Overview
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!
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-39 Years
Max. Group Size
13
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
NULH
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.
Included Meals:
Dinner
Included Experiences
- Santa Monica Visit: Make a stop at Santa Monica where you can choose to lounge in the sand, catch some waves, hang out on the water, visit a farmer's market, or take a walk down the pier. Choice is yours during your morning here.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour.
Optional Experiences
- Santa Monica Farmers Market: Check out Santa Monica's Famers Market today. Stroll around and comb through the delicious vegetables and fruits sections in search of some tasty goodies for your drive.
- Santa Monica Pier Visit: Check out the pier, boardwalk, and some of the city's best shopping at 3rd St Promenade in this beachfront city.
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- 17-Mile Drive Monterey: Drive along this 17-mile dramatic stretch of coastline on the Monterey Peninsula. Encounter wind-sculpted cypress tree forests and rock strewn beaches winding up along the Pacific. Along the way enjoy great views of some of the most envy-inducing homes in the world and the celebrated golf courses of Pebble Beach. You'll be planning how to live here before you're through with the drive.
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure. 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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- San Francisco Orientation: Set just along the ocean with rolling hills and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the best cities in the U.S. to visit. Full of history, charming neighborhoods, parks, beaches, museums, and so many entertainment options that your head will spin. Embark on an orientation to become acquainted with this vibrant town on a brief city tour, visiting Haight Ashbury, The Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. From there you will have time to explore Lombard Street or the Ghirardelli Chocolate factory.
- Half Moon Bay Drive: It's no secret that California has a beautiful coastline. Drive iconic Hwy 1 north along some of the most picturesque vistas on the coast. You'll also be able to see Redwoods, wildflowers, hills, and rolling farmland all in route to San Francisco
Optional Experiences
- Cable Car Ride San Francisco: Iconic to San Francisco, travel back in time and hop on the world's last manually operated cable car system.
- Bike Rental San Francisco: Rent a bike to peddle across the Golden Gate Bridge, through the scenic Marina district or perhaps to Golden Gate park. (8-32 USD per person)
- Sunset Sailing San Francisco (Mon-Wed): Depart from Fisherman's Wharf and catch a glimpse of marine life as we sail around San Francisco Bay. Admire the city's remarkable skyline, get up close and personal with the infamous Alcatraz Island, and sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the sunset and make a mental note to return.
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.
Accommodation:
Indian Flats Campground
Included Meals:
Dinner
Included Experiences
- Yosemite National Park Visit: Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
- Tuolumne Grove: Tuolumne Grove trail is a 2 hour round-trip hike down to see a couple dozen mature Giant Sequoias, including one you can walk through. These are some of the oldest and largest living entities on the planet. It’s an experience you are sure to remember. Elevation at trailhead: 6,200 feet (1,860 meters)
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan. 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.
Accommodation:
Indian Flats Campground
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Yosemite National Park Visit: Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
- Free Time: Take advantage of free time to further explore this magnificent park with its granite rock formations and many waterfalls.
Optional Experiences
- Yosemite National Park Hike: Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
- Yosemite Bike Rental: Set your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP. Choose between a half-day rental or a full-day, and be aware that this activity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the price for a half-day bike rental is $30 USD and the price for a full-day bike rental is $40USD. (30-40 USD per person)
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.
Accommodation:
Indian Flats Campground
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Yosemite National Park Visit: Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
- Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike: Follow a paved path for a mile (1.6km) up to the Vernal Falls’ footbridge, an almost totally uphill journey, then climb steep steps on the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls (3.9km roundtrip). Enjoy a spectacular vantage point from the top of the falls. Continue along the John Muir Trail to reach Nevada Falls (8.7km roundtrip), along rocky switchbacks. Return along the John Muir Trail to get back to camp.
- Free Time: Take advantage of free time to further explore this magnificent park with its granite rock formations and many waterfalls.
Optional Experiences
- Yosemite National Park Hike: Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
- Yosemite Bike Rental: Set your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP. Choose between a half-day rental or a full-day, and be aware that this activity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the price for a half-day bike rental is $30 USD and the price for a full-day bike rental is $40USD. (30-40 USD per person)
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Venice Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea. 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.
Accommodation:
The Inn At Venice Beach
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Take advantage of your hotel located just across the street from the beach and explore Venice Beach. Walk the beach for sunset, go out for some food at one of the restaurants, or wander to the end of the pier with an ice cream cone in hand.
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.
Accommodation:
The Inn At Venice Beach
Included Experiences
- Surf Lesson: Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards as you glide through the water and dismount in the sand.
- Free Time: Take advantage of your hostel located just across the street from the beach and explore the area. Walk the beach for sunset, go out for some food at one of the restaurants, or wander to the end of the pier with an ice cream cone in hand.
Optional Experiences
- Beach Bike Rental: Rent a bike to peddle along The Strand from Venice Boardwalk all the way through to Hermosa Beach Pier if you’d like, about 30 miles south. Or choose to stay local and ride around in search of cool spots to grab a bite to eat.
- Surf Board Rental: Not ready to be done surfing after this morning's lesson? Well, don't worry because you can get more practice in with this surf board rental. Hire a surf board to catch the waves your way and have some fun in the sun, but don't forget your sunscreen.
Departure Day. Please book onward travel no earlier than 12pm.
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
- Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking
- 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- 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).
- 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Built for young travelers ready to break free from the everyday grind, these trips bring together a safe and supportive group of like-minded people in their twenties and early thirties.
Connect on the First Night Out, explore with a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), enjoy free time, and celebrate unforgettable moments with new friends - without breaking the bank. Travel confidently, respectfully, and affordably.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
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 the cruise-line and 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.
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 the cruise-line and 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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