School Science Trip to California

Monterey Bay, Big Sur, and Yosemite

From the mountains to the Pacific coast this educational school trip to California was designed to show students the interaction between coastal marine life and the effects of coastal weather patterns in the mountains of northern California. Edged with miles of sheltered beaches, the Monterey Bay and Big Sur area is home to redwood forests, lively scenic towns like Carmel and Santa Cruz, and the country's largest marine sanctuary. Photographers flock here for the natural beauty, and marine biologists have long come to study its wealth of wildlife. Appleseed's student groups will study whales, sharks, coastal pacific ecosystems and explore the wildlife at Yosemite national park. We will explore  this unique habitat through active excursions—hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and whale watching.

Sample Itinerary - 8 Days

Day 1 • Arrive in San Francisco, CA

Arrive at the airport in San Francisco. Make the transfer to our hotel and unpack, and get to sleep.

Day 2 • Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods

This morning we will head to the Golden Gate Bridge where we will see spectacular views of this amazing landmark. Here students learn about the two hundred years of history from the Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier, and the Mexican Republic, to maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of Ameri- can coastal fortifications, and the growth of urban San Francisco. Following lunch we will head to Muir Woods north of the Golden Gate. This national park is known for its giant old growth stand of  giant redwoods.

Day 3 • Half Moon Bay, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf

After an early breakfast we will drive down the coast to Half Moon Bay where the famous surf break Mavericks is found. This is home to some of the largest wave breaks in the world and is a breeding ground for great whites. After our time at Half Moon Bay we will head to Alcatraz sitting in the middle of San Francisco bay. Students can not only explore the remnants of the prison, but will also learn about the Indian occupation of 1969 – 1971, notorious prisoners who made their home here, and early military fortifications.

Day 4 • Head to Yosemite National Park

Your school group will take a guided tour with a naturalist to the famous Bride’s Falls, El Capitan and the famous Yosemite Valley.  We will study the mountain ecosystem and the varying niches in this alpine habitat.

Day 5 • Volunteer at Wild Things on the Way to Big Sur

Following breakfast the group will pack up and head for the Big Sur River Valley area. Along the way we will stop at Wild Things, a wild animal park in Salinas.  We will also volunteer and help with this wildlife rescue center.  

Day 6 • Horseback Tour and Waterfalls

After breakfast we will head to Andrew Molera State Park. Here the group will enjoy a horseback tour that will take you out onto the beach. Students will also have time to enjoy the Coastal Redwoods and the Big Sur River. After lunch the group will hike the Valley View Trail of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. After meandering through stately redwoods along Pfeiffer-Redwood Creek. We will end up at Pfeiffer Falls where the creek cascades over a 40-foot precipice to a small grotto.

Day 7 • Monterey Aquarium and Kayaking the Kelp Forest

This morning we will tour the famous Monterey bay Aquarium.  Along with a marine biologist student will learn about endemic habitats that are found in this Pacific region from sea otters to Orcas. Students may come face to face with sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and shorebirds galore! In the afternoon we will take a two-hour guided kayak tour that includes an in-depth look at various aspects of pacific ecology. We will study Monterey’s fascinating history and marine inhabitants such as sea lions, otters, sharks, and whales. We will also explore Monterey’s variety of distinct habitat zones and microclimates that are home to more than 450 bird species.

Day 8 • Explore Point Lobos Natural Reserve

Today we will head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Here we will study the many different marine and terrestrial animals, birds, plant communities, and geology of the area. If the tides permit we will do some tide pool studies. This area was named “Point of the Sea Wolves” by the Spanish because of the sound of sea lions that carries inland from the offshore rocks. Following lunch we will head back home.