Compare Grand Tour of California: San Francisco to Los Angeles by Go Ahead Tours vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures

SAN FRANCISCO 3 nights

Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco
Included meals: Dinner
Welcome to California! Arrive in San Francisco and transfer to your hotel. Then, meet your fellow travelers at an included welcome dinner.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of San Francisco
Included meals: Breakfast
Today’s guided tour introduces you to the highlights of San Francisco, the “City by the Bay.”

• Ride up Twin Peaks, the hills near the center of San Francisco, and take in spectacular panoramic vistas
• Pass the iconic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, location of cultural movements in the 1960s, and the posh neighborhoods of Pacific Heights and Nob Hill
• Drive through North Beach and see the iconic Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill 
• Visit Golden Gate Park and enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge

Enjoy a free afternoon strolling along Fisherman’s Wharf or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - Alcatraz Island $59pp*

Embark on a short ferry ride from Embarcadero Pier for an up-close look at the infamous “inescapable” federal penitentiary at Alcatraz Island. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of this iconic American landmark and uncover its intriguing history, including details on the great 1962 escape.
Must be booked 20 days before departure

Day 3: Free day in San Francisco
Included meals: Breakfast
Spend a free day exploring San Francisco on your own or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - Sonoma & Napa Valley Wine Tasting $115pp*

With over 600 wineries between Napa and Sonoma Valley, California’s wine country stands out among the world’s best-renowned viticulture regions. Visit a vineyard in Napa Valley for a tour and wine tasting, then enjoy an included lunch in Napa. Later, head to Sonoma Valley to tour another local vineyard, followed by wine tastings. Please note: The order of the day is subject to change.
Save $10 when you book this excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. (On-tour price: $125)

YOSEMITE REGION 2 nights

Day 4: Transfer to Yosemite National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the Central Valley on the way to Yosemite. In the afternoon, enter the national park for a discussion on Yosemite, led by a park ranger.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Yosemite Valley
Learn about the Yosemite Valley’s history and geology on a guided sightseeing tour with a park ranger.

• View Bridalveil Fall, named for the ethereal mists that surround the falls
• Drive up Inspiration Point for phenomenal photos of Half Dome and El Capitan, icons of the Yosemite Valley 
• Take in the sights at the historic Tunnel View overlook, offering one of the most famous views of the park
• Enjoy a free afternoon in Yosemite National Park or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - Yosemite's Glacier Point $55pp*

Depart from Yosemite Lodge for a sweeping tour of the Yosemite Valley, riding up to Glacier Point. Take in spectacular panoramic views of the park from the overlook at Glacier Point, towering 3,200 feet above the valley, and see the iconic landmarks, from El Capitan and Half Dome to Yosemite’s many beautiful waterfalls. Choose to ride back down to the bottom, or set out on an adventure and hike to the base on your own. Please note: this excursion is seasonal and runs from late May through October only. This excursion includes high altitudes and walking on uneven terrain, which may be difficult for some travelers.
Save $10 when you book this excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. (On-tour price: $65)

MONTEREY 1 night

Day 6: Transfer to Monterey

Included meals: Breakfast

Drive from Yosemite to Monterey, a coastal city brimming with rich history and cultural diversity. Spend free time exploring Cannery Row before visiting the world-famous Monterey Aquarium.

SANTA BARBARA REGION 2 nights

Day 7: Hearst Castle via Big Sur
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey south alongthe Pacific Coast Highway, a cliffside roadway boasting exhilarating views, crossing the mountainous region of Big Sur. Stop for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the storied hilltop mansion of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, before arriving in the Santa Barbara region.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Santa Barbara
Included meals: Breakfast
Get to know the city of Santa Barbara, the “American Riviera,” on this morning’s guided sightseeing tour.

• Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara, a Franciscan mission established in 1786
• See Stearns Wharf, an iconic wooden pier in the Santa Barbara Harbor
• Pass the historic County Courthouse, a Greek Revival-style building decorated with beautiful interior murals
• View El Presidio, a former Spanish military outpost in downtown Santa Barbara 
• Take time to explore Santa Barbara on your own or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - Santa Barbara Wine Country $65pp* Details

Travel through the Santa Ynez Valley outside of Santa Barbara, a wine region famous for its pinot noir. On the road, stop in the charming town of Solvang and soak in its Dutch-influenced art and architecture, including a replica of Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid statue, honoring Hans Christan Andersen. Later, enjoy tours and wine tastings at local vineyards, which helped inspire the movie “Sideways.”
Save $10 when you book this excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. (On-tour price: $75)

LOS ANGELES 1 night

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Los Angeles
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue on the Pacific Coast Highway as you travel to Los Angeles, stoppingfor lunch at a West Hollywood farmers market. Then, immerse yourself in lively L.A . on a guided sightseeing tour.

• Ride down Rodeo Drive through glamorous Beverly Hills 
• Stroll through Hollywood, passing Gruman’s Chinese Theatre and the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame 
• View the iconic Hollywood sign from the Hollywood and Highland Center, a bustling entertainment complex 

Tonight, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Day 10: Departure
Included meals: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue on to explore San Diego.
Add San Diego $529 pp
Please note: Extension is not available on all departure dates.
Discover what makes San Diego “America’s Finest City.” From its pristine beaches to the historic downtown, this coastal California hot spot delights at every turn.

SAN DIEGO 2 nights

Day 10: San Diego via La Jolla
Included meals: Breakfast
Continue on to San Diego, stopping in the seaside town of La Jolla along the way. In the afternoon, get an introduction to “America’s Finest City” on a panoramic tour.

• Pass through Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre urban cultural park and location of the world-famous San Diego Zoo
• Explore Coranado Island, a peninsulacity with small-town coastal charm 
• Visit the historic Gaslamp Quarter and admire the neighborhood’s beautifully restored Victorian buildings
• See the Cabrillo National Monument, which commemorates Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s landing at San Diego Bay

Day 11: Free day in San Diego
Included meals: Breakfast
Explore San Diego on your own or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - USS Midway Museum & Harbor Cruise $75pp* Details

Begin with a self-guided audio tour of the USS Midway, the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, narrated by sailors who lived or worked on the ship. See over 60 locations throughout the museum during your visit, from the engine room to the control tower. Then, drive to the north side of the harbor, where you’ll enjoy free time for lunch before heading out on an afternoon cruise on the San Diego Bay.
Must be booked 20 days before departure

Day 12: Departure
Included meals: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita

Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.

Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz

Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.

Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco

Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park

Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.

Day 5 Yosemite National Park

Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.

Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.

Day 6 Yosemite National Park

Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.

Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach

Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.

After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.

Day 8 Hermosa Beach

Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.

Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles

In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.