School trips to the West Coast USA
West Coast cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas offer eye-opening cultural learning experiences and a give students a chance to witness the impact of rapid urban development firsthand. It’s also an amazing opportunity for any class to unravel the innate differences between American states.
For keen geographers and geologists, the USA’s West Coast offers spectacular diversity in both natural environments and human settlements. This makes it a highly valuable learning opportunity for school groups, particularly those studying KS3, GCSE and A-level.
The region varies from the Rocky Mountains and other mountainous terrain in the northern states, to sprawling canyons, panoramic deserts and pacific landscape further south. There’s also a number of captivating national parks – Yosemite and Yellowstone, in particular.
If you’re looking for more information or free advice on planning your perfect school trip to the West Coast of USA, get in touch with one of our expert travel advisors today. We have extensive experience in this area and are more than happy to talk through your options.
Browse our most popular West Coast school trips
Why choose NST?
Here's why thousands of teachers choose NST each year...
- Unrivalled school trip knowledge
Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their trip planning knowledge and expertise to create a tailor-made, curriculum-linked itinerary to meet your group’s exact needs.
- Making it easier for you
Your own trip organiser, travel app, free classroom packs and trip promo resources.
- Free group leader inspection visits
Visit your chosen destination free of charge and plan with confidence.
- Value for money, always
We work hard to make every penny count.
- Over 55 years’ experience
With NST you can rest assured that your group is in safe hands.
- Aligned to your learning outcomes
Every trip can be built around your specific goals — from the latest GCSE and A level curriculum requirements to particular themes, interests or visits you want to focus on.
- Risk assessment guidance
Clear, practical support to help you manage group safety including our free guide.
- Offsetting carbon emissions
Through our partnership with Carbon Footprint, we're committed to offset one tonne of CO2 emissions, and plant a tree on school grounds in the UK, for every trip booked.
West Coast USA highlights - our groups love...
San Francisco tour
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 four-storey rainforest all under one roof.
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 5,000ft 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.
Grand Canyon
This vast chasm is arguably one of the most spectacular geographical sites in the world. Opt to take one of several set walks to explore this awe-inspiring canyon. A once in a lifetime opportunity!
Las Vegas
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. Its main street and focal point is the Strip, just over 4 miles long. This boulevard is home to themed hotels with elaborate displays such as fountains synchronized to music as well as replicas of an Egyptian pyramid, the Venetian Grand Canal, and the Eiffel Tower.
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 due to seasonal weather)
Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf
Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf is a shopping centre and popular tourist attraction built on a pier in San Francisco. At Pier 39 there are shops, restaurants, a video arcade, street performers, an interpretive centre for the marine mammal centre, the aquarium of the bay, virtual 3D rides and views of California sea lions hauled out on docks on Pier 39’s marina.
Hoover Dam Tours
For groups staying for two nights in Vegas, a visit to the famous Hoover Dam is a must. You can take a 30 minute tour of the Hoover Dam power plant and take a look around the visitors centre. Alternatively, opt for the hour long guided tour, which includes the 30 minute option plus a tour of the passageways of the dam itself.
