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California and National Parks

California and National Parks

Overview
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Add-Ons
Photos
Reviews
FAQs

Highlights

  • Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and visit the iconic Pier 39 in San Francisco
  • See the massive sequoias and redwoods of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • Visit the Giant Forest, home to General Sherman, the world’s largest tree
  • Explore Yosemite National Park, where you will see the towering and world-famous Half Dome
  • Visit the Santa Barbara Mission and the Getty Center (2026 tour departure)/ Getty Villa in Malibu (2027 tour departure)
  • Enjoy the Danish style town of Solvang
  • Visit Hollywood and Santa Monica while on a panoramic city tour of Los Angeles

Get to know the real California on this scenic guided tour. Soak in magnificent vistas, sunny beaches, the culture of San Francisco, the glamour of Los Angeles, and the awe-inspiring majesty of the most popular national parks in California.

You can’t help falling in love with San Francisco. You’ll understand why people consider it one of California’s most scenic and culturally vibrant cities when you see the Golden Gate Bridge and Coit Tower.

To experience the majesty of nature, you can’t do better than Yosemite. Granite rock formations like Half Dome, and the pristine Yosemite Valley, are so beautiful they’ll take your breath away. Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are next door neighbors with matching sets of towering redwood groves. The world’s tallest trees are surrounded by over 1,000 miles of stunning wilderness.

If you’re a beach person, Santa Barbara is a dream come true. Southern California’s easygoing charm is at its brightest in this sunny retreat. Los Angeles, the hometown of the entertainment industry and a capital of glitz and glamour, truly needs no introduction. From the Sunset Strip and the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, the City of Angels is more than ready for its closeup. Experience it all on this tour of California and its most popular national parks.

What Guests are Saying

I like YMT and have taken two other National Park tours with them. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and always just a phone call away from information I seek. It is great to know they are there for me!
Sue Lemak

Feb 2025

Rating 5/5
Excellent service and reliability.
John Barton Bridges

Jul 2024

Rating 5/5
YMT always delivers great travel experiences for the least money.
Connie Ruth Hardy

Jul 2024

Rating 5/5

Activity level

  • Easy Going
  • Moderate
  • Active
  • Very Active
Click to Learn More

Active

Best suited for those who are comfortable with a steady-paced itinerary. Walking distances typically start at 1–2 miles per day or more. Longer travel days (4+ hours), multiple hotel changes, and early morning departures should be expected. Includes visits to sites with stairs, uphill walks, and uneven pathways. Travelers should be prepared for extended sightseeing and potential changes in altitude or climate. Not recommended for wheelchair users or those who require walking aids.
Click to Learn More

Tour Includes

Locations Visited

  • San Francisco
  • 17-Mile Drive
  • Monterey
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Kings Canyon National Park
  • Sequoia National Park
  • Pismo Beach
  • Solvang
  • Santa Barbara
  • Los Angeles

Hotel Accommodations

  • 9 Nights
  • Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy

Meals

  • 9 Breakfasts
  • 1 Dinner

Service

  • A professionally trained tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.

Baggage Handling

  • To and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of Checked Baggage per person.

Add-Ons

California and National Parks

Alcatraz Island Tour & Swiss Louis Dinner on Pier 39

Enjoy a tour of Alcatraz followed by dinner at Pier 39!
California and National Parks

Bubba Gump Dinner

Enjoy a delicious dinner at this iconic place in Cannery Row!
California & National Parks Tour
Tour Starts:

San Francisco, California

Tour Ends:

Los Angeles, California

California and National Parks
Day 1
Arrive in San Francisco

Welcome to San Francisco! Guests who have purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations will be welcomed in the baggage claim area by a friendly representative who will arrange your transfer to the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure in one of California’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Enjoy diverse cuisine, incredible museums, and many parks, as well as dazzling architecture. The city is also home to historical landmarks including the colorful Victorian Painted Ladies, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the island prison of Alcatraz.

Hotel Zephyr or similar
Day 2
San Francisco

Discover the bustling “City by the Bay” during a morning panoramic tour. Look out at Alcatraz, see Nob Hill, and catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge along with many more exciting sights! Spend the evening relaxing in San Francisco.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel Zephyr or similar

Add On: Alcatraz Island Tour & Swiss Louis Dinner on Pier 39
Day 3
San Francisco to Monterey via 17-Mile Drive

This morning, you’ll head down the breathtaking 17-Mile Drive, enjoying views of Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, with the chance to snap a picture of the Lone Cypress on a quick stop. Continuing on to Monterey, take a city tour of the once-gritty waterfront town which was immortalized by John Steinbeck’s classic novel, Cannery Row.

Meals: Breakfast

Hyatt Regency Monterey or similar

Add-On: Bubba Gump Dinner
Day 4
Monterey to Oakhurst via Mariposa

Learn about the California Gold Rush at a Mariposa Museum before making your way to Oakhurst for an overnight stay. You will enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, verdant forests and the rugged coastline. This promises to be an enjoyable drive.

Meals: Breakfast

Hampton Inn Oakhurst-Yosemite or similar
Day 5
Yosemite National Park & Visalia

Today, you’ll visit the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. This magnificent and diverse land with elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 13,000 feet abounds with spectacular granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and lush meadows, as well as towering trees. Discover Yosemite Valley, where you will find Half Dome, the park’s most recognizable feature. The iconic granite formation rises more than 4,700 feet above the valley floor. Continue to Visalia, where you will spend the evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Wyndham Visalia or similar
Day 6
King's Canyon National Park & Sequoia National Park

Today your first stop will be Kings Canyon National Park, where you will find ancient sequoias and giant redwoods in Grant Grove. At its center is the General Grant Tree, the second largest in the world. This 3,000-year-old wonder stands almost 270 feet tall with a base circumference of 107 feet. Look out for gray foxes, bobcats and marmots, as well as eagles and bears. Next, head to Sequoia National Park, adjacent to Kings Canyon and just as magnificent. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sequoia is home to the largest living single-stem tree in the world. General Sherman stands 275 feet tall with a diameter of 25 feet. The Giant Forest, where you’ll find General Sherman, contains five of the ten largest trees on Earth.

Meals: Breakfast

Wyndham Visalia or similar
Day 7
Pismo Beach & Solvang

Head west to the coast, stopping in Pismo Beach for lunch on your own. Spend the afternoon in Solvang, in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, known for its Danish-style architecture and cuisine and wineries. Join us for an optional winery tour and tasting this afternoon and experience real California wine.

Meals: Breakfast

The Hadsten Solvang or similar

Add-On: Santa Ynez Valley Winery & Wine Tasting
Day 8
Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Santa Barbara is known as the “American Riviera”. Here you’ll enjoy Spanish mission-style architecture and stunning ocean views. Take a self-guided tour of the lovely Santa Barbara Mission. The “Queen of the Missions” is known for its magnificent twin bell towers, sprawling gardens, and sweeping ocean views. Continue to the Getty Center. Enjoy amazing city views from this architecturally stunning art museum followed by dinner on the Santa Monica Pier, which offers endless beach views and has its very own amusement park.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles or similar
Day 9
Beverly Hills & Hollywood

Today, you’ll take a guided panoramic tour, seeing the many highlights of the City of Angels. Visit Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the ornate TCL Chinese Theatre, plus many more.

Meals: Breakfast

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles or similar

Add on: Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
Day 10
Depart for Home

Meals: Breakfast

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

All tour prices include taxes and fees.

This tour is no longer available.

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Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
California and National Parks
California and National Parks
California and National Parks
California and National Parks
California and National Parks
The Lone Cypress, seen from the 17 Mile Drive, in Pebble Beach, California
Santa Monica Pier
Hollywood Sign
Santa_Barbara_mission_CA
Half-Dome-Yosemite-National-Park
The Getty Center
California and National Parks
California and National Parks
General-Sherman-Tree-Sequoia-National-Park
California and National Parks
California and National Parks
California and National Parks
California and National Parks
California and National Parks

Reviews

I like YMT and have taken two other National Park tours with them
I like YMT and have taken two other National Park tours with them. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and always just a phone call away from information I seek. It is great to know they are there for me!
Sue Lemak Feb 2025
California and National Parks ↓
Excellent service and reliability
Excellent service and reliability.
John Barton Bridges Jul 2024
California and National Parks ↓
5/5
YMT always delivers great travel experiences
YMT always delivers great travel experiences for the least money.
Connie Ruth Hardy Jul 2024
California and National Parks ↓
5/5
Read All Reviews

FAQs

Can I arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations to extend my trip?

Unfortunately, additional nights are not available from YMT Vacations for this tour. Your YMT Sales Consultant will confirm the specific hotel related to your departure date, and you can then contact the hotel directly to arrange an extended stay.
Can this tour accommodate triples?

Yes, triples are permitted (depending on availability) in 2 beds.
I’m booking my own flights for this tour, what time should I arrive?

You should arrive in San Francisco no later than 4pm.
Will I need any visas or travel permits for this tour?

No, none are required.

Please note that some National Parks will be checking ID to confirm your current state of residence. Carry your REAL ID-compliant identification with you throughout the tour, regardless of whether you are flying or driving to the start of your tour.
What do I need to know about the National Park Fees?

U.S. National Park Non-Resident Fee: Effective Jan 1, 2026, Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older are required to pay a $100 USD non-resident entrance fee per park visit when entering the following U.S. National Parks: Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion. This fee is assessed and collected directly by the U.S. National Park Services. It is not included in the tour price and cannot be controlled or waived by tour operators. Park officials will request proof of U.S. citizenship or residency to waive the fee. All non-resident fees are the responsibility of the passenger and are subject to change.

Non-Resident Annual Pass: A new “America the Beautiful – Non-Resident Annual Pass” is available to purchase for $250 USD. It waives the $100 USD per-visit fee at participating parks and covers the passholder plus up to three additional adults (16+). The pass is non-refundable, non-transferable, and requires valid photo ID. YMT Vacations is not responsible for securing this pass; it is up to each passenger to secure the digital version of this pass prior to arriving on tour.

Please note: U.S. residents visiting the parks as part of a YMT Vacations Tour are not required to pay any additional fees.

More information:

Non-Resident Fees: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/commercial-tours-and-nonresident-fees.htm

Non-Resident Annual Pass: https://www.recreation.gov/interagency-pass/types/nonresident
What elevations will I visit on this tour?

You will visit locations that are higher elevations (6,000-7,000 ft).

For tips on managing altitude sickness, please read our blog.
What are the options when meals are not included in a day's itinerary?

Experience the joy of diverse dining options on your tour! For meals not included in the itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore a variety of eateries, from charming mini-mall restaurants to convenient grocery stores, catering to all dietary preferences. While some hotels outside city centers may not have on-site dining, this opens up opportunities for delightful evening strolls, quick rides, or the convenience of ordering in. Enjoy the flexibility and adventure of discovering new places to dine.
Does YMT have any limits for luggage?

The YMT luggage allowance is one suitcase and one small bag per person, in addition to a small handbag or personal item. Due to capacity limits on vehicles, the standard maximum weight per suitcase is 50 pounds. The maximum size for a suitcase is 62 linear inches (sum of length, width, and depth). For example, suitcase cannot be larger than 30 inches by 20 inches by 12 inches. Luggage that is larger or heavier may attract extra fees, might not fit on the motor coach and may need to be shipped home.

The small bag cannot be larger than 12 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. To comply with safety regulations for motor coaches, mid-size buses, and vans, wheeled carry-on bags are not accepted as your small bag.  View our helpful packing guide here!  

Add-Ons

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Alcatraz Island Tour & Swiss Louis Dinner on Pier 39

Explore one of the most infamous maximum-security prisons in the world, Alcatraz. Visit the Cell House and see where criminals such as Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and “Birdman” Robert Shroud were held. Tonight’s dinner will be at Swiss Louis on Pier 39. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal and one of the best views in San Francisco.

Inclusions

  • Alcatraz Island Tour
  • Dinner at Swiss Louis. Tax & gratuity included.

Note: The distance from the dock on Alcatraz to the Cell House which is located at the top of the island is about 1/4 of a mile and the elevation change is 130 feet . In the Cell House, there is an elevator to provide access to the second story. There is an uphill walk to visit the prison on Alcatraz Island. At the dock, there’s the accessible tram (S.E.A.T), which transports visitors with mobility impairments to the Cell House. This is provided on a first come first serve basis only, and not guaranteed.

Duration: Approx. 6 hours (Afternoon & Evening)

Activity Level: Active

Price: $119 USD

California and National Parks
Bubba Gump Dinner

Savor a memorable dinner at the original Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., nestled along the iconic Cannery Row. With sweeping oceanfront views and the salty breeze in the air, this beloved seafood spot blends coastal beauty with classic Americana.

Step inside and you’ll be transported straight into the heart of Forrest Gump’s world, complete with warm, Southern-style décor that echoes the charm of Alabama. From movie memorabilia to heartfelt hospitality, every corner of this lively restaurant pays tribute to the spirit and story that captured hearts around the globe.

Inclusions

  • Dinner menu includes side garden salad, choice of entree (Fish & Chips; Coconut Shrimp; BBQ Ribs & Chicken Combo) & dessert
  • Bus transportation

Duration: Approx. 1.5 Hours (Evening)

Activity Level: Easy

Price: $55 USD

California and National Parks
Santa Ynez Valley Winery & Wine Tasting

Step into the heart of wine country at Gainey Winery, a true original in the Santa Ynez Valley with over 60 years of winemaking tradition. Your experience begins with a hand-selected flight of five exceptional wines, each crafted to reflect the unique character of the vineyards. Enhance your tasting with a generous sampling of locally sourced, artisanal cheeses—perfectly paired to complement every pour.

As you sip and savor, take in the beauty of our authentic working winery, nestled among rolling vineyards, centuries-old oaks, and open pastureland.

Inclusions

  • Flight of 5 different wines
  • Cheese & cracker sampling
  • Transportation to and from winery

Note: This activity is only available with 2026 tours

Duration: Approx. 1.5-2 Hours

Activity Level: Easy

Price: $46 USD

California and National Parks
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Step behind the velvet curtain and journey through more than a hundred years of Hollywood magic at Paramount Pictures Studio. As you explore this legendary lot, you’ll walk in the footsteps of iconic filmmakers and stars while discovering where beloved movies and hit television shows come to life.

Climb aboard a classic studio cart and wind your way through historic and fully operational backlot sets, from timeless streetscapes to modern-day filming locations. Peek inside prop warehouses brimming with cinematic treasures, and watch the creative energy of an active studio at work. The Paramount Pictures Studio Tour is your front-row ticket to Hollywood’s past, present, and the stories still waiting to be told.

Inclusions

  • Paramount Studio Tour entrance and guided studio cart tour
  • Bus Transportation

Note: Layered clothing is recommended. ADA carts available, but limited, please book early and note requirement on reservation. Don’t forget your camera!

Duration: Approx. 3 Hours (Morning)

Activity Level: Easy

Price: $105 USD

California and National Parks

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