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California Nature & Wildlife Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025
Our 36 most popular California Nature & Wildlife trips. Compare tour itineraries from 28 tour companies. 11 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.
Popular California Nature & Wildlife Tours
See all 36 California Nature & Wildlife tripsDiscover the beauty of California's diverse ecosystems with our popular nature and wildlife tours. These tours showcase the best of California's natural wonders, from coastal adventures to mountainous escapes.
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Small Group California Nature & Wildlife Tours
See all 11 California Nature & Wildlife tripsEnjoy a more intimate and personalized experience with our small group nature and wildlife tours. These tours offer a closer connection to California's stunning landscapes and wildlife, with fewer people and more flexibility.
4.7/5 Excellent
88 reviewsSmall Group Tour
4.7/5 Excellent
88 reviewsSmall Group Tour
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28 reviewsSmall Group Tour
4.7/5 Excellent
88 reviewsSmall Group Tour
5/5 Excellent
1 reviewsSmall Group Tour
Best California Nature & Wildlife Tours by Duration
Find the best nature tours in California tailored to your schedule. Whether you want to enjoy a full-day tour or have a weekend or a week to spare, you will find tours that fit your timeframe and maximize your nature exploration.
Best California Nature & Wildlife Tours by Price
Explore the best nature and wildlife tours in California based on your budget. From affordable adventures to luxurious escapes, find the perfect tour that suits your financial plan while offering an unforgettable experience.
Top California Nature & Wildlife Attractions
Embark on a journey through California's stunning and varied landscapes with our nature tours. From the towering redwoods to the rugged coastline, the serene deserts, and the majestic mountains, these eco tours offer a rich tapestry of experiences. Discover the unique flora, fauna, and natural beauty that make California a nature lover's paradise.
- Hiking among the giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park
- Whale watching off the coast of Monterey Bay
- Exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley
- Kayaking through the kelp forests in Channel Islands National Park
- Bird watching in the wetlands of Point Reyes National Seashore
- Stargazing in the clear skies of Joshua Tree National Park
- Walking through the ancient redwood forests of Muir Woods National Monument
- Spotting wildlife in the rugged terrain of Big Sur
- Visiting the wildflower blooms in Antelope Valley
- Enjoying the geothermal wonders at Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Taking a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway
- Exploring the diverse ecosystems of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
California Nature & Wildlife Tours & Travel
California Nature & Wildlife Attractions & Landmarks Guide
California is a top destination for nature enthusiasts, offering diverse landscapes from coastal shores to towering forests and arid deserts. On nature tours in California, visitors can explore majestic national parks, stunning coastlines, and unique ecosystems.
You can join guided tours or customize your vacations to experience the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite, the serene beaches of Big Sur, the dramatic landscapes of Death Valley, and much more. Many people plan day tours to different locations in California.
Types of Nature Tours in California
California's diverse landscapes offer a wide range of nature tours, each providing unique experiences. Whether you're interested in exploring lush forests, dramatic coastlines, or arid deserts, there's a tour for every type of nature enthusiast. Here are some of the top types of nature tours in California:
- National Park Tours: Explore California's iconic national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree. These tours offer guided hikes, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking views of some of the world's most stunning landscapes. Discover towering granite cliffs, ancient giant sequoias, and unique desert flora and fauna.
- Coastal Tours: California's coastline is famous for its scenic beauty. Coastal tours often include visits to places like Big Sur, Monterey, and the Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy whale watching, tide pooling, and beachcombing along the rugged and picturesque shoreline, with opportunities to see marine life and stunning ocean vistas.
- Wine Country Nature Tours: Combine your love of nature with world-class wine tasting. Explore the vineyards and rolling hills of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. These tours offer guided walks through vineyards, wine tastings at boutique wineries, and scenic drives through the lush countryside, providing a perfect blend of nature and culture.
- Desert Tours: Experience the stark beauty of California's deserts with Death Valley, the Mojave Desert, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park tours. These tours highlight the desert's unique geology, flora, and fauna, with opportunities for stargazing, exploring sand dunes, and visiting ghost towns.
- Redwood Forest Tours: Journey through the ancient and majestic redwood forests of Northern California. These tours take you to places like Muir Woods and Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where you can walk among the tallest trees on Earth and learn about the ecology and history of these incredible forests and their groves of giant sequoias. When you visit Muir, include a half-day tour of the charming town of Sausalito.
- Wildlife Tours: California is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Wildlife tours offer the chance to see animals in their natural habitats, from the coastal cliffs of Point Reyes to the wetlands of the Central Valley. Look for sea otters, elephant seals, migratory birds, and even the elusive mountain lion.
- Hiking and Backpacking Tours: For the more adventurous, hiking and backpacking tours provide an immersive experience in California's wilderness areas. Explore the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Pacific Crest Trail, or the remote backcountry of the Lost Coast. These tours range from day hikes to multi-day treks, offering varying levels of challenge and stunning natural beauty.
- Kayaking and Canoeing Tours: Explore California's waterways with kayaking and canoeing tours. Paddle through the serene waters of Lake Tahoe, the coastal inlets of Mendocino, or the winding rivers of the Central Valley. These tours offer a unique perspective on the state's natural beauty and opportunities to see wildlife up close.
- Birdwatching Tours: California's diverse habitats make it a prime location for birdwatching. Birdwatching tours take you to hotspots like the Salton Sea, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the Sierra Nevada foothills. Spot various bird species, from raptors and waterfowl to migratory songbirds.
- Botanical Tours: Discover the rich plant life of California with botanical tours. Visit the state's renowned botanical gardens, such as the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, or explore natural areas known for their wildflower displays, like the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
- Photography Tours: Capture the stunning beauty of California with photography tours. These tours are designed for photographers of all levels and take you to some of the most picturesque locations in the state. Learn tips and techniques for landscape, wildlife, and macro photography while exploring iconic sites.
- Cultural and Historical Nature Tours: Combine nature with history and culture on tours that explore California's natural and cultural heritage. Visit historic sites, such as the missions along El Camino Real, and learn about the indigenous cultures and early settlers who shaped the state's landscapes. These tours provide a deeper understanding of California's rich and diverse history.
Top National Parks in California
California is home to a diverse array of national parks, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. From towering granite cliffs to expansive deserts and ancient forests, these parks showcase the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the state. Here are some of the top national parks in California:
- Yosemite National Park: Yosemite National Park is famous for its dramatic granite cliffs, including the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome. The park features stunning waterfalls, giant sequoias, and vast wilderness areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife spotting. Yosemite is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and peregrine falcons.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: These adjacent parks are renowned for their towering giant sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Sequoia and Kings Canyon offer a mix of rugged mountains, deep canyons, and vast cave systems. Popular activities include hiking, camping, and exploring the parks' scenic vistas. Wildlife includes black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique desert landscapes and distinctive Joshua trees. The park offers a mix of arid desert and rugged rock formations, making it a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing. Wildlife includes bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, and various reptiles. The park's night skies provide excellent opportunities for astrophotography.
- Death Valley National Park: Death Valley is famous for its extreme temperatures and stark desert landscapes, including Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. The park offers unique geological features such as sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful badlands. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring historic sites. Wildlife includes desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and roadrunners.
- Redwood National and State Parks: Home to the tallest trees on Earth, the coast redwoods, Redwood National and State Parks offer a tranquil escape into ancient forests. The parks feature lush fern canyons, scenic coastal drives, and numerous hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Wildlife includes Roosevelt elk, banana slugs, and various bird species.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park: Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its geothermal features, including bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and hot springs. The park also offers scenic mountain landscapes and clear alpine lakes. Popular activities include hiking, camping, and exploring the geothermal wonders. Wildlife includes black bears, mule deer, and various bird species.
- Channel Islands National Park: Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remote islands off the southern California coast, each offering unique natural beauty and biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife watching. The islands are home to unique species, such as the island fox, and provide opportunities to see marine life like seals and dolphins.
- Pinnacles National Park: Pinnacles National Park is famous for its dramatic rock spires and caves, which were formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. The park offers excellent rock climbing, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities, including the chance to see the endangered California condor. Other wildlife includes bats, coyotes, and a variety of raptors. The park's caves and rock formations provide a unique and adventurous landscape.
- Point Reyes National Seashore: Point Reyes National Seashore is known for its rugged coastline, scenic landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. The park offers activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and whale watching. Key attractions include the Point Reyes Lighthouse, Tomales Bay, and various wildlife viewing opportunities, including elephant seals, tule elk, and numerous bird species.
- Kings Canyon National Park: Often paired with Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon features deep valleys, towering cliffs, and impressive waterfalls. The park is home to the General Grant Tree, one of the largest trees in the world. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the scenic Kings River. Wildlife includes black bears, mule deer, and various bird species.
Noteworthy Destinations on California Nature Tours
California boasts many stunning natural attractions beyond its well-known national parks. Here are some other noteworthy places to consider for nature tours:
- Big Sur: Big Sur is renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery along Highway 1. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, hiking trails, and wildlife-watching opportunities. Key highlights include McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, and the Point Sur Lighthouse.
- Lake Tahoe: Lake Tahoe offers stunning alpine scenery and outdoor activities year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and water sports. The crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Monterey Bay: Monterey Bay is famous for its rich marine life and beautiful coastal views. Activities include whale watching, visiting the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, and exploring the scenic 17-mile drive. The area is also great for kayaking and tide-pooling.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: California's largest state park is Anza-Borrego, known for its wildflower blooms, rugged desert landscapes, and unique geological features. Visitors can enjoy hiking, off-roading, and stargazing in this vast desert wilderness.
- Mendocino Coast: The Mendocino Coast offers stunning ocean views, charming coastal towns, and lush redwood forests. Visitors can explore the Mendocino Headlands State Park, go whale-watching, and enjoy wine tasting in the nearby Anderson Valley.
- Mount Shasta: Mount Shasta is a majestic volcanic peak in Northern California. It offers outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The surrounding area is known for its scenic beauty, alpine lakes, and spiritual significance.
- Santa Cruz Mountains: The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to ancient redwood forests, scenic hiking trails, and charming small towns. Visitors can explore the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, enjoy wine tastings in boutique wineries, and take scenic drives.
- Desolation Wilderness: Near Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness offers pristine alpine scenery, clear lakes, and rugged granite peaks. It's a popular destination for backpacking, hiking, and fishing, providing a true wilderness experience.
- Eastern Sierra: The Eastern Sierra region is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Alabama Hills, Mono Lake, and the ancient bristlecone pine forest. Visitors can enjoy hiking, photography, and exploring unique geological formations.
- Sonoma and Napa Valleys: While famous for their wine, these valleys also offer beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, hot air balloon rides, and scenic hikes through vineyards and rolling hills.
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Point Lobos is often called the "crown jewel" of California's state park system. It offers stunning coastal views, wildlife-watching opportunities, and a variety of hiking trails. Marine life includes sea otters, seals, and a diversity of bird species.
- Mojave National Preserve: Mojave National Preserve features vast desert landscapes, sand dunes, and unique geological formations. Visitors can explore the Kelso Dunes, the Cinder Cone Lava Beds, and the historic Kelso Depot.
Trip Reviews
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This was the trip of a lifetime
This was the trip of a lifetime! So much packed into 2 months - great people, places and activities. I couldn't recommend this trip more highly to someone wanting to...
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Perfect way to see what south America has to offer
Perfect way to see what south America has to offer
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Eine super Reise
Eine super Reise. Vollgepackt mit Aktivitäten und überwältigend...
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It was the trip of my life
It was the trip of my life! It absolutely changed me in the best way possible. It made me more brave and excited to see more of the world, and with new friends from ...
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Loved every minute of it and would do it all over again if I could
Loved every minute of it and would do it all over again if I could. So much fun
California Nature & Wildlife Tours FAQ
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