Since 1967 we've been creating expertly planned school tours - helping groups get more from their time away...
General/Cultural school trips to West Coast USA
Don’t hesitate to visit America’s West Coast. With its areas of great natural beauty coupled with some of the world’s most awe-inspiring cities, you’ll be far from disappointed. Film studios strip back the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to give a true impression of what really goes on behind-the-scenes. An array of other media and film visits and workshops, a huge selection of leisure opportunities, guided city tours and the incomparable National Park scenery, is guaranteed to leave your students wanting more.

- Itinerary
- Visits
- Accommodation
- Eating Out
- Support
- Resources

Below, you’ll find an example of one of our most popular itinerary choices, but we can tailor-make yours from scratch to meet your exact requirements...
West Coast USA - 7 day inclusive itinerary package from only £1035pp*
Travelling on selected dates in February 2013
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| * Prices shown based on 25 paying passengers from a London airport, travelling Feb 2013 & are subject to availability. Flight supplements may apply. Entrance fees for some of the visits featured may be payable locally, but are included in the price shown. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our most popular visits in West Coast USA for General & Cultural school trips
Here are some of our most popular visits in West Coast USA for General & Cultural groups. We can tailor-make an itinerary to your exact needs. Call 0845 688 8988 to create your itinerary from scratch today.
San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf
Explore the fabulous Pier 39, with over 100 stores, restaurants, street performers and live entertainers, and the excellent Aquarium of the Bay, where students can touch sharks and rays. The wharf is also home to the USS Pampanito submarine, a wax museum and numerous Californian sea-lions.
Yerba Buena Gardens
These fabulous inner-city gardens are home to numerous memorials, waterfalls, sculptures, an art and technology museum, an ice-skating rink and a bowling centre.
San Francisco Guided City Coach Tour
A fabulous way to see downtown San Francisco, and a lot easier than walking the steep pavements. The guide will show your group what life is like in districts such as Union Square and Chinatown and the fabulous views from Twin Peaks.
Trolley Car Ride
No visit to San Francisco is complete without a ride on one of its iconic trolley cars.
Alcatraz
Students can take the ferry to the infamous island prison of Alcatraz and see where some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone, were imprisoned and how they served their time on “The Rock”.
Bay Cruise
A great way to see the city’s many famous landmarks, as you cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island.
Golden Gate Park
The largest man-made park in the world with lakes, waterfalls, bridges, lawns, trails, gardens, and public art, all within an area three miles long and a half mile wide.
Golden Gate Bridge
A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this famous bridge for some spectacular group photos!
National Parks
If these aren’t already included in your package, we highly recommend taking the time to explore these world-famous national parks. The states of California, Nevada and Arizona have some of the most famous national parks in the US, each with breathtaking views and spectacular natural landscapes, which always leave NST groups in awe, including:
- Yosemite National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Las Vegas
The Strip
For groups staying in Las Vegas, students can take a walk down the strip, and be amazed by the sheer number of neon lights, as they walk past the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, a pyramid and much more, all in the space of about two miles. Each of the amazing casino resorts can be explored and many have on-street entertainment.
Los Angeles
Universal Studios Theme Park
You’ll be taken behind-the-scenes of your favourite movies and TV shows, and in the neighbouring theme park, you could watch a 4D film, see a special effects show, learn about fire and water effects, and enjoy various movie-themed rides. This day-long visit is a real treat!
Universal City
Recommended Evening Activity Following a day at Universal Studios, Universal City is the ideal location for your evening meal. The lively and safe City Walk® is open late and houses restaurants, bars, a cinema, plus souvenir shopping opportunities too.
Venice Beach & Santa Monica
At Venice Beach you’ll snap up some great value souvenirs, watch street performers and stroll past ‘muscle beach’. The more upmarket Santa Monica has a great range of retail outlets, and is a fantastic option for last minute shopping. An ideal morning visit en route to the airport.
Disneyland® Resort
This adventure park offers a great alternative to Universal Studios. Includes some family-friendly rides as well as an emphasis on adult thrill rides.
Getty Center
Located in the hills overlooking LA this excellent museum is home to renowned works of art from influential painters such as Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt, dramatic architecture and a number of outstanding views.
Hollywood Boulevard
Walk of Fame
A wealth of celebrity foot and handprints, and more than 2,000 five-pointed stars featuring the names of celebrities.
Hollywood & Highland Center
Located just off the Walk of Fame, this complex offers excellent shopping and Hollywood sign photo taking opportunities.
Guinness World Record Museum
Housed in the historic Hollywood Theatre, this museum contains a special section about Hollywood.
Pinz Bowling
Ideally located in Studio City, two minutes from key accommodation, this is a great way to fill an evening at little expense.
Imax Cinema
Four enormous six-storey screens are available across LA – though our favourite is the one at Universal City. With a whole range of exciting 3D and feature films to enjoy, this is the ideal way to take time out from your busy itinerary!
Farmers’ Market
This, the city’s oldest outdoor market, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. With 30-acres containing over 70 stalls, stores, markets and cafés, this indoor/outdoor bazaar offers what must be one of the most eye-dazzling displays of food and produce ever presented to the public.
Griffith Park Observatory
The views from the observatory alone make this a worthwhile stop-off and popular photo opportunity.
Below, you'll find some of our most popular accommodation options for school groups.
This is just a sample of our full range, so for full details of all properties available, please call 0845 688 8988 to speak to one of our Educational Travel Advisors today.
Hotel AngelenoA welcoming and well-equipped hotel. The décor throughout the hotel is modern with an excellent standard of furnishings and comfort.

Hotel Angeleno
A popular and modern boutique hotel offering maximum comfort, high standard of facilities and friendly staff. The hotel is ideally positioned for popular daily visits.

Address170 N. Church Lane | Local Rating |
Capacity210 rooms |

Location Information
The Hotel Angeleno is situated on the periphery of Sunset Boulevard at the foot of the Getty Centre in a prime location within easy reach of all the main areas of interest in L.A. by coach. In the West of Los Angeles on the edge of Bel Air, the hotel is approximately 20 mins drive from Santa Monica, Hollywood and Studio City, Beverley Hills and Malibu. The hotel lies just off the 405 Freeway making an easy and accessible place to begin and end each day’s exploration by coach.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour reception
- Restaurant on top floor with excellent city views
- Fitness centre
- Outdoor swimming pool with sun lounging area
- Lobby cafe
- Bar
- Air conditioning
- Luggage store
- Room service
- Lift
- Free Wi-Fi/wireless internet
- ATM/Cash machine
- Dry cleaning
- Fax/photocopying
- Parking
- Business centre
- Disabled facilities: The hotel has specially adapted rooms for wheelchair access.
Student Rooms
- 2-4 bedded rooms (four students sharing two large double beds. Individual beds available at a supplement).
- En-suite facilities
- Internet access
- Telephone
- CD player
- Flat screen TV
- Bath products
- Hairdryer
- Balcony
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Internet access
- Telephone
- CD player
- Flat screen TV
- Bath products
- Hairdryer
- Balcony

Sportsmen's LodgeThe Sportsmen’s Lodge is a modern, welcoming and well-equipped hotel. Recently refurbished throughout to a good standard, this lodge provides comfortable rooms and good facilities.

Sportsmen's Lodge
A hotel situated in a popular district of L.A. which offers a warm welcome and very comfortable accommodation.

Address12825 Ventura Blvd. | Local Rating |
Capacity800 guests. 200 rooms. |

Location Information
The Sportsmen’s Lodge hotel is located in the west Los Angeles district of Studio City, approximately 20 minutes drive from Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Universal Studios is just three miles away (approximately 10 minutes drive) and the hotel offers free transfers to Universal in a 22 seater mini bus. N.B. As there is only one shuttle bus available, in order to guarantee this service to our groups, the hotel imposes a fixed round trip group charge of $25 (up to 30 people) or $35 (over 35 people). The last pick up service from Universal is 8pm (the Park closes at 6pm). There is no shuttle bus service after 10pm.


Accommodation Facilities
- Reception
- Meeting rooms
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Gymnasium
- Outdoor heated swimming pool & Jacuzzi
- Sun terrace
- Vending machine
- ATM/Cash machine
- Gift boutique
- Hair salon
- Garden with waterfalls, ducks & swans
- 23-seater mini-bus shuttle service to Universal Studios available
- Disabled facilities: The hotel has five specially adapted rooms for wheelchair access. Two of these have roll-in showers, and lifts and communal areas are all wheelchair-accessible.
Student Rooms
- 2-4 bedded rooms (four students sharing two large double beds. Triple rooms with roll-away beds or individual beds are available, at a supplement)
- En-suite facilities
- Complimentary premium toiletries
- TV
- Coffee maker
- Iron & ironing board
- Hairdryer
- Telephone
- Balcony or terrace
Staff Rooms
- Twins/singles
- En-suite facilities
- Complimentary premium toiletries
- TV
- Coffee maker
- Iron & ironing board
- Hairdryer
- Telephone
- Balcony or terrace
Safety Guidance
The hotel conforms to all local standards, which does not require windows to have restricted opening. Group leaders are advised to consider this in their risk assessments/group management plan and ensure appropriate control measures are put in place.

Radisson Fisherman's WharfBuilt in 1964, the hotel has been updated and upgraded throughout and has a modern style.

Radisson Fisherman's Wharf
A modern hotel offering a high level of comfort in a convenient location.

Address250 Beach St | Local Rating |
Capacity700-800 guests. 355 rooms over 4 floors. |

Location Information
Located on the Fisherman’s Wharf, the Radisson Hotel is within walking distance of local attractions like Pier 39 (200 metres) and Pier 33, where groups can take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, is ten minutes walk away. Other attractions like Union Square and Chinatown are 1.5 miles from the hotel and can be accessed by public transport such as the F-line, cable cars (4 blocks away) or bus (in front of the hotel).


Accommodation Facilities
- Reception and concierge
- 2 lobby areas (can be used for meetings)
- Breakfast room
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Fitness room
- Outdoor patio area
- Coffee shop
- ATM/cash machine
- Vending machines
- 6 lifts
- Internet access
- Disabled facilities: The hotel has 12 rooms with 2 double beds adapted for disabled
persons, with refrigerators in the rooms.
Student Rooms
- 2-4 bedded rooms (four students sharing two large double beds, roll-away beds are available for triple rooms)
- En-suite facilities
- TV
- Telephone
- Safety deposit box
- Iron & ironing board
- Coffee machine
- Hairdryer
- Central heating/air conditioning
- Refrigerators in most rooms
Staff Rooms
- Twins/singles
- En-suite facilities
- TV
- Telephone
- Safety deposit box
- Iron & ironing board
- Coffee machine
- Hairdryer
- Central heating/air conditioning
- Refrigerators in most rooms

Custom HotelA modern hotel refurbished to a high standard in 2011 with range of excellent facilities. The décor throughout the hotel is modern with excellent standard of furnishings and comfort.

Custom Hotel
A modern boutique hotel offering high levels of comfort, high standard of facilities and friendly staff. Positioned close to the airport and an ideal for many of LA’s attractions.

Address8639 Lincoln Boulevard | Local Rating |
CapacityThe hotel comprises 282 guest rooms. |

Location Information
The only boutique hotel located within a mile of Los Angeles International Airport, offers a unique experience for visitors whether one night or extended stay. Featuring panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles and only minutes from the (LAX) Los Angeles International Airport, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach and Santa Monica. The hotel is surrounded by a good range of restaurants, park, bowling alley and 2 supermarkets and a short drive to Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Universal Studios.


Accommodation Facilities
- Multi-level restaurant
- Bar
- Heated swimming pool
- Sun deck & fire pit
- Lounge & electronic games room
- Relaxation lounge featuring massage chairs
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Business centre
- Fitness centre
- Laundry/dry cleaning services
- Daily LAX complimentary shuttle
- Disabled facilities: The hotel has specially adapted rooms for wheelchair access.
Student Rooms
- 2 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4 students per room
- Individual beds – 2 students per room
- Work desks
- Task lamps and ergonomic chairs
- 37” LCD flat-screen TV
- Remote control LED custom mood lighting
- Stereo with iPod docking station
- On-demand movies and music
- Dual telephone lines
- Iron & ironing board
- Hairdryer
- Double pane, operable windows
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- Work desks
- Task lamps and ergonomic chairs
- 37” LCD flat-screen TV
- Remote control LED custom mood lighting
- Stereo with iPod docking station
- On-demand movies and music
- Dual telephone lines
- Iron & ironing board
- Hairdryer
- Double pane, operable windows

Vagabond Inn South BakersfieldThe Vagabond Inn Bakersfield (South) hotel is one of two Vagabond Inn hotels in Bakersfield California. This Bakersfield hotel was recently renovated, Continental breakfast is served daily in the lobby, additionally, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies are available in the lobby throughout the day. A complimentary shuttle is also available to guests. There is a swimming pool, and free wireless Internet access.

Vagabond Inn South Bakersfield
Conveniently located modern hotel offering simple accommodation.
Location Information
Located in Bakersfield, California with easy access to Highway 99 and I-5. The hotel is minutes away from Downtown Bakersfield, Bakersfield Speedway, and Kern County Fairgrounds. Located nearby, is Valley Plaza which offers over 150 shops for your shopping enjoyment or if you're a guest on the run enjoy the taste of In-N-Out Burger located just steps from this property


Accommodation Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Free wireless internet access
- Disabled facilities: Disabled rooms are available on the ground floor. Hand bars in bathroom (shower included).
Student Rooms
- 2 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4 students per room
- Individual beds – 2 students per room
- Air-conditioning
- Cable TV
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- Air-conditioning
- Cable TV

In Los Angeles and San Francisco locations we can arrange reservations and payment in many popular restaurants before you travel, saving you time and effort, removing the need to carry dollars. Pre-paying for your meals will make planning your budget easier too. In smaller overnight locations, there are still a number of suitable places to eat for school groups. If you select a Local Guide, they will assist you.
Popular options include:
- Planet Hollywood
- Hard Rock Cafe
- West Restaurant
- Bubba Gump Shrimp
Touring Guides
A touring guide is available for groups. They will accompany you and provide valuable support throughout your whole visit to the region.
Local City Guides
Local city Guides are available to accompany your group in Los Angeles & San Francisco.
You can be met by a local guide who will escort you for a full or half day and offer assistance and knowledge at key city visits.






