July 16, 1769
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Welcome to your unforgettable adventure with A-Z Travels, a leading educational travel company. As your trusted educational travel agency, we’re here to make learning come alive.
Highlights and Inclusions:
Day 1: Arrival Day, Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour, Welcome Dinner
Morning:
Arrival Day! The group departs and travels to San Diego, California, ready for an unforgettable trip where 70 miles of pristine coastline meets cosmopolitan, world-class culture. Aim to arrive with your group around midday having lunch en route.
Afternoon:
Meet your A-Z Travels Tour Guide at the hotel and take a moment to settle in. This initial period is designated for getting comfortable, as this will be your home base for the duration of the trip. Begin your exploration of this beautiful city with a walking tour of the Gaslamp Quarter. On your introductory stroll you’ll hear an in-depth historical and cultural overview of this 16-block Victorian-era neighborhood. Students can learn about its transformation from a bustling port district into a modern-day entertainment and dining hub. This is an engaging, educational way to get a feel for your surroundings while learning of the city’s urban development and social history.
Evening:
After exploring, toast your first night in San Diego with a tasty welcome dinner! Pick from one of the fantastic restaurants in the area, like The Old Spaghetti Factory or The Melting Pot. Let the invigorating atmosphere refresh you as you enjoy tasty cooking and bask in the excitement of activities ahead. Before the night is over, your group will partake in the Haunted San Diego Gaslamp Ghost Tour! Feel stories from the past chill you in the present as you walk the haunted grounds of local legend. See the sights in a new spooky light, and after hearing the dramatic history of past inhabitants, return to your hotel for a much-deserved rest.
Day 2: Maritime Museum of San Diego, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Liberty Public Market
Morning:
Dig in to breakfast at your hotel and gather your group for a day focused on maritime history and coastal science. First, you’ll visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of historic ships. Students can board and explore vessels such as the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship, and a Cold War-era submarine. This experience provides tangible insights of naval architecture, engineering, and the history of seafaring. If interested, create your own maritime adventure with a 45-minute bay tour, where you can explore the rich history of San Diego Bay from the deck of a historic vessel.
Afternoon:
From there, proceed to the lovely coastal community of La Jolla and enjoy lunch in this beautiful and buzzing beach town. Enjoy some after-lunch shopping at this famous surf spot before your visit to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This academic center offers focused exhibits on the marine life of the Pacific, with an emphasis on research and conservation. The Tide Pool Plaza allows for a hands-on experience, where students can interact with local marine invertebrates.
Evening:
Dinner will be at Liberty Public Market, a vibrant food hall located in a former naval training center. This location offers a diverse selection of food vendors, allowing students to choose from a variety of cuisines and fostering a more independent dining experience. Following dinner, students will have some more leisure time to explore the unique shops and art studios within the Liberty Station complex before turning in for the night.
Day 3: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Museum of Us, San Diego Museum of Art, Gold-Rush Escape Room
Morning:
Start your day with a convenient and hearty breakfast at your hotel. Then get ready to explore Balboa Park! This 1,200-acre urban park is a cultural hub with lots to see and do. Begin with a visit to the famous San Diego Zoo, a world-renowned leader in conservation and animal care. The zoo’s “cage-less” exhibits and extensive collection of rare and endangered species offer a memorable learning opportunity in biology and environmental sciences. Immerse your students in the park’s diverse ecosystems and animal habitats.
Afternoon:
After lunch in the animal kingdom, your group will enjoy the unique experience that is the Museum of Us. Located in the park’s historic California Tower, the museum provides a multicultural exploration of the human experience. Exhibits on topics like identity, human migration, and cultural traditions will encourage self-reflection and a deeper understanding of anthropology. Then, head over to the nearby San Diego Museum of Art which houses a world-renowned fine art collection spanning thousands of years across a variety of cultures.
Evening:
Get ready for an evening that’s a mix of delicious food and frantic fun. First, indulge in dinner at one of the many lively spots in town like the Old Spaghetti Factory. Then, with your appetite satisfied, put your thinking caps on and prepare for a Gold-Rush Themed Escape Room adventure! Will your group work together and solve the puzzles in time? Look for clues, unravel the riddles, and celebrate with your team before heading back to your hotel for a full night’s rest.
Day 4: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, San Diego Natural History or Air and Space Museum, Farewell Dinner Cruise
Morning:
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel then get ready for historical immersion at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The park serves as a living history museum with 32 preserved and reconstructed historical sites, museums, and visitor programs. Your students will walk through restored adobe buildings, observe demonstrations by historical interpreters, and explore shops that showcase 19th-century life in California. This visit provides a great visual connection to the state’s origins and its unique cultural blend.
Afternoon:
Then proceed to the museum of your choice: the San Diego Natural History Museum or San Diego Air and Space Museum. The first focuses on Southern California and Baja California’s unique natural habitats and fossils with a chance to see scientists at work in the new Paleontology Center, while the latter features informative, interactive displays that allow students to directly engage with the principles of flight and space exploration—this includes flight simulators, a 3D/4D theater, and a dedicated “Moon Base” area with additional hands-on activities.
Evening:
For the final evening of your trip to California, have your group embark on a scenic farewell dinner cruise around the San Diego Harbor. This nautical dining experience is perfect for a celebratory send off—picturesque views make for great photos as an elegant meal brings the group together. Relax, reflect, and savor the magnificent surroundings of your memorable trip. Once docked, make your way back to the hotel to pack and rest for the night ahead of departure day.
Day 5: Departure Day
Morning:
Have one last tasty and convenient breakfast at your hotel before gathering all belongings and checking out. If time allows, visit the Spanish Village Art Center and see the city’s largest artist community hard at work creating new masterpieces; or, tour the Japanese Friendship Garden for a curated calm promenade through Japanese style gardening with opportunities for cultural education. When it’s time to depart, students will leave San Diego with a newfound appreciation for its unique blend of science, history, and coastal culture. Begin your safe journey home.
