From sandy California beaches to Zion’s rocky red cliffs, this overland adventure includes all the best spots on the West Coast of America.  Experience the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, go camping in Big Sur and trek through Bryce Canyon National Park.  Meander along Hollywood Boulevard, visit Venice Beach and try your luck in Las Vegas!  This adventure is perfect for the nature lover and city slicker!  

Day 1

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. 

The bus departs at 7:40 AM.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure time.

Enjoy the scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway.  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.  In Monterey, stroll along John Steinbeck’s beloved Cannery Row, wander around Fisherman’s Wharf, or visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Afterwards, we’ll head for our campsite among the Coastal Redwoods of Big Sur.  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Dinner

Optional Swim

Day 2

Hop into the Pacific Ocean at San Simeon State Park.  You may choose to tour the antiquated Hearst Castle.  Admire the local elephant seal colony residing on the coast.  Watch the endless horizon go by as the road winds along the ocean cliffside to Santa Monica.  Take a walk around the Santa Monica Pier and sink your toes into the manicured sands of the beachfront.  

Hostel Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Optional Swim / Showers Available

Day 3

Meet back up with the bus and head for Venice Beach.  LA’s “city of endless summer” is the best place to go for souvenir shopping along the boardwalk, ogling at Muscle Beach and watching street performances.  Next, we head toward the Hollywood sign for time at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and the Kodak Theatre, the site of the Academy Awards.  A short drive brings us to Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley.  Spend a balmy evening at a downtown bistro before we head for Joshua Tree National Park, where we’ll camp alongside giant boulders.

Camp Night

Showers Available

Day 4

Today, we explore the Mojave Desert. Joshua Tree National Park is home to otherworldly, whimsical yucca trees that give the park its name.  You’ll have multiple opportunities to hike and explore the boulder-strewn landscape.  Venture into Hidden Valley and gaze into Skull Rock.  Keep your eyes peeled for our cousin, the massive desert tortoise!  This evening, we’ll make our way to Las Vegas for a jaunt along the famous Strip.    

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 5

Onward to Bryce Canyon National Park! This lesser-visited park is home to a brightly layered landscape rivalling the Grand Canyon. Bryce is not actually a true canyon, but instead a series of amphitheaters that cut into the earth. You can hike to the wind-sculpted “hoodoos,” otherworldly looking spires of rock, that rise alongside the Rim Trail. The trail stretches five miles to Fairyland, Inspiration Point and the Queens Garden.  We camp at Kodachrome Basin State Park this evening and watch the sun set over broad spires jutting from the earth.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Showers Available

Day 6

Today, explore beneath the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park.  Stretch your legs with an exhilarating hike to Angel’s Landing or take a short walk to witness the water cascading directly from the sandstone arch of Weeping Rock.  Wade through the legendary Zion Narrows, where the north fork of the Virgin River has etched and carved its way through copper-colored sandstone creating a stunning slot canyon.  If you’d simply like to cool your heels, splash around in the crystal clear Virgin River.  Wave goodbye to your adventure buddies — until next time!

Transfer To Las Vegas, Nevada

Meals Included: Breakfast /  Lunch

Optional Swim / Showers Available

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

• • Sleeping Bag  (Rent one from us!)
  • Tent  (You don’t need one.  You can sleep on the bus!)
  • Hostel or Hotel Stay During the Adventure

• • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Roller Coasters
  • Hearst Castle Tour
  • Casino Shows
  • Inner Tube Rental

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 $15 for the entire trip.

A tent is not required.  You are welcome to sleep on the bus or use one of our pads to sleep beneath the stars.  You may rent a tent from us for $50 (if you really want one).

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.

Departure:  7:40 AM – Green Tortoise Hostel – 494 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133

Arrival:  11:30 PM – Las Vegas, Nevada – South Strip Transfer Terminal – Off McCarran International Airport transit hub

Early Arrival Option

(2 days prior to end date):  7:00 PM – Hostel Cat, 1236 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104