CALIFORNIA
SAN FRANCISCO BAY & COASTAL ISLAND EXPEDITION
Uncover coastal wilderness, island history and urban trail blazes across San Francisco Bay and Angel Island!
Program Overview
Trade the ordinary for an epic 8-day adventure through time and nature in the heart of San Francisco Bay! Starting from your urban basecamp, you’ll dive into the vibrant cultural heartbeat of the city racing through historic Chinatown and exploring your curiosity at the iconic Exploratorium. Then, leave the mainland behind and catch a scenic ferry to Angel Island State Park, California’s hidden wilderness gem.
Known as the “Ellis Island of the West,” this island is a living history trail. You’ll uncover fascinating stories of the Union’s historic Buffalo Soldiers, early immigrants, and WWII history as you circumnavigate the island. Paddle through scenic coves, trek coastal perimeter trails with sweeping Golden Gate skyline views and camp under the stars right on the bay. It’s the ultimate mix of outdoor thrill, island camping and California discovery!
On GLA’s California: San Francisco Bay & Coastal Expedition program you will:
- Camp under the stars on Angel Island State Park surrounded by stunning 360-degree views of San Francisco Bay
- Kayak through the clear waters of Ayala Cove and hike coastal trails around Mount Caroline Livermore
- Take a guided tour of the historic Angel Island Immigration Station and explore the island’s rich past
- Conquer an action-packed “Amazing Race” through San Francisco’s historic Chinatown
- Discover hands-on scientific creativity at the world-famous Exploratorium on the SF waterfront
- Explore iconic Bay Area landmarks, from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Ferry
Program Menu
CALIFORNIA
SAN FRANCISCO BAY & COASTAL ISLAND EXPEDITION
Sample Itinerary Coming Soon!
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
CALIFORNIA
SAN FRANCISCO BAY & COASTAL ISLAND EXPEDITION
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
July 19 – July 25, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Program at a Glance
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
Jax R. | 2025 Alumni Student
“This trip was inspirational, I learned that not only do I want to do marine conservation but I want to get involved in cultural projects. Patience matter, kindness matters, community matters. You will learn so much about yourself, I would do this 100% over and over again!”
The Program Experience
Outdoor Adventure
Get ready to experience the San Francisco Bay Area from a whole new perspective as you explore its coastal wilderness by land and sea! GLA Outdoor Adventure programs challenge you to step outside your comfort zone, build resilience and connect deeply with the natural world through active exploration. On this expedition, you’ll trade urban pavement for island trails as you kayak through the refreshing waters of Ayala Cove and hike coastal perimeter paths up toward Mount Caroline Livermore for panoramic views of the Golden Gate skyline. Your adventure reaches its peak on Angel Island State Park, where you’ll learn the ins and outs of outdoor living—setting up camp, cooking outdoors and sleeping in tents beneath coastal stars surrounded by open bay waters.
Exploratory Travel
Step into a living classroom where California’s rich heritage, diverse cultures and untold stories come alive! On this program, you’ll discover the vibrant cultural tapestry of San Francisco from the ground up—navigating the iconic streets and flavors of Chinatown on an action-packed “Amazing Race” and diving into hands-on innovation at the world-renowned Exploratorium. Your journey through time continues as you board a scenic ferry to Angel Island, stepping directly into layers of American history. Known as the “Ellis Island of the West,” you’ll explore the historic Angel Island Immigration Station, discover the legacy of the Union’s historic Buffalo Soldiers, and uncover hidden chapters of WWII history. It’s an immersive, hands-on journey that bridges past and present across the Bay Area.
Country Spotlight
Discover the vibrant coastal culture, historic landmarks and diverse natural beauty of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area.
Lodging: Experience a unique dual-lodging setup! In San Francisco, students stay in secure, university-style dormitories at UCSF, located within walking distance of local parks, cultural sites, shops and historic neighborhoods. Mid-week, the group trades the city for an immersive rustic camping trip on Angel Island State Park sleeping in tents with sleeping bags and pads in the heart of San Francisco Bay, adjacent to the historic Angel Island Immigration Station.
Meals: Fuel your city exploration and island camping with fresh, regional California fare. Enjoy diverse meal options in the city from local San Francisco favorite eateries to fresh, wholesome group dining alongside traditional camp-style cookouts and meals while under the stars on Angel Island.
CALIFORNIA
SAN FRANCISCO BAY & COASTAL ISLAND EXPEDITION
Photo Gallery
CALIFORNIA
SAN FRANCISCO BAY & COASTAL ISLAND EXPEDITION
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