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WEST COAST
CALIFORNIA, COAST TO MOUNTAINS.
From the Pacific coast to the Sierra Nevada, California offers students a classroom unlike any other. Explore the people, places, and events that shaped the Golden State through historic cities, Gold Rush sites, state government, coastal landmarks, national parks, and hands-on experiences.
Whether your group is drawn to the beginnings of California, the excitement of San Francisco, the story of the Gold Rush, or the beauty of Yosemite, ACTS can build an educational experience around your group's goals.
Go beyond the classroom. See California. Experience its story.
KEY DESTINATIONS
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
San Diego | History, Faith, & Maritime Discovery
Explore the birthplace of California through Spanish missions, historic parks, coastal landmarks, and maritime history. Students can visit Mission San Diego de Alcalá, explore Old Town, experience Balboa Park, discover the USS Midway, and take in sweeping views from Cabrillo National Monument.
EXPERIENCE:
California's beginnings - Missions - Maritime history - Science & nature - Coastal culture
CALIFORNIA COAST
Pacific Coast | History, Science & Discovery
Follow California's dramatic coastline north from Southern California through San Simeon and Monterey toward San Francisco. Experience the Pacific Ocean, explore Hearst Castle, discover marine life at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and travel one of America's most scenic coastal routes.
EXPERIENCE:
Coastal geography - Architecture - Marine science - California history - Outdoor discovery
SAN FRANCISCO
The City by the Bay | Innovation, History & Exploration
Few cities offer as many opportunities to connect history, geography, culture, and innovation. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, ride a historic cable car, explore Alcatraz, and discover the waterfront and neighborhoods that have made San Francisco one of America's most recognizable cities.
EXPERIENCE:
American expansion - Engineering & Infrastructure - Immigration & culture - Maritime history - Science & Innovation
SACRAMENTO & GOLD COUNTRY
Where California's Story Took Shape
Step into the story of California's Gold Rush and the growth of the state itself. Stand beneath the dome of the California State Capitol, walk the streets of Old Sacramento, explore Sutter's Fort and the California State Railroad Museum, then head to Coloma to see where gold was discovered and try your hand at panning for it.
EXPERIENCE:
State government - Gold Rush - Westward expansion - Transportation - Hands-on history
YOSEMITE &
THE SIERRA
Creation, Conservation, & Outdoor Adventure
Trade city streets for granite cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and mountain trails. Yosemite gives students an opportunity to experience the natural world firsthand through hiking, ranger programs, outdoor activities, and time spent surrounded by the beauty of creation.
EXPERIENCE:
National Parks - Geology - Ecology - Conservation - Outdoor Adventure
WHAT YOU CAN EXPERIENCE
Every West Coast program is designed specifically for your group. Whether your focus is science, creation, American history, outdoor adventure, or faith, we'll build an experience around your educational goals and priorities.
History & Government
Stand inside the California State Capitol, explore historic forts and Gold Rush sites, and walk through places that tell the story of California's growth.
Gold Rush & Westward Expansion
Travel to the places where the Gold Rush began. Explore Coloma, visit Sutter's Mill, hear the stories of the people who came west, and try your hand at panning for gold.
Science & Discovery
Bring science to life through marine ecosystems, geology, engineering, transportation, and hands-on exploration at destinations throughout the state.
Creation & The Outdoors
Experience Yosemite's waterfalls, granite cliffs, forests, and trails while considering the scale and beauty of God's creation.
Coastal & Maritime History
From San Diego's harbor to the Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay, explore California's relationship with the ocean through maritime museums, coastal landmarks, aquariums, and historic sites.
Culture & City Life
Experience some of California's most recognizable cities and discover how geography, immigration, innovation, and culture have shaped them.
CUSTOM OPTIONS
DON'T SEE YOUR STATE?
DON'T WORRY.
Every ACTS program is thoughtfully designed around your group’s goals, interests, and timeline. While our regional itineraries highlight some of the most impactful destinations, they are only a starting point.
Whether you're looking to dive deeper into a single state, explore a unique historical theme, or create a program centered on your curriculum or group mission, our team will work with you to design a meaningful and memorable journey.
From state-specific history programs to multi-state experiences, every itinerary is tailored to ensure the right balance of education, engagement, and inspiration.
DAY ONE
Sacramento
Explore the California State Capitol, Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum, and Sutter's Fort.
DAY TWO
Gold Country
Travel to Coloma, where the Gold Rush story began. Visit the discovery site, learn about the people who came west, and try your hand at panning for gold along the American River.
DAY THREE
San Francisco
Experience the City by the Bay with a cable car ride, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
