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3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite provided by Empire Vacations Day Tours

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3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite

See all things to do
See all things to do
3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite
4.5
9
By Empire Vacations Day Tours
Book in advance
from
HK$4,230.56
per adult (price varies by group size)
Full view
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Tour snapshot
Duration:
3 days
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Group size:
50
Stroller accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
Free cancellation
  • Duration:
    3 days
  • Taking Covid-19 safety measures
  • Group size:
    50
  • Stroller accessible
  • Ticket type:
    Mobile
  • Free cancellation
About
Want to discover the best of the West Coast over three memorable days? This unique tour by van or motorcoach will take you from Los Angeles to the must-see destinations of central and northern California: Santa Barbara, Solvang, Carmel, San Francisco, and Yosemite National Park or Monterrey. Sit back and relax as you are transported from one fabulous California destination to the next!
Know before you go
  • Duration: 3 days
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Available languages
German, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, English, Italian, Chinese, French, Spanish
What to expect
  • Don’t limit your California trip to just Los Angeles and San Francisco. Instead, take this 3-day, 2-night trip through some of the state’s most beautiful coastal towns and gorgeous outdoor scenery, offering a great chance to get a taste for the legendary beauty of the Golden State. Begin your trip on the morning of your first day from either the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market or the Four Points by Sheraton in Culver City. Your drive will wind its way out of the urban grid of L.A. and snake its way along the Southern California coast to Santa Barbara, a one-time site of a colonial Spanish mission. Head next to Solvang, a charming community with a strong Danish heritage that is evident in its architecture, stores and bakeries. You’ll then continue your drive along the jaw-dropping California coast, passing through Carmel-by-the-Sea before ending your day in Santa Clara near the Bay Area’s Silicon Valley. Spend day two exploring lovely San Francisco, including a cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf to visit the Golden Gate Bridge and circle the notorious prison on the island Alcatraz. Spend your afternoon on a sightseeing tour to explore the city’s numerous historical sights and diverse neighborhoods. Your day three itinerary depends on the season, with those visitors joining in the summer months heading to Yosemite National Park, while those visitors who join in the winter continuing to Hearst Castle (for trips after November 1st). Both sites offer an incredible wealth of terrain and attractions to explore. Finish your California trip back in Los Angeles in the evening.
Know before you go
  • Duration: 3 days
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Available languages
German, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, English, Italian, Chinese, French, Spanish
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
What to expect
  • Don’t limit your California trip to just Los Angeles and San Francisco. Instead, take this 3-day, 2-night trip through some of the state’s most beautiful coastal towns and gorgeous outdoor scenery, offering a great chance to get a taste for the legendary beauty of the Golden State. Begin your trip on the morning of your first day from either the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market or the Four Points by Sheraton in Culver City. Your drive will wind its way out of the urban grid of L.A. and snake its way along the Southern California coast to Santa Barbara, a one-time site of a colonial Spanish mission. Head next to Solvang, a charming community with a strong Danish heritage that is evident in its architecture, stores and bakeries. You’ll then continue your drive along the jaw-dropping California coast, passing through Carmel-by-the-Sea before ending your day in Santa Clara near the Bay Area’s Silicon Valley. Spend day two exploring lovely San Francisco, including a cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf to visit the Golden Gate Bridge and circle the notorious prison on the island Alcatraz. Spend your afternoon on a sightseeing tour to explore the city’s numerous historical sights and diverse neighborhoods. Your day three itinerary depends on the season, with those visitors joining in the summer months heading to Yosemite National Park, while those visitors who join in the winter continuing to Hearst Castle (for trips after November 1st). Both sites offer an incredible wealth of terrain and attractions to explore. Finish your California trip back in Los Angeles in the evening.
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 3857SFOYOS
Call +852 30184991
Important information
Inclusions
  • Breakfast
  • Breakfast
  • Professional tour guide
  • Transportation by 15-passenger van or a full-sized bus
  • Sightseeing in Santa Barbara, Carmel and San Francisco
  • 2-night hotel accommodation including tax and Continental Breakfast
  • Bay cruise in San Francisco
  • Wifi on bus only
  • Entry/Admission - 17-Mile Drive
  • Entry/Admission - Yosemite Valley
  • Entry/Admission - Yosemite Falls
  • Entry/Admission - 17-Mile Drive
Exclusions
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Duration
3 days
Departure details
  • Parking lot, 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA 6:30am Departure - Los Angeles Farmers Market Corner of West 3rd Street and Fairfax Boulevard Meet at entrance of Starbucks Coffee Shop
  • Four Points Sheraton, 5990 Green Valley Cir, Culver City, CA 90230, USA 7:00am Departure - Four Points Sheraton Culver City Meet in hotel lobby
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • For tours with fewer guests, vans may be substituted
  • Tours can be bilingual/multilingual as they are offered in many different languages
  • Maximum of three people per room. If traveling with a party of 4 or more, or desire to have separate rooms please make separate bookings.
  • Children under the age of 2 are free, please advise at time of booking if infant is traveling
  • Luggage is limited to one piece and a small carry on per person
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Returns to original departure point at 7pm
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • In the event that parts of this itnerary remain inaccessable due to COVID 19 an alternate itinerary will be followed. Final details will be available prior to each departure. On our tours we use a wide variety of attractions which all have different policies regarding Covid 19. In order to enjoy the full experience of the tour it is recommended to bring a face covering as it may be required for entry at certain locations.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travellers
Inclusions
  • Breakfast
  • Breakfast
  • Professional tour guide
  • Transportation by 15-passenger van or a full-sized bus
  • Sightseeing in Santa Barbara, Carmel and San Francisco
  • 2-night hotel accommodation including tax and Continental Breakfast
  • Bay cruise in San Francisco
  • Wifi on bus only
  • Entry/Admission - 17-Mile Drive
  • Entry/Admission - Yosemite Valley
  • Entry/Admission - Yosemite Falls
  • Entry/Admission - 17-Mile Drive
Exclusions
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Departure details
  • Parking lot, 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA 6:30am Departure - Los Angeles Farmers Market Corner of West 3rd Street and Fairfax Boulevard Meet at entrance of Starbucks Coffee Shop
  • Four Points Sheraton, 5990 Green Valley Cir, Culver City, CA 90230, USA 7:00am Departure - Four Points Sheraton Culver City Meet in hotel lobby
Duration
3 days
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • For tours with fewer guests, vans may be substituted
  • Tours can be bilingual/multilingual as they are offered in many different languages
  • Maximum of three people per room. If traveling with a party of 4 or more, or desire to have separate rooms please make separate bookings.
  • Children under the age of 2 are free, please advise at time of booking if infant is traveling
  • Luggage is limited to one piece and a small carry on per person
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Returns to original departure point at 7pm
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • In the event that parts of this itnerary remain inaccessable due to COVID 19 an alternate itinerary will be followed. Final details will be available prior to each departure. On our tours we use a wide variety of attractions which all have different policies regarding Covid 19. In order to enjoy the full experience of the tour it is recommended to bring a face covering as it may be required for entry at certain locations.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travellers
Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Itinerary
Overview
Full Map
17 stops
Day 1
LOS ANGELES – SANTA BARBARA – 17...
Day 2
SAN FRANCISCO – BAY CRUISE –...
Day 3
SAN FRANCISCO – YOSEMITE – LOS...
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4.5
9 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
0
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ana D
Gainesville, FL18 contributions
Pleasantly Surprised!
Feb 2020
If you don't have enough time and want to see most of the key places in northern California this is your tour. We were pleasantly surprised by this experience. You will be very busy the whole day for three days on this tour. They cover many places so you must be prepared to be very punctual with the time they give you. The walks are long so wearing comfortable shoes is a must. Enjoy the views, have fun, and get incredible pictures.
Dorit is an amazing guide. She will explain a little bit of history in every place that you arrive and also will take awesome pictures of you and your group. I totally recommend this experience to anyone.
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
K1s2r3
New York City, NY1 contribution
3day California trip
Aug 2019 • Family
Good way to see a lot of sights! However the food choices for meals was limited to fast food joints most of the time. The hotel on the second night was crowded- several buses came in on the same night ,it was difficult to find our rooms and having to go up and down stairs with bags after a long day sightseeing wasn’t the best!
There was a lot of walking up and down hills - so wear comfortable shoes !
Written 29 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
glodad
Fairfax, VA25 contributions
California Express Trip
Aug 2019
We recently visited LA and took this 3 day tour to cover the key places in California at the shortest possible time. We were 4 people (2 kids) and did some research about best travel experience to avoid complaining by the kids. Based on the reviews, i chose to go with Empire Vacations instead of cheaper options (around 50% less) advertised by other tour bus companies.

Booking - I booked direct from the empire vacations site and had to get some help since their booking site was confusing. For the kids the rates are less provided you share the room,

Trip Pickup - During the booking process, there was no option to select the pick up locations from the 2 advertised pick up places. So after booking, I called them and informed 4Points Sheraton at Culver city as the pick up location.This is important to ensure that they know where you will be waiting so that arrangements can be made. You will have to wait outside the Sheraton entrance and our tour bus came around 7:10 am (the planned time was 7 am). There were 2 tour bus (one a 15 seater and another larger bus). We were picked up in the 15 seater.

Day 1 - We covered Santa Barbara, Solvang (Danish City), Big sur and Carmel by the Sea and took the scenic pacific road (highway 1). The kids enjoyed Solvang where the small Danish town was beautiful with options for them try out Danish pastries and sweets. We also stopped at ragged point to take some scenic photos. There were ample time to take pictures at various stops. Around 8 pm we reached Morgan Hill and stayed at La Quinta Inns and Suites. The hotel was new and there were surprising food samplers awaiting the us.

Day 2 - We started at 6:30 am from the hotel and started to SanFrancisco (around 1:30hrs drive) and visited City hall, Lombardi Street, Pier 39, Cruise around Alcatraz, Palace of fine arts, Golden gate bridge, Sausalito, Twin peaks, and China Town. Both Golden gate bridge and Twin peaks were foggy and we were unlucky to get a full view. We left SanFrancisco around 5:30 pm and reached Modesta for our stay at Best Western. The hotel was crowded and and not as good as the previous one. The breakfast was also rushed since there seems to be several tourist bus that makes this as the stop.

Day 3 - We left the hotel at 7:30 am to Yosemite National park and reached there around 10 am. We visited Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and Tunnel Point. We had time to take photos and also trekked for 30 minutes at Yosemite Falls. The location was less crowded and the view was beautiful with a sunny afternoon. We left at around 1 pm with a lunch break at Oakhurst, coffee break at Bakers field and returned to la around 8 pm.

Good things first:
- if you have limited time and don't want to drive, this express trip can help to cover the California at the shortest time.
- We were lucky to get a mini bus instead of the larger one and avoid the rush both at hotel and stop overs
-The hotel for day 1 was great and the stop overs for food (lunch) was also good with multiple options
- there will be a diverse group european, Asian , North American and you will get friendly as this is a small group
-The driver (jakob) was knowledgeable about locations and he was on time supported by guide Michiko. She was really nice and was friendly with the group

Not so good things:
- For the price we paid, I expected much more value including hotel stay at better places (especially day 2)
- Jakob skipped the 17 mile drive which was advertised in the trip and when one of the tour party asked him , them mentioned we already saw Big Sur (which was not advertised). This is a big let down and we will not be knowing unless some one asked.

Overall it is a good trip if price is not a concern and you want to cover the places in short time
Written 14 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pearly07
Vancouver, Canada6 contributions
The best way to see the most in a short time!
Jul 2019 • Family
My 13yrs old Son and I planned a jam packed vacation to see as much of California that we could in our 8 days. Booking this tour was one of the best things we did! We were literally all over the place. Saw so much! Dorit was an amazing tour guide, my son & I just loved her and her team. I can't say exactly what was the best part of our tour because each day was wonderful! One day it happened to be my birthday, and the whole bus sang to me. It was an amazing feeling, and not every day that a multi cultural bus load sings to you! I highly recommend this to anyone looking to see a lot in a short time. I wouldn't recommend this trip for small children though, it's a lot of time on a bus, and a strict timeline to follow.
Written 1 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Girts
Liepaja, Latvia10 contributions
Perfect 3-day California Tour
May 2019 • Couples
A perfect tour! Day 1 with numerous stops at many places (even more than described at itinerary) along the West Coast. Day 2 all day long at San Francisco, where we managed again to see more than described. Day 3 Yosemite - amazing! Our main guide Dorit and her team (driver, co-guide Luka) were experienced and knowledgeable, took a good care of everybody of us. Our group was disciplined, followed the set timings, thus we managed to see even more than planned initially. The stops were often enough, thus we did not get tired during the bus ride (the bus was very comfortable as well). The final costs remained as stated at the booking (no any "hidden surprises" at later stage). We highly recommend this beautiful tour and the company.
Written 2 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MikeEmpire
Hi Girts, Thank you for taking the time to review our trip. We hope to see you again! Mike Amadeo Team
Written 7 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
robdawg007
KC6 contributions
Amazing!
May 2019 • Couples
My Wife and I absolutely loved our trip/tour. Lots to see in a short amount of time. Our tour guide (Luca) was amazing at giving details of the areas we visited and also helped with taking photos. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Written 9 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Makayla
Sydney, Australia360 contributions
3-Day Tour to San Francisco
My family and I took this 3-day California Coast Tour in December and 5 stars are honestly not enough to describe what an incredible experience it was.

Our live and multilingual tour guide, Dorit, was personable, professional and extremely knowledgeable. She truly made our time together memorable, ensuring each person on our tour left with no unanswered questions, happy memories, extraordinary photographs and a deeper understanding of California's history.

The stops making up Empire Vacations' Winter Route are Santa Barbara, Solvang, San Francisco, Carmel, the 17 Mile Drive and Hearst Castle. On such a tour, some of the stops are only brief and therefore don't allow enough time to thoroughly explore each location; however, the busy days made it possible to visit numerous popular attractions in a short time frame.

At each location, punctuality was vital. Our particular group were relaxed, culturally diverse and extremely good at keeping to schedule. As a result, our driver and guide were able to include additional stops including the Madonna Inn, Palace of Fine Arts and Ragged Point, which were locations not listed on the original itinerary.

I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience all that California has to offer, as it is suitable for families, couples and solo travellers alike. Empire Vacations make travelling fun and easy by taking away the stress of driving so you can enjoy the live commentary and relax as you learn about your next destination.
Written 23 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael E
Harrington, Australia44 contributions
Wild West tour (tour code WES)
Oct 2015 • Couples
I would strongly recommend this experience..a great 4 night tour with a multilingual group of 3 guides led by Dorit who gave us an overview of the California coast visiting the Spanish mission in Santa Barbara, continuing to Solvang, Carmel and onto San Francisco for day 2, where we were given a detailed tour of the city including the fantastic Palace of fine arts; City hall; Golden gate bridge; Union square; Chinatown; Pier 39; with a cruise of the Bay under the bridge and around Alcatraz, a very busy day but most enjoyable.
Day 3 of to the wonders of Yosemite.
Day 4 travel to Las Vegas via the desert and Death Valley with a stop for lunch at the outlet mall on the Nevada state line, with the highlight being a walking tour of the strip in Vegas and visiting many of its amazing hotels. Another very busy and rewarding day...Day 5 return to LA
Written 11 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
razza61
Gatton, Australia260 contributions
3 Days of fun to San Francisco - Santa Barbara - Carmel & Yosemite National Park
Oct 2015
We did the 3 day tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco and Yosemite National Park, returning back to LA. This was a multilingual tour managed perfectly by lead guide Dorit and her co-guide Giovanni and assisted by coach driver Alex. What a fantastic team that showed us the main sights at Santa Barbara, Solvang, Carmel & Pebble Beach before arriving in San Francisco. Our day in San Francisco was amazing with a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz before being let loose at Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 to see the seals. A drive across both Golden Gate & Bay Bridge, a stop at the Palace of Fine Arts, the spectacular view from Twin Peaks and time to wander China Town and downtown all made for a great day in a very beautiful city. The third day was visiting the highlights & beauty of Yosemite National Park before driving back to Los Angeles. Despite the mix of different nationalities and languages, we all managed to mix and come together as a group thanks to Dorit and her team....and her fun photo moments have given us some great memories to treasure. They were long days, but we saw so much and I recommend this tour to anyone wanting to explore the California coast and San Francisco & Yosemite with transportation included.
Written 13 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite
3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite will start at 6:30 AM. Discover and book 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite on Tripadvisor
3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite price starts from HK$4,129.85. Discover and book 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite on Tripadvisor
3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite on Tripadvisor