Overview
Bring the excitement of the California Gold Rush to life as you explore the historic heart of the search: Sacramento. Explore Sutter’s Fort to better understand the effect of the Gold Rush on the world and step into the shoes of a pioneer to learn about settler life in the 19th century. End your journey in San Francisco, stopping at iconic spots like Alcatraz Island and Pier 39 to reflect on the economic and social development of California through the 21st century.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Sacramento, CA
California State Capitol Building visit
Step inside this grand 19th-century capitol building to learn about the legislative process and see where lawmakers meet. Marvel at the ornate interiors as you walk through marble hallways and explore exhibits on California’s rich history.
California Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Honor the Californians who served in the Vietnam War at this powerful memorial. Stand before black granite panels engraved with the names of those who lost their lives or went missing and take in the bronze statues of soldiers, a nurse, and a prisoner of war.
Lunch
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park visit
Discover the birthplace of the Gold Rush at this 19th-century fort that shaped American history. Explore preserved buildings and exhibits detailing its pivotal role in pioneer settlement and regional trade.
Old Sacramento visit
Take in views of the waterfront as you stroll down wooden sidewalks lined with historic buildings and landmarks. Shop for souvenirs or sweets at old-fashioned shops and learn about the district’s roots as a major supply and transportation hub during the Gold Rush era.
California State Railroad Museum visit
Discover an impressive collection of meticulously restored locomotives, vintage railcars, and detailed model train layouts. Immerse yourself in exhibits that show how the railroad shaped California’s growth and influenced the region’s economy, culture, and communities.
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Nimbus fish hatchery visit
Explore a working fish hatchery where salmon and steelhead are raised and released into the river. Watch the fish make their way up the ladder from the viewing window, feed them in the ponds, and learn about the hatchery’s conservation efforts.
Olde Coloma Theatre visit
Experience the charm of this Old West-style theatre and enjoy a melodrama that captures the spirit of the Gold Rush. Cheer for the hero and boo the villain off the stage in this interactive performance that brings Gold Country’s history to life.
Lunch
Marshall Gold Discovery Park visit
Step into the park where gold was first discovered in 1848 and sparked the California Gold Rush. Explore preserved 19th-century buildings and engage with interpreters to learn how this historic discovery shaped California and influenced the world.
Gold rush activity
Design a colorful trade bead necklace to take home as a personal keepsake of your adventure. Discover how these beads were used as an essential bartering tool for goods and services during the Gold Rush era.
Gold panning in the American River
Experience the thrill of the Gold Rush along the legendary riverbanks where the first nugget was discovered in 1848. Try your hand at panning in the troughs as you search for garnets, fool’s gold, and real gold flakes.
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Alcatraz Island visit
Catch a ferry across the bay to visit this infamous former prison that once held some of America’s most notorious criminals. Explore preserved cell blocks and hear firsthand prisoner accounts of escape attempts, isolation, and daily life behind bars.
Lunch
Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf
Explore the sights and sounds of Pier 39, located along the San Francisco Bay. Laugh with the sea lions, enjoy performance art, live entertainment, and the charm of beautifully hand-painted carousels.
Cable car ride
Hop aboard a famous cable car for a journey through San Francisco’s vibrant neighborhoods and historic landmarks. Enjoy sweeping views of the city as you learn about the history behind the world’s last manually operated transportation system.
Exploratorium visit
Step inside this renowned museum with more than 650 interactive exhibits that bring science, art, and perception to life. Learn about optical illusions, experiment with physics, and explore topics ranging from the human body to outer space.
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.