Explore 23 UCPlaces digital self-guided tours in California

Welcome to the ultimate self-guided driving tour of Santa Monica, designed for both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts! Get ready for a seamless journey through the city's most beloved landmarks and hidden gems. This meticulously planned itinerary ensures you experience the best of Santa Monica without the hassle of backtracking, allowing you to soak in the sun-drenched beauty and vibrant culture at your own pace. Your adventure begins at the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, an iconic symbol of Southern California with its historic carousel and Pacific Park. From there, you'll discover the serene beauty of Tongva Park, offering stunning ocean vistas, before cruising along the scenic bluffs of Palisades Park, home to the historic Camera Obscura. Dive into the bustling energy of the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian paradise for shopping and street performers, then explore the upscale offerings of Santa Monica Place. The tour then takes you to the architectural grandeur of Santa Monica City Hall, a testament to the city's rich history, followed by a drive down the charming Main Street, known for its unique boutiques and eateries. Reconnect with the beach vibe at the historic Original Muscle Beach, a nod to the area's fitness legacy. Continue your coastal exploration to the elegant Annenberg Community Beach House, a public oasis with a storied past. Finally, ascend to the chic Montana Avenue Shopping District, where high-end boutiques and cafes offer a taste of local luxury. This tour is packed with Instagrammable spots and must-see attractions, promising a memorable and engaging exploration of Santa Monica's diverse charm.

Welcome to Sonoma, a place where California’s history, wine culture, and natural beauty come together in one unforgettable valley. As we begin this tour, you’ll start to see why Sonoma has captivated travelers for generations. Rolling vineyards stretch toward the horizon, heritage estates preserve stories of early California, and small-town charm fills the plaza and surrounding neighborhoods. From the footsteps of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo to the region’s pioneering wineries, every turn here reveals another layer of culture, craftsmanship, and scenic wonder. Along the way, we’ll explore historic missions, family-run vineyards, art spaces, gourmet stops, and peaceful trails that show off the quieter side of Wine Country. Whether you're here for the wine, the landscapes, the history, or the simple joy of wandering, Sonoma offers a warm welcome and an easy pace. So settle in, take a deep breath, and let the valley unfold around you—Sonoma has a way of making every visitor feel at home.

Welcome to Santa Rosa, the dynamic heart of Sonoma County and one of Northern California’s most inviting small cities. Today’s tour will guide you through the landscapes, neighborhoods, and landmarks that define this community — a place shaped by creativity, agriculture, and a deep connection to the natural world. Santa Rosa blends a lively urban core with quiet parks, historic districts, and pockets of wild beauty that stretch right into the hills. It’s a city of artists and innovators, from Charles M. Schulz sketching Snoopy at his favorite ice rink to horticultural pioneer Luther Burbank cultivating plants that would one day circle the globe. As we make our way through its museums, gardens, and historic squares, you’ll see how Santa Rosa’s character has been forged over generations — resilient in the face of earthquakes and fires, proud of its agricultural roots, and continually reinventing itself as a cultural and recreational hub. Whether you’re exploring tranquil lakeside paths, strolling streets where early settlers once traded goods, or passing the vineyards that now define the region, Santa Rosa offers a sense of place that is both grounded and welcoming. And while our journey begins firmly here in the city, it will eventually carry us down the Sonoma Highway and into Sonoma Valley — where rolling hills and endless vineyards await. But for now, settle in as we discover the many layers of Santa Rosa, one stop at a time.

Welcome to San Francisco, a city that’s as iconic as it is unpredictable — where every hill hides a story, every neighborhood has its own rhythm, and every view seems ready for a postcard. We’ll begin our journey at the Bay Bridge, the grand eastern gateway into the city, and wind our way through the places that have made San Francisco famous around the world — from the Ferry Building and the Embarcadero to the gleaming Transamerica Pyramid in the Financial District. We’ll pass under the colorful Dragon Gate into Chinatown, one of the oldest and most vibrant in America, before rolling into North Beach, home to Italian cafés, Washington Square Park, and the twin spires of Saints Peter and Paul Church. From there, we’ll climb toward Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill for sweeping skyline views, then head down to the waterfront for a taste of classic San Francisco — Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the clang of the Hyde Street Cable Car. We’ll swing by Ghirardelli Square and Lombard Street, the “crookedest street in the world,” before heading west to explore the city’s grander spaces — the Palace of Fine Arts, the charming Walt Disney Family Museum, and the tree-lined streets near the University of San Francisco and The Panhandle. Then it’s up to Twin Peaks for one of the best panoramas you’ll find anywhere — followed by a scenic drive through Golden Gate Park, a green oasis that stretches nearly to the Pacific. Finally, we’ll make our way through the Presidio, where the city’s history meets nature, and end our tour at the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge — and the North Vista Point, where San Francisco unfolds beneath you like a dream. So buckle up, enjoy the ride, and get ready to experience The City by the Bay — from the bridges to the hills, the fog to the sunshine, and all the magic in between.

Today’s drive takes you from the pine-covered mountains of Flagstaff through the vast, sun-baked high desert and into the historic heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire — San Bernardino. Along the way, you’ll trace the original Mother Road’s winding path, experiencing iconic Route 66 sights, quirky roadside attractions, and a dramatic shift in landscape. From the awe-inspiring views of the Mogollon Rim to the remnants of classic motels and neon signs in Kingman, you’ll feel the pulse of Route 66’s golden era. Pass through small towns that tell stories of early American travel, mining booms, and westward dreams. As you descend from the desert’s vast openness toward the bustling urban sprawl, keep an eye out for classic diners, vintage gas stations, and the unmistakable charm that makes this stretch one of the most celebrated on the entire route. By the time you arrive in San Bernardino, the official birthplace of Route 66, you’ll have journeyed through a tapestry of history, culture, and landscape — all tied together by the enduring spirit of the Mother Road.

Welcome to your UCPlaces driving tour of Los Angeles, where the sun shines bright, the palm trees sway, and every stop has a story to tell! We’re starting things off at the laid-back, colorful shores of Venice Beach, where street performers, skaters, and swan boats set the tone for this uniquely L.A. adventure. From there, we’ll cruise through legendary neighborhoods, explore world-famous landmarks, and soak up the city's one-of-a-kind blend of glamor, culture, and California cool. Along the way, we’ll stop by hotspots like Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the dazzling Sunset Strip, with plenty of surprises and fun facts sprinkled in. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local looking for a fresh perspective, this tour is your VIP pass to some of the best sights—and stories—that Los Angeles has to offer. Our journey will end high above the city at the stunning Griffith Observatory, where you can take in sweeping views of L.A. and the stars above. So buckle up, roll down the windows, and let’s hit the road—Los Angeles is waiting!

Welcome to Joshua Tree National Park! Get ready to explore one of nature’s most mesmerizing playgrounds! Located where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderland of rugged landscapes, otherworldly rock formations, and the iconic Joshua trees that stretch their arms skyward in greeting. Whether you're here for a day, a weekend, or longer, Joshua Tree offers something magical for everyone. Wander through lush oases where the water flows quietly beneath the desert sun. Hike trails that wind between surreal, weather-sculpted boulders and spiny forests of cholla cacti. And when the sun dips below the horizon, get ready to experience a night sky so full of stars, you'll feel like you've stepped into a cosmic dream. This park is more than just a collection of scenic vistas - it’s a place that calls to your sense of adventure. Climb high on rocky outcroppings, discover the whispers of history in abandoned mines, or simply sit back and watch the desert’s endless horizons shift and change with the light. From sunrise at Keys View, where you can spot the sprawling Coachella Valley, to an enchanting walk under the glow of the moon at Arch Rock, every corner of Joshua Tree promises a story and a memory. So lace up your hiking boots, pack plenty of water, and let the magic of this desert wonderland captivate your heart. Let’s explore Joshua Tree National Park—you’ll leave with sand in your shoes and stars in your soul!

Sequoia National Park, located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is a breathtaking natural treasure celebrated for its awe-inspiring landscapes and iconic giant sequoia trees. Established in 1890 as the second national park in the United States, it spans over 400,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, from low-elevation foothills to high alpine peaks. The park's most famous attraction is the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume, standing majestically in the Giant Forest among thousands of other sequoias. Visitors can explore a range of attractions, including cascading waterfalls, deep canyons, vast wilderness areas, and the rugged granite peaks of the Great Western Divide. Adventurers are drawn to the park's network of trails, including those leading to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Sequoia National Park is also renowned for its biodiversity, offering sanctuary to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and numerous bird species. Coupled with neighboring Kings Canyon National Park, the area provides endless opportunities for exploration, stargazing, and connecting with the serenity of nature. Whether you're hiking, camping, or driving and simply taking in the beauty of these ancient giants, Sequoia National Park promises an unforgettable experience.

Explore sunny San Diego with Historic America and UC Places. The Embarcadero or “landing place” invites guests to explore the rich maritime history and culture of Southern California. Highlights on this walking tour include Seaport Village, Tuna Harbor and the Maritime Museum. Meet me in front of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, at the intersection of West Harbor Drive and Kettner Blvd. See you there!

Welcome to Yosemite National Park, an awe-inspiring natural wonderland bursting with adventure, beauty, and jaw-dropping scenery! Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or just someone who wants to soak in some epic views, Yosemite has something for everyone. At the heart of it all is Yosemite Valley—a dramatic masterpiece carved by glaciers, where towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome rise high above, and waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall cascade into the valley below. Yosemite Valley is nature's ultimate playground, offering endless opportunities for exploration, from scenic drives and easy walks to adrenaline-pumping hikes and rock climbing. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of the most iconic national parks in the world!