With 3 unique National Parks, the natural wonders of Southern California are like nowhere else on earth. An island chain teeming with unique marine and island wildlife, a landscape filled with geology and plant life straight out of Dr. Seuss, and the lowest and highest points in the contiguous United States just a few miles apart. In between lie bustling towns and attractions that fill this tour with fun from beginning to end!
- Day trip to Channel Islands National Park with optional departure time
- Visit to Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
- Guided tours in Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks
- Palm Springs Village Fest
DAY 1: VENTURA
Arrive in Los Angeles and check in for a two-night stay at Holiday Inn Express Ventura Harbor, just steps from the Pacific Coast. D
DAY 2: CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Journey across the Santa Barbara Channel to the “Galapagos of North America,” Channel Islands National Park. Watch for dolphins, whales, and seals before arriving in Santa Cruz Island for your choice of half-day or full-day adventure. These islands harbor dozens of plant and animal species that evolved nowhere else on earth, including the visible Channel Island Fox and Scrub Jay. B, L
DAY 3: REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM
Spend the morning exploring the life of our 40th president at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. An incredible life that included a career as a Hollywood actor and politician is told throughout the museum’s extensive exhibits. Step on board Reagan’s Air Force One and inside the replica Oval Office. Enjoy lunch at the museum before continuing to Palm Springs and check in for a three-night stay. B, L
DAY 4: PALM SPRINGS
Experience the vacation mecca of Palm Springs, including a guided tour of the Palm Springs Air Museum and its incredible collection of combat aircraft from all eras of aviation history. Travel to the top of San Jacinto Peak aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoy a delicious lunch at Peaks Restaurant overlooking the Coachella Valley. Visit Sunnylands Conference Center and Gardens, a retreat for geopolitical meetings including many presidential summits. B, L
DAY 5: JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Two desert ecosystems converge in Joshua Tree National Park, where unbelievable geology and unique plant life dot the landscape. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the largest National Parks in the contiguous United States with visits to its most famous stops like Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and much more. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before returning to Palm Springs for their weekly street festival, “Village Fest,” where vendors line the streets for shopping, eating, and entertainment. B, L
DAY 6: BARSTOW
After a leisurely morning in Palm Springs, depart for Barstow and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Learn about this small desert town’s place in American culture as a stop on the iconic road between Chicago and Los Angeles. Overnight in Barstow. B, D
DAY 7: LONE PINE
An area so beautiful it’s been used as the scenic backdrop in hundreds of movies and commercials, travel to the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area for views you’ll never forget. After a ranger program and a visit to the Museum of Western Film History, continue east into Death Valley National Park. Through the incredible landscape of sand and stone, check into The Ranch at Death Valley for a 1-night stay. B, L
DAY 8: DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Take a guided tour of some of the most famous sites around Death Valley, including Badwater Basin – the lowest place in North America at 282 feet below sea level! At Zabriskie Point, view the landscape so otherworldly it was used as a setting in Star Wars, and learn about the history of Borax Mining at nearby ruins. Continue to Las Vegas for dinner and 1-night stay at the Golden Nugget Hotel. B, D
DAY 9: RETURN HOME B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 1-2: Holiday Inn Express, Ventura Harbor
Nights 3-5: Hyatt, Palm Springs
Night 6: Holiday Inn Express, Barstow
Night 7: The Ranch at Death Valley
Night 8: Golden Nugget, Las Vegas
Dates:
- Departure: September 29, 2024
- Return: October 7, 2024
Pricing:
- Double: $3,349
- Triple/Quad: $2,999
- Single: $4,199
*Price per person
*Includes roundtrip airfare from STL or MCI
Identification:
Since we are traveling by plane you must bring a valid state-issued ID or passport.
Average Temperatures:
Ventura, CA: 65°/48°
Barstow, CA: 64°/38°
Palm Springs, CA: 71°/47°
Riverside, CA: 68°/44°
Luggage:
Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible for taking on and off the coach. There is limited space in the cabin of the coach, so unless you require your carry-on bag while traveling, we will stow it in the luggage compartment.
Important Information:
Each reservation requires a $250 per person deposit planning fee (exceptions may apply) to be credited toward your final payment. Some or all of your deposit may be non-refundable per our cancellation schedule noted in these Terms & Conditions below. We are happy to accept cash, check (preferred) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) for your deposit.
Throughout 2021 we limited capacity on all our tours. This policy was so overwhelmingly popular by Sunrise travelers, we have made it permanent. In 2022 and beyond, we will limit the capacity on our motorcoaches to 80%. Most Sunrise Tours travel on 50-seat coaches with extra legroom, which means guests will enjoy extra legroom AND at least 6-8 empty seats. In the rare cases when we charter a 55-seat coach, there will be at least 10 open seats on the bus.
Our popular on-board refreshment service on travel days will feature a variety of soda, beer, wine spritzers, juices and sparkling water choices served in recyclable aluminum cans. This is a safe and eco-conscious way for us to deliver the ever-popular Sunrise Tours “happy hour” on tour. We do not typically serve bottled water and ask that while on tour you be responsible for your own hydration and consider the Sunrise Tours drink service a welcome refreshment.
Terms and Conditions:
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
