Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day USA Road Trip - The Best of Cali. California is the land of dreamers and schemers and we schemed up quite the adventure for you. Start in LA and travel north to San Francisco along the Pacific coast on this short nine-day trip. Then, head inland to see mighty Yosemite National Park and all of the beautiful hikes and views that landscape has to offer before driving back to southern California for an included surf lesson. Sounds like a win in our book!
Itinerary
Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night. Stay: Santa Margarita KOA (D)
Drive up towards Santa Cruze and make a slight detour for the 17-Mile Drive along the Monterey Peninsula for some unforgettable coastal scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz. Stay: Santa Cruz /Monterey Bay KOA (B/L/D)
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. Stay: Stanford Court Hotel (B)
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night. Stay: Indian Flats Campground (D)
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park. Stay: Indian Flats Campground (B/L/D)
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group. Stay: Indian Flats Campground (B/L/D)
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends. Stay: The Inn At Venice Beach (B)
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Venice Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at. Stay: The Inn At Venice Beach
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
Drive up the coast from Los Angeles to Santa Margarita with stops in Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo.
Enjoy the dramatic views of the Pacific Coast along the 17-Mile and Half Moon Bay Drives with unforgettable scenery.
Set off on an orientation tour of San Francisco.
Enjoy the many wonders of Yosemite National Park.
Catch a few waves with a surf lesson in southern California.
Enjoy stargazing and nights sitting around the campfire as a group.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Stops in Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo
A ride along the scenic 17-Mile drive past Cypress forests
San Francisco orientation tour
Yosemite National Park visit
Surf lesson in southern California
Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions
Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Hotel (3 Night), participation camping (5 Nights)
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Most of the nights on tour are spent camping in tents in public and private campgrounds, but we will also use permanent canvas tents, twin-share rooms in hostels, and simple motels.
Please be aware that American campgrounds have various sites available and because of this there will likely be RVs, camper-trailers, popups and tent camping all on one property.
All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including comfortable camp mattresses. We supply dome tents that take only 5 minutes to assemble/disassemble. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard, oversized 2-person tents, each with 2 separate and convenient zip-up doors, so that each person has his/her own entrance.
We use 2 types of campgrounds in North America: 1. Private campgrounds: These are privately run sites, usually with all services such as fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets & shower buildings. Some have small outdoor swimming pools and laundry facilities. These campgrounds are typically located near national park entrances or towns. 2. Public campgrounds: These are park-run sites, usually with basic facilities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and drinking water. In some cases, this type of campground doesn’t have showers, only pit toilets and a lake! In other locations, toilet and shower facilities may be located outside the campground, or at times in another location a drive away. Some may have shower fees for onsite facilities ($2-6/shower).
1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
G Adventures 18-To-Thirty Somethings (2025)
Action-packed and easy on the wallet, our 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips will have you living life to the absolute fullest. Staying in hotels, homestays, hostels, and the occasional tent or two, soak up the world on adventures that feature the perfect mix of cultural experiences and epic nights out.
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate.
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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