Geography school trips to West Coast USA
Some incredible geographical wonders can be found along the West Coast of the USA including the Grand Canyon and the Yosemite Mountain Range providing plenty of learning opportunities for students on a Geography school trip. Compare the contrasting landscape of Muir Woods, an old growth redwood forest and Death Valley, a desert biosphere that’s the lowest, driest and hottest place in Northern America. No school trip to the West Coast is complete without visiting the Grand Canyon where you can encourage your students to investigate the scale of time required for the Colorado River to carve its path through the layers of rock within the deep chasm. With so many geographical differences to discover a Geography school trip to West Coast USA will inspire students when returning to the classroom.
Suggested Itineraries
Our team of specialists can tailor-make any itinerary based on your curricular requirements, have a look at some of our suggested itineraries.
Accommodation
We choose properties which are suited to school groups. Audits are carried out on all properties featured, covering all safety and security concerns.
Excursions
We have subject-specific excursions that tick all the boxes for your curricular needs as well as providing life-enhancing cultural experiences.
Suggested Itinerary
GCSE BASIC
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day1
Arrival
- Leave the UK and arrive in San Francisco
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day2
Urban environments
- - Explore San Francisco
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day3
Forest Ecosystems
- Travel to Muir Woods
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day4
Ecosystems and Geomorphology
- Explore Yosemite National Park
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day5
Hot Desert Environments
- Transfer to Death Valley
- Continue to Las Vegas
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day6
Water Management and Hydroelectricity
- Tour Hoover Dam
- Travel to the Grand Canyon
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day7
River Landscapes and processes
- Discover the Grand Canyon
- Travel back to nearest airport for departure
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day8
Depart
- Arrive in the UK
Case Studies
KEY TOPIC: Ecosystems (hot desert, forest, upland)
Main Case Study Opportunities
- Muir Woods
- Yosemite
- Death Valley
- Grand Canyon
Curriculum Links
Accommodation
- Fantastic Location
- Recently renovated
- 2 miles from airport
- Swimming Pool
- Near Universal Studios
- Swimming Pool
- Excellent Location
- Swimming pool and Spa
HI - San Francisco Downtown
The HI-San Francisco Downtown is a popular, clean and central hostel that is great for groups.
Location: Just a block from Union Square and is at the centre of everything such as the Cable Carts, China Town and the many shops, restaurants and theatres.
Facilities: There is a common room, kitchen area and a theatre style TV room. Free WiFi is also available.
Accommodation: The hostel has 4 to 8 bedded dorm rooms with private and shared facilities. Private rooms are also available at an extra supplement.
Meals: Free breakfast available.
Hotel Zephyr - San Francisco
Experience fantastic views of San Francisco Bay at this super elegant and stylish hotel.
Location: Minutes away from San Francisco's best attractions, Hotel Zephyr is close to Pier 39, the ferries to Alcatraz and the historic cable cars.
Facilities: A fantastic option for groups, Hotel Zephyr features a large outdoor area complete with a fire pit and games area. Other amenities include a shared lounge/TV area, on-site coffee house, snack bar, outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre.
Accommodation: All rooms have recently been renovated with with en-suite facilities and air conditioning. Rooms are based on a bed share basis, with single bed accommodation available at an extra supplement.
Meals: A variety of fantastic restaurants are close to the hotel and we can arrange meals upon request.
Sportsmen Lodge Hotel - Los Angeles
Location: Located on Ventura Boulevard and is just 4 miles from Universal Studios.
Facilities: The hotel has a great outdoor swimming pool and spa tub. WiFi access is also available.
Accommodation: En-suite with double or double/double rooms with king sized beds and air conditioning. These will be based on a bed share basis, with single bed accommodation available at an extra supplement. The rooms also feature private balconies and patios where you can enjoy the city and pool views.
Meals: The hotel has restaurant facilities and all meals can be arranged upon request.
Clarion Las Vegas
The Clarion Hotel® is close to the activity of Las Vegas strip while still being safe and convenient for schools.
Location: : Located within walking distance of the north end of Las Vegas strip and the Las Vegas Convention centre.
Facilities:With an on-site casino the hotel also features an outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness centre, picnic area and public computers with Internet access.
Accommodation: Guest rooms offer coffee makers, hair dryers, pillow-top mattresses, cable television.
Quick Tip: This is just a small sample of possible accommodations available. Please contact us for more information.
Subject Specific Excursions
The Grand Canyon *(Itinerary specific)
One of the biggest wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a majestic gorge in the Colorado River. Students can study local geology, examine visitor pressure and practice field skills.
Las Vegas City *(Itinerary specific)
Visit the glitziest city of the world, where you're sure to be dazzled by its lights and vibrant life. A superlative desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, multi-coloured rock layers, water-fluted canyons and 3 million acres of wilderness.
Death Valley *(Itinerary specific)
Death Valley is a fantastic geographical site to explore being the lowest, driest and hottest part of North America. Holding the record for the highest recorded air temperature in the world – 56 degrees.
Yosemite National Park *(Itinerary Specific)
One of the first wilderness parks in the United States, Yosemite is best known for its waterfalls.
California Academy of Sciences
One of the largest Natural History Museums in the world. Home to an aquarium, a simulated earthquake, over 40,000 live animals, a planetarium, a rain forest and an abundance of other awe-inspiring exhibits: the California Academy of Sciences is a great addition to your tour.
Aquarium of the Bay
Learn about conservation, climate and sustainability at San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay. Have the chance to come face-to-face with the Pacific’s most fascinating residents: sharks, octopus, eels and thousands of other marine animals – walk through the crystal tunnels and explore the wonders of the Bay in an experience you’ll never forget!
Quick Tip: If you have an excursion in mind which you don't see listed, please get in touch so we can do our best to arrange it for you!
Enquire now
Call our friendly team today on 01273 648 248 or submit your details online below and we'll get back to you soon!
