9 days Los Angeles to San Francisco
9-day California Calling Tour
This 9-day California group tour showcases the rich diversity of the Golden State. Take in the natural splendour of Yosemite and the sweeping ocean views of LA. Immerse yourself in the culture of San Francisco and the bustle of Hollywood. All this, whilst enjoying the warm welcome of the locals and the beautiful weather. This trip is guaranteed to get you California dreamin'!
This California group tour offers a varied snapshot of life in one of the world’s most desirable locations. We start off in L.A, where we explore what makes the City of Angels so special. Explore the beaches, the hills, and the streets, before leaving to explore the stunning natural world of Yosemite National Park. Finish in the foodie paradise of San Francisco, where you’ll see some of the world’s most iconic images and get in amongst the city’s amazing cultural scene.
What's included
Accommodation
Including hostels and hotels.
Adventure Leader
Local Adventure Leaders in each city!
Transport
All transport including ferries, trains, and buses.
Activities
A selection of activities included. Optional activities can be added.
California Calling Stops

Day 1-4: LA
Enjoy the delights of Los Angeles and discover some of the city's distinct areas. Play beach volleyball and grab a fro-yo at Santa Monica Pier. Stroll the Walk of Fame, visit one of the city's theme parks or help volunteer. Hike to the Griffith Observatory at sunset.

Day 5-6: Yosemite
Take a guided hike amidst the natural splendour and explore the abundant wildlife, wild waterfalls and jagged cliffs. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the pools, and see some of the most incredible panoramas on the planet.

Day 7-9: San Fran
Cycle across the impressive Golden Gate Bridge and view the city from the other side of the water. Take walking tours to explore the cultural scenes of some of the city's finest neighbourhoods and explore the foodie paradise. Head to Alcatraz, if you dare!
9-day California Group Tour
Day 1: Santa Monica
Welcome to Los Angeles, and the start of your California group tour! You’ll meet your group and Adventure Leader in the late afternoon at your hostel, where you’ll get a trip briefing. Here, your leader will tell you about the adventures to come, while providing you with some tips on staying safe while travelling.
Then it’s off to get dinner with your new friends at Trejo’s Tacos, before you head to the beach for a sunset stroll. Finally, spend the evening getting to know your fellow Coyotes as you battle it out in the Santa Monica Pier arcade challenge!
Day 2: Santa Monica
This morning, you’ll take the metro to the iconic Sunset Boulevard, where you’ll get a chance to stargaze during the day at the Hollywood Walk of Fame! After this, we’ll treat you to a taste of California with a visit to In-N-Out Burger, before you enjoy some free time to explore the area. Why not check out the Hollywood Film Museum?
We’ll rendezvous in the mid-afternoon for your next unmissable activity – a hike from Griffith Park to the iconic Griffith Observatory! Along the way, you’ll get amazing views of the inimitable Hollywood sign, and you’ll arrive in time to watch the sun set over the City of Angels before you explore the Observatory.
Day 3: Santa Monica
Today is a free day for you to spend how you wish! You’ve got some options:
- If you’re keen to make the most of your time in LA, you could opt to splash out on a day pass to Disneyland or Universal Studios!
- If you decide to remain in Santa Monica, you could chill at Venice Beach, try inline skating on the boardwalk, or take a tour of the Paramount Studios.
- If you want to give back to the local community, you could spend your day volunteering with Heal the Bay, helping to clean up California’s coastline.
Day 4: Santa Monica
This morning, we’re up and at ‘em with another unmissable activity: volleyball on Santa Monica beach! Your group will get your very own coach and learn how to bump, set, and spike.
Afterwards, you’ve got a couple of options. You might want to soak up the SoCal sun, take a dip in the Pacific, or try your hand at surfing! There’s also the free Getty Villa, a beautiful Roman-style palace museum around half an hour from the accommodation that overlooks Malibu beach.
Spend your last night in LA in style, with an evening out on the town where you can explore the street art and culture – and grab some great food while you’re at it.
Day 5: Yosemite
You’ll take an amazing journey from LA to Fresno today, with a bus and train journey that transports you from the glamorous Santa Monica to the stunning countryside of Midpines.
After a long day travelling, we’ll treat you to a delicious meal at the June Bug Café before you rest up ahead of another busy day.
Day 6: Yosemite
Today, it’s time for a truly unmissable experience – a hike through the amazing Yosemite National Park. You’ll meet in the morning to grab the bus to the Visitor’s Center, where you’ll embark on a guided hike with a specialised guide for a few hours.
After that, you’ve got some time to explore at your own pace and head to any must-sees, before we reconvene in the late afternoon to grab the bus back to the accommodation and get some dinner.
Day 7: San Francisco
This morning, we transfer to the final stop on our California group tour – San Fran! We’ll grab the Amtrak to Oakland, where you’ll be able to enjoy some scenic views en route.
Arriving to our hostel in the early afternoon, we’ll then take you out for that most iconic experience in the city… a cable car ride! After that, it’s off for a scenic walk around Chinatown and North Beach (Little Italy), where you’ll get a chance to take in the vibes before dinner.
Tonight, why not opt to join your group for a delicious meal at the House of Nanking?
Day 8: San Francisco
We start the day with another unmissable activity – the bike ride of a lifetime across the Golden Gate Bridge! We’ll rent bikes to take us over to enchanting Sausalito, before we take the ferry back in time for lunch at the Joinery Beerhall.
This afternoon, you’ve got time to explore at your own leisure. You might want to head to Baker Beach, the Castro District, or pay a visit to the Painted Ladies! In the evening, you can opt to join your group for a final night on the town. If you’d like, you can head to a Giants’ baseball game, or hit Pier 39 for dining, shopping – and sea lions!
Day 9: Farewell
Sadly, today marks the end of your California group tour. However, if you’d like to join us for one final excursion, you can opt to take a ferry over to the infamous Alcatraz Island, where you’ll be able to explore the prison and tour ‘The Rock’.
Photos
Included on our California Group Tour:
- Sunset beach stroll & Pier arcade challenge (LA)
- In-N-Out Burger lunch (LA)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame visit (LA)
- Hike & visit to Griffith Observatory (LA)
- Beach volleyball class (LA)
- Dinner at the June Bug Café (Yosemite)
- Half-day guided hike of Yosemite National Park (Yosemite)
- Cable-car ride (San Francisco)
- Walking tour of Chinatown and North Beach (San Francisco)
- Bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)
Not Included on our California Group Tour:
- Free time options in Santa Monica – including Hollywood Film Museum, Wax Museum, surfing, etc. (LA)
- Disneyland/Universal Studios ticket (LA)
- Free time options in San Francisco (San Francisco)
- Giants baseball game (San Francisco)
- Alcatraz Tour (San Francisco)
A deposit is required to make a reservation on our California Group Tour, with the balance due 70 days prior to departure (unless booking with one of our promotions, for which specific balance due dates may apply).
The deposit is 10% of the group tour price (unless stated otherwise). If you book on to our tours less than 70 days prior to departure, the full balance will be due within 3 days of booking.
No bookings can be accepted within 40 days of a trip departure date of our California group tour.
The price of a single room upgrade for the trip is £1,315 and a double room upgrade is £799 per room. We can arrange pre-nights of accommodation in L.A. and post-nights in San Francisco. Please let us know at least 5 working days before the trip starts if you would like any of these extras adding onto your booking.
Visit our FAQs page. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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