Top California Classes & Workshops

Learn to surf at one of California’s most famous spots during this introductory surfing class at Venice Beach. This class is suitable for all levels, whether it's your first time surfing or you are advancing your skills. Spend some time training on the beach, then hop in the Pacific Ocean for instruction in the water, followed by time for practice.

Try the world's first off-road electric hoverboard and ride like a pro! With a top speed of 19mph and the ability to ride on grass, trails, sand, and of course pavement you'll be having a blast in no time. Riding the Onewheel is easy to learn, even for people with no previous board sport experience with proper instruction (lesson included). I will be providing instruction, helmets, safety gear (knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards). Electric scooters are available for those who prefer not to try the Onewheel. Enjoy a beautiful ride along the San Diego Waterfront from Liberty Station Park to Embarcadero. Pictures and videos of your adventure included!

Get your adrenaline pumping and spend some time climbing the area’s rockfaces on a rock climbing tour in Mammoth Lakes. With a private guide, head to an area that is suitable for your skill level and gear up for your adventure. Spend the next few hours tackling the terrain, with help from your guide, for a challenging but exciting excursion.

There’s hardly a better place to learn to surf than the Southern California locale of Santa Barbara, which offers fantastic weather year-round. During this 1.5-hour lesson, an expert instructor shows you how to stand up on your surfboard and balance, offering tips on how to catch the perfect wave while ensuring your safety in the water. Wetsuit and surfboard rental are included, and all skill levels are welcome.

Suitable for all ages and experience levels, this private surfing lesson in Newport Beach will teach you how to ride the waves. Surfboards and wetsuits are included, so you can simply show up and hit the water. Get a hands-on lesson from a professional instructor. Private tutorials can be adapted to all skill levels.

During this out-of-the-box, self-guided audio tour, you'll explore the colorful, picturesque district of Haight-Ashbury from a synesthetic perspective, adding color to music and flavor to words. Learn about the bohemian neighborhood's role in San Francisco's "Summer of Love" as you walk at your own pace, with audio commentary timed to your location using GPS.

It’s difficult to appreciate the beauty of Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards from between the vines—it’s much easier from the skies. Starting just after sunrise, step into your hot-air balloon to watch the valley come alive, floating up to 2,000 feet in the air. Enjoy coffee before and sparkling wine after, celebrating your silent journey gliding along the California horizon.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this half-day whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise. Get tips for great photo ops and learn all about the mighty creatures at one of California's most famous whale-watching destinations.

Ghirardelli Square is on the north-central tip of San Francisco near Fort Mason, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Marina District. Rather than taking a guided tour of these attractions, explore the area (or farther afield) at your own pace with this full-day bike rental from the square. Travelers receive a color-coded map for easy exploration and can rent e-bikes, tandems, and kids’ bikes.

Discover San Francisco on your own schedule with a 1-day electric bike rental. Hop on a regular bike or an electric bike, for an easier ride, and pedal past all of the sites on the top of your list. Visit the crooked path of Lombard Street, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge and more. This self-guided trip gives you the opportunity to create your own itinerary as you explore the beloved City by the Bay.

Get to know Lake Tahoe while keeping your eyes on the road and the magnificent scenery with a self-guided audio tour designed for listening in your own car. Many of Tahoe's natural and historic treasures are tucked away, but this downloadable smartphone app will take you to must-see locations and hidden gems. Start and stop the tour whenever you like, and explore Tahoe at your own pace.

Explore stunning San Francisco by bike with pre-booked bicycle rentals. Choose from two-hour, half-day, and full-day options, and pick up your bicycle right in the center of the city. Maps are included, plus a basket, helmet, and bike lock, leaving you free to get down and explore.

Hop on a ‘70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman’s Wharf, this 2-hour sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to ‘60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

Group tours that involve exercise can either go way too slow or end up leaving you in the dust. Don’t settle to explore a new area uncomfortably. Instead, prebook this Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Bike Tour of North Shore, and ride at your own pace. Pedal along bike paths away from heavy car traffic, and see stunningly beautiful areas like San Harbor, Hidden Beach, Memorial Beach, and Kings Beach.

Travel to Southern California’s Catalina Island by boat with this round-trip ferry service from Long Beach or San Pedro on the 'Catalina Express.' Enjoy views of the Pacific during the journey, and then spend the day exploring Catalina at your leisure. The ferry drops you in the town of Avalon, the main town on the island, home to shops, restaurants, hotels, activities and more. Select your departure point—Long Beach or San Pedro—when booking. This is a ticket purchase only, not a reservation for travel. To allow guests the flexibility of choosing their own travel time, guests must call in advance to reserve seats on a specific departure and return boat. You may return on the same day or stay overnight. We advise calling to make your reservations as soon as possible as boats often sell out.

Experience one of San Francisco’s most popular activities—biking across the Golden Gate Bridge—with this bike rental from the Marina District, conveniently located near Crissy Field and the route to the bridge. A bike, map, helmet and lock are provided with this rental, plus you’ll receive tips on the best ways to bike to the bridge and around the city. On the other side of the bridge, you can explore the waterfront town of Sausalito before returning to the city. Rental period is 24 hours.

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.

Slip behind the wheel of a supercar—and discover some of Hollywood's iconic landmarks as you go—on this private Ferrari tour. Pick from multiple start times, from morning to evening, and choose whether you want to drive, split the driving with someone else, or ride as a passenger. Whichever you pick, you can cruise along Hollywood Boulevard, stop to pose in front of the Hollywood Sign, and more.

Learn the rock-climbing basics against the one-of-a-kind backdrop of Joshua Tree National Park's otherworldly scenery: this small-group, beginner-friendly tour makes climbing accessible. In the morning, make your own way to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, meet your guide, and get ready to explore. You'll get acquainted with the park's famed climbing options when you attempt to scale a granite rock face. First-hand guidance, support, and equipment are all provided.

If you've always wanted to learn how to surf—or you're an amateur looking to bolster your skills—there's no better place to hit the waves than Santa Barbara, one of the top surf towns in California. With this group surf lesson, expect to hit the waves and improve your skills, regardless of experience level. Beginners can cover the basics, like paddling and catching a wave, while more confident surfers can review advanced skills, like cutbacks and floaters.

Grab a group of friends for a day of wine-tasting fun in the Santa Ynez Valley. It's an all-inclusive tour and you can sample a wide range of locally produced wines without worrying about who's going to drive home after. Visit three wineries where you'll learn more about the wine-making process, see the vineyards, and enjoy a picnic lunch at one.

Immerse yourself in the SoCal lifestyle—and learn the basics of surfing in an accessible, hands-on way—with private surfing lessons. Choose from multiple convenient class times, and meet your instructor right on the legendary Venice Beach. With personalized guidance, you’ll learn the basics on the beach before grabbing your board and trying out your skills in the waves.

Get wet while learning to surf in Santa Cruz, a picturesque coastal California town popular with surfers. Your 3-hour lesson starts with the basics of how to paddle out, pop up, balance, and catch a wave, along with surfing etiquette and understanding the ocean. Your instructor has you practice on the beach before accompanying you into a spot with small waves that are ideal for beginners. Includes all necessary equipment and instruction.

If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your go-tos, this Carmel-by-the-Sea Macaron Baking Class with a Mater Chef is a great choice. Not only will you learn how to make these French delights from scratch, you’ll also get tips to make things easier as you go from a master chef featured on the Cooking Channel. This hands-on baking class is fun for groups and for solo enthusiasts.