California is home to some of the most beautiful and exciting tourist destinations and cities in the United States. From the stretches of Pacific coastline to amazing downtowns and amusement parks, the Golden State has a little something for everyone. But why limit your visit to just one place? Partybus.com is here to help you plan the ultimate California day trip to experience more of what this state has to offer.
If you’re traveling with a large group, you’ll want to book private transportation like a charter bus rental to make the journey comfortable and convenient. Partybus.com will take the stress of driving and parking off your plate so you can fully enjoy all of the destinations. We’ll pair you with a driver to handle the navigation, and your bus will be equipped with air-conditioning and other amenities to make the ride fun.
Now let’s see where to go!
Where to go in California
California is so massive and diverse that picking a day trip destination can seem like a daunting task. So to help you narrow things down, consider these travel tips:
Choose a destination that appeals to all of your travelers. For example, if you have children in your group, then theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood may be great choices. Groups of history and architecture enthusiasts may find themselves more drawn to San Francisco’s historic districts and museums.
Choose a destination that isn’t too far from your departure location. California is famous for long distances and tedious traffic. If you want to see Disneyland but are in San Francisco, you’ll have to drive for more than 6 hours to get there ( if you need some tips for a comfortable ride — remember to stretch every 2 or 3 hours and pack along some bus games!).
Take advantage of California’s beautiful scenery with a scenic drive. Drive through the redwoods of Humboldt County if you’re heading up north, or enjoy the coastal views of Big Sur if you’re on the central coast. The desertscapes and mountains of Southern California offer their own unique charm.
Hearst Castle
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
Created for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst by architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle was nearly 30 years in the making—construction took place between 1919 and 1947. When you book the Grand Rooms Tour or the Accessibility Designed Grand Rooms Tour, a guide will bring you through the main building, called the Casa Grande, where you can see the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room, and Theater.
If everyone in your group is physically capable of climbing multiple flights of stairs, consider taking the Upstairs Suites Tour. This tour will bring you through the living quarters of Hearst, his family, and his guests. Here you’ll get to experience Hearst’s Gothic Suite, the Celestial Suite, the Library, and the indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Palm Springs
Address: Palm Springs Visitors Center, 2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
This Southern California desert oasis was a popular respite for Hollywood legends throughout the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Nowadays, the city attracts those in need of a quick sunny escape, golf enthusiasts, and visitors interested in mid-century Modern architecture.
Palm Springs is full of things to do for groups of every type. Enjoy a laid-back hike with the kids in the Indian Canyons, treat your company colleagues to a round of golf at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort, or take a group tour of the Palm Springs Air Museum. You can even take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and take in the mountaintop views.
Santa Catalina Island
Address: Catalina Express Terminal, 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802
Catalina Island, also called Santa Catalina Island, lies 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. Although it’s only 76 square miles in size, this getaway island is home to some of California’s most scenic trails, beaches, and wildlife. Most folks arrive by ferry from Long Beach to the city of Avalon, which features historic architecture, dining, and a variety of shops selling souvenirs.
For thrill-seeking groups, rent a four-person golf cart or bicycle, and zip around Avalon for the day. Spend your time exploring the Catalina Casino—a beautiful art deco structure built in the 1920s—or sunbathing at Descanso Beach. Catalina Island is also a fantastic place to go scuba diving or snorkeling. For a more in-depth look at the island’s marine wildlife, plan a visit to the Catalina Island Marine Institute.
Malibu Wines & Beer Garden
Address: 23130 Sherman Way, West Hills, CA 91307
If your group is a big fan of wine tastings, consider an outing to Malibu Wines! Located in the Saddle Rock Ranch, Malibu Wines is the perfect outdoor destination for your group to enjoy some wine and sunshine.
The ranch is home to several movie sets and also offers a variety of activities, including horseback riding, wildlife tours, and hiking trails. Enjoy a glass of the vineyard’s signature Saddlerock wine while taking in the views of the Santa Monica Mountains. You can even order gourmet pizza and sandwiches from the ranch’s wood-fired oven while you sip.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located a short drive north of the city in Escondido and offers a unique animal experience. This zoo is built like an African Safari, with animals from various regions freely roaming across a 1,800-acre landscape. For your trip to the park, book a 35-minute open-air tram tour or enjoy a safari-style experience in a truck with a chance to hand-feed giraffes.
Groups with a taste for adventure can book a thrilling zip-line tour over the animal enclosures, soar above the park in a simulated hot air balloon ride, or even take a walk along a rope bridge swinging 65-feet in the air! Once your exploration of the grasslands is complete, enjoy an educational show featuring some of the park’s cheetahs, lions, tigers, or birds of prey.
Anaheim
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
Anaheim is the home of the famed Disneyland Park, a popular destination for Disney fanatics from across the globe. With iconic rides, characters, shows, and parades that have delighted visitors for decades, you’re sure to have an amazing day at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Enjoy all of the rides in Fantasyland like Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s a Small World or get your adrenaline going on the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Meet your favorite characters in Toontown, enjoy a delicious dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square, and round out your evening with fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Laguna Beach
Address: Laguna Beach Visitors Center, 381 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
This beautiful coastal town is perfect for groups looking for some fun in the sun, shopping at local boutiques, or touring a museum or two. Spend the morning surfing and sunbathing at one of Laguna’s seven coves, or explore tide pools and trails along the bluffs at Heisler Park.
For a change of pace, head to the Laguna Art Museum to discover collections of California art, or grab tickets to the annual Pageant of the Masters. This performance arts series uses live actors to recreate famous paintings. The Pageant is held every summer at the Irvine Bowl and draws crowds from across the state.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Are you looking for an exciting day at a theme park? Head over to Universal Studios Hollywood. Located a short drive north of Los Angeles, this park is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in all your favorite films and TV shows.
Experience the world of Harry Potter at Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, or ride a motion-simulated tram and see what it would be like to be attacked by a T-Rex in Jurassic Park. For a group of adults who are up for a scare, the Walking Dead Attraction will leave you with chills. If you have time to spare, add the Studio Tour to your itinerary to see behind-the-scenes locations and get up close and personal with Jaws and King Kong.
Solvang
Address: Solvang Visitors Center, 1639 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
Located about 30 miles north of Santa Barbara, this charming town is a must-stop for lovers of all things Danish. It’s home to Danish bakeries, windmills, half-timbered architecture, and even has a Hans Christian Anderson Museum! Solvang was built in 1911 by Danish Americans who wanted to preserve their culture and heritage, and this history makes for a unique day trip from Santa Barbara or Los Angeles.
While in town, don’t forget to treat your group of tourists to traditional Danish foods at the Red Viking Restaurant. You can dine on open-faced sandwiches, pastries, and a variety of herring dishes. If you’re traveling in September, your group can enjoy Solvang’s annual Danish Days Festival, a city-wide celebration of folk dancing, parades, and Danish cuisine.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
If you’re visiting Monterey, you may want to take a short drive north to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This lively amusement park is situated right on the beach and has a unique collection of classic thrill rides and traditional boardwalk food options like funnel cake, caramel apples, and cotton candy.
The park is known for its iconic wooden roller coaster, The Giant Dipper, which was first opened in 1924. You’ll also want to take a spin on the historic Looff Carousel and catch a glimpse of the ocean from the top of the 125-foot Double Shot tower ride. The park also features a variety of games, attractions, and an arcade for those who want a break from the rides.
Book a Bus With Partybus.com!
Day trips offer a great way to enjoy the many destinations of California. Whether your group is looking for thrills at a theme park, scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, or historic architecture and gardens, we at Partybus.com will help make your experience easier. A private charter bus is your best option for group travel across the Golden State, and we have a variety of options to fit every type of group and occasion.
Contact a Partybus.com representative anytime at 1-877-563-2133 to get a personalized quote for your next California day trip.