Geography Trip to West Coast USA

About this trip

A geography school trip abroad to West Coast USA is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many students, offering a huge variety of unique learning opportunities. Your group will experience some and truly memorable geographical sights such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park. A tour can be taken over a variety of durations with adjustments to the itinerary. See the ‘Excursion Ideas’ tab for further information or contact us to discuss possibilities.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Find out more

Fly from UK into San Francisco
Guided City Tour

Day 2 Find out more

Breakfast in accommodation
Alcatraz
Golden Gate Bridge
Trams OR
California Academy of Science

Day 3 Find out more

Breakfast in accommodation
Visit Yosemite National Park

Day 4 Find out more

Breakfast in accommodation
Visit Death Valley National Park

Day 5 Find out more

Breakfast in accommodation
Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon National Park

Day 6 Find out more

Breakfast in accommodation
Transfer to Los Angeles
LA Guided City Tour (to include the Hollywood sign and other landmarks)

Day 7 Find out more

Breakfast in accommodation
Morning at Venice Beach OR shopping at outlet mall
Transfer to airport & fly back to UK

Day 8 Find out more

Arrive back in the UK

Excursion Ideas

Alcatraz Find out more

Alcatraz

Subject Range: Cultural, History

What you’ll experience: Alcatraz operated from 1934 to 1963 and is best known as one of the world’s most legendary prisons. Alcatraz was once home to some of the USA’s most notorious criminals such as Al “Scarface” Capone, and the “Birdman”. A must see opportunity whilst in this part of the globe! (Please see supervisory ratio restrictions below).

Select Says: Special note – One adult leader (aged 21 years or older) is required for every nine students.

Universal Studios Find out more

Universal Studios

Subject Range: Cultural

What you’ll experience: This LA visit is a great way to reward your pupils and provide them with a well-earned break from learning.

Select Says: 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.

Hoover Dam Tour Find out more

Hoover Dam Tour

Subject Range: Science, Geography

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: You can also opt for the hour long guided tour, which includes the 30 min option plus a tour of the passageways of the dam itself.

Las Vegas Find out more

Las Vegas

Subject Range: Cultural, Geography

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: Groups can stay centrally near the main ‘strip’.

Grand Canyon Find out more

Grand Canyon

Subject Range: Geography

What you’ll experience: 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!

Select Says: Stay over in nearby Tusayan.

Death Valley National Park Find out more

Death Valley National Park

Subject Range: Geography

What you’ll experience: Pupils 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.

Select Says: One of the hottest places on earth, this region is contrasted by the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Yosemite National Park Find out more

Yosemite National Park

Subject Range: Geography

What you’ll experience: A wilderness park renowned for the mountain and valley scenery, waterfalls, grand meadows and forests containing the groves of giant sequoias.

Select Says: Main route through Yosemite is shut November to April, but can still visit areas of the National Park.

Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf Find out more

Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf

Subject Range: Cultural, Geography

What you’ll experience: Pier 39 and Fisherman’s 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 and virtual 3D rides.

Select Says: A highlight is the views of California sea lions on the docks of Pier 39’s marina.

Muir Woods Find out more

Muir Woods

Subject Range: Science, Geography

What you’ll experience: An opportunity to observe a truly remarkable ecosystem, only 30 minutes from San Francisco! On your morning coach excursion, pupils will observe the diversity of flora and fauna.

Select Says: The giant Redwood Sequoia trees will provide an excellent opportunity to enhance understanding of ecosystems.

San Francisco City Tour Find out more

San Francisco City Tour

Subject Range: Science, Cultural, Geography

What you’ll experience: San Francisco 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.

Select Says: We highly recommend a visit to the new California Academy of Sciences. 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.

Accommodation Options

Comfort Inn by the Bay – San Francisco Find out more

Comfort Inn by the Bay – San Francisco

Our Rating:

Location: San Francisco

What you’ll experience: This is a well-positioned hotel in San Francisco, located close to Fisherman’s Wharf. Union Square, Pier 39 and the Port of San Francisco. Great accommodation for our groups. Rooms: Bedrooms all have en-suite bathrooms. All guest rooms are equipped with TVs, coffee makers, hair dryers and irons and ironing boards. Facilities: Free WiFi and hot breakfast offered.

Accommodation 15 Find out more

Key Highlights

Location

Subject

Duration

Transport

About this trip

Sample Itinerary

Excursion Ideas

Alcatraz

Universal Studios

Hoover Dam Tour

Las Vegas

Grand Canyon

Death Valley National Park

Yosemite National Park

Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf

Muir Woods

San Francisco City Tour

Accommodation Options

Comfort Inn by the Bay – San Francisco

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