Overview
See the best that California has to offer during this 3-day, 2-night West Coast tour, covering some of the Golden State’s top cities and outdoor areas. Start your trip in Los Angeles, snaking north by van or motor coach through California hotspots including Santa Barbara, Solvang, Yosemite National Park, Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Francisco. Enjoy a memorable opportunity to explore one postcard-worthy destination after the next. Your tour of the California coast also includes two nights of accommodations and a driver-guide.
Seasonal Itineraries
This tour is available in both Summer and Winter Itineraries. Please scroll down for the Winter Itinerary.
Summer Itinerary (Apr 1 - Oct 31)
Day 1: Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Route 1/17 Mile Drive - Carmel
Depart north up the spectacular California Coast to the first stop in Santa Barbara. Visit a Spanish Mission and learn how these religious outposts were key in the development of the entire region. Continue to Solvang, a quaint Danish community to browse in the local shops. Head north to the world-famous Route #1 where you’ll get to see the spectacular California coastline up close (small vehicles will travel the southern portion of route 1 while full size coaches will travel the 17-mile drive exclusively). After our visit, stop in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, home to the actor/director Clint Eastwood, before enjoying the coastal views heading toward San Francisco for the evening.
Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport
Day 2: San Francisco - Bay Cruise - Golden Gate Bridge - Chinatown
Today we understand why San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We start our tour at the San Francisco Civic Center Plaza before meandering to the world famous Lombard Street, continuing by enjoying the memorable Golden Gate Bridge. From there, enjoy a drive towards Sausalito (the Portofino of the bay) and seize the opportunity to take amazing pictures of San Francisco and its bridges. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf from where we will catch the cruise touring the world-famous bay. Next, return to the Pier for an afternoon tour that takes in various city landmarks, including Union square and Chinatown, and Russian Hill. Our day ends with a panoramic view of the city from the Bay Bridge as we make our way to the hotel for the evening.
Overnight: Modesto - Hotel
Day 3: San Francisco - Yosemite - Los Angeles
Summer Route: Head east through the farmlands of the Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National Park. This 1,200 square mile wonderland of forests, lakes and waterfalls is located in the Sierra Nevada. Stop at El Capitan and walk to Bridal-Veil Falls, with a final stop to enjoy the view of the valley, of one of the highest waterfalls in North America (730 meters) Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. After a beautiful day in the park, head back to Los Angeles in the evening.
Winter Itinerary (Nov 1 - Mar 31)
Day 1: Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - San Francisco
Depart north up the spectacular California Coast to the first stop in Santa Barbara. Discover the heart of downtown on main street and its little cafes before continuing to Santa Barbara beaches and Stearns wharf to "walk on the water" and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean. Finish the visit at the Santa Barbara’ Spanish Mission and learn how these religious outposts were key in the development of the entire region. From the mission we head to Solvang, "the Danish capital of America" a quaint Danish community at the heart of California. Enjoy the Danish-style architecture while browsing in the local shops and restaurants. After our lunch break, we head north through Silicon Valley to reach our hotel overnight.
Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport
Day 2: San Francisco - Bay Cruise - Golden Gate Bridge - Chinatown
Today we understand why San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We start our tour at the San Francisco Civic Center Plaza before meandering to the world famous Lombard Street, continuing by enjoying the memorable Golden Gate Bridge. From there, enjoy a drive towards Sausalito (the Portofino of the bay) and seize the opportunity to take amazing pictures of San Francisco and its bridges. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf from where we will catch the cruise touring the world-famous bay. Next, return to the Pier for an afternoon tour that takes in various city landmarks, including Union square and Chinatown, and Russian Hill. Our day ends with a panoramic view of the city from the Bay Bridge as we make our way to the hotel for the evening.
Overnight: Springhill Suites Oakland Airport
Day 3: San Francisco - Monterey - Los Angeles
Start the day with a visit to the towering old-growth redwood grove in the renowned 40-acre forest lining the San Lorenzo River. Here, you’ll explore the majestic Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Mid morning will find the group in Monterey to discover the wharf and Cannery Row. What was once a line of sardine factories along the wharf is now a picturesque haven for people to enjoy a leisurely day while exploring its rich history.
Next, we head south to the world-famous Route #1 where you’ll get to see the spectacular California coastline up close (small vehicles will travel the southern portion of route 1 while full size coaches will travel the 17 mile drive exclusively). Continue our tour of the beautiful California Coast with a visit to the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, home to actor/director Clint Eastwood. Enjoy some free time to stroll in town and enjoy the beautiful boutiques and galleries before heading back to Los Angeles.
Includes
- 2 nights hotel accommodation including tax and Breakfast
- Air Conditioned Bus or Van & Professional Tour Guide
- Bay cruise in San Francisco
- Admission to Yosemite Park in summer / Admission to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the winter
- Sightseeing in Santa Barbara, Carmel (Monterey, San Luis Obispo/Big Sur in winter if no Rock slide) and San Francisco
- A Tree will be planted in your honor when joining this tour
- An Eco Positive Tour by an Earth Friendly Company