Kids go California

LOS ANGELES I SANTA BARBARA I SAN SIMEON, CA

Depart Los Angeles this morning and drive toward Santa Barbara. On the beautiful Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara is a gem. The pristine city’s climate gives rise to a number of natural attractions. Stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens to view breathtaking flora or hike a scenic nature trail in Los Padres National Forest. The beaches all have their own allure. East Beach attracts the trendy and young, while fishing and whale watching are the favorites at Arroyo Burro. Enjoy the fine collection at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or explore the old Mission. Fresh seafood can be found in the restaurants on Stearn’s Wharf. Continue on to San Simeon for an overnight stay.

SAN SIMEON I MONTEREY I SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Depart San Simeon this morning for the luxurious drive up the Pacific Coast toward Monterey. After being swept away by the stunning Pacific coast views, spend the afternoon enjoying Monterey. Settled in 1770 as one of the first European outposts on the west coast, many of the early American Colonial buildings still stand. Monterey eventually became the sardine capital of the Western Hemisphere when the first packing plant was built in 1900. Today, the old sardine factories have been converted into quaint restaurants and boutique shops. This area called “Cannery Row” was made famous by the author John Steinbeck and still remains an amusing place to explore. During your included whale watching cruise, you will have a unique opportunity to view the diverse inhabitants of the Monterey Bay. Depending on when you choose to cruise, you’ll have the chance to observe marine mammals such as the Gray Whale, Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, Fin Whale, Minke Whale, Beaked Whales, Orca (Killer Whale), Bottlenose Dolphin, Northern Right Whale Dolphin, Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Harbor Porpoise, Dall’s Porpoise, California Sea Lion, Pacific Harbor Seal, and Southern Sea Otter. After the cruise, consider taking the scenic and famous 17-Mile drive up the coast. Stop at the famous Pebble Beach and enjoy the sights of luxury mansions along the coast before driving to San Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

San Francisco is home of majestic wine country and the Golden Gate Bridge. Rows of elegant houses, the famous cable cars, clusters of ethnic neighborhoods, and the colorful waterfront all add to the distinctive international flavor of the city. Start the day with a visit of Alcatraz. Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to the Rock. The presence of infamous inmates like Al “Scarface” Capone, and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud helped to establish the island’s notoriety. To this day, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world’s most legendary prisons. Many people, though, are unaware of the wealth of other stories to be learned on the island. Alcatraz is now home to rare flowers and plants, marine wildlife, and thousands of roosting and nesting sea birds. In the afternoon, head to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you will be fitted with a bike your fun-filled bike tour. Follow the guide along the San Francisco waterfront past Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, the Marina, and the Presidio, before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour ends in Sausalito where you will be able to enjoy the shops, the many art galleries, and the delicious food. This evening, dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighborhoods. From Chinatown to the very Italian flavored North Beach, each offers its own distinctive culture and cuisine.

SAN FRANCISCO I YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA

Depart the bustle of San Francisco and drive toward the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park for an exciting 2-night camping adventure. At Yosemite Village, you can visit the Valley Visitor Center and see its orientation film, publications, theater programs, and exhibits highlighting the natural and human history. Self-guiding trails are nearby. Elsewhere in Yosemite Valley, you can gaze up at the waterfalls, visit Mirror Lake/Meadow in the East Valley and the famous “Tunnel View” of Yosemite Valley at Wawona Tunnel.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA

Start your day with a Yosemite Valley Floor tour. On this two-hour tour, Rangers introduce some of Yosemite’s most famous sightseeing points in Yosemite Valley and describe the history, geology, plant and animal life of the region. Open-air trams operate from late Spring through early Fall. Late October through April, ride in an enclosed and heated motor coach with large windows allowing unimpeded views of Yosemite’s famous sights. Bring your camera along for postcard-perfect pictures.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK I SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK I BAKERSFIELD, CA

Depart early and leave Yosemite behind to travel southbound to Ridgecrest. Along the way, visit on own Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. These twin parks hold monuments to nature’s size, beauty, and diversity. Immense mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns and the world’s largest trees all reside here making it a very unique place. Located in the foothills and mountains of the south central section of the Sierra Nevada range, Sequoia is famous for big things--some of the largest trees in the world and some of the highest mountains in the U.S., including Mt. Whitney, at 14,495 ft. Visit the tallest sequoia, 275-foot-tall General Sherman, which has a trunk that weighs 1,385 tons and a circumference of nearly 103 feet before continuing your journey to Bakersfield.

BAKERSFIELD I PALM SPRINGS I SAN DIEGO, CA

Depart Bakersfield and set for San Diego. If your schedule permits, you could stop in Palm Springs, just west of Joshua Tree National Park. Here date palms grow wild and natural springs have attracted visitors for years. Now known for its golf and upscale lifestyle, tourists and celebrity visitors enjoy the luxurious amenities. Take a ride on the Aerial Tramway, a popular attraction that takes you from the desert to snow-capped mountains. This cable car ride ascends Mt. San Jacinto. At the top, there are hiking trails, mule rides, a cocktail bar and a restaurant. Continue to San Diego for a two-night stay.

SAN DIEGO, CA

This morning, visit SeaWorld® Adventure Park San Diego, a world-class attraction featuring a variety of spectacular sights and activities. See Shamu the killer whale, ride the waves of Shipwreck Rapids, and see manatees, polar bears and dolphins. A variety of animal-themed shows are featured and it’s even possible to take a behind the scenes tour. In the afternoon, make a splash on the SEAL! Experience San Diego as it was meant to be experienced: by land and by sea. The new "Hydra Terras" provide you with the unique ability to see America's Finest City on San Diego's only amphibious sightseeing tour. This 90-minute fully-narrated journey departs from Seaport Village located on Harbor Drive at the Embarcadero. As you travel along the beautiful Big Bay by land, you will learn about the early fishing industry, the people as well as the history of this 14-mile long working bay. The tour on land takes you past the San Diego International Airport dedicated to aviator Charles Lindbergh, just one of the many people you will hear about on your tour. Then, you will splash down into San Diego Bay off Shelter Island, where you begin your water-tour segment of the journey. As the SEAL travels through the north end of the Big Bay, keep your eyes peeled for a chance encounter with a California Brown Pelican, the majestic Blue Heron, or perhaps a Sea Lion or two.

SAN DIEGO I ANAHEIM, CA

This morning, before departing to Anaheim, visit on own Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to experience the history of early San Diego (1821-1872). Even today, life moves more slowly in this part of San Diego, where the hustle theme and bustle are with history and fiestas. Visitors are offered a glimpse into yesteryear, as converging cultures transformed San Diego from a Mexican pueblo to an American settlement. In the afternoon, continue on to Anaheim. The many parks, attractions and activities in and around the Anaheim area make this the perfect setting for a kid-friendly holiday.

ANAHEIM, CA

Today you can choose to explore magical new worlds, view expansive movie backlots, or get up close and personal with the wildest of animals. Visit the “happiest place on earth”, Walt Disney’s Disneyland. This family theme park continues to innovate and entertain with new rides and shows. It consists of two parks, Disneyland Park, an enchanted kingdom of fantasy and imagination, and California Adventure Park, a theme park that celebrates the Golden State in style from the bright lights of Hollywood to the classic piers that dot the California coast. You can also head down to the beach for whale and dolphin watching or take an Orange County wildlife and beach tour. If the outdoors is more your style, carve your own path and head out to the many hiking trails that run throughout. Visit Downtown Disney for dining and shopping in the evening.

ANAHEIM, CA

Today, get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience at the Entertainment Capital of Los Angeles: Universal Studios Hollywood. Highlights include: Studio Tour, Transformers, The Ride 3-D, The Simpsons Ride, Waterworld, Shrek 4-D, Special Effects Show, Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride, Jurassic Park - The Ride, Universal's Animal Actors, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

ANAHEIM | LOS ANGELES, CA

Return flight home or extend your stay.