Ultimate Family Fun in California
For families looking for action-packed activities and adventure, this 14-night tour of California's iconic cities and attractions is hard to beat. Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the chance to embrace the natural world on this West Coast tour in the USA, with a private guided tour of Yosemite, whale watching, surfing, horse riding, a thrilling off-road driving adventure and sea kayaking. More urban thrills include a private tour of LA, and VIP tours of both Universal Studios and San Diego Zoo.
Journey highlights
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Cycle through Golden Gate Park to discover the lakes, buffalo, artworks, museums, and Japanese Tea Garden, before an evening visit to the prison island of Alcatraz in San Francisco.
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Relax on some of the state’s best beaches in San Diego, paddle the coastline in a sea cave kayak, and delight in a VIP Tour of the world-famous San Diego Zoo, allowing exclusive access to off-limit locations and a chance to interact with selected animals.
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Get to know LA with the help of a private guide who will spend the day with you customising the highlights, landmarks, and attractions to suit your interests, and enjoy a VIP Tour of Universal Studios with a backlot tour and Express Unlimited Access to all your favourite rides.
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Soak up the natural beauty of the central coast in Carmel and Santa Barbara, indulging in the Californian lifestyle with a chance to surf, ride along the beach and go whale watching. Foodies will also enjoy the wonderful wines and cuisines of the area.
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Itinerary
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At a Glance
After arrival and a good night’s sleep, enjoy a Golden Gate Park Bike Tour. Your guide will show you the sights and landmarks of this stunning park on this informative 2-hour tour. The park was once a barren patch of desert, known as the Outside Lands, but today it is transformed with museums, lakes and even a herd of buffalo. Along the way, learn of the park’s 150-year history, explore the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, hear about the California Academy of the Sciences (one of the world’s largest history museums) and ride through Hippie Hill. Other highlights include the Bison Paddock, the Conservatory of Flowers and the Dutch Windmill.
Later, enjoy an evening audio tour of Alcatraz prison. We recommend allowing around 3-hours to complete the self-guided tour. This will give you a chance to fully explore this notorious island and appreciate its layered history. Rangers are also on hand to assist visitors and answer any questions.
Where to stay
The St. Regis San Francisco (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
This morning, pick up your rental car then head to Yosemite National Park, which is around a 4-hour drive.
The following day enjoy a Full Day Yosemite Sightseeing Tour (including lunch), accompanied by an expert naturalist guide. Along with the famous waterfalls, you will see the park’s valleys, meadows and giant sequoias, and learn about the area’s incredible geography, wildlife, ecology, and history. Highlights include hiking along the Merced River, hearing the rushing water of Yosemite Falls, gazing up at the climbers on El Capitan, walking the floor of the valley and wandering through Old Yosemite Village. After a scenic picnic lunch, learn how the native Ahwahneechee people lived and survived here both before and after the Euro-Americans arrived.
After a restful night, experience a Yosemite Valley Off-Road Adventure, where you will get behind the wheel for a thrilling drive across a variety of off-road terrain. Witness the unique geology of the area as you speed down trails and navigate narrow passageways on this adrenaline-pumping drive.
Later, make the 4-hour drive to Carmel Valley.
Where to stay
Tenaya Lodge (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination and your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
When to visit
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During the summer, between June and September, California is at its peak but summer is fabulous for enjoying the beaches, enjoying alfresco dinners and attending festivals such as Santa Barbara's wine festival. In San Francisco, some warm clothes are always needed as thick summer fog can make the region surprisingly cold at night.
The shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) expect sunny days, smaller crowds and better value.
Experiences in this tour
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View ExperienceAquarium of the Pacific Behind-The-Scenes Tour
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes VIP experience at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where you'll interact with charismatic marine life like octopuses, sea otters, penguins, and seals, plus explore other exhibits.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5030 to start planning your holiday.
