Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks featuring San Diego and California’s Central Coast Tour with 11 Reviews by Collette Tours

10 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

44 peopleMaximum group size

1 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

San Diego, USA

Ends

Los Angeles, USA

Highlights

Explore Old Mission Santa Barbara, often referred to as "Queen of the Missions."

Learn about the largest trees on the planet from a local guide at Sequoia and Kings National Parks.

Celebrate the boundless spirit of human creativity at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

Itinerary

California’s legendary landscapes come alive on the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks featuring San Diego and California’s Central Coast tour. Designed for experienced travelers and seniors seeking an easy-paced adventure, this 10-day sightseeing journey covers the iconic sights between San Diego and Los Angeles. Stroll beneath the soaring redwoods of Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and marvel at the sheer size of these ancient giants.

Along the way, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of San Diego and Los Angeles, discover the colonial charm of Santa Barbara, and join a walking food tour in Carlsbad’s coastal ambiance. Savor locally produced wine and lunch at a scenic Paso Robles vineyard—an experience that blends culinary delight with picturesque views.

This trip’s unique selling point is the harmonious mix of natural wonders and cultural highlights, all managed with comfort in mind. With easy walking tours, rest opportunities, and thoughtfully planned activities, the tour package is ideal for those who want to explore California’s treasures without strenuous effort. Every detail, from accommodation to transport and meals, is included for a seamless and enjoyable exploration.

day 1 - San Diego, California

From the cosmopolitan, cultural cities of San Diego and Los Angeles to the laid-back, beachy vibes of California’s Central Coast and the awe-inspiring scenery of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, this journey has it all. Your tour opens in San Diego, known for its seaside location and idyllic climate. As travelers' arrival times vary greatly, we have no group activities planned during the day.

day 2 - San Diego

This morning, join a local guide for a tour through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, including downtown, Balboa Park, Coronado Island, and Old Town San Diego. The afternoon is yours to experience San Diego at your leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

day 3 - San Diego - Carlsbad - Los Angeles

Start the day on a harbor cruise of San Diego Bay. Cruise beside playful sea lions, Navy ships, and beautiful architecture while hearing fascinating stories that link the city’s past and present. Later, head north to the coastal town of Carlsbad, where you’ll explore the town center on a walking food tour for lunch. This afternoon, arrive in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. Tonight, join your Tour Manager and walk to the bustling Grand Central Market – a favorite with locals looking for a casual meal.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

day 4 - Los Angeles

Today, explore the City of Angels on a combination bus/walking tour. Stop for photos at Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and the famed Bradbury Building, an ornate architectural landmark featured in several films. Then, admire the mansions on our way to Griffith Observatory to take in panoramic views of the city and the famed Hollywood sign. Stroll along the Walk of Fame to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Dolby, home of the Academy Awards. Get a close-up look at the iconic Beverly Hills sign and soak in the glitz and glamour of Rodeo Drive. After lunch on your own at the Original Farmers Market, we’ll pass by other landmarks as we make our way back to the hotel.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

day 5 - Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Pismo Beach

Today, head to California’s Central Coast. Enjoy free time in this beautiful city, admiring its Spanish colonial architecture and small-town atmosphere. Stop for a self-guided tour of the Old Mission of Santa Barbara, the tenth of 21 Spanish missions founded by the Franciscans and the only one the friars still occupy. Enjoy the gorgeous grounds of the “Queen of the Missions,” the gardens, cemetery, and chapel. Arrive this afternoon in Pismo Beach, another Central Coast gem, and your home for two nights.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

day 6 - Pismo Beach

Enjoy a day at leisure at your seaside hotel. Or continue your exploration of the Central Coast by joining an optional excursion to Hearst Castle, the historic estate built by publishing tycoon William Randall Hearst and his architect, Julia Morgan. Enjoy a tour of the opulent Grand Rooms, imagining what it must have been like to be a guest here during the Roaring Twenties. Before lunch, visit an elephant seal rookery and see a colony of seals at the beach. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset back in Pismo Beach this evening!

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Pismo Beach - Paso Robles - Visalia

Today, travel inland to the Paso Robles wine region, home to more than 200 family-run wineries. This Central Coast wine region is less known than Napa, but no less beautiful. Stop for lunch here and later arrive in the charming town of Visalia, gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

day 8 - Visalia

Today, head to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in the southern Sierra Nevada, where a local guide will join you. See the General Grant tree on a guided walking tour. On the way to your picnic lunch spot, learn about the park’s ecology, flora, fauna, and history, including Native American history. This afternoon, visit the largest tree in the world, the General Sherman tree, on a half-mile walking tour. Then, it’s your choice! Continue with your local guide -OR- take a brisk hike with your Tour Manager along the Congress Trail. Back in Visalia, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. This day is sure to be the highlight of your California adventure!

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

day 9 - Visalia - Los Angeles

This morning, bid farewell to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada range and head south to Los Angeles for a final night. But first, visit the Getty Center, nestled on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains. This world-famous museum is known for its private collection, with something here for everyone: fine art, impressive architecture, lush gardens, and spectacular city views.

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - Los Angeles - Tour Ends

Your tour ends today.

Meals:Breakfast

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks featuring San Diego and California’s Central Coast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay DowntownOmni Los Angeles Hotel at California PlazaVespera Resort on Pismo BeachVisalia MarriottHyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

Meals

9 Breakfasts3 Lunchs4 Dinners

Transport

Transport Included

Guide

Guided by Tour Manager/s

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks featuring San Diego and California’s Central Coast

4.6

based on 11 reviews

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