Overview
Immerse your students in the rich history and entertainment legacy of California on this exciting adventure. Your class will embark on a walking tour of Hollywood and visit Universal Studios, enjoy an evening on the Santa Monica Pier, and explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Your students can also look forward to visiting the Mission Basilica and USS Midway, discovering the only active urban fossil dig in the world at the La Brea Tar Pits, and spending a full day at Disneyland.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Los Angeles, CA
Lunch
Hollywood walking tour
Your Course Leader will guide you through Hollywood’s streets, uncovering hidden historic gems like the oldest house in Hollywood and the school Charlie Chaplin’s children attended. You'll get up-close views of iconic landmarks including the Walk of Fame, Capitol Records Building, Egyptian Theater, Dolby Theater, and TCL Chinese Theater. It’s also a great spot for lunch and snapping photos of the Hollywood Sign.
Dinner
Santa Monica Pier visit
Enjoy a walk along the Santa Monica Pier, where ocean breezes and crashing waves frame stunning views. See the Route 66 End of the Trail sign; a powerful symbol of countless journeys and the legacy of America’s Mother Road.
Day 2
Breakfast
La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum visit
Discover the only active urban fossil dig site in the world, where plants and animals from the last 50,000 years are uncovered daily. Inside the museum, explore the Fossil Lab and see saber-toothed cats, mammoths, dire wolves, and mastodons, along with tiny but important microfossils that reveal the ancient ecosystem.
Lunch
Universal Studios Hollywood® Visit
Test your limits with movie-inspired thrills and adventures you won’t find anywhere else. Top rides include the World-Famous Studio Tour, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World The Ride, Transformers The Ride 3D, Revenge of the Mummy, and The Secret Life of Pets Off the Leash.
Dinner at Universal Studios
Day 3
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Travel to Anaheim, CA
Disneyland® visit
Discover the excitement of Disneyland Resort, home to two incredible theme parks. Disneyland Park, opened in 1955, is the first Disney park and the only one built under Walt Disney’s direct supervision. Spend the day immersed in imagination, adventure, and timeless storytelling.
Lunch at Disneyland
Downtown Disney
Enjoy a meal, grab iconic Disney treats, and shop for gifts or keepsakes to remember your visit.
Dinner at Downtown Disney
Travel to San Diego, CA
Day 4
Breakfast
Old Town walking tour
Witness the living legacy of California’s birthplace at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Its many preserved historic buildings and museums commemorate the early days of San Diego, spanning the period from 1820 to 1870.
Mission Basilica visit
Experience the birthplace of Christianity in the American West at Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. Founded in 1769, this historic shrine reveals the roots of Catholicism and honors the dedication of Spanish priests who journeyed far from home to share their faith.
Lunch
Balboa Park visit
Discover the beauty of Balboa Park, where lush gardens, historic architecture, and world-class museums create a one-of-a-kind cultural destination.
San Diego Zoo visit
Encounter over 3,500 rare and endangered animals across 100 acres at the San Diego Zoo, home to more than 650 species and subspecies, plus a stunning botanical collection of 700,000 exotic plants.
Dinner
Gaslamp Ghost Tour
Visit several of the Gaslamp Quarter’s most popular local hauntings while learning of sinister spirits, death, and espionage.
Day 5
Breakfast and hotel check-out
USS Midway visit
The longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, Midway was the first in a three-ship class of large carriers featuring an armored flight deck and a powerful air group of 120 planes.
Lunch
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
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
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)
Scenes from Southern California
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.