Since 1967 we've been creating expertly planned school tours - helping groups get more from their time away...
Geography school trips to West Coast USA
7 days from £1055pp
The West Coast offers unparalleled opportunities for Geographers and Geologists of all ages, with many visits directly relating to KS3, GCSE and A-level study. Rich in biodiversity, the spectacular waterfalls and giant sequoias of Yosemite contrast dramatically with the harsh, arid environment of Death Valley. Meanwhile, West Coast cities offer countless opportunities to study key Human Geography themes.
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 inclusive itinerary package - 7 Days from £1055pp*
Travelling on selected dates in February 2013
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| *Price shown based on 35 paying passengers departing from a London airport on selected dates in February 2013 & is 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. The price quoted does not include entrance fees & coach transportation for optional visits. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our most popular visits in the West Coast USA for Geography school trips
Our pre-set tours for Geography groups in the West Coast USA - available with or without a Touring Guide - provide an excellent opportunity to see a number of important geographical sites and cities. As always, we can tailor-make these to your group’s exact preferences. Call 0845 688 8988 to create your itinerary from scratch today.
San Francisco
San Francisco offers the opportunity for students, from KS3 through to A-level, to study Tectonics. The city lies on the world-renowned San Andreas Fault, and is well documented for its approaches to hazard management. Admire the amazing view of the city from Twin peaks, opt for a San Francisco Bay cruise under Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz, or head down to the famous Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. We highly recommend a visit to the new California Academy of Sciences for all groups. The Academy recently opened a new 400,000 square foot facility which houses an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a 4-storey rainforest all under one roof.
Muir Woods
An opportunity to observe a truly remarkable ecosystem, only 30 minutes from San Francisco! On your morning guided coach excursion, students will observe the remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. Giant Redwood Sequoia trees will provide an excellent opportunity to enhance understanding of ecosystems. In the afternoon, you will journey with your tour guide to the Fresno area through charming farming country.
Yosemite National Park
A wilderness park renowned for the mountain and valley scenery, waterfalls, grand meadows and forests containing the groves of giant sequoias. May to October only.
Death Valley National Park
Students can experience first-hand Death Valley’s harsh, arid environment, dramatic scenery and landscapes. Your group will cross over the 5000ft Towne Pass before taking a closer look at the desert. One of the hottest places on earth, this region is contrasted by the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Las Vegas
An ideal location for the study of Water Resources; Conflict, Supply and Management. This glitzy city, built in the middle of the desert, is a testimony to man’s ability to overcome the challenge of the physical environment.
Grand Canyon National Park
This vast chasm is arguably one of the most spectacular geographical sites in the world. Looking down into the depths of the canyon, venture on to the ‘Skywalk’ for a truly spectacular view, or opt to take one of several set walks. A once in a lifetime opportunity!
Los Angeles
Enhance your group’s knowledge of World Cities, Pollution, Globalisation, Development and Urban Issues in Los Angeles. Take a guided coach tour of the city, visit Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, drive through the contrasting Beverley Hills, then head on to Sunset Boulevard and the Getty Center with its breathtaking views of the city. Finally, spend time people watching and buying souvenirs at Venice Beach, home to LA’s ‘cool scene’.
Universal Studios
This is a great way to reward your students and provide them with a well-earned break from learning. We can offer you reduced prices for school groups for this exciting theme park which offers many impressive rides and shows and includes the world famous back-lot tram tour.
En Route
Whilst en route in your coach you will pass though areas of high contrasts. Compare the farming country, the sparse land heading to Death Valley and the urban mass of the big cities! Comparisons between the land and usage can be made.
Evening Activities
Dependent upon your overnight location, we can arrange (and advise you on) ways to keep your students entertained right into the evening. From shopping, swimming, and dining out, to taking an evening cruise, bowling or even catching a film, rest assured that we know the best places to go, whatever your requirements.
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 Angeleno
A 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 city-based 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.
Local Touring Escorts
Available to accompany your group. If you choose to add a Local Escort to your itinerary package, they will escort you throughout your tour offering assistance, knowledge of the region and advice on eating options en route.
FREE Educational Resource Pack
Suitable for GCSE & A-Level
We understand that you want a study visit that delivers the curriculum. To help you achieve this, our FREE West Coast USA Educational Resource Pack - developed by experienced Geography teachers - contains a wealth of highly relevant information for you to use before, during and after your tour.
Now available online, you will be able to use its contents as a pre-visit planning aid, print off full-colour student activity sheets for your group to use at each site whilst away, or even refer to its contents post-visit to assist with case study completion.
What’s included?
- A PowerPoint presentation detailing all locations, with relevant quality full-colour images and maps, for promoting the tour to parents and students
- Summary table of Geography study themes and investigations
- Teacher information sheet on each site
- Student activity sheets
- Teacher answer sheets
Click here to download a sample of our West Coast USA Educational Resource Pack for Geography groups.
