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Sierra Nevada, California
Family-friendly activities

Family-friendly activities
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Top activities in Sierra Nevada, California

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Our most recommended Sierra Nevada, California Family-friendly activities

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.

San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike

2. 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: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks

3. 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.

From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup

4. From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup

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: Day Trip to Yosemite National Park

5. From San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite National Park

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.

San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite with Giant Sequoias Hike

6. San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite with Giant Sequoias Hike

Spend an active, fun-filled day learning why Yosemite is one of America’s most popular national parks. Hike through the park with an experienced guide and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature on this tour. Start off by making your way east from San Francisco and heading across the Bay Bridge. Continue toward the Sierras and into the mountains. Learn about California’s rich history as you pass through some of the first settlements built during the Gold Rush. Arrive in Yosemite National Park for a 2.5-mile round-trip hike to see the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Be prepared for a strenuous hike, descending 400 feet into the grove, before turning around and trekking back up. Next, cruise into the famous Yosemite Valley to take in views of Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, and more. Capture breathtaking photos at Tunnel View and take in the eastern expanse of Yosemite Valley. Then, enjoy 1.5 hours of free time to explore on your own. You can meander down paved paths, hike around Yosemite Falls, engage further with the park’s history at the visitor’s center, or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery. In the late afternoon, you’ll depart for San Francisco, stopping for a short break before arriving back in the city. Arrive back at your hotel in the late evening to sleep off the day’s adventures.

From San Francisco: Yosemite National Park Guided Day Trip

7. From San Francisco: Yosemite National Park Guided Day Trip

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

Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour

8. Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! NOTE: This 88+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Lake Tahoe in 2-3 hours. Explore your way on this self-guided driving tour of Lake Tahoe. See the entire lake and all the best vistas, hikes, and swimming spots using an app that functions as a guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Enjoy a tour by local guides, creative writers, and professional voice artists. Begin your tour in Stateline on the southern shore. From there, take a clockwise loop around the lake. While driving, learn about the heated debate between California and Nevada over who technically owns the lake. Visit the summer home of a man who insisted people called his cabin the Vatican. Then, see a few more impressive homes along the shore, including some inspired by Viking longhouses. Next, visit Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe’s crown jewel. This bay offers stunning views of the water and the mountains beyond, as well as swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and any other water activities you could want. If you’re in the mood for a waterfall, stop by the Eagle Falls trailhead to see the only waterfall that flows into the lake. Hear the spooky tale of how Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette, is supposedly haunted. As you continue, learn about the Washoe tribe who lived here long before any European explorers put it on a map. Next up, see Meeks Bay, a perfect white sand beach to catch some sun. Get the scoop on a presidential visit to the lake, famous residents who occupy the houses along the shore, and learn about the lake’s origins. Pay a visit to Carnelian Bay, where boat racing used to be a big deal in the '30s and '40s. Then, say hello to Kings Beach on the north shore, a perfect picnic spot with views that will make you feel like a royal yourself. Pass by the Cal Neva Casino next, which straddles the border between California and Nevada and was once owned by Frank Sinatra. See more stunning estates along the way. Then, learn about some of the area’s wildlife. Visit the Secret Cove, a perfect spot for those looking for some secluded serenity. Nearing the end of the tour, visit a 300-foot-high vista point for perfect photo opportunities. Conclude your tour by Cave Rock, a remnant of the lake’s most ancient history.

South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise

9. South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise

Begin at South Lake Tahoe and embark on a 2-hour happy hour cruise. Experience a happy hour like no other on board the Tahoe Bleu Wave as it cruises on the gorgeous Lake Tahoe water. Enjoy your afternoon as you munch on delicious snacks and sip on signature drinks. Take in the scenic beauty across the lake to the pristine Emerald Bay, known as one of the top ten most photographed places in the world. Admire the mountains in the backdrop with 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Navigate the beautiful waters with your captain who will give a personal narration of the facts and figures of this lake. You’ll even get the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as the bald eagle, black bears, and wild geese.

Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour

10. 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.

Sierra Nevada, California

Sierra Nevada, California

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What people are saying about Sierra Nevada, California

We had a great time. The boat was comfortable and very clean. Captain Jason was friendly, knowledgeable and told great stories. We got to see much more of the lake than on the large boats. We highly recommend this way of touring Lake Tahoe.

What an excellent trip. Great boat and even better captain. Took us to all the sights, was super knowledgeable about the area and gave us plenty of time for pictures. Highly recommend

I booked this as part of my sister's bachelorette and we all had a wonderful time. We couldn't have asked for better weather, a nicer boat, or a sharper Captain. Highly recommended!

Absolutely perfect! Captain Jason was a complete pro and made our experience unforgettable! Sign up now worth every cent than some!

Captain J made our trip very interesting and a lot of fun!