Aug 3, 2021
Updated: Dec 16, 2021
A top 5 list of the best underground tours in California...get your flashlights and explore what's underneath the ground we walk on.
(photo cred: Historic Old Sac)
1. Old Sacramento Underground Tours
"Hidden beneath the city for nearly 150 years, Old Sacramento’s underground has long been the capital’s best-kept secret. Uncover the facts behind the legends that lie below our buildings and sidewalks. Explore excavated foundations and enclosed pathways while your tour guide recounts the tales of devastation."
When: April - October
Where: Sacramento
Cost: $15 adults ($10 youth)
(photo cred: Dave Bunnell)
2. Black Chasm Cavern
A National Natural Landmark since 1976, visitors to the cave will see a wide variety of formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flow-stones and rare helictite crystals, for which Black Chasm Cavern is famous.
When: Tours run year round
Where: Amador County
Cost: Varies depending on type of tour chosen
(Photo Cred: Underground Gardens)
3. Forestiere Underground Gardens
The Gardens, created by Sicilian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere (1879-1946), are a subterranean complex of patios, grottos, and garden courts interconnecting with passageways that encircle the living quarters." Forestiere Underground Gardens was included in CNN Travel's 10 of the world's coolest underground wonders.
When: March - November
Where: Fresno
Cost: $15 adults, $13 seniors, $7 kids
Forestiere Underground Gardens
(photo cred: Brian Rueb/Del Dotto Facebook)
4. Del Dotto Family St. Helena Venetian Estate Winery & Cave
"In 2007, the Del Dotto family saw the culmination of a 15-year-long dream in the completion of their new Venetian Estate Winery and Caves. Built in honor of the family’s roots, traced back to 1150 Venice, the caves are lined with Italian marble and ancient tiles depicting the history of wine."
When: Year round
Where: St. Helena
Cost: $60 (includes wine tasting)
St. Helena Venetian Estate Winery & Cave
5. Self Guided Cave Tours
Check out the link to see a listing of self guided cave tours.
California Cave Tours