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, San Francisco and Hearst Castle. It’s 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. We head north to the world-famous Route #1 where we 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 we visit the town of Carmel, home to the actor 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 Fisherman’s Wharf with a cruise in the world-famous bay, On the way to Sausalito we will have great views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Next, we return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before an afternoon tour that takes in all the city’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union square, Chinatown, and Nob 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 – Modesto Hotel
Day 3: San Francisco – Yosemite – Los Angeles
Summer Route: We 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, Bridal-Veil Falls, and Half Dome to continue for a walk from the Yosemite Visitor Center to reach one of the highest waterfalls in North America (730 meters) Yosemite Falls. After a beautiful day in the park we 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. We start our tour when we stop at the heart of downtown at “state street promenade” stroll through the exclusive shops and restaurants at this beautiful part of town which is insulated from traffic while enjoying the architectural beauty, sights and sounds in a peaceful setting.
Continue to Santa Barbara beaches and Stearns wharf to “walk on the water” and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean, we finish our visit at the Spanish Mission Santa Barbara and learn how these religious outposts were key in the development of the entire region. From the mission we continue 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 before departing 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 Fisherman’s Wharf with a cruise in the world famous bay, On the way to Sausalito we will have great views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz island. Next, we return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before an afternoon tour that takes in all the city’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union square, Chinatown and Nob Hill. Our tour ends with a night view of the city from the Bay Bridge.
Overnight: Springhill Suites Oakland Airport
Day 3: San Francisco – Monterey – Los Angeles
We start the day with a visit to Monterey to include 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. We 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.
We head south to the world-famous Route #1 where we 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) afternoon drive back to return to Los Angeles.
Includes
- 2 nights hotel accommodation including tax and Continental Breakfast
- Air Conditioned Bus or Van & Professional Tour Guide
- Bay cruise in San Francisco
- Admission to Yosemite Park in summer
- Sightseeing in Santa Barbara, Carmel, (San Luis Obispo/Big Sur in winter) and San Francisco
- A Tree will be planted in your honor when joining this tour
- An Eco Positive Tour by an Earth Friendly Company