The Best of Californiausa

About The Hotel

We’re excited to present a carefully crafted collection of adventure tours and tailor made itineraries for families with older children. Recommended for children aged five upwards, this self-drive tour takes in California’s most family-friendly highlights including the Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, San Francisco, Universal Studios Hollywood, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Santa Barbara, staying in luxury accommodation with two nights’ glamping!

All of our North American arrangements can be tailored to you and we will be happy to discuss your exact requirements and make recommendations in order to ensure you enjoy the best possible family holiday. In addition to touring itineraries we can offer relaxing stay-put or twin-centre options in Los Angeles and beyond. The following is an example itinerary, especially designed with families in mind and staying in luxury accommodation.

DAY 1

Arrive in Los Angeles

Upon  arrival  at LAX,  you will  pick  up your  rental  vehicle and  drive approximately  35  minutes to the Loews Hotel. Depending on your arrival time, an L.A. City tour can be arranged with  a private  guide  who will  take you through famous  neighbourhoods and to see city  sights  including the Hollywood sign. Overnight at Loews Hotel. No Meals Included.

DAY 2

Universal Studios Hollywood Tour

Depart the Loews Hotel in the early morning and drive to Universal Studios Hollywood. Explore locations and sets closed to the general public, with exclusive  behind-the-scenes  access to the movie  studios, as well as access to all rides, attractions and shows. After the tour, you will drive 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Canary Hotel. Overnight at the Canary Hotel, Santa Barbara. Breakfast and Lunch Included.

DAY 3

Santa Barbara

A free day to enjoy Santa Barbara. Nestled between the shrub-covered slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the clear blue shores of  the Pacific Ocean, Santa  Barbara  is California at its best. Its beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and colorful culture make it a popular resort destination and whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, lounging on the beach or culture it has something for everyone. Overnight at the Canary Hotel. No Meals Included.

DAY 4

Kayaking in Morro Bay & Glamping

After breakfast, begin the 2 hour drive North to Morro Bay. Upon arrival into Morro Bay you will be met by your guide to start your Big Sur adventure with a two hour kayaking trip.

Morro Bay is composed of 2300 acres of  mud flats, eelgrass beds, tidal wetlands and open water. Two dozen threatened or endangered species live in the area including the Peregrine Falcon, Brandt Goose, Brown Pelican, Sea Otter and Snowy Plovers. Morro Bay is also a major West Coast wintering area for over 100 species of birds providing year around bird watching opportunities. Its waters are home to California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals, which use the mud flats as a hauling out area. After your kayaking adventure, continue an additional two hours North to camp. Relax and enjoy the camp facilities while the staff prepares a full service dinner. Overnight at Big Sur Luxury Camping. Lunch, Dinner Included.

DAY 5

Exploring Big Sur beaches and trails

Explore the incredible region of Big Sur State Park; your guide will tailor the day to your personal preferences and the ages of your children. You will have the opportunity  to take  several short  hikes:  visiting  a secluded rocky cove, several historic structures and a waterfall plunging to the sands below. An optional excursion takes you on a trail of stream crossings ending in a spectacular 100 feet waterfall. Overnight at Big Sur Luxury Camping. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included.

DAY 6

Monterey Bay Aquarium tour and on to Yosemite

After breakfast  at camp you will  drive 1 hour  and 35 minutes North to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Discover what it takes  to run  a world-class  aquarium,  learn  about exciting  research projects  being conducted and find out how to prepare food for over 10,000 animals! Once your tour is complete, drive approximately 4 hours from Monterey into Yosemite National Park and check into your new accommodations at Tenaya Lodge. Overnight at Tenaya Lodge. Breakfast Included.

DAY 7

Yosemite National Park

After breakfast, meet  your  private naturalist  guide  who will discuss your options for the day which include nearby walking tours or a guided drive in your vehicle.  You could stroll through El Capitan Meadow or drive to Glacier Point for the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Walk.   An expert with the Yosemite Conservancy, he will enable you to fully understand the history, geology, flora and fauna that occupy the park.

Please note: Yosemite guides are not permitted to drive clients inside the park. You may follow behind the guide vehicle or the guide may drive with you. Overnight at Tenaya Lodge. No Meals Included.

DAY 8

San Francisco

Depart  Yosemite  National  Park  and drive to San  Francisco.   The drive is approximately  4 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arrival into San Francisco, check in to your hotel which is located on the city’s waterfront, near Fisherman’s Wharf and Chrissy Field. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to take in the new sights of this exciting city. Overnight at the Fairmont Heritage Place or similar. No Meals Included

DAY 9

Baseball stadium tour and evening Alcatraz tour

Today you will  have a leisurely  morning at the hotel before transferring 20 minutes to the San Francisco Giants AT&T Ballpark stadium for a tour. The breathtaking Bay views rival the action on  the field where one of baseball’s most hallowed franchises  plays  inside  an architectural  landmark.  On   your  behind-the-scenes  tour you’ll  go places only the players and coaches go: the Giants’ dugout, the Visitors’ clubhouse, even the field.

Free afternoon to explore San Francisco before your evening tour to Alcatraz. The Alcatraz night tour is a unique programme limited to just a few  hundred visitors per evening. It offers special activities including a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour and a variety of special programmes and presentations offered only at night. Overnight at the Fairmont Heritage Place or similar. No Meals Included.

DAY 10

San Francisco

Free day in San  Francisco. There are many wonderful activities for families including the San Francisco Zoo, The Exploratorium and the California Academy of Sciences (private tours may be arranged here). Overnight  at the Fairmont  Heritage  Place or similar. No Meals Included.

DAY 11

Departure

Depart your hotel and drive approximately 35 minutes to San Francisco Airport. Please allow for enough time to return your rental vehicle and go through airport security.

Family Facts

Babysitting is available at all the featured resorts, except for Big Sur Luxury Camping.

Child and infant car seats will be provided in your vehicle.