San Francisco & the Bay Area: History, Culture, and Adventure

Experience the history, culture, and unforgettable sights of San Francisco and the Bay Area! During this five-night adventure, students will explore one of America’s most distinctive cities while discovering the people, places, and events that have shaped the region. From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and wandering the famously crooked Lombard Street to riding ferries across the bay, this trip will give students the chance to experience San Francisco from every angle.

Throughout the week, students will step into different chapters of Bay Area and American history. We’ll visit Alcatraz Island to learn about its complex history as a military site, federal prison, and site of Native American activism; explore the USS Hornet to discover its role in World War II, the Cold War, and the Apollo space program; and travel to Angel Island, where students will learn about the experiences of immigrants who entered the United States through the West Coast. Along the way, we’ll visit landmarks such as Coit Tower, the Golden Gate historical sites, the Ferry Building, and Fisherman’s Wharf while experiencing the neighborhoods and waterfront that give San Francisco its unique character.

The adventure will extend beyond the city as we travel north across the Golden Gate to explore the natural landscape of the Bay Area. Students will hike among the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, take in the dramatic views from Mt. Tamalpais and the Marin Headlands, and spend time along the Pacific coast at Muir Beach. There will also be time to experience some classic San Francisco favorites—including Ghirardelli chocolate and a professional Golden State Warriors basketball game at the Chase Center! By the end of the week, students will have explored the Bay Area through the lenses of history, immigration, geography, culture, and community while sharing an exciting travel experience with their classmates.

This will be an active trip with full days and lots of time on our feet! Students should be prepared to walk several miles on many days. We’ll travel throughout the Bay Area by foot, ferry, and vehicle, so students should be excited to stay active, spend time outdoors, and explore new places throughout the week. 

Educational Goals:

  1. Explore significant moments in Bay Area and U.S. history through visits to Alcatraz, Angel Island, the USS Hornet, and Golden Gate historical sites.

  2. Examine how immigration, geography, transportation, military history, and cultural movements have shaped San Francisco and the surrounding region.

  3. Experience the diverse urban and natural environments of the Bay Area through walking, hiking, ferries, museums, historic sites, and neighborhood exploration.

  4. Develop independence, curiosity, flexibility, and community-building skills through shared travel experiences.

Instructors: Chris Lyskawa and Carolyn Hein
Open to: Grades 6-8
Limit: 12 students
Cost: $2850
Dates: Sunday, March 7 - Friday, March 12