California
The Best of California: The Reagan Library to the Channel Islands
Program No. 1449160MEADV-1116-60
Experience it all on this comprehensive exploration of California. Savor great cuisine, explore national parks, visit renowned museums and enjoy insightful lectures along the way!
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 3L 4D
1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Dinner
Ventura, CA
3
Field Trip to Santa Cruz Island
Ventura, CA
4
J. Paul Getty Center
Ventura, CA
6
Program Concludes
Ventura, CA
At a Glance
Experience California’s diverse cultural and natural wonders. View J. Paul Getty’s extensive art collection at the J. Paul Getty Museum, learn about the Channel Islands and sit in the peaceful courtyards at the historic mission of Santa Barbara. Insights gained through lectures and visits will give you a full picture of California culture.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day on uneven city streets most days, standing up to two hours on field trips. On a day trip to Channel Islands, walking on uneven, dirt trails with options of walking two to five miles. Boat trips to the Channel Islands are dependent on sea conditions, which can be rough, and subject to cancellation by the boat’s captain depending on ocean swell and wind conditions. Alternate plans on the mainland will be in place if an island field trip is cancelled.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Trace the history of the California mission system with a local expert, and sit in the peaceful courtyards at the historic mission of Santa Barbara.
- View J. Paul Getty's extensive art collection at the Getty Museum against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views.
- Learn about the Great Communicator at the Reagan Library, which was renovated after a revealing in-depth study of his diaries.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Margery Spielman
Margery Spielman is an accomplished environmental artist, lecturer, naturalist and professional diver. As a scuba instructor and stunt diver, she worked underwater on numerous television productions and for many years, worked on freelance assignments for The Cousteau Society, doing research, logistics, diving, speaking and illustrating. Described as a visionary realist, she’s exhibited her artwork in major Marine Art Expos from Hawaii to Paris. For over 25 years, Margery’s been the leading Naturalist in Road Scholar’s Channel Islands programs.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Margery Spielman
View biography
Margery Spielman is an accomplished environmental artist, lecturer, naturalist and professional diver. As a scuba instructor and stunt diver, she worked underwater on numerous television productions and for many years, worked on freelance assignments for The Cousteau Society, doing research, logistics, diving, speaking and illustrating. Described as a visionary realist, she’s exhibited her artwork in major Marine Art Expos from Hawaii to Paris. For over 25 years, Margery’s been the leading Naturalist in Road Scholar’s Channel Islands programs.
Donna Granata
View biography
Donna Granata is the founder and executive director of Focus on the Masters (FOTM), a highly respected nonprofit archive and educational program documenting contemporary artists. An accomplished artist in her own right, Granata is an internationally published portrait photographer. Her photographs have been displayed across the United States. Selected works from her FOTM portrait series are housed in the Smithsonian's Archive of American Artists; in the photographic collection of the George Eastman Museum and other public institutions housing the personal archives of the artists documented.
Walt Agajanian
View biography
Born and raised in Southern California, Walt Agajanian left California to see other parts of the country and ended up in college at the University of Wyoming, intended to be a high school science teacher. Returning to California, Walt changed his plans and went into business. Having had a passion for history as well as science, he eventually decided to enroll at California State University, Northridge for a second bachelor’s and a master’s degree in history. He now teaches history at Ventura College.
Terri Blake Dano
View biography
Terri Blake Dano is an eighth-generation Californian who earned a B.A. from Cal State Chico. Her three-decade career in the garment industry has taken her across the country and to many European capitals, and she has explored the globe for both business and pleasure. She lives in Santa Monica with her husband, Rick, but spends equal time in Lake Tahoe. She lives an active lifestyle and enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, and kayaking with family and friends.
Susan Morris
View biography
Susan Morris has been conducting historical research involving the Channel Islands since 1987. With a bachelor’s in journalism and a certificate in archaeology, she has participated in field studies on seven of the eight Channel Islands. She was the principal investigator of a cave-associated archaeology survey on Santa Rosa Island. Passionate about solving historical mysteries, her focus of the past eight years has been historical research for the Island of the Blue Dolphins website, hosted by Channel Islands National Park.
Suggested Reading List
(15 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of California: The Reagan Library to the Channel Islands
Program Number: 14491
President Reagan The Role of a Lifetime
This book by a veteran reporter of Ronald Reagan's political career is one of the best Reagan biographies.
The J. Paul Getty Museum Handbook of the Collection
Prepared by the museum, this illustrated handbook to the J. Paul Getty Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the collection as well as a history of both the museum and its founder.
Natural History of the Islands of California
Islands have always been fascinating places, their separateness evoking a sense of mystery and inspiring a yearning for exploration. California's islands are unique evolutionary laboratories, places where plants and animals have grown and interacted in isolation for millions of years. This comprehensive book discusses both the human and the natural history of the islands of California, including all eight Channel Islands, Año Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of San Francisco Bay. It is also useful as a field guide for visitors, and details on reaching the islands are contained in the first chapter.
The authors explore the formation of the islands; discuss the history of human habitation, beginning with the Native Americans who first visited the islands 12,000 years ago; and provide a thorough introduction to the marine and terrestrial biotas of the islands. The authors also discuss past damage and ongoing threats to island ecosystems, including devastation caused by the introduction of non-native animals and plants. Large herbivorous animals in particular have caused considerable damage, since island plants evolved in the absence of herbivores and therefore have no defenses against them.
Justinian Caire and Santa Cruz Island: The Rise and Fall of a California Dynasty
One of the fabled Channel Islands of Southern California, Santa Cruz was once the largest privately owned island off the coast of the continental United States. This multifaceted account traces the island’s history from its aboriginal Chumash population to its acquisition by The Nature Conservancy at the end of the twentieth century. The heart of the book, however, is a family saga: the story of French émigré Justinian Caire and his descendants, who owned and occupied the island for more than fifty years. The author, descended from Caire, uses family archives unavailable to earlier historians to recount the full, previously untold story.
The author looks at the family’s daily life on the island from the mid-nineteenth into the twentieth century. This epic contains tragic elements, as well. Family diaries and letters enable Chiles to tell the story of an intensely private clan and its struggle to hold an island dynasty together.
California the Beautiful
Rowell's exquisite photographs are accompanied by excerpts from Joan Didion, M.F.K. Fisher, Jack London, William Saroyan and many other luminaries in this celebration of the nature and spirit of California.
The Golden Shore, California's Love Affair With the Sea
In this eminently readable and well-researched tribute, Helvarg, an environmental journalist and filmmaker, considers the crosscurrents of culture, history, economy and myth that come together on the state’s golden shores.
As I See It: The Autobiography of J. Paul Getty
Santa Cruz Island: A History of Conflict and Diversity
In this thorough history of the largest Channel Island, Gherini introduces the Chumash Indians who lived on the island in pre-Columbian times and details early European explorers and the Spanish-Mexican period, when the island became a haven for smugglers.
Images of America: The California Channel Islands
Every day, thousands of Southern California residents see the California Channel Islands on the horizon, yet few can name all eight. Santa Catalina Island, third largest, is by far the best known. It is the only island with a city, Avalon, where dozens of hotels, shops, and restaurants await visitors year-round. Three of the islands are owned by the US Navy: San Clemente, San Nicolas, and San Miguel. Five islands fall within the boundaries of Channel Islands National Park: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands. Close to the mainland and yet worlds apart, scenic day trips and primitive camping opportunities are available on all five park islands.
Cultural anthropologist and author Marla Daily of the Santa Cruz Island Foundation has spent her career researching the histories of all eight islands. The California Historical Society bestowed upon Daily its Distinguished Service Award for her extraordinary service and dedicated efforts in preserving Channel Islands history.
The Getty Center: Richard Meier & Partners
Photography: John Linden; Drawings: John Hewitt, Richard Meier & Partners.
(Paperback)
Images of America: Ventura
Local historian Jackson covers the history of Ventura, California, from the dedication of Mission San Buenaventura to its present status as the Gateway to the Channel Islands and home to more than 100,000. Includes archival photos.
Reagan: The Life
The most recent biography of Ronald Reagan collects his story in detail in more than 800 pages. Brands argues that Reagan is one of the two great presidents of the 20th century, alongside FDR.
California Missions
This gorgeously tinted hand-drawn map displays California Missions in excellent detail.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to California
A compact, easy-to-use guide to 1,000 California trees, wildflowers, mammals, insects, birds and other flora and fauna.
California's Channel Islands: A History
The Channel Islands, a string of eight islands off the coast of Southern California, are home to stunning landscapes and remarkable biodiversity. This scholarly work covers ecology as well as natural and human history.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Ventura, CA
Program Concludes
Ventura, CA
Meals
12
| 5B |
3L |
4D |
Activity Level
Experience California’s diverse cultural and natural wonders. View J. Paul Getty’s extensive art collection at the J. Paul Getty Museum, learn about the Channel Islands and sit in the peaceful courtyards at the historic mission of Santa Barbara. Insights gained through lectures and visits will give you a full picture of California culture.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Trace the history of the California mission system with a local expert, and sit in the peaceful courtyards at the historic mission of Santa Barbara.
- View J. Paul Getty's extensive art collection at the Getty Museum against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views.
- Learn about the Great Communicator at the Reagan Library, which was renovated after a revealing in-depth study of his diaries.
Featured Expert
Margery Spielman
Margery Spielman is an accomplished environmental artist, lecturer, naturalist and professional diver. As a scuba instructor and stunt diver, she worked underwater on numerous television productions and for many years, worked on freelance assignments for The Cousteau Society, doing research, logistics, diving, speaking and illustrating. Described as a visionary realist, she’s exhibited her artwork in major Marine Art Expos from Hawaii to Paris. For over 25 years, Margery’s been the leading Naturalist in Road Scholar’s Channel Islands programs.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Donna Granata
Donna Granata is the founder and executive director of Focus on the Masters (FOTM), a highly respected nonprofit archive and educational program documenting contemporary artists. An accomplished artist in her own right, Granata is an internationally published portrait photographer. Her photographs have been displayed across the United States. Selected works from her FOTM portrait series are housed in the Smithsonian's Archive of American Artists; in the photographic collection of the George Eastman Museum and other public institutions housing the personal archives of the artists documented.
Walt Agajanian
Born and raised in Southern California, Walt Agajanian left California to see other parts of the country and ended up in college at the University of Wyoming, intended to be a high school science teacher. Returning to California, Walt changed his plans and went into business. Having had a passion for history as well as science, he eventually decided to enroll at California State University, Northridge for a second bachelor’s and a master’s degree in history. He now teaches history at Ventura College.
Terri Blake Dano
Terri Blake Dano is an eighth-generation Californian who earned a B.A. from Cal State Chico. Her three-decade career in the garment industry has taken her across the country and to many European capitals, and she has explored the globe for both business and pleasure. She lives in Santa Monica with her husband, Rick, but spends equal time in Lake Tahoe. She lives an active lifestyle and enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, and kayaking with family and friends.
Susan Morris
Susan Morris has been conducting historical research involving the Channel Islands since 1987. With a bachelor’s in journalism and a certificate in archaeology, she has participated in field studies on seven of the eight Channel Islands. She was the principal investigator of a cave-associated archaeology survey on Santa Rosa Island. Passionate about solving historical mysteries, her focus of the past eight years has been historical research for the Island of the Blue Dolphins website, hosted by Channel Islands National Park.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day on uneven city streets most days, standing up to two hours on field trips. On a day trip to Channel Islands, walking on uneven, dirt trails with options of walking two to five miles. Boat trips to the Channel Islands are dependent on sea conditions, which can be rough, and subject to cancellation by the boat’s captain depending on ocean swell and wind conditions. Alternate plans on the mainland will be in place if an island field trip is cancelled.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(15 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2024
- 2025
Date
- Feb 23 - Feb 28
- May 04 - May 09
- Aug 24 - Aug 29
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Dec 28 - Jan 02
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2024
- 2025
- Feb 23 - Feb 28
- May 04 - May 09
- Aug 24 - Aug 29
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Dec 28 - Jan 02
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals | 5B | 3L | 4D |
5 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Dinner
Location:
Ventura, CA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: after you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your group leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Lunch at the Getty Center on Day 4 is on your own. If you wish to eat at the Getty Restaurant, reservations are recommended. Make reservations for the restaurant by calling (310) 440-6810. Reservations should be made between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel, enjoy dinner as a group. Water will be provided; other beverages are available for purchase.
Evening:
Enjoy the remainder of the evening getting to know your fellow participants and discovering what you share beyond a love of lifelong learning.
Day
2
Field Trip to Santa Barbara, Channel Islands Lecture
Location:
Ventura, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Depending on traffic, the drive to Santa Barbara is approximately 45 minutes (25 miles); Getting on/off motor coach; Walking on even terrain and standing for long periods of time; Participants can climb the 85-foot clock tower of the Santa Barbara Courthouse.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we’ll be joined by a local expert who will trace the history of the mission system from its Spanish beginnings to the missions in Latin America, and examine why they were used in California. Hear about Father Junipero Serra and what life was like at the California Missions. Discuss why the missions failed and how they are viewed today. Our private motor coach will depart the hotel for the Santa Barbara Mission, where we will enjoy a self-guided visit. Founded in 1786, Mission Santa Barbara was the 10th of the missions to be built. It is called the "Queen of the Missions" for its beautiful hilltop setting and majestic views. Our morning continues with a visit to the Santa Barbara Courthouse. The courthouse is the jewel in Santa Barbara's architectural crown. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. The current courthouse, completed just four months before the U.S. stock market crash of 1929, looks as if it belongs in southern Spain with its Spanish-Moorish architecture and surrounding sunken garden. The top of the 85-foot clock tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding city and the mountains.
Lunch:
At a favorite local restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara.
Afternoon:
We will depart for Ventura after lunch on our private coach. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Before dinner, we will gather at the hotel to watch a video from the National Park Service.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Enjoy an evening session with a local expert learning about Channel Islands National Park in preparation for the next day's visit via boat to Santa Cruz Island. Channel Islands National Park covers five of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. Having endured thousands of years of isolation, these islands are host to a variety of flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.
Day
3
Field Trip to Santa Cruz Island
Location:
Ventura, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motor coach; driving about 5 miles, approximately 15 mins. Getting on/off a boat, riding approximately 1 hour each way (weather permitting). Walking up to 2 miles; elevation change up to 300 feet, uneven terrain. Layered clothing, rubber-soled shoes recommended. Note: The boat captain will make the decision about setting out depending on current conditions. Should the field trip be cancelled, we will have alternative activities.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
The departure of the Island Packers boat to the island depends on ocean conditions and weather, which can change quickly in the Santa Barbara Channel. Boats to the island may cancel. We will have alternate activities planned. We’ll take our private motor coach from the hotel and enjoy an all-day outing to Santa Cruz Island via Island Packers boat. Upon arrival at the Island, we will disembark the boat to the pier where we will have a short orientation before heading out on our naturalist-led walk. With its pristine beaches and grass covered hills, Santa Cruz is the largest island of the five islands comprising Channel Island National Park, and is a miniature of what Southern California looked like 100 years ago. With our expert, we’ll embark on an easy, 1 mile round trip walk with good examples of native and endemic plants through Scorpion Cavern. If participants are eager for a more rigorous hike, they can partake in a 2 mile round trip hike to Cavern Point, which climbs 300 ft on the first third of the hike to Cavern Point and then flattens out providing expansive vistas of the Santa Barbara Channel. Our naturalist will talk about the natural and cultural history of the islands with some stops along the trail.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch. Our lunches are packed so all trash can fit in a pocket to avoid littering. There are limited trash cans on the island. Please remember to bring your reusable water bottle.
Afternoon:
Continue our field trip on Santa Cruz Island. The boat operated by Island Packers returns to the mainland around 5:00 p.m.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
J. Paul Getty Center
Location:
Ventura, CA
Meals:
B
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Depending on traffic, the drive to the Getty Center is approximately one hour (50 miles); Walking between the buildings is on flat, paved surfaces but access to the bottom of the Central Gardens involves a slight incline
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We start our morning with a lecture from a local expert about J. Paul Getty and his collection. From the hotel, we’ll drive via motor coach to the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center to view the Getty's collection of artwork and grand gardens. The museum is accessed from the parking structure by a 3/4 mile hovertrain. The Getty Center is one of the most visited art museums in the United States and presents the Getty's collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. This stunning collection features works by Titian, Rembrandt, Manet, and Monet. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration of the Getty Center.
Lunch:
On your own at Getty Center.
Afternoon:
Continue your free day exploring the Getty Center. After the Getty Center, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Field Trip to Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Location:
Ventura, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Depending on traffic, the drive to the Reagan Library is approximately 40 minutes (35 miles); standing for up to two hours with limited seating available in the museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will start our morning with a lecture from a local expert about Ronald Reagan. We will learn about his early life in Hollywood to his rise to the Oval Office. The 40th President of the United States, Reagan moved to Hollywood to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor. After becoming President of the Screen Actors Guild, he became involved in politics as a spokesman for General Electric. After gaining support, he was persuaded to run for Governor of California and eventually became President of the United States. Known for his new economic and political incentives, Reagan grew from a small town icon to one of the most favored Presidents in American history. From the hotel, we’ll drive via motor coach to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Opened to the public in 1991, the 100 acre site is perched on a mountaintop with sweeping views of mountains, valleys, and the Pacific Ocean. Follow a young Ronald Reagan on his rise from local hero and college standout to the glamorous world of Hollywood stardom. His campaign trail and inauguration as the 40th President of the United States, the Oval Office, and key events of his two terms are revealed through documents, photographs, and artifacts from eight dynamic years in the White House. In the Air Force One Pavilion, board the aircraft that served as the "Flying White House" for President Reagan.
Lunch:
Lunch at Reagan Library.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore the exhibits and grounds on your own before returning to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Ventura, CA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We hope you enjoy all your Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. We encourage you to join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
- Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 02, 2025
- Feb 23, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
- May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
- Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
- Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
- Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
Participant Reviews
Based on 23 Reviews
Sort By:
Fabulous trip. Ventura is an ideal location for all the day trips. Crowne Plaza is right on the beach, ideal for evening and morning walks. Plenty of restaurants/shops within walking distance for free time activities. Also the San Buenaventura Mission is really worth visiting. Our Tour Director Jill did an excellent job in organizing the food menus, daily lectures, visits and transportation. Leo of Silver Wing Limo was very helpful as well in getting me to and from the hotel/airport, which is not easy if you don't have a car. All the places we visited were interesting and different from the others. A surprise was the Santa Barbara Courthouse which is quirky, fun and eclectic. Like no other courthouse anywhere. Reagan Museum is outstanding and easy to maneuver. Air Force One! So cool. Channel Islands are a reminder of what California once was, before humans settled here. The foxes are very cute and the ravens are friendly. Margery the naturalist is a font of information. The megapod of dolphins we encountered on the boat over was an added treat. The Getty is equally beautiful in its gardens as in its architecture. I love this trip.
— Review left October 21, 2024
A great program … the Getty, the Reagen, the Santa Barbara Mission and the Channel Islands. So great to leave the driving to the professionals and the logistics to our outstanding group leader Jill
— Review left October 15, 2024
This is a fun trip with a variety of experiences in California. Each day was interesting and we were well prepared for each experience by fantastic speakers. My goal was to see the Island Scrub Jay on Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park and I was excited to see about 10. We had choices of difficulty for hikes and that was good. The leader was so experienced and friendly. I recommend this trip highly.
— Review left September 30, 2024
This was a wonderful opportunity to see one of the least visited national parks. Road scholar provided excellent naturalists and handled all the arrangements to access this spectacular national park. The rest of the trip itinerary was well planned, varied, and the pace was just right.
— Review left September 23, 2024
This trip was very worthwhile. Good weather too. I liked what we saw and heard. Some of it was a worthwhile review, also alot of new info.
— Review left September 21, 2024
My trip with Road Scholars, the Best of California—the Reagan Library, the Getty, and the Channel Islands —was one of the best vacations I have ever had. This was my first Road Scholar trip and I have already signed up for my second. The group leader, Dawn, the hotel, the Crown Ventura, the pre-tour morning lectures, and all the other participants made this a pitch perfect trip.
— Review left October 2, 2023
This was an excellent and diverse program. Learned about Missions and native peoples. Saw whales on the boat trip to the Channel Islands and hiked to wonderful cliff views. Enjoyed the Getty museum and the Regan Library was fascinating. Highly recommend this program!
— Review left September 25, 2023
Staying in one place (on the beach) and visiting four California highlights (all different) was a fabulous, short trip for a girl from Maine.
— Review left September 23, 2023
This program covers diverse topics in a very interesting and beautiful region!
— Review left January 4, 2023
This was our first Road Scholar program and I picked it for the destination and it's short time period. It's a lot of learning, not a true vacation! You have to be up early and ready to do things all day long with a group. You get your money's worth though.
— Review left September 5, 2022
Unfortunately the weather was cold and raining the first two days we were in California; we were not able to take the scheduled boat ride to the National Parks in the Channel Island. Finally the sun came out and we enjoyed spending a day at President Reagan's Library. That was very interesting, so much has been included in that Library, although I was an adult during Reagan's term in office I found the day educational.
Our New Year's Eve party at the hotel was fun although we all headed to bed very early to be ready for our early morning departure for Pasadena and the Rose Parade. Our reserved seat were great, the floats were as always spectacular, to top off the day we were able to spend the afternoon getting a close up look at all the floats. Floats were parked in a large park where we were able examine up close how the flowers were assembled on to the float.
Except for the 2 days of bad weather it was an enjoyable trip.
— Review left June 25, 2022
This was my first COVID-era trip. Always facemasked and hand cleaning. Same hotel restaurant for breakfast+dinner. Beautiful time of year to go see the oldest attractions (Santa Barbara Mission) and newest attractions: Reagan Presidential Museum/Library; Getty Museum. Fascinating to see the pedestrian malling of downtowns Santa Barbara and Ventura. Gorgeous trip to Santa Cruz Island / Channel Islands National Park, with great hikes and serenading by porpoises to and from the island. The Getty Center was an amazing museum of mostly European Art. What a jewel of a museum. Another great day at the Reagan Museum (even if you didn't vote for him in 1980/84). Presidential museums/libraries are must visits for Americans and persons with interest in political history. A very pleasurable week in coastal California! Just a lot of time in buses, but no ride greater than like 60 minutes. Expect great weather.
— Review left November 27, 2021
This program offers a terrific variety of activities for a very reasonable price. Participants learn some California history, visit a world famous museum, enjoy the natural history of a Channel Island, and gain a unique political perspective as well. ALL in 4 days!!!!
— Review left September 7, 2021
This program not only takes you to wonderful museums, but introduces you to the Channel Islands, which are a natural wonder. The choice of walks on Santa Cruz Island allows you to enjoy its beauty without making you feel like you have to do a strenuous hike to appreciate it. The base location is within an hour of all of our destinations so you never feel like you are living on a bus.
— Review left September 5, 2021
Outstanding variety of destinations, especially the Reagan Library and Getty Museum and Channel Islands trip.
— Review left March 9, 2020
The Best of California: The Reagan Library to the Channel Islands. A marvelous way to spend 6 days and learn about early California life with the Chumash Indians and Spanish padres, walk on an island that is being preserved, visit the variety of art to be seen at the Getty Center and to enjoy a presidential library where you can experience the Reagan years.
— Review left March 7, 2020
This program is so diverse it is perfect for two people with different interests. You will not be disappointed!! The learning experience is delightful.
— Review left January 26, 2020
This trip was my first RS experience and it exceeded my expectations. The trip was well-organized and the experts were engaging. The Tournament Of Roses parade was amazing! Our bleacher seats were great. I learned a bunch, made new friends, and came home happy. Thanks,RS!
— Review left January 8, 2020
What a marvelous trip! The Rose Bowl Parade was a once in a life time experience for me, a life long East Coast resident. Checked that one off my bucket list! The Reagan Library was beautiful, such a pretty location and what a treasure trove of memorabilia. It was also impressive how the staff dealt with the change of plans due to rough seas on our Channel Islands day. Many of us were able to go to the Island later and visit the Getty Museum, a "must see" for visitors to Southern California.
— Review left January 6, 2020
If you like variety and have unique experiences on your "bucket list," this trip is for you! One day, you'll be learning about the Chumash and touring an original California mission. The next day, you'll be among the privileged few, hiking in serene isolation on one of the protected Channel Islands, with its endemic plants and miniature foxes (and perhaps sighting whales and dolphins). Another day, you'll be touring Air Force One at the Reagan Library. And then, best of all, a reserved bleacher at the Pasadena Rose Parade--there is nothing like experiencing this parade in person! One of the most varied tours we've experienced--something interesting and different every day.
— Review left January 5, 2020
This program has an extraordinary leader and experts!
— Review left March 2, 2019
I really enjoyed the trip. The tour leader, Hidy, was just fantastic, very easy to get along with, very organized, and very helpful with questions and assistance. I would take another tour with her as the tour leader. Good job Hidy.
I really enjoyed the sights that we visited, from Santa Barbara mission and courthouse, the Reagan Library, channel islands, and of course the rose bowl. Our bus drivers were helpful and courteous, the buses were on time and clean. I liked that our group was 22 people, allowing us to spread out comfortably on the buses.
I realized that our hotel, Embassy Suites, had its challenges. They did they best to have rooms cleaned, but were unable to have enough housekeeping staff to timely clean the rooms. Fortunately, my roommate and I were not messy people and only required fresh towels and coffee each day. I also recognize that the meals were ok. I also enjoy the Embassy Suites made to order breakfast omelettes, and the boxed meals were really good. The dinners were ok, but tasted just like regular dinner, nothing special, which was a bit of a surprise for Embassy Suites name. I don't know what the hotel could have done better for the dinners, how to suggest improving, just say that I would eat there again. I would stay there again. Overall, the location on the beach, the clean and adequate features from nice breakfast and happy hour, and suite rooms make it worth the limitations. Hopefully by the next time a tour group stays at Embassy Suites, the hotel will be more prepared for customers and increased staff. Road Scholar tours should stay at Embassy Suites again.
— Review left January 27, 2019
Hildy did a great job with our tour group. She is so knowledgeable about the area.
Very happy with itinerary for Rose Parade and California highlights.
— Review left January 9, 2019
