California

California Tours for Seniors

Sunny coastlines, sprawling vineyards, and towering redwoods adorn the landscape. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge peeks through the mist, and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome welcome visitors to Yosemite Valley. In the Golden State, founded by forty-niners seeking prosperity on the Pacific Coast, treasured memories are sure to be found. Join our local experts on the learning adventure of a lifetime as you study the art of California winemaking and visit culinary farmland, experience the magic of Hollywood in Los Angeles, or find inspiration in several of the nation’s most beloved national parks. Browse our collection of California tours for seniors, families, and travelers today to witness the beauty and wonder of America’s 31st state.

California Tours

California is known for its sunny coastlines, sprawling vineyards, and towering redwoods that adorn the landscape. At Road Scholar, our California tours allow you to witness all California has to offer firsthand — from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge peeking through the mist to the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re interested in solo travel to California or California guided tours with a group, we have experiential learning programs that bring you throughout the Golden State, where you can study the art of California winemaking, experience the glamor of Hollywood and Los Angeles, and more. Find out what makes our California excursions some of our most popular travel programs.

Iconic Cities on California Tours

California is home to some of the most famous cities in the world, from the glitz and glam of Los Angeles to the sunny shores of San Diego and beyond. See some of the iconic towns you can visit on our California tours:

• San Francisco: One of California’s most popular cities is San Francisco, home to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge, which offers stunning views of the bay and city. California guided tours in San Francisco can bring you to the historic Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf for seafood and shops, Chinatown, and Golden Gate Park, home to museums, gardens, and recreational spaces.
• San Diego: Dubbed America’s Finest City, San Diego is a popular destination for travelers across the globe. California travel tours to San Diego bring you to exciting places, such as Seaworld, for a deeper understanding of the ocean and its animals, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and more.
• Los Angeles: The City of Angels is one of the most famous cities in the world, known for its status as the entertainment capital of the world, thanks to Hollywood serving as a center of the film and television industry. As a hub for celebrities and upcoming stars, visitors to LA can stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame, hike to the iconic Hollywood sign, visit the Getty Museum, and more.
• Monterey: Another exciting California tour brings you to Monterey, home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium with a rich focus on marine conservation. Other highlights include Cannery Row’s shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
• Santa Barbara: On the central California coast, you’ll find the seaside town of Santa Barbara, known for its beautiful beaches, Spanish Colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. What makes a stop to this city on a tour of California is the Santa Barbara Mission, often dubbed as the “Queen of the Missions.” Here, visitors can discover stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a museum that dives into the region’s history and the impact this Mission had on the community. Santa Barbara is also known for wine tasting, with Santa Ynez Valley a short drive away with numerous wineries and tasting rooms. Another reason to stop in Santa Barbara is for its various outdoor activities, from kayaking and paddle boarding to relaxing on sunny beaches like Butterfly Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.
• Ventura: Another charming Southern California seaside town that’s worth visiting on California tours for seniors and families is Ventura. Like Santa Barbara, Ventura has a rich history with a strong influence from the Spanish Missions. Mission San Buenaventura, founded in 1782, was the ninth Spanish Mission in California and features gardens, a museum, and a historic church. Along with historical tours, Ventura is a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts. Channel Islands National Park is accessible by boat through the Channel Islands Ferry that docks in Ventura Harbor. Once you make it to the Channel Islands, you’ll enter a world perfect for hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing, thanks to the diverse and picturesque landscape. Ventura is also home to or close to other nearby attractions, such as the Ventura Botanical Gardens and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and Library, making this town another stop on your tour of California.
• Palm Springs: Southwest adventures aren’t complete without visiting the desert town of Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley. Palm Springs is a desert oasis known for its warm weather, mid-century modern architecture SoCal is famous for, and vibrant arts scene. To take in the views of this town, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that takes you from the desert floor to the cooler temperatures of Mount San Jacinto State Park, where you can hike, dine, and take in the scenery. Palm Springs is also close to Joshua Tree National Park, known for its unique Joshua Trees, rugged rock formations, and stunning desert landscapes that are excellent for hiking and photography. As you plan your Pacific Coast tour, venture off a few hours east to explore one of America’s most famous deserts.

At Road Scholar, our California tours are second to none. Browse our collection of travel programs to find other exciting destinations across the world to explore.

Why Choose Road Scholar for California Tours

From U.S. and Canada travel tours to overseas adventures, our experiential learning programs offer unique opportunities to discover more about the world around you. Our California tour packages bring you all along the coast, from world-famous cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego to quiet and quaint towns like Santa Barbara and Palm Springs.

On any California tour, you’ll join a local expert guide who will walk you through your destination’s history, culture, wildlife, and geography, opening the floor to questions so you can get a deep understanding of the region. You’ll also join a diverse cohort of travelers from all backgrounds, from retirees to families and solo travelers. Browse our California tour packages today to find a learning adventure that speaks to you.

Join California Travel Tours With Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, our California tours are some of our favorites in North America, and for good reason. No matter which California excursion you choose, you will be enamored by this state’s natural beauty. From the stunning coastal waters to California’s national parks like the Channel Islands, Yosemite, and Death Valley, there’s a lot this state has to offer. Each of our California travel tours is led by local experts who will dive into each destination’s history, geography, and culture, leaving you with a plethora of knowledge and lifelong memories.