When planning a vacation, it’s easy to get caught up in booking flights, choosing accommodations, and creating a jam-packed itinerary filled with popular tourist attractions. But if you really want to enhance your travel experience and create lasting memories, consider adding a tour to your vacation itinerary. Tours offer a unique perspective, insider knowledge, and the opportunity to uncover hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed.Â
ExperienceFirst takes pride in its ever-growing collection of over 46,000 5-star reviews and continues to expand its range of tours regularly. They offer more than 100 tours suitable for friend groups, family outings, solo adventurers, and beyond. Here are a few of our favorites:
New York City Tours
New York City, often hailed as “the greatest city in the world,” is a destination like no other. With iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the vibrant diversity of neighborhoods like Chinatown, exploring this city with a knowledgeable local is an experience not to be missed. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour is a cultural activity that consistently ranks among the world’s finest. This exclusive Wall Street tour is led by actual Wall Street insiders, providing unparalleled insights into this renowned financial hub.
Join an actor for a Broadway tour and discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of this legendary theater district. Indulge in the Lower East Side and Essex Market Multicultural Food Tour, a culinary adventure that celebrates the diverse flavors of the city. Immerse yourself in the vibrant neighborhoods of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. Experience the best of NYC in a day with a comprehensive walking tour that covers the city’s iconic sights. For those seeking a thrilling and eerie adventure, a Lower Manhattan Ghost Tour reveals the area’s haunted history.
Los Angeles Tours
Experience the best of Los Angeles with ExperienceFirst! Whether you’re captivated by the glamour of Hollywood or the awe-inspiring stars at Griffith Observatory, you’re sure to make memories that last a lifetime. These tours offer a range of options, from a comprehensive day tour of the city’s highlights to delving into Downtown LA’s vibrant food and culture or even embarking on a hike through one of the largest urban parks in the country.
Start with a hike to the Hollywood sign – no other tour gets you closer. Be on the lookout for a few celebrities en route. Big stars love to get their steps in at Griffith Park! After working up an appetite, join the Downtown LA Food Tour. Discover exceptional food halls at two renowned locations: the Spring Arcade Building and Grand Central Market.
Oenophiles will love the Malibu Private Wineries Tour, where they can indulge in 4 estate-grown wines paired with meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, crostini, and fresh bread at Cielo. Anyone eager to explore LA’s dark underbelly will appreciate the Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour. For a little culture, register for The Getty Center to Griffith Observatory Guided Tour. You’ll get an insider’s perspective on a few of LA’s most scenic landscapes.
San Francisco Tours
When it comes to a guided tour of San Francisco, the possibilities are virtually limitless. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, delving into the vibrant communities of Little Italy and Chinatown, or savoring the authentic flavors of the Mission District, you can rest assured that a knowledgeable local guide will be there to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Start with the Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour With Alcatraz Ticket, featuring the very best of the scenic waterfront and the infamous prison. Heat your heart out with the Mission District Food and Culture Tour, or bask in the beauty of the famous Painted Ladies. For those seeking thrills and chills, give the Haunted Haight-Ashbury True Crime Walking Tour a try. San Francisco is known as a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community – why not learn a little more about the historic Castro District while you’re visiting?
San Antonio Tours
Immerse yourself in the rich history of downtown San Antonio – it’s easy with a tour guide leading the way. Discover the storied past of this vibrant city while indulging in the renowned Tex-Mex flavors that the Alamo City is famous for. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, expert guides ensure that you don’t miss a single detail. Prepare to be enchanted by the fusion of history and culinary delights as you explore the heart and soul of San Antonio.
Kick off your visit with a Historic Downtown San Antonio Food and Culture Tour. You’ll indulge in delicious flavors while learning about the city’s rich history. Continue your culinary adventure with a San Antonio Market Square Tex-Mex Food and Shopping Tour, where you’ll learn about the birthplace of Tex-Mex cuisine. Finish out your trip with the Pearl District Food and History Tour, but don’t be surprised if you fall in love and find your way back soon!Â
Dallas Tours
Discover the captivating art and architecture of downtown Dallas or indulge in the mouthwatering barbecue that has made the city renowned. Dallas offers a wealth of attractions, from the historical significance of JFK to the contemporary allure of the Joule, and the most immersive way to experience it all is with the guidance of a knowledgeable local.
Start with the JFK Assassination Tour, an immersive journey into the history and truth surrounding the tragic event that took place right where President Kennedy was assassinated. Embark on the Dallas Food and Culture Tour, where you’ll savor generous portions of flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine in the vibrant West End, complemented by a captivating side of local history.
Join the Happy Hour West Village Food Tour, an exuberant culinary experience that is said to be the happiest food tour in Dallas. Then try the Fort Worth Sundance Square Food, History, and Architecture Tour, an immersive journey that takes you on a flavor-filled exploration of Historic Fort Worth restaurants and the rich heritage of the Old West. Short on time?
If you’ve only got time for one tour, make it the Dallas Highlights Tour. This captivating journey showcases the absolute finest attractions of Dallas, from the bustling downtown area to the vibrant arts district.
Austin Tours
Delve into the culinary scene of Austin, feasting on a wild and zesty picadillo roll that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Discover the fascinating stories and hidden gems that shape the history of ATX, gaining insights into the city’s rich heritage from your expert guide. And immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of downtown Austin, where art, music, and culture converge to create a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Boston Tours
With its storied past and iconic landmarks, Boston offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and intrigue. As you explore the winding streets and historic neighborhoods, knowledgeable guides on the Haunted Boston Walking Tour will regale you with fascinating tales, uncovering hidden secrets and sharing lesser-known stories that bring the city’s history to life.
Chicago Tours
Chicago is a city that boasts a captivating past and a bustling present. With expert guides from ExperienceFirst, you’ll unravel the stories that shaped the city, from the Great Chicago Fire to the rise of the skyscraper-filled skyline. Wonder at architectural marvels such as the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the magnificent Tribune Tower, and the famous Wrigley Building.
But Chicago is not just about its architecture. It’s a city with a vibrant history – delve into the intriguing tales and secrets of Chicago’s underworld, immersing yourself in the stories of notorious mobsters and the criminal past that once dominated the city. From the Prohibition era to the notorious gangsters who shaped Chicago’s reputation, the tour offers a glimpse into the city’s shadowy past.
Enhance Your Vacation With A Tour
Whether it’s a historical walking tour, a culinary adventure, or an off-the-beaten-path exploration, adding a tour to your vacation plans can transform your trip into an unforgettable adventure.Â
This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chelsea DeAngio is a freelance writer based in Greensboro, NC. Inspired by a rootless childhood as a Navy brat, she enjoys traveling every chance she gets. Pop culture often drives her trips. Whether channeling her inner Lady Mary at Highclere Castle in the UK or noshing on nachos at Showgirls filming locations in Vegas, Chelsea is always in search of a little silver screen glitz.