California & the Canyons 21 Days
This is truly the ultimate west coast teenage road trip! This program begins in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Then cruise down the coast and fall in love with the beaches of Santa Barbara and the most famous hotspots in LA & San Diego. Next, this summer adventure takes you into the American Southwest exploring the majesty of dramatically changing scenery with a stay in Vegas and grand finale in beautiful Scottsdale. Our summer program leaders are experts at creating a close, inclusive family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. With so much adventure and excitement on this teen tour, you’re in for an unforgettable summer with plenty of new friendships ahead!
An adrenaline-filled program with the coolest activities, picture-perfect landmarks and a close group bond.
Hotels & resorts.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily. Enjoy excellent food choices at popular restaurants.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
An exclusive departure is available for students currently completing 7th or 8th grade.
Separate departure dates are assigned to create compatible co-ed age groups.
Varies from 28 to 48 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Fly to San Francisco, where your orientation officially begins with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Welcome to the City by the Bay! Ride one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars, visit “the Rock” (Alcatraz*), explore Pier 39 and see its famous resident sea lions, sample fresh seafood near Fisherman’s Wharf, taste chocolate in Ghirardelli Square, wobble down the most crooked street in the world, and marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge.
*As per the National Park Service, we disclose that Alcatraz tour has a retail value of $45.25 included in the program tuition.
Experience a whitewater rafting adventure along the American River. Swim and unwind on the shore of Lake Tahoe under the California sun. Waterski with professional instructors or enjoy tubing or wakeboarding before setting sail on a private charter cruise around the lake.
Enjoy the perfect stay on the California Coast. Santa Barbara features small-town charm, miles of beaches and the beauty of the surrounding mountains at your fingertips. Sea kayak the Pacific Ocean, and check out Stearns Wharf and State St. Enjoy a beach day, go for a swim or play a pickup game of soccer in the sand… don’t forget the sunscreen!
Experience the brand new Universal Studios’ SUPER NINTENDO WORLD ™! Tour the world’s most famous backlot at Universal’s Studio Tour, explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World -The Ride!
Look for your favorite celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and compare handprints with the stars outside of TCL Chinese Theater. Check out Venice Beach, watch for celebrities on Rodeo Drive, and laugh out loud at the IMPROV comedy club. Spend the day at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland, featuring ‘Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge’.
Sample delicious treats at the Original Farmers Market on Fairfax & 3rd, choose from over 100 different cuisines to try. Take a stroll in Downtown Santa Monica on Third Street Promenade and enjoy live performances. Then, hop over Ocean Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier and soak up the beautiful views of the California coast from the world-famous Ferris Wheel. Learn from professional chefs at a private cooking school and cheer on the Dodgers or Angels at a baseball game and so much more!
Enjoy the warm California sun and cool ocean breeze as you learn to surf with professional instructors. Take a guided tour through the San Diego Zoo; be sure to keep your eyes open for the famous panda bear exhibit. Check out Seaport Village on San Diego Bay. Spend the evening at San Diego’s iconic beachfront boardwalk, Belmont Park, and take a ride on the Giant Dipper or Tilt-A-Whirl while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Check into the Egyptian-themed Luxor hotel and experience the Las Vegas strip with its incredible sites including the dancing fountains at the Bellagio and the charm of Venice at the Venetian. Marvel at the multi-sensory film, Postcard from Earth, at The Sphere, Las Vegas' newest attraction. Ride the Coney Island roller coaster at New York-New York before exploring M&M World and the Coca-Cola store. Finally, realize the excitement of seeing one of Las Vegas’ world-renowned Cirque du Soleil shows!
Marvel at the colors of the sandstone cliffs and valleys contrasting against a beautiful blue sky in Zion National Park. Be amazed by the red, orange and white hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. Walk the rim for breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.
Enjoy a rugged Pink Jeep tour with the iconic backdrop of Sedona’s famous red-rock formations such as Bell Rock, Chapel Butte or the Rock of Gibraltar. See the views from Submarine Rock or Chicken Point and hold on tight as you go around Mushroom Rock and descend down the Road of No Return! Head to the resort to work out, tan or lounge by the pool. Enjoy our farewell dinner and cherish memories that last well beyond summer’s end!
Return Flight Home from Phoenix, Arizona
Head to Phoenix and say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
San Francisco, California
Enjoy all-suite accommodations at either the Embassy Suites South San Francisco or the Embassy Suites Burlingame on San Francisco Bay. Accommodations are spacious with living areas and amenities include an indoor pool, whirlpool and gym.
Lake Tahoe, California
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, we’ll stay at either the Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee or the Springhill Truckee and enjoy the comfortable rooms and outdoor pools after activity-packed days in Tahoe.
Santa Barbara, California
Enjoy your stay in the beautiful Santa Barbara area at either the Hilton Garden Inn or Hampton Inn. Work out at the fitness center and have fun with your friends at the outdoor pool.
Los Angeles, California
After a full day of exciting Los Angeles highlights, stay at either the Hyatt Place LAX / Century Blvd, Marriott LAX, or Embassy Suites LAX North.
San Diego, California
These all-suite accommodations offer plenty of space to spread out and relax after playing in San Diego or some amazing surfing. Stay at either Embassy Suites La Jolla or Homewood Suites Hotel Circle.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Located on famous Las Vegas Boulevard, “The Strip”, the pyramid-shaped Luxor hotel offers a unique way to experience the over-the-top decor for which Vegas is famous! The pool deck is one of the largest in Las Vegas, with a choice of 4 pools to enjoy – the perfect place to cool off from all the excitement and bright lights of the city!
Kanab, Utah
After exploring the spectacular scenery of Bryce and Zion Canyons, return to one of our Kanab hotels, the Hampton Inn or Comfort Suites, and reflect on the wild beauty of Southern Utah!
Flagstaff, Arizona
After an exciting day of adventures at the Grand Canyon, relax at The SpringHill Suites. This hotel feature a fitness room and pool for you to enjoy in your free time.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Enjoy all-suite accommodations at either the Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson or the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak in Phoenix. Accommodations are spacious with living areas and amenities include a pool, whirlpool, and gym.
Flight to San Francisco, California
We help you coordinate your flight to arrive within designated times so that we may greet you upon arrival. For participants from the New York area, we offer a chaperoned flight that leaves early morning. One of your summer leaders and staff from our office will be at the airline counter to greet you, introduce you to fellow travelers, help you to check-in and the leader will be with you from check-in onward.
Return Flight Home From Phoenix, Arizona
Our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. For those from the New York area, we offer a chaperoned flight.
Food and Meals
Experience the greatest food in teen travel at our top-notch restaurant selections. Our North American Active Teen Tours visit teen-approved restaurants, handpicked for their excellence. We raise the bar for teen dining experiences with our group dinners at hibachi-style grills, authentic local BBQ, and popular Italian eateries. Depending on the itinerary, you may find yourself dining at the Cheesecake Factory, Eataly, Hard Rock Cafe, a popular upscale food hall with local gourmet options or a happening area where you will have many cuisines to choose from. For lunch, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafes and other restaurants. We make a point to balance incredible food choices that teens love with trying great local favorites. Cap off some meals with dessert at delicious establishments such as Cow’s Ice Cream Parlor, Crumbl Cookies, Voodoo Donuts, Matsumoto’s Hawaiian Shave Ice and Diddy Riese for their famous fresh baked cookie ice cream sandwiches.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Rooming
You will stay in the finest hotels and resorts, which are chosen based on safety, security, amenities, comfort and location. Rooms vary from doubles to triples. Triples may contain two beds and a rollaway or be a suite style with a sofa bed. Each participant has their own bed.
Laundry
You will only need to bring one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We visit local laundromats weekly and we will supply the detergent and dryer sheets. Don’t worry if you’ve never done laundry before, we’ll show you the ropes. Parents, we know the thought of your children doing laundry is making you smile!
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Do you separate different age groups?
It depends on the program, so it’s always best to contact us. On some programs, we assign a specific departure date by age group to create the best possible social dynamics. For example, if grades 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are listed on a program, note they will not all be traveling together on the same departure.
To find the programs with exclusive age-specific departures, look for tags saying “middle school” for students completing 7th and 8th grades, or “ON TOUR” for students completing 11th and 12th grades.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 36 participants). Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.
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