The Golden State is abundant with student travel opportunities. Students can celebrate history, go on adventures and explore the famous California wilderness, all while having an unforgettable experience. Make California a priority destination for your student trip.

4 Places in California Where History Comes Alive

Alcatraz Island

Students can explore America’s criminal past at Alcatraz Island. The island grants students a candid view of the infamous federal penitentiary. The National Park Service offers guided tours that cover a variety of topics, including escapes, military history and natural history. The island is easily reached by ferry from San Francisco’s waterfront.

Tech Museum of Innovation

Tech Museum of Innovation 2

On a mission to inspire the innovator in students, the Tech Museum of Innovation on San Jose gives a glimpse of the most inventive place on Earth: Silicon Valley. The museum features a variety of exhibits ranging from BioDeign Studio, where students can explore and design the building blocks of life, to Cyber Detectives, designed to help visitors learn about internet safety.

San Francisco Maritime Historical Park

Students interested in Pacific Coast maritime history will enjoy the San Francisco Maritime Historical Park. Located in the city’s Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, the park allows students to stand on the stern of Balclutha, a square-rigged vessel, and visit the Maritime Museum, where the skills and techniques of the sailors’ trade are showcased.

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle 3

At Hearst Castle in San Simeon, student can explore the nooks and crannies of the mansion’s 115 rooms. Designed in 1919 by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan, the 127-acre estate dubbed “La Cuesta Encantada” includes terraces, pools and walkways built to display Hearst’s legendary art collection.

4 Adventurous Destinations in California

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

Home to over 3,500 animals, the San Diego Zoo works to save species worldwide while spreading knowledge about the world’s ecosystems. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo spans 1,800 acres and features a botanical garden, giant panda exhibit, Tasmanian devil sanctuary and snow leopard habitat.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey showcases a plethora of aquatic species that open students eyes to Earth’s most abundant ecosystem and its wonders. Species featured include jellyfish, algae, eels and sharks. Group sleepovers allow students to spend the night with the fish and have an unforgettable time.

Disneyland

Disneyland

No student trip would be complete without a visit to Disneyland. At Walt Disney’s original theme park in Anaheim, students can explore the world of Alice in Wonderland, discover how animation has evolved and shaped the way Disney movies are made, set sail with the Pirates of the Caribbean and brave the Haunted Mansion. A California must-visit, the park is a student travel priority.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Another theme park that guarantees a good time is Universal Studios Hollywood, located in Los Angeles. Home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Waterworld and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Universal Studios promises magical experience for students of all ages.

2 Natural Wonders of California

Redwood National Park

Redwood Forest 2

Home to the largest trees on earth, Redwood National Park stretches along the coast of northern California. The park’s vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild riverways and nearly 40 miles of rugged coastline are unforgettable. Students can hike marked trails of varying difficulty and take in the beauty.

Yosemite National Park

Abundant with giant sequoias, expansive valleys and majestic waterfalls, Yosemite National Park offers students a great way to connect with California’s ecosystem. Guided hiking tours led by National Park Rangers include information about the park’s history, including plants and animals.

By Deanna Charkewycz