Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the exchange rate of 1.33
Californian Extravaganza 28 Days
This student travel program takes you on a loop from the Rockies in Colorado, down the coast of California, then into Nevada, and Utah/Arizona Canyon Country. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to raft the Snake River, surf the Pacific and so much more! Our summer program staff will lead a fun-filled program and will make you feel welcome and smiling from day one. Perfectly planned, perfectly paced – this will be a whirlwind summer that you’ll never forget.
An adrenaline-filled program with the coolest activities, picture-perfect landmarks and a close group bond.
Hotels, resorts & college residences.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
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.
Fly to Denver, then make the short drive to Boulder where your orientation officially begins with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Welcome to the Rockies, and one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation! Get to know your new friends with CU-Boulder’s professional Low Elements challenge and teamwork program. Dine at The Sink, a Boulder institution where you can sign the wall and keep an eye out for the “grate” listing all the previous Westcoast Connection groups to have passed through. Enjoy evenings trying your hand at axe throwing, bowling and playing billiards with your new friends in CU Boulder’s main hub – the Connection. Explore Pearl Street with its funky musicians and street performers!
Explore the quaint town of Jackson Hole and snap a photo in front of the famous elk-antler arches. Brave the wet and wild Snake River on an incredible whitewater rafting journey! Go full throttle down an Alpine Slide and the Cowboy Coaster for breathtaking views. Embrace the majestic Grand Tetons on your way to marvel at Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park’s most regular geyser, the thermal pools and the Fountain Paint Pots. Keep your eyes out for the park’s diverse wildlife, including the many buffalo.
Enjoy the day riding the body or tube slides or lounging in the lazy river at Lagoon Water Park. That evening, ride one of the many awesome roller coasters or 40 other attractions in the amusement park including the state of the art roller coaster, Cannibal. For the daredevils in the group, brave Wicked, a coaster that launches riders up a 110 Tower, at 55 mph in 2.5 seconds before an Immelmann turn, a heart-line roll, two half-pipe turns and the signature "lake turn" into a dark tunnel. Visit the Olympic Park and take an Extreme Tubing ride down the landing hill of a ski jump in an inner tube at speeds up to 50 mph!
After our first week through the beautiful Colorado Rockies, Tetons & the Wasatch range in Park City, we stop over in Winnemucca and freshen up with our Westcoast laundry lesson and enjoy an ice cream social to get ready for Lake Tahoe. California here we come!
Play Ultimate Frisbee or beach volleyball on the shore or listen to music and tan. Learn to waterski with professional instructors or go tubing or wakeboarding. Sprawl the deck of your private sailboat as we sail the deep blue waters.
Explore Fisherman’s Wharf, taste chocolate in Ghirardelli Square, ferry over to Alcatraz prison*, watch the sea lions, browse the shops and enjoy fresh seafood at Pier 39. Wander down Lombard Street, cross the Golden Gate Bridge to the fishing town of Sausalito, explore Chinatown and ride one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars, and take in an A’s or Giants game!
*As per the National Park Service, we disclose that Alcatraz tour has a retail value of $45.25 included in our program tuition.
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 Mann’s 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, and 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 to hang ten with professional instructors at our surf school before a relaxing day at the beach. Encounter the 4,000+ animals in the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Explore 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, the charm of Venice in the Venetian and the talking statues in the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. 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 shows!
The beginning of your time in Canyon Country! Be awed by sculptured canyons, soaring cliffs and dramatic landscapes against a beautiful blue sky in Zion National Park. Marvel at the orange and red hoodoos of Bryce, formed from wind, water, and ice erosion.
Walk the rim of the Grand Canyon and take in the incredible scenery around you. You'll quickly see why it's considered to be one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
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. On our final day, enjoy an incredible brunch at the Cheesecake Factory and back at the resort take advantage of the fitness center, incredible pool or embrace the sunshine before our farewell banquet that celebrates our bonds of friendship.
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!
Boulder, Colorado
Welcome to one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation, located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The University of Colorado Boulder campus is a Colorado attraction in and of itself with gorgeous green spaces and modern facilities.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Take in the stunning mountain views surrounding Jackson Hole while enjoying a comfortable stay at the stylish Springhill Suites hotel in downtown Jackson.
Park City, Utah
Enjoy your stay at the luxurious AC Marriot Park City or Peaks Hotel Park City after a day of fun adventures. Relax in modern, comfortable rooms, go for a dip in the pool, and hangout with your new friends!
Winnemucca, Nevada
A comfortable respite en route to Lake Tahoe. Soak in the Holiday Inn Express hotel’s whirlpool or take a dip in the pool. Enjoy a full hot breakfast before hitting the road again the next morning.
Lake Tahoe, California
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, we’ll stay at either the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel or the Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee and enjoy the comfortable rooms and outdoor pools after activity-packed days in Tahoe.
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.
Los Angeles, California
After a full day of exciting Los Angeles highlights, stay at the centrally located Marriott. You will enjoy this comfortable modern hotel which features a resort-style, outdoor pool.
San Diego, California
The Embassy Suites La Jolla hotel offers all-suite accommodation with each suite offering plenty of space to spread out and relax after playing in San Diego or some amazing surfing.
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!
Bryce, Utah
Stay at the Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, which features all the amenities you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay. In your free time, you can stay active in the pool or fitness center.
Flagstaff, Arizona
After an exciting day of adventures at the Grand Canyon, relax at The SpringHill Suites hotel. This property features a fitness room and pool for you to enjoy in your free time.
Scottsdale, Arizona
The Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains is a luxurious all-suite resort-style hotel. The resort features spectacular desert mountain views, spacious guest room suites, a fabulous pool, and hot tub and a fitness center.
Flight to Denver, Colorado
We help you coordinate your flight to arrive within designated times in the morning 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
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. We understand how it helps our travelers feel secure, happy and looking forward to their day. Our North American Active Teen Tours visit great restaurants. Depending on the itinerary, you may be dining at the Cheesecake Factory, Hard Rock Cafe, a popular upscale food hall/marketplace with local gourmet options or a happening area where you will have many cuisines to select from. We make a point to balance great food choices that teens love with trying great local favorites like the sourdough bread from the Boudin Bakery in San Francisco.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic 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, resorts and college residences, 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 member 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 fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants). Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. 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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