Family Fun in California
California conjures visions of Hollywood stars and surfers, but that's just the surface. On this USA tour, you will visit soulful San Francisco and see Yosemite's giant redwoods. From endless sandy beaches to charming coastal towns and LA family fun, the Golden State is one of great contrasts.
Journey highlights
-
Take in all the highlights as you waterfall watch in Yosemite, cycle over Golden Gate and hike the Hollywood Hills
-
Ideal from April through to September - popular Easter or summer vacation
-
Marine wonders await - kayak with sea lions, spot whales and dolphins, explore tide pools
-
A foodie's delight from Santa Barbara wine country to Santa Monica farmers' market
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
During the summer, between June and September, California is at its peak but summer is fabulous for enjoying the beaches, enjoying alfresco dinners and attending festivals such as Santa Barbara's wine festival. In San Francisco, some warm clothes are always needed as thick summer fog can make the region surprisingly cold at night.
The shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) expect sunny days, smaller crowds and better value.
Itinerary
Union Square, San Francisco, California, United States of America
Starting in the incredible iconic city of San Francisco, spend three nights exploring the streets of Nobb Hill, wandering Haight-Ashbury and chowing down on the freshest seafood around at Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop on board an iconic cable car, cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, visit Alcatraz Island, dine out in Chinatown or head out to the bay on a speedboat for a unique view of the city skyline. There’s plenty to do here, all certain to delight travelers of any age.
Accommodation: The St. Regis San Francisco ( 3 nights )
Yosemite National Park
The next day, pick up your SUV and drive through goldrush country to Yosemite National Park to stay in a log-cabin among the Redwood trees, from where you can have a cook-out in the evening, admire nature from a hot tub and spot deer and black bears if you're lucky. Spend your time in this beautiful National Park hiking to Glacier Point for sublime views or cycling through flower-strewn meadows spotting wildlife as you go. There are also opportunities for privately guided hikes as well as trolley tours, that take you around the park giving you the best glances of each of the most famous sights.
Accommodation: The Redwoods in Yosemite ( 3 nights )
Carmel Valley, California
Next stop is picturesque Carmel Valley Ranch. Families will love the abundance of activities on offer here, and couples will enjoy the beautiful spa. During your stay, you can go horse riding, have a bucket-and-spade day in Carmel-by-the-Sea, bike the 17-mile drive around Pebble Beach or kayak around the kelp forests in Monterey. We have included a whale watching trip for you in Monterey so you can head out to try and spot whales and dolphins commonly seen along the coast.
Accommodation: Carmel Valley Ranch ( 2 nights )
Santa Barbara, California
Next, follow the iconic Pacific Highway down Big Sur - snake through sea cliffs, beach towns and redwood forests as you head south to the Spanish mission town of Santa Barbara. Tucked between the Santa Ynez mountains, wine region and the ocean, its Mediterranean vibe has given Santa Barbara the title of the 'American Riviera'. Foodies will love the vast amount of incredible restaurants; from fine-dining to open-air late night food markets as well as the urban wine trail.
Accommodation: Hotel Californian ( 2 nights )
Santa Monica, Los Angeles
End in Los Angeles at renowned beachfront hotel Shutters on the Beach. Spend your final few days in California soaking up the sunshine on the beach, shopping until you drop at Santa Monica Place, strolling the boardwalk and farmers markets, or head into LA for the day. You might enjoy hiking to the Hollywood sign at during the day or at sunset to see LA sparkling at night. We have included a Universal Studios VIP Experience, a wonderful day out for adults or children alike.
Accommodation: Shutters on the Beach ( 3 nights )
Call us on 212 660 0228 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | $7,700 | $1,900 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | $7,700 | $1,900 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | $8,500 | $2,100 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | $8,500 | $2,100 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | $8,500 | $2,100 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | $8,500 | $2,100 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | $8,500 | $2,100 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | $9,300 | $2,300 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | $9,300 | $2,300 | plan your trip |
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,700
Deposit from*$1,900
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,700
Deposit from*$1,900
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,500
Deposit from*$2,100
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,500
Deposit from*$2,100
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,500
Deposit from*$2,100
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,500
Deposit from*$2,100
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,500
Deposit from*$2,100
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,300
Deposit from*$2,300
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,300
Deposit from*$2,300
- plan your trip
Why Scott Dunn?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are personalized to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
Seamless Service
- Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
Carefully Curated Collection
- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
- Awarded Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 12 years in a row.