Experience From Coastlines to Iconic Experiences

California Student Tours

California Student Tours

Educational Travel, Performance Tours & Unforgettable Student Adventures
California is one of the premier student travel destinations in the United States, offering an unmatched combination of educational experiences, iconic landmarks, world-famous theme parks, performing arts venues, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the movie studios of Hollywood and the beaches of Southern California to the innovation of Silicon Valley and the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park, California provides students with experiences they will remember for a lifetime.

Group of friends sitting on a beach.

Discover. Perform. Experience.

Whether you’re planning a concert band tour, choir performance trip, orchestra festival, dance competition, STEM excursion, senior class trip, or educational adventure, California offers endless opportunities to learn, perform, and explore.

Why Choose California for Student Travel?

California combines education, entertainment, culture, and adventure into one incredible destination. 

Highlights include: 

  • World-famous theme parks 
  • National parks and outdoor education 
  • Hollywood and the entertainment industry 
  • Space and science museums 
  • Professional sporting events 
  • Outstanding performing arts venues 
  • Beautiful beaches and coastal attractions 
  • Exceptional student performance opportunities 

With year-round mild weather and hundreds of educational attractions, California is an ideal destination for student groups of every age. 

Top Student Destinations in California

Top Student Destinations in California

Anaheim & Orange County – The Ultimate Student Adventure
Anaheim is home to some of the most recognizable attractions in the world and is one of the most popular destinations for student performance tours.

Top Attractions

  • Disneyland Park 
  • Disney California Adventure Park 
  • Knott’s Berry Farm 
  • Angel Stadium 
  • Huntington Beach 
  • Balboa Fun Zone and Newport Beach 

Professional Sports

  • Los Angeles Angels (MLB) 
  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL) 

Performing Arts

  • Pacific Symphony 
  • Philharmonic Society of Orange County 
  • Segerstrom Center for the Arts 

Student Performance Opportunities

Student bands, orchestras, choirs, dance teams, and cheer groups can participate in: 

  • Disney Performing Arts workshops 
  • Parade performances (qualification required) 
  • Adjudicated music festivals 
  • Concert exchanges 
  • Dance showcases 
  • Educational clinics 

Major Theme Parks

  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg 
  • Water Country USA
Los Angeles & Hollywood – Entertainment, Culture, and History

Los Angeles & Hollywood – Entertainment, Culture, and History

Los Angeles offers students the opportunity to experience the entertainment capital of the world while exploring museums, performing arts venues, professional sports, and famous landmarks. 

Top Attractions

  • Universal Studios Hollywood 
  • Griffith Observatory 
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame 
  • Getty Center 
  • California Science Center 
  • Santa Monica Pier 

Professional Sports

  • Los Angeles Dodgers 
  • Los Angeles Lakers 
  • Los Angeles Clippers 
  • Los Angeles Kings 
  • Los Angeles Rams 
  • Los Angeles Chargers 
  • LA Galaxy 
  • Los Angeles FC 

Performing Arts

  • Los Angeles Philharmonic 
  • Los Angeles Opera 
  • Center Theatre Group 

Student Performance Opportunities

Student groups frequently perform in: 

  • Music festivals 
  • Choir competitions 
  • Orchestra festivals 
  • Dance showcases 
  • Educational workshops 
  • Community concerts 

Major Theme Parks

  • Universal Studios Hollywood 
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain 
San Diego – Learning by the Coast

San Diego – Learning by the Coast

San Diego combines marine science, history, beaches, and family-friendly attractions into one outstanding student destination. 

Top Attractions

  • San Diego Zoo 
  • Balboa Park 
  • USS Midway Museum 
  • Birch Aquarium 
  • Cabrillo National Monument 
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 

Professional Sports

  • San Diego Padres (MLB) 
  • San Diego FC (MLS) 

Performing Arts

  • San Diego Symphony 
  • San Diego Opera 
  • The Old Globe 

Student Performance Opportunities

San Diego hosts numerous festivals, adjudicated performances, and educational workshops for school music and performing arts programs. 

Major Theme Parks

  • SeaWorld San Diego 
  • LEGOLAND California Resort 
San Francisco Bay Area – Innovation  Meets History

San Francisco Bay Area – Innovation Meets History

Northern California offers students an exciting blend of technology, history, science, and cultural experiences. 

Top Attractions

  • Golden Gate Bridge 
  • Alcatraz Island 
  • California Academy of Sciences 
  • Exploratorium 
  • Fisherman’s Wharf 
  • Silicon Valley technology museums and campuses 

Professional Sports

  • San Francisco Giants 
  • Golden State Warriors 
  • San Francisco 49ers 
  • San Jose Sharks 
  • San Jose Earthquakes 

Performing Arts

  • San Francisco Symphony 
  • San Francisco Ballet 
  • San Francisco Opera 

Student Performance Opportunities

Student ensembles regularly participate in: 

  • Heritage music festivals 
  • Concert performances 
  • Orchestra exchanges 
  • Choir competitions 
  • Educational workshops 

Major Theme Parks

  • California’s Great America 
Yosemite National Park & Central California – Nature’s Classroom

Yosemite National Park & Central California – Nature’s Classroom

Yosemite offers one of America’s greatest outdoor classrooms, providing students with hands-on experiences in geology, ecology, conservation, and environmental science. 

Top Attractions

  • Yosemite Valley 
  • Half Dome viewpoints 
  • Yosemite Falls 
  • Glacier Point 
  • Giant Sequoias 
  • Visitor and Nature Centers 

Professional Sports

Professional sports venues are generally accessed through nearby San Francisco or Sacramento. 

Performing Arts

Although Yosemite is not known for professional performing arts organizations, student groups often include performances before or after visiting the park in nearby cities. 

Student Performance Opportunities

Outdoor amphitheaters, educational programs, and regional music festivals make Yosemite a wonderful addition to longer California performance tours. 

Major Theme Parks Nearby

While Yosemite itself has no theme parks, many student tours combine Yosemite with San Francisco or Southern California theme park destinations. 

Sample 3-Day Southern  California Student Tour

Sample 3-Day Southern California Student Tour

Day 1 – Anaheim

Morning 

  • Arrive in Southern California 
  • Check into hotel 
  • Visit Downtown Disney District 

Afternoon

  • Disney Performing Arts workshop or educational clinic 
  • Group lunch 

Evening

  • Disneyland Park 
  • Nighttime spectacular 
Day 2 – Los Angeles

Day 2 – Los Angeles

Morning 

  • Griffith Observatory 
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame 

Afternoon

  • California Science Center 
  • Student performance or adjudicated music festival 

Evening

  • Universal Studios Hollywood 
  • Group dinner 
Day 3 – San Diego

Day 3 – San Diego

Morning 

  • San Diego Zoo 

Afternoon

  • USS Midway Museum 
  • Balboa Park 

Evening

  • Depart for home 

Perfect for Every Student Group

California tours are ideal for: 

  • Concert Bands 
  • Marching Bands 
  • Choirs 
  • Orchestras 
  • Dance Teams 
  • Theater Programs 
  • STEM Academies 
  • Environmental Science Classes 
  • Senior Class Trips 
  • Educational Travel Programs 
  • Church Youth Groups 

Every itinerary can be customized to include performances, educational workshops, sporting events, college visits, and world-famous attractions. 

Tourists admiring Golden Gate Bridge view.

Start Planning Your Virginia Student Tour

California offers students the opportunity to perform, learn, explore, and create lifelong memories. Whether your group dreams of marching down Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, exploring Hollywood, visiting world-renowned museums, or discovering the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park, our travel specialists can design a customized itinerary to fit your educational goals, performance schedule, and budget. 

Make Every Moment Count

Make Every Moment Count

Let us help you create a California student tour that inspires learning, encourages teamwork, and delivers an unforgettable travel experience.