Our most recommended things to do in Sierra Nevada, California

South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

1. South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

Embark on a sightseeing cruise starting in South Lake Tahoe either at sunset or during the day. Take in the scenic beauty while cruising 11 kilometers across the lake to Emerald Bay, one of the top ten most photographed places in the world. Savor snacks and drinks as you sail. See the majestic mountains of South Lake Tahoe while onboard the world-class Tahoe Bleu Wave yacht. As you cruise, you will find indoor and outdoor seating with 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, the snow-capped mountains, Fannette Island, Vikingsholm Castle, Eagle Waterfall, and the Rubicon. Navigate the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe while hearing your captain's narration about this lake. You may even get the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as the bald eagle, black bears, and wild geese. If you've chosen the sunset option, relax and watch the sun dip low below the sky.

Lake Tahoe: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks

2. Lake Tahoe: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks

Experience Lake Tahoe at sunset on a relaxing boat trip with a variety of drinks and snacks included. Sit back and relax aboard a spacious boat with indoor space and restrooms. Take in views of Emerald Bay and watch the sunset from a unique setting on the water. Climb aboard the boat and be greeted by your crew. Navigate aboard a classic 1966 yacht that has been all around the world. Cruise across the pristine Lake Tahoe while enjoying snacks, soda, juice, and water. Additionally, enjoy one beer, a glass of wine, or a glass of champagne. Take advantage of the boat's amenities, including a fireplace, private lounge, stateroom, fly-bridge, large party bow, restrooms, and climate-controlled indoor facilities.

San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike

3. San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike

Experience both the Yosemite Valley and the Giant Sequoia Walk on this day tour. See why artists and poets have been inspired for generations by the breathtaking sceneries at the national park. Since 1890, the beautiful Yosemite National Park has been the jewel of America's National Parks, possessing some of the best-known landmarks in the world, such as the tallest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls. Have 5 hours to explore the stunning national park, and take in the majestic natural wonders, accompanied by a complimentary audio-guided tour. See the spectacular Half Dome and El Capitan, two of the most frequently climbed cliffs in the world. It is also home to several groves of stunning Giant Sequoia trees, the largest trees on earth. The Giant Sequoia Walk is along 1 mile (1.5 km) of paved trail with a 400 ft (120 m) incline, snow depth permitting. Marvel at these giant trees — the largest in the world. In winter, when conditions on the Tuolumne Sequoias Grove trail are snow-covered or unsafe, we substitute this experience with other attractions. On a group tour, view stunning panoramas, go on walks, and even hike a little, before returning to San Francisco. Or if you prefer, upgrade to a private tour for your group only.

Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise

4. Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise

Step aboard the vintage Golden Rose, a 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi, with Lake Tahoe's premier wine tasting tour company, operating out of South Lake Tahoe, California. Sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of the lake while sipping on exquisite wines hand chosen for your enjoyment on Lake Tahoe's only wine boat tour of the lake on this one-of-a-kind sunset cruise. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe during a small group tour, while tasting Northern California's great wines, or customize your own booking to celebrate that special moment in your life. Operating May - October with up to 4 cruises a day and 7 days a week during our busy season. Tours will be aboard the beautiful "Golden Rose," a one-of-a-kind 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi and will begin at the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe, California circling Emerald Bay, cruising around Fannette Island and viewing the historic Vikingsholm castle all from the boat. Throughout the tour, sampl3 8 wines from various wine regions, heavily focused on Northern California wines. You'll have the opportunity to purchase bottles of your favorite wines at the end of the tour to enjoy during the rest of their stay in Lake Tahoe or to take home to add to your collection. If you're not looking for a full bottle, wine by the glass is also offered. Water and soda are also available and complimentary to all guests. If someone in your party prefers beer, this can be accommodated if requested in advance. Charcuterie platters in various sizes are also available to enjoy onboard. These can be added to any wine cruise booking, pre-ordered in advance with a 48-hour notice and delivered right to the boat. The charcuterie board includes cheese, salami, fresh and dried fruit, crackers etc. Special catering menus are available for private charters. As always, you're still welcome to bring your own snacks on the boat, if you prefer.

Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour

5. Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour

Step aboard the vintage Golden Rose, a 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi, with Lake Tahoe's premier wine tasting tour company, operating out of South Lake Tahoe, California. Sit back, relax and take in the beauty of the lake while sipping on exquisite wines hand chosen for your enjoyment on Lake Tahoe's only wine boat tour of the lake. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe during one of our 2-hour, small group, semi-private tours, while tasting Northern California's great wines, or customize your own booking to celebrate that special moment in your life! Operating May - October with up to 4 cruises a day and 7 days a week during our busy season. Tours will be aboard the beautiful "Golden Rose," a one-of-a-kind 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi and will begin at the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe, California circling Emerald Bay, cruising around Fannette Island and viewing the historic Vikingsholm castle all from the boat. Throughout the tour, we will be sampling 8 wines from various wine regions, heavily focused on Northern California wines. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase bottles of their favorite wines at the end of the tour to enjoy during the rest of their stay in Lake Tahoe or to take home to add to their collection. If you're not looking for a full bottle, we also offer wine by the glass as well. Water and soda are also available and complimentary to all of our guests. If someone in your party prefers beer, we can accommodate your guest if requested in advance. Please contact us for any special requests. FOOD OPTIONS: Stop by the Pirate's Chest Tahoe located at the Tahoe Keys Marina for grab-and-go items like sandwiches, cheese, dips, chips, salami, pasta salads and pre-made charcuterie to take with you on your wine tasting cruise! You'll find vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options as well. Just look for the life-size pirates and flags outside the store. As always, you're still welcome to bring your own snacks on the boat, if you prefer.

South Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Emerald Bay Boat Tour with Captain

6. South Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Emerald Bay Boat Tour with Captain

Come aboard your ultimate Lake Tahoe boating experience on our spacious Powerboat for a private tour of Lake Tahoe. Your experienced Captain will customize your excursion for you to enjoy sightseeing, water sports, swimming, and lounging with friends and family on the boat while you hear amazing tales and history of Lake Tahoe. With 17 years in business, you can trust our local, experienced team to show you the best in boating on Lake Tahoe!

Yosemite Valley 3-Day Camping Adventure

7. Yosemite Valley 3-Day Camping Adventure

Spend 2 nights camping in the world famous Yosemite Valley outside of San Francisco. You will travel in an eco-friendly biofueled vehicle, and all camping gear is provided to lighten your load. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag and enthusiasm for the Californian wilderness. Don't worry if you've never camped before. The camping and cooking equipment is provided, using quality tents. Everybody is expected to participate in the set-up and break-down of camp, and a professional guide will be there to ensure a positive camping experience. You will camp at comfortable campsites that have hot showers and modern facilities. Swimming is available nearby. Food is also provided, but there will be no chefs! You will get the chance to cook over campfires, and you will also be the waiters, dishwashers, and of course the guests! The fare is all-you-can-eat and very tasty, and is a mixture of chicken, beef, and vegetarian. Day 1: On the morning of your first day camping, your guide will meet you downtown at the corner of Mason and O'Farrell Streets in front of the Hilton Hotel at 08:15. Once out of San Francisco, cross the Central Valley and head through gold country on your way to the mountains. Before reaching Yosemite Valley, hike down for a picnic among the giant sequoia trees, the largest living things on Earth. Meals on the first day are not included in the tour price, but you will have an opportunity to get food en route to the park. Depending upon group interest and logistics, you may visit any of the 3 sequoia groves. The hike through the giant sequoias is pleasantly shaded and brings you right up close to these massive wooden monuments, some of which are more than 1,000 years old and measure up to 30-feet wide and 300-feet tall. Continue into the park on a 90-minute guided tour, and descend into Yosemite Valley, the most famous and photographed part of Yosemite, thanks to the work of photographer Ansel Adams. While in the Yosemite Valley, your guide will give you an orientation to the park, as well as an explanation of the itinerary and options for the next 2 days. After some free time in Yosemite Valley, head for the campsite to set up camp, ending the day with drinks around the campfire as you decide what to do with your next 2 days in the park. Day 2: Rise early and prepare breakfast and lunch, clean up camp, and head off in the van for a fun day full of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring. Usually the second day is reserved for exploring Yosemite's High Country. A group hike to May Lake and Mount Hoffman is generally the highlight of the day, depending upon snowpack. May Lake is a picturesque example of a High Sierra lake. If you want more of a challenge, you can continue past May Lake to Mount Hoffman. Located at the geographic center of the park, Mount Hoffman is a non-technical hike that rewards you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain landscape. At the end of the day, head back to camp for dinner and time to unwind by the campfire. Day 3: Day 3 is a free day, where the itinerary is based on the interests of the group. Normally the tour heads back into Yosemite Valley, where you can choose one of a number of great hikes, rent a bike, or relax in the shade by the emerald green Merced River. After a full day in the park, head back to San Francisco, arriving around 21:00. In May, June, and early July, you have the option of joining a whitewater rafting trip on the Merced River, depending on snowpack. This Class III-IV adventure can be added to your Yosemite Escape adventure for only $140-$160.

Sequoia: Kings Canyon Self-Driving Audio Guide

8. Sequoia: Kings Canyon Self-Driving Audio Guide

Make the most of your time with an app that functions as a guide, audio tour, and a map. Benefit from the flexibility of going at your own pace through the natural beauty of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and see sights like the General Sherman tree. Follow a guided route and immerse yourself in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Learn about local history on the way as you never get lost on your journey. Drive through the Four Guardsmen giant sequoias which stand on guard on either side of the road. Encounter sights like the Marble Falls Trail, Amphitheater Point, and Generals Highway Lookout. Marvel at the 300-foot dome of Moro Rock, or take a picnic of Halstead Meadow. Make the journey when you please, with no need to change your booking if your travel plans change. Experience local history and never get lost on your drive. Embark on a tour developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists.

From San Francisco: Yosemite Tour with Giant Sequoias Hike

9. 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.

Lake Tahoe: East Shore Trail Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour

10. Lake Tahoe: East Shore Trail Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour

Enjoy Lake Tahoe’s most scenic and enchanting coastal trail on a self-guided e-bike tour. See and feel Lake Tahoe differently as you soak up the breathtaking views and mountain vistas while cycling along Sapphire Jewel’s most famous shoreline path. You'll ride along separate bike paths the whole way, so you can relax without worrying about traffic. Cycle from Incline Village to Sand Harbor at your own pace. Ride past luxurious homes along Billionaire's Row and even feel free to stop at Tunnel Creek Café for a bite to eat. Continue on and enjoy numerous stops at beautiful beaches, stunning viewpoints, and coastal photo settings. Journey over bridges and along the shoreline to reach Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful state park.

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What people are saying about Sierra Nevada, California

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,055 reviews

This tour was excellent. The views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area were amazing, and we caught a beautiful sunset. The captain was very friendly & informative, and the beverage service was a nice plus. Will definitely do this tour again if/when I return to Lake Tahoe

Great tour, Roman was our guide and he did a fantastic job. The tour was just like it was described. Unfortunately due to weather conditions we could not go to the Sequoias, but still lots to do, and some large trees.

It was just amazing . The best part of our awesome US trip. Yosemite is out of the world and the guide in the tour was beyond excellent. A must see

The travel is a little bit long but it is completely recommendable to another person. Yosemite is one of the best places to visit in the USA.

I had a great trip. No words can describe how wonderful. Really love itttt