Itinerary
Family California
The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer
Lydia Gibbs
Graduate Travel Specialist
01242 386 474
EnquireHighlights
Luxury Family Holidays California 2024/2025
Experience the wonders of the Golden State with this luxury family holiday in California. Starting off in San Francisco, your road trip includes a huge variety of experiences. Visit Alcatraz Island, soar over the Golden Gate Bridge by bicycle and set sail on a sunset catamaran cruise. Natural beauty comes with a guided tour of Yosemite National Park and a self-drive adventure on the Pacific Coast Highway. Other highlights include a VIP tour of Universal Studios, a visit to off-exhibit areas of San Diego Zoo and opportunities to learn how to kayak, paddle board and surf.
UK - San Francisco
On arrival in San Francisco you’ll be met by a local guide for your transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.
San Francisco
This morning board the ferry to experience the beauty, history, and infamy of Alcatraz Island. Take a self-guided tour of one of the world’s most notorious prisons from which there has never been a single confirmed escape. This afternoon enjoy a bike tour of San Francisco. One highlight is cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito for a leisurely lunch.
San Francisco
Today join your private guide for a half-day tour of the city. You will be taken to the sights that have made San Francisco everyone's favourite city: Union Square, North Beach, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, the Crookedest Street in The World (Lombard Street) and Fisherman's Wharf before stopping for lunch. Spend your afternoon at leisure, before boarding a catamaran for a shared sunset cruise around the Bay.
San Francisco - Yosemite National Park
Today it’s time to pick up a hire car and hit the road. Journey east to Yosemite National Park, known for its mountains, meadows and waterfalls. You’ll be staying directly among these spectacular natural scenes in the mountain chalet-style Tenaya Lodge. Once you’ve settled in, take time to relax in your new surroundings or head out to start exploring right away.
Yosemite National Park
In the morning you’ll be met by your nature guide for an action-packed tour of Yosemite National Park. Visit major park highlights including Glacier Point, Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridal Veil Falls and Swinging Bridge. As you go, look out for mountain beaver, great grey owl and other remarkable creatures.
Yosemite National Pak - Carmel
Today you’re heading to the seaside town of Carmel where you’ll stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch lying in a forest at the foot of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoy a private behind-the-scenes tour before setting out to explore the local marine life by eco-raft. This small open vessel means you’re closer to the water for better viewing. You may even see humpback whale, orca, blue whale, dolphin, seal, and a variety of seabirds.
The Monterey Peninsula
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with a knowledgeable naturalist aboard a Ranger Boat in search of the diverse marine life who call the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary home. These boats offer an incredible perspective of marine wildlife and the coastal scenery. All passengers have a front row seat to soak up the natural sights and sounds of the ocean. Learn about the lives of creatures from seals, seabirds, whales and otters.
Carmel - Santa Barbara
Take one of the greatest American roadways down to Santa Barbara. Head south along the Pacific Coast Highway. You’ll pass by spectacular coastal scenes as you traverse looping curves and historic bridges, including the Bixby Bridge at Big Sur. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax or explore your new surroundings.
Santa Barbara
Enjoy a kayaking excursion along the Santa Barbara waterfront. Board a ferry over to the Channel Island, keeping an eye out for the migrating whales and dolphins often spotted here. On arrival, set out to paddle a glorious three miles alongside rugged cliffs and coastal kelp forests. You can also use snorkelling gear and head beneath the waves to discover kelp beds of Scorpion Anchorage. After such an active and exciting day, spend your evening at leisure.
Los Angeles - Santa Monica
After breakfast, continue south to Los Angeles where you’ll stay in Santa Monica for the next three nights. Your private guide will take you on a tour of the city’s most popular sites such as the Hollywood Sign. Other highlights include a walking tour of the Hollywood Bowl and a visit to Hancock Park, where you’ll see the stately mansions and Art Deco apartments built for the stars of Hollywood’s heyday.
Santa Monica
Today catch the California vibe with a private surf lesson. Learn how to pop-up, catch a wave, and ride that wave into shore. This custom experience is tailored to you and your specific experience level. The knowledgeable instructor will pick the perfect beach location that offers the best surf conditions for the day. Enjoy time on the water having fun. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring your hotel and surroundings.
Los Angeles
Experience life as an A-lister with a VIP experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. Children will enjoy exploring Universal’s award-winning sound department and prop warehouse. A gourmet lunch is prepared by the executive chef. Next, visit Universal’s theme park. Your VIP guide will escort you to the best seats in the house, with front of the line access to all the attractions.
San Diego
Known for its artsy galleries, sporty culture and incredible natural beauty, San Diego is a go-to retreat for Californians and international visitors alike. Enjoy a stay at Del Coronado home to one of San Diego's 19 golf courses, allowing you to enjoy a game or two in the hotel's spectacular surroundings.
San Diego
After a leisurely breakfast head to San Diego Zoo, one of the only zoos in the world that successfully breed giant panda. Here you’ll enjoy an intimate animal encounter as you learn how they are cared for, visit off-exhibit areas and even help out with the feeding. Afterwards, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore more of this fascinating beautiful part of California.
Los Angeles - UK
Drive to LAX airport where you’ll drop off your hire car and board your flight back to the UK.
North America team
Whether it's an epic road trip, a relaxing escape or a whale-watching expedition, our North America team know how to plan the ultimate holiday
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