LA to the Bay
Experience Overview
3 states, 11 days, 1 damn fine vacay. From the Golden Gate to the Hollywood sign, your eyes will be a popping the whole trip long. We'll feast on legit Mexican food, marvel at Joshua Trees and party in Vegas.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Los Angeles: What should I pack? This trip involves visiting National Parks, so expect to be walking and light hiking when visiting all the viewpoints listed. It’s a good idea to pack appropriate clothing for light hiking, swimming and biking. Closed shoes are required for most activities.
- Los Angeles: What will the weather be like? The climate in this region is extremely varied. In shoulder season (May, September, and October) you can expect temperatures to vary between single digits and warm sunny days, while from June until September temperatures can reach well above 30 C (86 F). It is always a good idea to bring a warm windproof jacket. No matter which time of year you decide to travel, it can get quite cool at night especially outside of the cities, so we recommend that you bring a warm jacket or fleece.
Included Experience
- Los Angeles: This needs no introduction. See the palm-lined playground of the rich and famous!
- Los Angeles: Sure, it’s a bit random. But this red pagoda on Hollywood Boulevard has held more movie premieres than you’ve had hot dinners.
- Los Angeles: Soak up those cool Cali vibes and explore the iconic pier and array of boutiques, bars and eateries.
- Phoenix:
- Grand Canyon: An experience you’ll want to relive in your mind. Over and over again. #travelgoals
- Grand Canyon: Lace up your walking boots and pack some extra water. The South Rim is a must-do hike for awesome Grand Canyon views.
- Las Vegas: Just when you thought Vegas couldn’t get any crazier, this nightly light show comes along and proves you wrong. Intense!
- Las Vegas: Where else would you find the Eiffel Tower and a Sphinx on the same street? See all the weird and wonderful Vegas highlights.
- Yosemite National Park: An orientation of the Yosemite Valley to prep you for a day of exploring. See Half Dome, El Capitan and Cook’s Meadow.
- San Francisco: Stroll around the hilly streets of San Fran, taking in the sights of the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17360
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 125.1216A
Starts: Los Angeles (CA), United States Of America
Finishes: San Francisco, United States Of America
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,693 ($336 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to LA, home to celeb-swamped suburbs, blistering beaches, open-air gyms and of course, all things Hollywood. We’ll start our West Coast adventure with a visit to Beverly Hills, Mann’s Chinese Theatre (the home of the Oscars), plus a wander around Santa Monica. Does it get more star-studded than this? We think not.
Accommodation: Kawada Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Today you’ll join the crew to travel the Pacific Coast Highway before winding around to the super laid back locale of San Diego. First up, we'll stop at one of the white sand beaches on the SoCal coast, then do San Diego by night hitting up the Gas Lamp District. Recline into relaxation mode and take in the laid back nature of San Diego.
Accommodation: Days Hotel San Diego Hotel Circle (or similar)
Now you've had a taste of living the San Diego dream, it's time to crank up the heat as we enter the desert. We say farewell to our California love and delve a little deeper inland to see what Arizona has to offer. This impressive metropolis is situated right smack bang in the middle of the desert and is a sight you won't forget anytime soon. Uninterrupted sunshine is expected for approximately 300 days a year, making this place a super steamy urban mirage perfect for shopping and sporting events. We'll enjoy an Arizonan BBQ dinner at Rustler’s Rooste.
Accommodation: Days Inn by Wyndham Mesa (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
A hot air balloon ride over the "Valley of the Sun" – sounds like a bucket list kind of thing (because it is) and you have the chance to tick it off the list right here. There's a champagne breakfast provided in the deal too so try to keep breathing so you don't miss out. And now for the one you've been dreaming about (even more than the rest). The star of your USA itinerary. Yup, it's the Grand Canyon. It's about to get extra special too, because tonight we'll be marvelling at the sunset. Charge your phone, clear space on your camera, and prepare to weep.
Accommodation: Yavapai Lodge Grand Canyon (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
You deserve a full day out here to truly appreciate the wilderness taking in its dramatic scenery. This day will be like no other; beginning with a hike through the UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Incredibly, there's also the option to view this wonder from the best and most thrill-seeking seat in the house – a helicopter.
Accommodation: Yavapai Lodge Grand Canyon (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Get ready for a full-blown, non-stop assault on the senses. This is Las Vegas - sometimes known as Sin City - a place of dreams & epic debauchery. This huge man-made entertainment precinct in the middle of the desert is all about total excess. You’ll be blinded by the bright lights and gob smacked at the thought of all that money running through more than 75 massive casinos. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the famous ‘Strip’, including a stop for pics at the legendary Vegas sign will show you just what is on offer after dark in this absolutely outrageous city. Fremont Street is on tonight's agenda, where the main attraction is a super impressive light and laser show, before no doubt heading out and straight into what Vegas is all about.
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
You have today all to yourself but you’ll need to run to a tight schedule to fit in all of Vegas' weird and wonderful charms. Travel the world in a day, taking in the famous Bellagio fountain, a Venetian gondola and even an Egyptian pyramid, all whilst staying firmly within the city's realm. Feeling romantic? Stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself...(joking). Tonight you’ll witness the 24-hour party scene first hand when you head out for a night with the crew.
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
From the ridiculously flashy Vegas ‘Strip’ to the outdoor capital of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this change of scenery will bring you and the crew back to nature again. Hungry for In n Out Burger? Dumb question. Get your fast food fix on this West Coast takeaway fave, then sit back and relax as we head to our next destination. Welcome to Oakhurst, a tranquil little town close to the Yosemite entrance. It's been a long day of travel, so wind down at our hotel and take in the picturesque surroundings. Fancy a dip in the pool? You got it! Nothing like much needed R&R after fast and furious Vegas.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Oakhurst (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today's the day! We're hitting up the oh-so-lovely Yosemite. The breathtaking majesty of Yosemite National Park can only be truly appreciated in person. A land inundated with mountains, waterfalls, wildflowers & rock formations, you can stick to your trusty two feet or jump on a mountain bike to explore. Back at our Oakhurst base, you have the option to take a dip in the pool once again, if you like. Just make sure to get a good night's sleep, cuz tomorrow the Golden Gate City is gonna be all ours to explore.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Oakhurst (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Oakhurst, it's time to go. Bid farewell to this achingly picturesque spot, and get ready for some city magic. After getting a dose of San Fran exploring, spend your final night with your Contiki fam with an included dinner. There's no better way to reminisce than over a delicious meal.
Accommodation: Hotel Zephyr (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
And just like that, it's time for the journey to come to an end. It's been more than real, & we sense more travels on the horizon.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Louisa - Traveled, May 2025
This was an absolutely phenomenal trip! It was great to see so many incredible places and make so many amazing memories, with the Grand Canyon definitely being a highlight. The accommodation and included dinners were all fantastic, as were the add on experiences such as the hot air balloon. Our Tour Manager *Personal information removed by Feefo* was incredibly knowledgeable about every place we visited and made everyone feel so welcome as a first time solo traveller I was very grateful for this! Will 100% be travelling with Contiki again! Booked through an external company, however Contiki's communication was excellent leading up to the trip. The Tour Manager intro email was very helpful and helped ease my nerves in the days before the trip started!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
It was well planned, the recommendations on free time were great and the planned activities were also great. Our tour leader *Personal information removed by Feefo* was fantastic. I would've liked to stay in the park in Yosemite and 1 extra night in San Francisco.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Marina Statkevicus - Traveled, May 2025
I enjoyed going around the west coast. I liked going to Vegas. I wish we could have seen more of Yosemite.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2025
Dakota Thompson - Traveled, May 2025
The whole thing was my favourite part. The helicopter over the Grand Canyon was a big highlight and the hot air balloon over the phoenix. *Personal information removed by Feefo* our tour guide was amazing at her job and made everyone feel so comfortable and was so knowledgeable. I would definately book another trip with *Personal information removed by Feefo*.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2025
Richard Fleming - Traveled, May 2025
Hot Air Balloon ride over the desert! Plus a class TM!*Personal information removed by Feefo* you legend! In your own words, tell us about your trip. Would prefer to spend less time in LA and more time in Bass Lake and San Fran! :D
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
The trip was above and beyond my wildest imagination! *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* went out of their way to ensure I was comfortable and taken care of, had a blast and meeting so many new friends along the way. I would 100% plan another trip with Contiki!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2025
The trip greatly exceeded my expectations. I was anticipating a fun trip, but I didn't realize it would be this special. I had one of the best times of my life!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/02/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
It was so much fun! Great locations, great people and a fantastic tour guide and driver!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2025
Jessica - Traveled, April 2025
Grand Canyon and Yosemite are both big and beautiful, those are once in a lifetime experiences and may be more difficult to visit without a group. The helicopter ride over the Canyon and the Jeep ride through the Sedona Valley, are must do experiences and were both fun. Some of the food provided was delicious and was like a real American experience such as the BBQ buffet in Arizona, and the breakfast buffet provided at the Mexican restaurant next to the Red Feather Lodge. Before this trip I wouldn't have done a lot of these things, but I'm glad I didn't miss out on these experiences on the trip. I wish there were more included dinners together, and accommodation in more central locations though.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Great trip to see a lot of places. I like how you saw three states -California, Nevada and Arizona! However, this meant that it was very fast paced with early starts nearly every day apart from the second night in Las Vegas. An extra day would have been beneficial for Vegas as there was so much to see (you essentially have an evening after check-in and 24 hours the next day). Similarly, it would have been good to see more of San Diego - the coach took us to the beach and museum areas but didn't go into the city until the evening so it was hard to get a sense of the city. Some of the included meals and breakfasts could be improved to increase value for money as they weren't the best. The group size was also very big (45+) - it could benefit from having a smaller cap as it wasn't easy to talk to everyone and created cliques. I do feel like this trip is also overpriced as there wasn't many inclusions (in comparison to others I've done) and add-ons were expensive. There was also a big focus on drinking throughout the trip which is fine as I drink but for others who don't it may have felt a bit pressured. Booking experience very easy. Would be good to have the group chat made earlier but know it's not always possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2025
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