS-guided tours: a scenic or historic tour, or follow your own route and create your own adventure. Choose from electric-assist or full throttle modes to help you see more of the area. You could visit the Great Tide Pools and get a close-up view of creatures hiding among the rocks. Explore Lover's Point area and beach, and let the sand fill in between your toes. Stop at the various turnouts along the coast to catch a glimpse of whales during migration. You can also bike to Asilomar State Beach and watch the surfers find their perfect wave. Find your way into Pebble Beach and marvel at the golf courses, the coastal drive, and the famous 17-Mile Drive.

Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

6. Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Experience the ultimate scenic drive between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach on a self-guided tour in your vehicle. Take advantage of the flexibility to set your own pace, stopping to take in the many sights and views along the 17-Mile Drive. Start by downloading the app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one (download instructions received via email after booking), then begin your self-guided adventure. You'll embark on this scenic drive in downtown Monterey near the historic Fisherman's Wharf. Discover Cannery Row, the delightful waterfront street bordering Pacific Grove. Optionally, stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to get an up-close look at a large variety of sea creatures (entry not included). Take in the views from Point Joe, the rocky southwestern end of Spanish Bay, also known as the Restless Sea. Journey to Bird Rock and Seal Rock, and try to spot seals, sea lions, and local birds. Next, you'll continue through Crocker Grove to the Lone Cypress, which stands dramatically at the edge of a cliff against crashing waves. End your tour at the world-famous Pebble Beach, a paradise of pristine white sand and sensational coastal cliffs. The audio tour is curated by local guides and creative writers and is narrated by professional voice artists. Along with written descriptions, most tour stops have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or building interiors.

Oakhurst: Guided Sierra National Forest Snow UTV or ATV Tour

7. Oakhurst: Guided Sierra National Forest Snow UTV or ATV Tour

Get ready to ride into the snowy wilderness of the Sierra National Forest on this guided tour. Enjoy the winter wonderland in an exciting way with a snow UTV or ATV tour. Meet your guide in at the activity provider's office in Oakhurst and gear up for your tour. Expereince the rush of gliding over rocky trails and zipping through wide open paths. Blaze thorugh the snowy wilderness and kick up some fresh powder as you go.  Cruise around a frozen lake and discover how beautiful the forest can be when it is covered in a layer of snow. Have the option to add on a sledding package if you want to stop for some exhilarating wintertime fun. 

Yosemite: Devil's Peak Sunset Jeep Tour with Local Guide

8. Yosemite: Devil's Peak Sunset Jeep Tour with Local Guide

Discover nature on this off-road jeep tour to climb to the top of Devil's Peak. Once at the top, watch as the sun sets over Yosemite National Park. Grab the chance to go stargazing and watch the wildlife as well. Upon meeting your guide, head on to your adventure and drive to the top of Devil's Peak, an area overlooking Yosemite National Park. On top of this mountain is a forestry tower lookout where a ranger stays summer-long to watch for wildfires. Meet the ranger, sign his guestbook, and learn about the history of the tower while your tour guide sets up camp. When everything is set, roast some marshmallows by the campfire and marvel at the abundant colors of the sunset. You can add an optional hot dog package to roast your dinner, too. Once the sun has gone down, make your way back to the foot of the mountain while stargazing and looking out for wildlife. Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of nature with this guided jeep tour.

From Oakhurst: Bass Lake Guided ATV Adventure Tour

9. From Oakhurst: Bass Lake Guided ATV Adventure Tour

Get behind the wheel and with this ATV adventure through the Sierra National forest. Blast down wilderness paths and breath in the fresh air on the way to sights like Moon rock and a Bass Lake viewpoint.  Meet your guide in Oakhurst and gear up for your tour. Expereince the rush of gliding over rocky trails and zipping through wide open paths. Discover a large granite plain that the locals call Moon Rock. Capture a picture on this rock that resembles the moon.   Pick up some exhilarating speed as you head up to a Bass Lake viewpoint. Stop to admire stunning views of the lake's shinning waters before. Drive through a creek and down a narrow, challenging trail with help from your guide. 

Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour

10. Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour

Learn about the Salinas Valley agricultural industry during a 3-hour outing with a guide. See workers harvest vegetable fields and pack different crops and learn about these processes from your guide. Van transportation to/from the local Monterey Peninsula hotels or meet us at Pezzini Farms. Stroll through Pezzini Farms Artichokes on a guided walking tour. Learn all about artichokes including irrigation, planting, harvesting, packing and climate restrictions. Driving tour of the Salinas Valley where we observe and discuss over 40 different crops including lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, spinach, asparagus, strawberries, and wine grapes. Before you leave, enjoy an order of deep-fried artichoke hearts or a delicious artichoke cupcake. Throughout your tour, learn about the Monterey Bay region's wine, agriculture, fascinating history and beautiful environment.

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What people are saying about Central Valley, California

Well organised day trip. Stopping at the shop in the morning and afternoon is a great idea to let us stop for food and bathroom breaks. Stopped at some great spots with our guide to get pictures. Then had 3 hours to check out the park and our guide gave some good suggestions of walks/short hikes. Nothing felt rushed and was a great way to see the beauty of Yosemite if you’re short on time in San Francisco.

There are no words to put into perspective the awe and wonder of Yosemite however, our driver Rob tried to do just that. We visited of course El Capitaine but also other areas off the normal beaten path that he’s come to know over the years. Rob’s stories, suggestions for good pictures, and general information added tremendously to the overall value of the trip.

A unique experience ! We saw dolphins, sea lions/sea lions, sea otters, killer whales and two whales. The team is really great ✨

excellent plan, no waiting, all-inclusive package, no surprises, well organized, to recommend

Beautiful trip and great guide - could have stayed in the park for another day!