Geography School Trips & Tours to West Coast USA
A geography school trip to West Coast USA offers unparalleled opportunities for pupils of all ages, with many geography and geology visits directly relating to KS3, GCSE and A-level study. Rich in biodiversity, the spectacular waterfalls and giant sequoias of Yosemite contrast dramatically with the harsh, arid environment of Death Valley. Meanwhile, West Coast cities (including LA, Las Vegas and San Francisco) offer countless opportunities to study key human geography themes.
This region provides school groups with an unforgettable geography tour experience, with geography field trips that combine the awesome beauty of deserts, canyons and national parks with glittering, exciting cities. The contrast between the geography visits which showcase the physical splendour of nature versus the cultural and architectural achievements of man could hardly be more evident anywhere else in the world. All this, and Hollywood too!
To visit other areas, check out the rest of our USA school trips.
Prices start from£2439pp
Price Shown includes
- 5 nights’ room only accommodation
- Return flights & airport transfers in resort
- Coach transportation throughout your stay
- Visits including: San Francisco tour, Muir Woods, Death Valley National Park, Grand Canyon, Pier 39 & Fishermans Wharf
- Services of a Local Guide in San Francisco only
- Extensive group travel insurance
- 1 in 10 free place ratio
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers from selected departure points and is subject to availability.
On-tour support
On-tour support includes...
- Airport assistance - for during check-in, security and gate checks on your outbound flight from the UK
- Airport assistance - for when you arrive back at your UK airport when you book a coach transfer to take you home
- Services of a Local Guide
Accommodation
Popular options in West Coast USA
West Coast USA
Top visits for geography trips in West Coast USA
San Francisco Tour
The city lies on the world-renowned San Andreas Fault, and is well documented for its approaches to hazard management. Admire the amazing view of the city from Twin peaks, opt for a San Francisco Bay cruise under Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz, or head down to the famous Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. We highly recommend a visit to the new California Academy of Sciences for all groups. The Academy recently opened a new 400,000 square foot facility which houses an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a four-storey rainforest all under one roof.
Muir Woods
An opportunity to observe a truly remarkable ecosystem, only 30 minutes from San Francisco! On your morning coach excursion, students will observe the diversity of flora and fauna. Giant Redwood Sequoia trees will provide an excellent opportunity to enhance understanding of ecosystems.
Death Valley National Park
Students can experience first-hand Death Valley’s harsh, arid environment, dramatic scenery and landscapes. Your group will cross over the 5,000ft Towne Pass before taking a closer look at the desert. One of the hottest places on earth, this region is contrasted by the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Grand Canyon
This vast chasm is arguably one of the most spectacular geographical sites in the world. Opt to take one of several set walks to explore this awe-inspiring canyon. A once in a lifetime opportunity!
Pier 39 & Fishermans Wharf
Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf is a shopping centre and popular tourist attraction built on a pier in San Francisco. At Pier 39 there are shops, restaurants, a video arcade, street performers, an interpretive centre for the marine mammal centre, the aquarium of the bay, virtual 3D rides and views of California sea lions hauled out on docks on Pier 39’s marina.
Hoover Dam Tours
For groups staying for two nights in Vegas, a visit to the famous Hoover Dam is a must. You can take a 30 minute tour of the Hoover Dam power plant and take a look around the visitors centre. Alternatively, opt for the hour long guided tour, which includes the 30 minute option plus a tour of the passageways of the dam itself.
Yosemite National Park
A wilderness park renowned for the mountain and valley scenery, waterfalls, grand meadows and forests containing the groves of giant sequoias. (May to October only due to seasonal weather)
Las Vegas
This glitzy city, built in the middle of the desert, is a testimony to man’s ability to overcome the challenge of the physical environment. Its main street and focal point is the Strip, just over 4 miles long. This boulevard is home to themed hotels with elaborate displays such as fountains synchronized to music as well as replicas of an Egyptian pyramid, the Venetian Grand Canal, and the Eiffel Tower.
Evening activites
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Bowling
- A quiz or disco at your hotel (most hotels can provide a room for groups to use in the evenings)
Study themes
Human:
- Water supply/conflict
- World cities
- Tourism
- Hazard management
- Urban issues
- Cultural diversity
- Pollution & health
Physical:
- Tectonics
- Arid environments
- Extreme weather
- Ecosystems
- Fluvial systems
- Coasts
Study levels
A2
AS
GCSE
KS3
Educational resources
FREE Educational Resource Pack
We understand that you want a study visit that delivers the curriculum. To help you achieve this, our free West Coast USA Educational Resource Pack - developed by experienced geography teachers - contains a wealth of highly relevant information for you to use before, during and after your tour.
You’ll be able to use its contents as a pre-visit planning aid, print off full-colour pupil activity sheets for your group to use at each site whilst away, or even refer to its contents post-visit to assist with case study completion.
Transport
We can arrange for your group to fly from a range of UK airports and we’ll work with you to plan your route at the best value possible.
Flight
Giving you full support throughout
Before your tour
- Your own dedicated NST contact
- Bespoke tour itineraries
- Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
- Curriculum linked visit programmes
- Great value for money - no hidden costs
- Free group leader inspection visits
- Risk assessment guidance
- Safety assured, transport, accommodation and visits
Whilst you're away
- Free educational resources
- Group-friendly accommodation
- Exceptional standards of coaching
- On-tour support from our reps on the ground
- Support & assistance from our specialists throughout your tour
- 24/7 support just a call away
- Extensive group travel insurance
On your return
- Priority rebooking services
- Rewarding your loyalty with our reward scheme
- You say, we listen - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
- School travel company of choice since 1967
“Our local guide, Bea Mitchell, was outstanding. Her knowledge and passion for her city was really noticed and appreciated by all of us. She gave an excellent tour of the city.”
Alan Kelly, St Joan of Arc School
