Ultimate Family Fun in California

After arrival and a good night’s sleep, enjoy a Golden Gate Park Bike Tour. Your guide will show you the sights and landmarks of this stunning park on this informative 2-hour tour. The park was once a barren patch of desert, known as the Outside Lands, but today it is transformed with museums, lakes and even a herd of buffalo. Along the way, learn of the park’s 150-year history, explore the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, hear about the California Academy of the Sciences (one of the world’s largest history museums) and ride through Hippie Hill. Other highlights include the Bison Paddock, the Conservatory of Flowers and the Dutch Windmill.

Later, enjoy an evening audio tour of Alcatraz prison. We recommend allowing around 3-hours to complete the self-guided tour. This will give you a chance to fully explore this notorious island and appreciate its layered history. Rangers are also on hand to assist visitors and answer any questions.

This morning, pick up your rental car then head to Yosemite National Park, which is around a 4-hour drive.

The following day enjoy a Full Day Yosemite Sightseeing Tour (including lunch), accompanied by an expert naturalist guide. Along with the famous waterfalls, you will see the park’s valleys, meadows and giant sequoias, and learn about the area’s incredible geography, wildlife, ecology, and history. Highlights include hiking along the Merced River, hearing the rushing water of Yosemite Falls, gazing up at the climbers on El Capitan, walking the floor of the valley and wandering through Old Yosemite Village. After a scenic picnic lunch, learn how the native Ahwahneechee people lived and survived here both before and after the Euro-Americans arrived.

After a restful night, experience a Yosemite Valley Off-Road Adventure, where you will get behind the wheel for a thrilling drive across a variety of off-road terrain. Witness the unique geology of the area as you speed down trails and navigate narrow passageways on this adrenaline-pumping drive.

Later, make the 4-hour drive to Carmel Valley.

The following morning, head over to Moss Landing for a whale watching safari in ‘whale park.’ The 3-4-hour tour involves travelling in a Zodiac boat, perfect for close encounters with marine life. The area is known as ‘whale park’ for good reason. The deep canyon waters attract an abundance of marine life throughout the year, including humpbacks, orcas, blue whales and dolphins. This is a wonderful way to explore the magnificent coastline of Monterey Bay, along with getting the chance to see Point Lobos – the wetland home of otters, seals, and sea lions.

Carmel Valley has been described as the ‘greatest meeting of land and water in the world,’ and the following day is free for you to relax at the ranch, explore more of the area, visit Monterey and its famous Aquarium, or wander the pretty streets of Carmel.

4 hours south lies the attractive city of Santa Barbara which epitomises the Californian lifestyle with its Mediterranean climate, Spanish heritage architecture, thriving food and wine scene and spectacular location between the Santa Ynez Mountains and Pacific Ocean. Once you’ve settled into the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore.

After an early breakfast, you will be taken to a beach south of the city for a private surf lesson. With traditionally gentle waves and a sandy bottom, this stretch of coastline is the perfect training ground for first timers and surfers of all ages. Your instructor will tailor the lesson to suit your level of expertise and ability.

Later, you will be taken to the nearby stables to meet your private guide for a breath-taking horse ride along Santa Barbara’s coastline. Riders are carefully matched with the most suitable horse for their ability and after learning a few basic commands, you will embark on the beach trail enjoying panoramic views of the majestic mountains and dramatic ocean bluffs. This is a lovely ride along America’s Riviera and a memorable experience for all the family.

Continue south with a 2-hour drive to Los Angeles. Soon after arriving, head out on a private Full Day Tour during which your guide will show you the city’s most iconic sights. The tour lasts around six hours and can be tailored to suit your specific interests, but usual highlights include: The glitzy shopping area of Rodeo Drive; The Hollywood Bowl; The Walk of Fame; Grauman’s Chinese Theater; Sunset Strip; Beverly Hills; And of course The Hollywood Hills and the famous sign. There will be brief stops along the way and your guide can recommend great spots for lunch (payable locally).

Another action-packed day beckons the following morning as you head to Universal Studios to join a small group VIP tour. The day begins with snacks and drinks in the VIP lounge, where you will meet your guide and fellow tour guests. After a brief introduction and overview of the studios, you will be taken on a special behind-the-scenes trolley tour. This is a fabulous way to explore Hollywood’s most famous backlot and see the world’s largest working film studios. You are then treated to a gourmet lunch in the VIP dining room, prepared by Universal’s own executive chef, before your guide takes you into the theme park. Here you benefit from Universal Express Unlimited Access to all the major rides, shows and attractions, meaning you can enjoy your favourite rides as many times as you like, with a limited waiting time. When the tour ends you are free to stay on and enjoy Universal’s evening shows and entertainment, or head back to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

The following day is yours to enjoy Los Angeles. You may wish to explore the shops, cafes and beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, hire skates or rent a bike to ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as the Strand. Alternatively, you may wish to marvel at the spectacular views over Los Angeles with a visit to Griffith Park Observatory and hike some of the trails or soak up the natural beauty of Malibu and its beaches.

The final stop on your Californian tour is the stunning Resort at Pelican Hill, nestled along the Newport Coast and just a short drive from Los Angeles. Upon arrival, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Italian-inspired architecture, and luxurious amenities that make this one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal retreats.

For a truly memorable experience, head to nearby Long Beach for an Aquarium of the Pacific Behind-the-Scenes Tour. This immersive guided tour offers exclusive access to staff-only areas of the aquarium, where you'll learn about animal care, conservation efforts, and marine biology in action. Get up close with some of the aquarium’s most fascinating residents and discover how the facility cares for over 12,000 animals representing nearly 500 species. Your expert guide will tailor the tour based on your interests and provide captivating insights throughout.

The tour includes time to explore the public exhibits as well, with highlights such as the Shark Lagoon, Sea Otter Habitat, and Tropical Pacific Gallery. Depending on your schedule, you can enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the aquarium’s on-site cafes or back at the resort with ocean views.

On your final day, unwind and soak in the beauty of the Newport Coast, perhaps with a spa treatment, a round of golf, or simply relaxing by the iconic Coliseum Pool at Pelican Hill. It's the perfect way to conclude your Californian journey.