Kids Go California

Arrive at the airport, pick-up rental car and proceed to the hotel. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the United States. Home to famous movie stars and the Infamous landmark, the Hollywood sign; it is a city brimming with culture and happenings. This big metropolis has many regions with distinct flavors and communities. Take a stroll along the Walk of Fame and see the names of celebrities commemorated in pink stars along the sidewalk. Visit Mann’s Chinese Theater, the best-preserved of the movie palaces from Hollywood’s golden era. Known for its celebrity hand and footprints in the forecourt, over 200 impressions are yours to discover. Drive through Beverly Hills, the most famous neighborhood in the United States and glimpse exclusive homes.
Accommodations: Comfort Inn Cockatoo or similar (1 night)

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 Santa Maria for an overnight stay. Santa Maria Valley is nestled in the foothills of wine country. Located in the heart of California’s Central Coast, here you will discover beautiful scenery and perfect beaches. Visit one of the nearby missions or award winning wineries located along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.
Accommodations: (STD) Silver Surf Motel or similar (1 Night)

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. Monterey Bay is a fantastic place to whale watch and tours are offered locally. 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 coastAccommodations: Best Western Plus Americania or similar (3 nights)

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. Today, you are free to enjoy one of the many sights and sounds of San Francisco. Take a cable car ride from Fisherman’s Wharf. Another major attraction is Alcatraz, a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It served as lighthouse, a military fortification, and finally as a federal prison until 1963. The rangers give excellent guided tours detailing the history and legends surrounding “The Rock.” Spend the day in Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park offers dozens of fun things to do. Top sights are the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden. Don’t miss the local resident buffalo herd. 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.

Today, you are free to enjoy one of the many sights and sounds of San Francisco. Take a cable car ride from Fisherman’s Wharf. Another major attraction is Alcatraz, a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It served as lighthouse, a military fortification, and finally as a federal prison until 1963. The rangers give excellent guided tours detailing the history and legends surrounding “The Rock.” Spend the day in Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park offers dozens of fun things to do. Top sights are the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden. Don’t miss the local resident buffalo herd. This evening dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighborhoods. From Union Square to the very Italian flavored North Beach, each offers its own distinctive culture and cuisine. Visit the landmark bridge, the Golden Gate. It spans 6450 feet and links San Francisco to Marin County. Completed in 1937 at a cost of $35 million, the “Bridge That Could Not Be Built” is now a San Francisco signature visible from many points around the Bay. A visitor center and gift shop is located on the San Francisco side. Visit the dramatic curves of Lombard Street, one of San Francisco’s most photographed sites. The beautifully landscaped, one-block descent from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street, has given Lombard the title of “crookedest street in the world.”

Depart the bustle of San Francisco and drive toward Yosemite National Park. 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. Extensive visitor activities, facilities, and services are available. Accommodations: (STD) Curry Village or similar (2 nights)

Today is yours to explore more of Yosemite. The striking beauty of Yosemite is due in part to the Yosemite Valley, whose flat floor contrasts with nearly vertical granite walls. The granite cliffs, including the El Capitan monolith, Glacier Point, and Half Dome all tower as major waterfalls tumble over them. In addition to the Valley, Yosemite includes an extensive high-mountain wilderness of peaks, rivers, and meadows, and groves of giant sequoia trees.

Leave the Yosemite area behind and drive toward Bakersfield. Along the way enjoy a visit to the Sequoia and 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. Spectacular views can be seen from Moro Rock. Guided cavern tours are available and the visitor center contains much information about park history and seasonal activities. Continue to Bakersfield for your overnight stay.
Accommodations: (STD) Quality Inn & Suites Bakersfield or similar (1 night)

Depart Bakersfield this morning and drive to San Diego. Visit San Diego’s most famous attraction, SeaWorld® Adventure Park. This first-rate visitor attraction features a variety of spectacular sights and activities. Visit 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. Another well-known attraction in this area is the world-class San Diego Zoo. This first-rate facility is where more than 3,800 animals of over 800 different species make their home. The zoo grounds cover 100 acres including more than 6,500 different species of plants. The zoo is well known for its efforts to recreate the natural habitats of the animals. Specialized habitats include Tiger River, Gorilla Tropics, Sun Bear Forest, Polar Bear Plunge and Ituri.
Accommodations: (STD) Mission Valley Resort or similar (2 nights)

Today visit SeaWorld® Adventure Park San Diego. This world-class attraction features 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. At the San Diego Zoo, known throughout the world as a first-rate facility, more than 3,800 animals of over 800 different species make their home. The zoo grounds cover 100 acres including more than 6,500 different species of plants. The zoo is well known for its efforts to recreate the natural habitats of the animals. Specialized habitats include Tiger River, Gorilla Tropics, Sun Bear Forest, Polar Bear Plunge and Ituri Forest. San Diego is also home to Balboa Park, America’s largest urban cultural park. Explore art treasures from around the globe, fossils from near and far and exotic animals. See sports memorabilia, world folk art, rare aircraft, ancient mummies, unique photographic art and model trains. Enjoy plays, dance, puppet shows and music. Hike Florida Canyon’s trail, visit the Carnivorous Plant Bog in the Botanical Building and watch the sparkling water dance in the many fountains in the Park. The park is close to downtown San Diego.

This morning, before departing to Anaheim, visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It presents the opportunity to experience the history of early San Diego by providing a connection to the past. Experience life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872. Even today, life moves more slowly in this part of San Diego, where the hustle and bustle is balanced 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. The buildings are old or built to look that way, and the departure from urban sprawl is preserved. Five original adobe buildings are part of the historic park, which includes museums, unique retail shops, and several restaurants. In the afternoon, continue on to Anaheim. The many theme parks, attractions and activities in and around the Anaheim area make this the perfect setting for a kid-friendly holiday.
Accommodations: (STD) Clarion Hotel or similar (3 nights)

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.

Today is yours to spend at any of the local attractions. Visit Knott’s Berry Farm, with over 165 rides, shows and attractions, it is a perfect place to go for family fun! With five themed areas, there is something at Knott’s for everyone. Experience world-class thrills on Silver Bulletsm, the park’s first-ever suspended coaster, or Sierra Sidewindersm, the spinning coaster that offers a panoramic view. Experience Knott’s newest coaster Pony Express – The Ridesm, delivering a horseback relay at speeds never imagined in the Old West. For something different, detour to the Park’s Old West Ghost Town® and have a cool sarsaparilla or visit Camp Snoopy, home of the PEANUTS gang and filled with dozens of kid-sized adventures.

Depart at leisure to Los Angeles International Airport and drop-off your rental car.