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
Discover the star-lined streets of Hollywood as you take in the vibrant sights and sounds of this legendary neighborhood. Follow your Course Leader past iconic landmarks and hear stories of the glitz, glamour, and defining moments that shaped film history.
Dinner
Santa Monica Pier visit
Admire sweeping ocean views from the boardwalk of this world-famous pier at the end of Route 66. Discover classic rides, a vintage carousel, and carnival games as you learn about the pier’s history as a beloved cultural destination.
Day 2
Breakfast
La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum visit
Experience the world's only active urban dig site with famous bubbling tar pits and preserved fossils from the Ice Age. Marvel at skeletons of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other prehistoric creatures while learning about excavation techniques and the museum’s ongoing research.
Lunch
Universal Studios Hollywood visit
Picture your best day ever - all the mischief, wonder and thrills in store at Universal Studios Hollywood. Imagine soaring over lands you’ve only seen on screen. And letting loose with some of your favorite characters on incredible rides. And of course, there’s the world-famous Studio Tour. It’s absolutely the best day in LA.
Dinner at Universal Studios
Day 3
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Travel to Anaheim, CA
Disneyland® visit
Experience the magic and wonder of Disneyland as you immerse yourself in adventure, imagination, and timeless storytelling. Visit enchanting lands, meet your favorite Disney characters, and enjoy spectacular live performances at "The Happiest Place on Earth."
Lunch at Disneyland
Downtown Disney visit
Take in the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Disney as you explore whimsical shops, popular eateries, and live entertainment. Browse for souvenirs, grab iconic treats, or enjoy a themed meal in this magical district.
Dinner at Downtown Disney
Travel to San Diego, CA
Day 4
Breakfast
Old Town walking tour
Experience the birthplace of California as you visit preserved 19th-century adobe buildings, landmarks, and museums. Hear stories from your guide about Old Town's rich history, from Indigenous roots and Spanish settlers to Mexican rule and American statehood.
Mission Basilica visit
Marvel at the iconic bell tower of California’s first mission and learn about its legacy as the birthplace of Christianity in the American West. Explore the stunning 19th-century church, peaceful gardens, and museum with sacred artifacts, friars’ quarters, and history exhibits.
Lunch
Balboa Park visit
Visit one of the nation’s largest and oldest urban parks, known for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and cultural landmarks. Delve into the park’s history and artistic legacy as you explore lush gardens, vibrant plazas, and world-class museums.
San Diego Zoo visit
Visit this world-famous zoo, known for its incredible animal diversity and global leadership in wildlife conservation. See animals from all over the world in expansive natural habitats, discover rare species, and learn how the zoo's research and breeding programs protect global wildlife.
Dinner
Gaslamp Ghost Tour
Explore lantern-lit streets and Victorian buildings while visiting some of the city’s most haunted locations. Hear chilling tales of shadowy spirits, eerie encounters, and local legends that bring the district’s history to life.
Day 5
Breakfast and hotel check-out
USS Midway visit
Take a journey through naval history on the longest-serving U.S. carrier of the 20th century. Sit in the cockpit of iconic restored aircraft, experience flight simulators, and learn about the massive carrier’s past as you explore spaces above and below deck.
Lunch
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)
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.