The best California road trip!  Enjoy a short camping holiday in Yosemite National Park.  Explore the hiking trails and meadows beneath the granite masterpieces, El Capitan and Half Dome, in Yosemite Valley. Then, behold the sheer magnitude of Giant Sequoia trees.  The journey continues along the scenic coastline.  Santa Cruz and Monterey will delight the child in you at the boardwalk and aquarium, while a campout in Big Sur will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.  Top it all off with a visit to two lesser known destinations, Channel Islands and Pinnacles National Parks! 

2024 Dates & Prices

Friday, May 17 –
Friday, May 24, 2024

Fare: $674 + Food/Parks: $325
Total: $999

$250 Initial Payment Reserves Your Spot Today!

Total Payment Due 60 Days Prior To Adventure 

8 days 7 nights

California Sun

Total Price: $999

Starts: San Francisco, California

Ends: San Francisco, California

Day 0

Welcome to the Green Tortoise!

Meet at the bus loading zone at the intersection of Columbus and Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco with your e-ticket.  An overnight ride brings us to Yosemite National Park!

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Day 1

Wake up in the remarkable wilderness and enjoy your first Tortoise breakfast.  A short ride reveals views of El Capitan, Half Dome and cascading waterfalls before we stop to explore Yosemite Valley.  The early arrival allows plenty of time to hike the famous Mist Trail, meander along the Merced River, rent a bike or take a gander at the Ansel Adams Gallery and the famous Ahwahnee Hotel.  

In the evening, head for camp in the Eastern Sierras and enjoy a decadent camp dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Showers Available at Yosemite Lodge

Camp Night

Day 2

Enjoy the scenic ride to Tuolumne Meadows.  Meander through the subalpine meadow or hike to the magnificent views atop Lembert Dome.  Next, we’ll wind our way to Tuolumne Grove, where you can stand in the presence of giants!  An up-close encounter with the Sequoias will leave you humbled.  

Meals Inlcuded: Breakfast / Lunch

Optional Swim / Showers Available

Camp Night

Day 3

Bid farewell to the Eastern Sierras as we cruise back towards to the coast.  This afternoon, enjoy the scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway.  Wander the quaint downtown of Half Moon Bay.  Then, we’ll hit the beach in Santa Cruz.  You can get an adrenaline rush on the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the US, or check out the Surfing Museum. 

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Optional Swim / Showers Available

Day 4

In Monterey, stroll along beloved Cannery Row, wander around Fisherman’s Wharf, or visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.  This city made famous by John Steinbeck, an American author, has charm and a rich history to explore.  Afterwards, a scenic drive along the Big Sur coastline delights every traveler! It brings us to our campsite among the enchanting Coastal Redwoods.  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional Swim / Showers Available

Day 5

Today, you’ll have the chance to wade into the Pacific Ocean at San Simeon State Park. You may choose to tour the antiquated Hearst Castle.  Watch the endless horizon go by as the road winds along the ocean cliffside to Ventura.  Along the way, admire the local elephant seal colony residing on the coast.  

Tonight, fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping on the shore near our beachside campsite. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Optional Swim

Day 6

Take an unforgettable ferry ride to the Channel Islands.  Poise your camera for the chance to snap photos of dolphins, whales and other marine life.  The day is spent exploring the unique biology of the remarkable islands.  Hike over rolling hills and meander through farm houses restored from the Spanish colonization in the early 19th century.  Alternatively, you may choose to stay shoreside and spend a day relaxing on the beach in Ventura, California.  This evening, we’ll meander the palm-lined streets of historic downtown Santa Barbara.  

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 7

We wake up in yet another off the beaten path national park! Turn your gaze towards the skies, as Pinnacles National Park is home to a treasured and recovering species, the California Condor. This morning, take a hike towards the park’s rock monuments and adventure into cool talus caves.

The journey ends right back where we began in San Francisco.  Say farewell to our new adventure pals.  Until next time!

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Showers Available

  • 70% of Meals
  • Travel by Custom Coach
  • National Park Entrance Fees
  • Semi-Guided Exploration of Cities and Parks
  • Camping Fees

What’s Not Included

    • Sleeping Bag
      • Rent one from us!
    • Tent
      • Rent one from us!
    • Channel Islands Ferry – $74.49
      • Option to add to your adventure when you book
    • Yosemite Valley Tour
    • Inner Tube or Raft Rental
    • Bike Rental
    • Monterey Bay Aquarium
    • Roller Coasters
    • Hearst Castle Tour
    • Channel Islands Excursion

You’ll be traveling in a custom sleeper coach! 

 

A sleeping bag is required for this adventure. If you don’t have one, rent one from us upon booking!  Just $20 for the entire trip.

 

A tent is required.  You are welcome to sleep on the bus many nights, however it is not guaranteed.  You may rent a tent from us for $40.

 

Our coaches are equipped with a camp kitchen.  No need to bring your own cookware or utensils.  Bring a reusable lunch container to store your packed lunch and a reusable water bottle.

Once you’re booked, you will receive a detailed packing list in your e-ticket.

Departure:  9:00 PM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery Street Bus Loading Zone 

Arrival:  3:00 PM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery St. Bus Loading Zone

Bixby Bridge on a group camping road trip with Green Tortoise in Big Sur, California

Day By Day 

0. San Francisco, California – Drive Night

1. Yosemite Valley – Camp Night

2. Tuolumne Meadows / Giant Sequoias  – Camp Night

3. Santa Cruz – Camp Night

4. Monterey / Big Sur – Camp Night

5. San Simeon State Park – Camp Night

6. Channel Islands National Park / Ventura – Drive Night

7. Pinnacles National Park / San Francisco – Arrival

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