BestHomeschooling.org's Guide to California Field Trip Resources: By Region

group600.jpg (39509 bytes)
Kim Stuffelbeam

BestHomeschooling.org in no way endorses any of the places, agencies, or organizations listed in any part of this resource. You must make your own inquiries and do whatever research is necessary to ensure that any listing is appropriate to your own particular needs. DISCLAIMER

State of California
California WorldWeb Travel Guide A tourism guide covering most of CA, with links to pages about various areas. California: Find Yourself Here The official travel site of the State of CA Division of Tourism. Special events, regions, driving tours, maps, activities, and more.	Dr. Fun's Activity Wizard Pick a month, click on any day—and get a list of fun events going on all over CA. Field Trips listed by California Science Teachers Assn. A short list of science field trip resources. Frommer's Guide to California The whole travel book is online, with his picks for "best walks," attractions, museums, natural attractions, performing arts, and much more.	National Geographic Suggest Travel Destinations In-depth information, city and park highlights, driving tours, bird-watching tips, Web links, photos, and much more. Kim Stuffelbeam


	Back to Top
	BACK TO HOME PAGE

State of California: Outdoors
California Coastal Trail A trail along the entire length of the California coast, through beaches, bluffs, headlands, bays and coves, as near the shore as possible for 1200 miles. The route passes through wilderness areas, towns and cities, climbs over high ridges, and crosses dozens of streams ranging from seasonal trickles to year-round creeks to major rivers. California Regional Environmental Education Community This is a wonderful directory of Environmental Education resources and field trips in California. For the best local EE help, click on the Find Your Region button in the top menu. California State Parks Homepage Information about all the state parks, their attractions and details. California Native Plant Society field trips—Placer & Nevada County Field trips are generally easy walks suitable for all ages unless otherwise noted.	Kim Stuffelbeam Coastwalk An organization dedicated to exploring and promoting the opening of remote and heretofore inaccessible sections of our coastline. Organized walks are available. California Underground The story of the formation of our caves and subterranean habitats, including bats, bugs, and other cave life. Links to sites about specific caves of California. Programs for kids available through Oakland Museum. .	Ecology Center -- field trip and program listings A good list of interesting programs and field trip ideas from the Bay Area Environmental Education Resource Guide. Click on each letter to see what the various groups or places listed have to offer. Great Adventure Tours for groups Environmental Adventures in several parts of CA. You may coordinate the tour to include a study of the geology, ecology, biology, zoology or natural history of any preferred destination or you may mix & match. Nature Conservancy This conservation group has preserves open to the public for educational uses and recreation such as hiking, nature study, bird watching, and photography. Guided tours can be arranged at some.


	Back to Top
	BACK TO HOME PAGE

Northern California
Bay Model Visitor Center A 1.5 acre scaled operational model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Tours and workshops. CityPass—San Francisco Six famous attractions, one low price ticket, no ticket lines Events & Festivals Fun events and festivals of all kinds in the SF Bay area. Go-CityKids—San Francisco, East Bay San Francisco/East Bay activities, parks and playgrounds, places to see, lots of indoor fun ideas, and much more. California Academy of Sciences Natural History Museum, Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium	Oakland: Challenger Space & Science Center Extensive hands-on exhibits and programs. Rotary Nature Center Daily themes and hands-on, minds-on activities are designed to heighten your child’s respect and awareness of their natural environment. City of Oakland Parks &Rec. Randall Museum, San Francisco Hands-on center arts and sciences; programs available. Active involvement and recreation in an integrated program of arts and sciences. San Francisco Ferries Schedules and fares, special events, and more. The San Francisco Cable Car Website Delightful site with interactive demos, how the cars work, routes, etiquette, location, and more. Sailing the Bay on the Hawaiian Chieftain Group trips for half-day ocean views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding islands and coastlines aboard The Hawaiian Chieftain, a replica of an 18-Century sailing vessel, reminiscent of the Spanish galleons during their age of exploration. Sacramento Museum Guide Capitol Museum, Crocker Art Museum, Railroad Museum, Sutter's Fort, State Indian Museum, and a number of others.	Kennedy Gold Mine - Surface Tours A historic gold mine near Jackson, with demonstrations of how gold changed the way of life in CA. The Tech Museum of Innovation (in San Jose) Exhibit galleries, hands-on science and computer labs and featured films in IMAX Theater. This museum is well worth traveling to from other areas. Sonoma County Parks & Recreation A variety of many interesting parks and recreation opportunities, including Ft. Ross, a Russian/American settlement. Arts & Recreation for Mountains and Valleys of Central California This site has information about a number of interesting places in this area, archives of past articles and a Search feature, and offers a twice-yearly newsletter. Northeastern California Web Sites Museums of Siskiyou, Tehama, Shasta, and Oakland; newspapers of Siskiyou, Chico, and Oroville, and more Lassen Area Museums, historical sites, exhibits, activities.


	Back to Top
	BACK TO HOME PAGE

Northern California: Outdoors
Environmental Field Trips in Northern California State Parks Field trips with Stewards of Slavianka, a volunteer organization working with California State Parks. Lake Shasta Caverns in Northern CA Catamaran cruise across the lake, and a bus ride takes you 800 feet above the lake surface to the cavern entrance. Boats/Humbolt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Boat, canoe and sea kayak rides rentals and lessons, full moon and high tide paddles and eco-tours. Horseback riding in Plumas County A directory of short rides, overnights, wagon train rides, pony rides; also lessons for physically and mentally handicapped. Lillian Jones Whitewater Rafting on the American River Float trips designed for families with children aged 4 and older! Lake Tahoe Vacation Guide Outdoors attractions, parks and forests, rock climbing, biking, riding, hiking. Lake Tahoe boat cruises Cruises and events. Fairfield Osborne Preserve In the rolling hills and ridge of Sonoma Mountain. Hikes and education events. The California Naturalist Natural history, birding, ocean kayaking, and whale watching tours in the North Bay Muir Woods National Monument Guide to Muir Woods and Golden Gate Recreation Area. WildCare: Terwilliger Nature Education and Wildlife Rehabilitation, Marin County Cares for ill, injured or orphaned wild birds and mammals. Nature programs, field trips, classes, Nature Van, and hikes in Marin.	Bodega Bay Information -- Sonoma County The setting of the movie, The Birds. Attractions include a Wetlands Wildlife Preserve, and a Marine Laboratory. Bay Area Resource Guide Activities and interesting resources to visit in the Bay area—wildlife preserves and other educational sites. Mudfellows Resources San Francisco Bay salt marsh, estuary, and marine resources - a fabulous resource about some very interesting places! San Francisco Bay Area Nature-Related Events Mostly, but not all, are related to birding sites—such as a Sandhill Crane tour in Lodi. Marine Mammal Center, SF Bay area Programs adapted to your group's ages. Visit rescue hospitals, take part in marine science classes, guided walks, and more. Raptors Return Opportunities to help with Golden Gate Raptor Observatory in Marin Headlands. Links to other raptor sites. Angel Island camping Island camping in S.F. Bay Bluewater Kayaking Kayak trips north of San Francisco and in Baja. Yosemite Guides A group of experienced local naturalists, mountain guides, and fishing experts, helping visitors explore the splendors of Yosemite with tours and adventure activities. Santa Clara County Outdoors Google's list of parks, preserves, and arboretums.	Environmental Education at Hidden Villa A working farm and wilderness trails outside of Silicon Valley--open year round to teach children how to be thoughtful caretakers of the earth. Hikes, lectures, programs. Easy Bay Regional Parks Online Lots of information about fun things to see and do in the East Bay! Natural Reserve System NRS makes available relatively undisturbed samples of the state's natural ecosystems � check individual reserves in this site for programs.. California Raptor Center--Davis Tours and talks available. Chico Creek Nature Center Educational Field Trips & Exhibits Exhibits primarily focus on wildlife in and around Butte County. CaliforniaDelta.org An organization striving to enhance the enjoyment for visitors to this unique 1,000-mile waterway labyrinth, while at the same time toiling to protect and preserve the area's fragile beauty. California Delta Activities and facilities in the area of 1,000 navigable miles of waterways. Gray Lodge Wildlife AreaIn the fall and winter a vast number of migratory waterfowl fill this sanctuary 60 miles north of Sacramento. Ano Nuevo Elephant seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals 25 miles south of San Francisco. Breeding season Dec. - March accessible by guided tour only--advance reservations--reserve EARLY.


	Back to Top
	BACK TO HOME PAGE

Southern California
The Arboretum of Los Angeles County Offers free, two guided field trips with trained field docents. The "Plants in our World" tour is a fascinating tour about plants. The "Early California History " tour is a wonderful tour of the Arboretums' historical sites, and includes information concerning the Spanish period, the Mexican period, and the American period. Southern California Plan-a-Trip from the Discovery Channel A nice guide with lots of attractions, itineraries, regional information, and more. Joyce Fetteroll Gilroy Visitors' Attractions A terrific listing of a variety of interesting field trips in and near the area! San Luis Obispo Resource Directory A directory of many interesting field trips and programs around the San Louis Obispo area. Santa Barbara County Directory to parks and their features, open space, and events—use the Search box for various activities. Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens Exquisite exhibits of California native plants set in beautifully designed landscapes - for education, research and conservation, history and stewardship. Museums - Pasadena A number of interesting museums in and near the Pasadena area Ventura County Information on Channel Islands National Park & other places to visit in the area. Frommer's Guide to L.A. Attractions Arthur Frommer's online guidebook: top attractions, museums, beaches, ethnic neighborhoods, parks, piers, botanical gardens, TV tapings, neighboring areas, and much more!	GoCityKids -- Los Angeles & Environs Activities, parks and playgrounds, places to see, lots of indoor fun ideas, and much more. About Los Angeles—Things to Do with Kids Theme parks, beaches, museums, and parks. Los Angeles--Information and Links Things to do and see in the greater LA area, including day tours of attractions. LA Sightseeing Cruises Harbor cruises, coastline tour, and whale watching. Dana Wharf Whale Watching in Dana Point Harbor, Orange County They work with lots of homeschool groups for educational field trips. The Letter Home -- Field Trips This site from Bay Shore Education lists current field trips and events in southern CA. Marine Mammal Care Center/Ft. MacArthur, San Pedro A seal and sea lion care center where the animals can be observed by visitors. Field Trip Ideas for Orange County - OChomeschooling.com Field Trip Ideas in areas surrounding Orange County - OChomeschooling.com	Out and About in Orange County Special places and events in Orange County Flight Simulator/Irvine 1 hour jet simulator. Oddly laid out site—you need to scroll to the bottom of the page for the information. Catalina Island Conservancy Natural History Program, hikes, festivals, and other events. Catalina Island Ocean Tours Various kinds of boat trips, including seeing a sea lion colony, flying fish, kelp forests, isolated beaches, idyllic coves and rugged cliffs. Computer Museum/La Mesa Tours & hands-on activities; milestones in computer history Go-CityKids -- San Diego Activities, parks and playgrounds, places to see, lots of indoor fun ideas, and much more. KidStuff in and Around San Diego Things for kids to do in and around San Diego! San Diego Natural History Museum Field trips and classes—including whale watching and trips as far away as Yosemite! California Wolf Center/east of San Diego Tours and educational programs Harbor Excursions & Ferry San Diego United States Olympic Training Center for 41 Events Chula Vista One of three national official sites for U.S. Olympic training —free tours.


	Back to Top
	BACK TO HOME PAGE

Southern California: Outdoors
Birdwatching Field Trips in Southern California Field trips and events of birding organizations: classes, history tours, river trips, and more (from the Audubon Society). Footprints - Nice descriptions of walks and hikes in Southern California--and many more archived in past issues. Hiking and camping in Southern California Links to hiking and camping websites in southern California, Death Valley, Mojave, Angeles National Forest. Paul Carlin (paul@sparkmedia.com) Trail Monkey—Your Virtual Guide to the Outdoors Maps & Trails, and information about Death Valley, the Northern CA coast, Sequoia-Kings Canyon, Yosemite, and John Muir's home in Martinez! The High Sierra Places, lodging, campgrounds, maps, events, weather, activities, and links to places in the Eastern Sierra. Field Trips for Kids & Students Ranger Led Group Programs in Sequoia-Kings Canyon Monterey Baywatch tours Whale watching, nature cruises, glass bottom boats. Sea Life Tours Glass bottom boat/Monterey Bay Sub-sea Tour/ Morro Bay Semi-submersible boat tour: seals, sea otters, sea lions, and various sea birds. Fishing, Sailing, and Other Boating Trips in Monterey Bay Whale watching & glass bottom boat tours, fishing, sailing, and motor boating. .	Elkhorn Sough Tours--Monterey Bay Beginning level kayaking opportunities, natural history tours--group tours can be arranged. Elkhorn Sough Nature Boat Tours Boating amid wildlife in CA's largest wetlands. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary This site is a guide of ways to see the sanctuary--guided walks, boats, tours of sites, diving, education opportunities, and more. Big Sur All about the Big Sur coast, whales, Monarch butterflies, condors, camping, and more. Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens Exquisite exhibits of California native plants set in beautifully designed landscapes - for education, research and conservation, history and stewardship. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, off Santa Barbara 27 species of whales and dolphins visit here; seabird colonies, piniped rookeries, giant kelp forests with many species of plants and animals. Big Bear Links to information about Big Bear/San Bernardino. Sequioa Natural History Assn Free tours of Crystal Cave to school or homeschool groups–and (for fee) guided field trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks. LA Sightseeing Cruises Harbor cruises, coastline tour, and whale watching. Natural Areas and Wildlife Sanctuaries in the LA area There are over six thousand acres of natural areas and wildlife sanctuaries. Dana Wharf Whale Watching in Dana Point Harbor, Orange County They work with lots of homeschool groups for educational field trips. Park Programs in the County of San Diego Walks, tours, programs, classes, self-guided tours, and more.	Newport Harbor Tour Cruises Double-deck Mississippi-style river boats cruise Newport and/or go to Catalina.. Water Tours of Newport Bay Canoe, kayak, and boat tours of Newport Bay with Newport Bay Naturalists Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory Nature walks, programs, maps, and more. Look for docent-led tours, biking included, in the Moorpark, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita Woodlands, Newhall, Sylmar areas. Lake Casitas/Ventura/Ojai Nature cruises and full moon cruises. Audubon's Starr Ranch Sanctuary, Santa Ana Mtns. Science-based programs using research techniques in 4,000 acre nature preserve, with a flexible approach geared to group. Animals of Temecula Valley, So. CA Ostriches, duck pond, movieland animals, Clydesdale horses. Anza Borrego Natural History Association Desert tours and talks, most originating near Borrego Springs, some specializing in desert flowers, birds, or rock art. Jetboat to birding on Salton Sea Known as the most productive birding spot in CA--more varieties than anywhere except the Gulf coast. Birds of the Imperial Valley Imperial Valley's farms and ranches in southeast CA offers some of the best birding habitats in Southern California. Many species in large flocks. Baja California Links All kinds of places, activities, recreation, and outdoor adventures in Baja California.


	Back to Top
	BACK TO BESTHOMESCHOOLING.ORG HOME PAGE

BestHomeschooling.org's Guide to California Field Trip Resources: By Region

State of California

State of California: Outdoors

Northern California

Northern California: Outdoors

Southern California

Southern California: Outdoors