Military childcare oceanside ca: Child Development Centers

Опубликовано: March 29, 2023 в 6:24 pm

Автор: alexxlab

Категории: Child

Kingdom Kidz Childcare – Care.com Oceanside, CA

Costimate^™

^$233

per week

Ratings
(17)

★★★★★

Availability

Costimate^™

^$233/week

Ratings
(17)

★★★★★

Availability

—

At Care.com, we realize that cost of care is a big consideration for families. That’s why we are offering an estimate which is based on an average of known rates charged by similar businesses in the area. For actual rates, contact the business directly.

Details and information displayed here were provided by this business and may not reflect its current status. We strongly encourage you to perform your own research when selecting a care provider.

10% discount for siblings and our local heroes (military, teachers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters)

In business since: 2019

Total Employees: 2-10

State license status: Licensed
(Care. com verified on 1/27/2023)

This business has satisfied California’s requirements to be licensed.
For the most up-to-date status and inspection reports, please view this provider’s profile on
California’s
licensing website.

Licensing requirements typically include:

Complying with safety and health inspections
Achieving the required levels of educational training
Maintaining a minimum caregiver-to-child ratio
Other state-defined requirements

Monday :	6:30AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday :	6:30AM – 5:00PM
Wednesday :	6:30AM – 5:00PM
Thursday :	6:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday :	6:30AM – 5:00PM
Saturday :	Closed
Sunday :	Closed

Teacher/Student Ratio:

2:14

Program Capacity:

Costimate^™

^$233/week

At Care. com, we realize
that cost of care is a big consideration for families. That’s
why we are offering an estimate which is based on an average of
known rates charged by similar businesses in the area. For
actual rates, contact the business directly.

OFFERINGS

Full Time (5 days/wk)

Part Time (1-4 days/wk)

Drop-In

Half-Day (Morning)

Half-Day (Afternoon)

Full-Day

Extended Care (Before School)

Extended Care (After School)

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Personal Check|
Cash|
Credit Card

01/30/2023

My child went here for 3 weeks tops . And everytime I picked her up she would have a poopy pull up or pee . Never cared to clean her or anything . I felt like my child started hating going just by how she acted when I would tell her it’s time for school so we withdrew her and moved on to better

01/27/2023

I honestly tried to look past this being a in home center . I went there one day a while back to tour the location and right when I pulled up I literally see the owner or a worker (not sure) about to fight a parent who was holding there child at this moment I literally left I can’t say much except they are clearly ghetto and aren’t professional just wanted to save any mamas from making that trip !

01/24/2023

I can’t thank these ladies enough! Alanna and Tiphanie are amazing! My son always comes home so happy. There’s even times where he doesn’t want to leave. They will send pictures and update me throughout the day. They have been very accommodating with my work schedule and I love all the activities they do with the kiddos.

12/15/2022

Alanna has poor, aggressive, combative communication. Lack of respect when speaking to parents. Child left daycare with face being dirty and not in the manner they were brought numerous times. Needs work.

12/15/2022

My child has been attending kingdom kidz childcare for about 2 months now, it is a home daycare center that is run by Tiphanie, Alanna and Tiphanie’s mother. They appeared to be very nice people while giving us the tour and even after officially starting my child but the kindness expired shortly after. When my child first started here he was very happy, excited and talkative every day whenever I picked him up. At about 3 to 4 weeks of attending, his behavior changed and it was unlike his usual self he would always be upset, fussy, etc. The behavior change started around the time where my husband and I started having issues with Alanna. Alanna usually communicates with parents throughout the day about the child, payments, etc., however, she is very rude and obnoxious. Initially we’ve tried to overlook her snarky ways because we needed care and we wanted to make sure our son was being taken care of properly but it seems that she’s gotten comfortable with being rude. Alanna is extremely sarcastic and always gives smart remarks when talking to us. It made us feel incredibly uncomfortable where we did not want to ask questions or want to respond whenever she wrote us. Alanna has a very nasty attitude that exposes itself after a while. They’ve made my work schedule very difficult because my child was always getting sick here. They also kept “diagnosing” my child with false illness to the point that I had to take time off of work and take him in to see his doctor just to be told that my child is completely fine and healthy with no signs of any illnesses. We were supposed to be receiving a refund from kingdom kidz and asked about an update of when we would receive it and like always, Alanna responded the next morning in a rude manner in which resulted in me not responding back to her via text message. Once my husband and I went to their home to drop off our child for the day, we asked to speak with Alanna to simply express ourselves and clear the air but she was not there at the time so we left. Now, no one from this daycare has contacted us at all throughout the day, yet, when we went to pick up our child in the evening they wanted to have a meeting. Unfortunately, when my husband went to the door to grab our child he informed them that we were not able to have the meeting today as we were unaware and had other things to do. Shortly afterward, Alanna came out of the house with a very rude and aggressive demeanor into my husbands face demanding that we have the chat because “she stayed late JUST so they can talk to us” all while my he is holding the baby in his hands. He then proceeded to tell her that we couldn’t sit and have the talk because we needed to be elsewhere and she insisted with her same tone and body language. That is when I rolled down my window and told her that we were in a bit of a rush because we had an emergency but we could have the meeting the next day that is when Alanna told us that we can just pull our child from their daycare and that she doesn’t care and I confirmed her decision. She shrugged her shoulders and walked off without offering my child’s belongings or anything. We came back and knocked on the door to ask for my baby’s belongings and Alanna was in the back of the house making slick comments and talking trash. I noticed that Tiphanie left her number and I texted her so that she will have my number in case of updates for the refund that is owed to me. She responded with an apology and I expressed my concerns to her about Alanna in which she responded defending Alanna and trying to flip it and put the blame on us vs taking responsibility and being accountable as a business and business owner. I strongly encourage that you look elsewhere for childcare because this daycare is extremely unprofessional. I could not live with the thought of my child being neglected every day that I dropped him off because of Alanna’s attitude. There has been days that my child refused to eat and sleep under their care which is completely unlike him. I feel so relieved and at ease that I made the right decision to dis-enroll my child from this day care. If you have options please take your money and children elsewhere. It is not worth it at all.

10/01/2021

My son has been attending Kingdom Kidz for over a year and we’ve loved it the whole time! My son has always been excited to go in the morning. They accept childcareaware which is also really helpful. They use an app called himama that keeps me updated on a lot of what he’s eating, drinking, his naps, and then pictures. He’s always doing something different! He’s learned so much. If I’ve ever had an issue, which is rare, they’ve been really helpful and understanding. I wish I could take them with on my move to another state!

06/22/2020

I love how attentive and caring they are. As a new mom trusting someone to care for my little guy was a huge leap but im 10000% sure that i made the right choice. I know he’s being cared for properly

06/15/2020

We have been with Kingdom Kidz Childcare since February 2020 and it has been a wonderful experience.
From the moment I met with Tiphanie, Alanna and Cheryl I felt that they understood my needs for my son. They listened and cared for our family. I felt confident that they would love my son as their own. The advice they have shared has been invaluable. We receive updates and pictures throughout the day, thank you! That means so much to me and my husband. My son has really improved his verbal skills and I can see the difference their attention and kindness has made for him. I would highly recommend their service to anyone.

03/09/2020

Best experience! They go above and beyond with everything for our son from holidays to birthdays and every day in between! Our son is in speech therapy and since attending Kingdom Kidz he is always coming home with new words and growing his vocabulary. Alanna has been exceptionally accommodating with our schedule and always keeps us updated throughout the day. Highly recommend!

03/07/2020

Best daycare ever! The staff is extremely nice and caring to our daughter! You can tell they care about each little one they take care of them like they are their own. I wouldn’t want anyone else but Kingdom Kidz to watch our little girl! I have nothing but good things to say about Kingdom Kidz!

10/30/2019

Kingdom Kidz is absolutely wonderful. Our baby daughter has been having the hardest time accepting a bottle and they’ve really done an amazing job with helping us transition to bottle. They’ve been patient and have offered us some great tips to help her with nipple confusion. My daughter always smiles when she gets dropped off in the morning and when I pick her up in the evening she is still smiling. I really love that they will periodically send pictures to let you know what your child is up to. It’s been a real help with the difficulty of going back to work after maternity leave. We recommend this daycare to everyone!

08/15/2019

We have been with Alanna at Kingdom Kidz since July 1st and it has been nothing but the best experience! Our son was born prematurely and has learning deficits, but Alanna is very in tune and patient with our son. He comes home every day happy, bubbly, and always clean and fed! They have been more than accommodating with our life and schedule and I would recommend them to everyone I know. Thank you Kingdom Kidz!

07/29/2019

This in-home daycare is great! We were pleased with the look of it right off the bat. It’s tidy, but set up for kids to reach all their favorite toys. The alphabet, colors, shapes, and numbers decorate the walls and floors. We were sent photo and video updates of our kids during the day. Honestly this daycare has been better than most of the corporate organizations we have used before. We LOVE this daycare!

06/21/2019

My boys love this daycare, Alanna so warm and welcoming to them. They come home talking about all the fun thing they did. Will continue to use this daycare now and in the future. I definitely recommend bring your little one here for a safe, educational and fun environment.

06/20/2019

Alanna and Ms Tiphanie are AMAZING!!! My toddler loves going to daycare and loves them just as much. Theycsend you daiyl updates and pictures along with it. I would recommend Kingdom Kidz Daycare to ANYONE!!! They’ve turned into our 2nd family

06/20/2019

I love this daycare, they’re super good with my baby and they give daily reports on his activities and feeding times. They even send me photos of him throughout the day. Super communicative, friendly, and flexible!

06/20/2019

Love this daycare, they give day to day updates on my kiddo and send pictures and tell me what she did all day. Doesn’t matter when I come to pick her up my kiddo is always happy and never crying even when I don’t notify them that I’m coming, lovely family everyone is very knowledgeable and nice

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10% discount for siblings and our local heroes (military, teachers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters)

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Child Care / Daycare / Daycare in Oceanside, CA / Kingdom Kidz Childcare

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CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ASSISTANT (GSE-02/03/04) Job Opening in Oceanside, CA at Marine Corps Community Services

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their families, and others in the Marine Corps Community. We offer a team oriented environment comprised of military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively. As a service-oriented organization, we never waver in our commitment to our Corps.
This position is located at San Onofre Child Development Center and School Age Care Site . Currently hiring to work 1100-1800 shifts for Child, Youth and Teen Programs and 1200-1800 for School Age Care Sites. Hours may vary based on the needs of the Facility. Candidates selected for this position will serve as a Program Assistant.
Flexible vacancies are eligible for the following Employee Benefits (0-40 hours a week):

401(k) Retirement Plan (no employee match)

Effective 15 October 2022, a 50% discount will be provided to the first child and a 20% discount to each additional child of a Child & Youth Program (CYP) employee enrolled in a MCCS child development center or youth pavilion during the 2023 fiscal year.

Major Duties

At the GSE-02 Level: Performs the more routine or repetitive simple child care tasks following step-by step instructions and requires little or no previous training or experience. Work is reviewed in detail, while in progress and upon completion, to insure and assess trainee’s progress, and to evaluate attainment of training objectives and readiness for further training. Training will be of a progressively more responsible and specialized nature associated with the childcare and development operations. These duties are to be performed to increase knowledge of the childcare duties and responsibilities and develop skills for advancing to the higher-level positions. Performs other duties as assigned.
At the GSE-03 and GSE-04 Level: Performs the major intermediate level duties and responsibilities working under the close supervision of superior or other qualified higher graded employees who make assignments of specific basic tasks, provides detailed initial instructions, and is available for guidance and advice on all aspects to be accomplished. The incumbent performs duties under the direct supervision of a leader or supervisor. Assistance and guidance is available at all times and work is reviewed in terms of results and adherence to established standards and procedures. Assist in planning and conducting an effective child development program to meet the physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of each child based upon stated goals and a curriculum plan provided by the supervisor. Reviews and implements daily schedules and activity plans, and briefs lower grade employees. Arranges room and play materials to accommodate the daily schedule. Sets up displays and bulletin boards. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

At the GSE-02 Level: Must be at least 18 years of age at time of appointment, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to lift and carry children and objects up to 45lbs independently and over 45lbs with assistance, and successfully pass required background and health checks. Child Abuse Prevention must be completed within 60 days of assignment to position. CPR and First Aid must be completed within six months of assignment to position.
At the GSE-03/GSE-04 Level: Levels determined by training, experience and/or education.
In order to Qualify for this position you must attach High School Diploma or Equivalent, in “My Job Applications”.
Satisfactorily complete all background checks in accordance with DoD and Marine Corps policy for employees who provide child care services. Must be able to obtain and maintain a National Agency Check with Inquiries and State Criminal History Repository Check (CNACI) background checks which are required for positions that involve working with children under 18 years of age. Must pass a pre-employment physical and annual physicals thereafter, provide evidence of immunization and be free from communicable disease. Must complete all DoD training requirements within the specified time including orientation, initial, DoD Standardized Module Training, and annual ongoing training requirements. Position is subject to both pre-employment and random drug testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test, or failure to submit for testing, may become the basis for removal from this position.
“Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act and therefore use of marijuana is illegal under Federal law regardless of State laws. A positive drug test result for marijuana (or any other drug tested for) will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and could make you ineligible to apply for a position within the Department of Defense for up to 3 Years from the date of the drug test.”

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted online via the MCCS Careers website: https://careers.usmc-mccs.org
Resumes/applications emailed or mailed will not be considered for this vacancy announcement. To be considered for employment, the application or resume must be submitted online by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your MCCS user account and review your application status.
STEP 1 – College Transcript(s) or Education Certificate(s), (REQUIRED IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY)
A degree from an accredited college/university may be used to qualify for this position, or in combination with experience, as noted in the minimum qualification section of this announcement. If using education to qualify, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s), indicating degree conferred, as an attachment to your profile under “My Job Applications” https://careers.usmc-mccs.org to be considered. Applications received without college transcripts (if using education) will be ineligible for consideration.
STEP 2 – If prior military, upload a copy of your DD214 Member 4 Copy as an attachment to your profile under “My Job Applications” https://careers.usmc-mccs.org
STEP 3 – If applicable, upload a copy of your *Spouse Preference form, copy of PCS orders, and copy of marriage certificate (unless the spouse is named on the PCS orders) as an attachment(s) to your profile under “My Job Applications” https://careers. usmc-mccs.org
Spouse Preference Program: (May be requested for positions graded NF-3 and below or equivalent) Spouses of relocating active duty military members applying through Spouse Preference Program must upload all documents listed above in Step 3. Spousal Preference applicants hired in a flexible position will not lose their spousal preference eligibility until movement or hired into a regular Full-Time or Part-Time position.
STEP 4 – If applicable, upload a copy of your *Transition Assistance form and copy of ID card with “TA” stamped on front of card as an attachment to your profile under “My Job Applications” https://careers.usmc-mccs.org
Transition Assistance Program: (May be requested for positions graded NF-3 below or equivalent) Involuntarily separated members of the armed forces and eligible family members applying through the Transition Assistance Program must upload all documents listed above in Step 4.
Selective Service Registration: If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 and are at least 18 years of age, government employment requires that you must register with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions. You must be able to show proof of registration or your exemption, as part of the required suitability background investigation.
NOTE: It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or submitted is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify applications, resumes, or answers submitted by any applicant. To check the status of your application or to return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your MCCS user account and review your application status.
VACANCIES MAY BE FILLED BY METHODS OTHER THAN THE MERIT STAFFING PROGRAM WHEN IT APPEARS THAT THE BEST QUALIFIED PERSON CAN BE OBTAINED FROM OTHER SOURCES.

Closing Statement

GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicants are assured of equal consideration regardless of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, GINA, political affiliation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, marital status, physical handicap which has no bearing on the ability to perform the duties of the position. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
It is Department of Navy (DON) policy to provide a workplace free of discrimination and retaliation. The DON No Fear Act policy link is provided for your review: https://www.donhr.navy.mil/NoFearAct.asp.
As part of the employment process, Human Resources Division may obtain a Criminal Record Check and/or an Investigative Consumer Report. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI). For all positions requiring access to firearms or ammunition, the Federal Government is prohibited from employing individuals in these positions who have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or a felony crime of domestic violence adjudged on or after 27 November 2002. Selectees for such positions must submit a completed DD Form 2760, Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition, before a final job offer can be made.

Direct Deposit of total NET pay is mandatory as a condition of employment for all appointments to positions within MCCS.

Required Documents:

Education/certification certificate(s), if applicable.
If prior military, DD214 Member Copy

This activity is a Drug-free workplace. The use of illegal drugs by NAF employees, whether on or off duty, cannot and will not be tolerated. Federal employees have a right to a safe and secure workplace, and Marines, sailors, and their family members have a right to a reliable and productive Federal workforce.

Involuntarily separated members of the armed forces and eligible family members applying through the Transition Assistance Program must submit a written request/statement (may be obtained from the MCCS Human Resources Office) and present ID card with “TA” stamped in red on front of card.

INDIVIDUALS SELECTED FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE CHANGED TO PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME AT MANAGEMENT’S DISCRETION WITHOUT FURTHER COMPETITION.

ALL ONLINE APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 1159PM EASTERN TIME (ET) ON THE CLOSING DATE LISTED IN THE JOB POSTING.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Receive alerts for other CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ASSISTANT (GSE-02/03/04) job openings

Los Angeles’ 13 Best Beaches, California

If you’re bored with the touristy beaches of Los Angeles, drive along the seashore north of Malibu to Zuma Beach. It is calm, not crowded, and the water is clean and transparent. Locals usually come to Zuma Beach to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, walk on the hot sand and watch the fiery sunset.

Surfers can catch a wave here not only in summer but also in winter. The local landscape allows for wakeboarding and snorkeling. And it was here that the famous series with Pamela Anderson “Rescuers Malibu” was filmed.

Zuma Beach © wonderlustpicstravel / Shutterstock

Sacred Cove and Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

The official name of Abalone Cove is Shoreline Park. Two beaches – Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove – are nearby. The main part of this zone is located on the top of a cliff, quite far from the nearest parking lot. This should be taken into account if you are going to visit Abalone Cove with children.

Diving makes a special impression on tourists, as the pools of the bay are full of living creatures – starfish, snails, hermit crabs and sea anemones. Lifeguards are on duty every weekend.

The beach is not clean. The surf brings algae and debris ashore. If you still decide to go down to the ocean, you should wear shoes with reliable soles so as not to slip on wet stones.

As for Sacred Cove, the locals say it’s a nude beach. Although naked sunbathing, even on secluded beaches, is prohibited in Los Angeles, this does not stop fans of this type of recreation.

Shoreline Park © Andy Konieczny / Shutterstock

Santa Monica is one of the most luxurious beaches in Los Angeles. Its main plus is its convenient location. The location can be reached both by metro and by public buses. It is quite crowded here, but thanks to the wide sandy strip it is not felt at all. If you love cycling or long walks, this is the place for you.

Santa Monica Beach is considered to be the best family beach in Los Angeles. Here is the famous pier of the same name with the legendary Route 66, the Pacific theme park, and a little lower – a huge oceanarium.

Santa Monica State Beach © Arthur Cauty / Shutterstock

Santa Monica State Beach © Natalia Macheda / Shutterstock

Dockweiler State Beach is one of the closest beaches in Los Angeles south of the airport. It is considered an excellent place for hang gliding and swimming, aided by light breezes and still waters for paddling. The soft sand is ideal for walking barefoot. Whether you want to go swimming, enjoy an evening barbecue on the beach or take a hang gliding lesson, then the Dockweiler is the place to be.

Dockweiler State Beach © boboandchichi.com

Huntington City Beach

Huntington City Beach is known for its board-friendly surf, the International Surfing Museum, and an active life that never stops. at night. Here you will find many restaurants, local breweries, bars and a very pretty pier. However, Huntington Beach is not only a paradise for surfers, but also for lovers of other types of entertainment, such as jet skis, windsurfing or volleyball.

If you prefer to relax on land, you can go rollerblading, skateboarding, cycling, and then soak up the sun or cook meat on the grill. On the vast territory of the beach, there is enough space for everyone, even vacationers with pets. Here reigns the spirit of California, general relaxation and freedom.

Huntington Beach © gabriel12 / Shutterstock

Point Dume is about thirty kilometers west of Santa Monica. It is a small promontory covered with green shrubs with bright yellow Californian flowers. Numerous paths have been laid through it, and if you follow one of them to the very edge of the cape, you will have a magnificent panorama of the ocean.

The beach is unique in that in winter you can watch whales and sea lions, which sometimes come ashore to bask. Therefore, the entrance to the beach with dogs is prohibited.

Point Dume Beach © Feoktistoff / Shutterstock

El Matador is located sixteen kilometers north of Malibu. The beach is quite small and can get crowded in summer and often completely empty in winter.

This rocky stretch of beach is so beautiful that it has become a popular spot for photo ops. The combination of huge cliffs, coastal caves, cliffs and rough waves creates an incredible scene for photos or just a wonderful day by the ocean. Pets are not allowed on the beach.

El Matador State Beach © Ivanova Ksenia / Shutterstock

El Matador Beach © Andy Konieczny / Shutterstock

Laguna Beach

The main beach, located right in the center of the town of Laguna Beach, is usually noisy in the summer months. It is suitable for those who are not afraid of the crowd and love picturesque landscapes. In addition, Laguna Beach is considered an elite beach where you can meet world celebrities.

The location offers numerous amenities, including a volleyball and basketball area, as well as playgrounds for children.

Laguna Beach © Laguna Beach / Shutterstock

Laguna Beach © lulejt / Shutterstock

Will Rogers State Beach is a narrow coastline over three kilometers long, located between the Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean. Despite being close to Santa Monica, it’s not as crowded as most nearby beaches. A spacious recreation area allows everyone to comfortably swim in the ocean and relax under the gentle California sun.

In addition, the beach is equipped with clean restrooms where you can change your clothes. Will Rogers State Beach is ideal for volleyball, hiking, biking and scuba diving. Its gently sloping right bank is great for beginner surfers.

Will Rogers Beach © Image Source Trading Ltd / Shutterstock

Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is ten minutes from downtown Los Angeles. A wide sandy shore extends from the Palos Verdes Peninsula north to Redondo Pier. The place is popular among fishing enthusiasts, because here you can catch halibut, mackerel or perch. Comfortable restrooms and showers are installed at the location. Lifeguards are responsible for the safety of those on the water.

Redondo Beach itself has nowhere to eat, but it’s worth a little walk towards the pier, and you can easily find many cafes and eateries. Souvenirs for memory can be purchased in one of dozens of specialized shops. In the summer there are noisy musical performances.

Redondo Beach © Redondo / Shutterstock

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Travel California 12 days in a 9008 Ford1 Convertible

The USA is an ideal country for traveling by car, and California is especially suitable for this. It is one of the most popular states for tourism in the US. After New York and Miami, California’s cities rank third in the number of organized tours in the US.

California has everything you need – many historical monuments, unique national natural parks with snowy mountains, lush forests and deserts, ocean and beaches, some of the world’s most famous cultural centers (Hollywood) and technological centers (Silicon Valley).

California’s climate allows for year-round travel—most of the state is tropical Mediterranean, with short winters and long, dry summers. Due to the combination of natural and cultural attractions of California, it is often called the “Golden State” (Golden State), emphasizing its exclusivity and well-being. A special romance of tours to California is created by images of road movies – American films about adventures and travels along American highways, towns, deserts, coasts and forests.

In this article, we want to show you what a real road trip in the US can look like and how easy it can be to arrange. One of the best experiences you can get from touring the US is flying into Los Angeles, renting a Ford Mustang convertible and driving around California.

How much does it cost to rent a car in the USA?

Car rental in America is very inexpensive compared to Europe. For $200 in the USA you can rent a brand new foreign car with an automatic transmission for a week, and in Europe the smallest Fiat Panda type car with a manual gearbox will cost from €200 to €250. If we take a higher segment – Toyota, Mercedes-level cars, convertibles, jeeps, then the difference will be even greater.

How much does gasoline cost in the US?

Gasoline is cheap in America. Gasoline costs can be estimated at around $100-150 per 1,000 kilometers, depending on the class of car and the cost of gasoline in the state.

How hard is it to drive in the USA?

The country has very comfortable driving conditions – good roads, courteous attitude of other drivers and generally accepted traffic rules.

How much does it cost to rent a GPS navigator?

$15 to $25 per rental day. In most cases, it is more profitable to bring your own navigator (do not forget to download maps of North America!) or buy a new one in Ukraine.

Which car class should I take?

Depends on purpose. If there are two of you and you are traveling in California or Florida – take the “convertible” class (convertible) or “mid-size” (standard) to save money. If you are planning tourism in canyons, national parks, dirt roads, the “SUV” class (cross-over, for example Ford Escape) is better. If a family of 4-5 people is traveling, you need to take the “Full-Size” class (full-size jeep, for example Ford Explorer ), because only such a car can fit all the luggage.

Tour program

Day 1. Arrival in San Francisco

Day 2. San Francisco attractions

Day 3. Alcatraz Island and Silicon Valley

Day 4. Golden Gate Bridge – Napa Valley

Day 5. Yosemite National Park

and Day 6. Monterrey Carmel Valley

Day 7 Highway 1 – Big Sur – Santa Barbara

Day 8 Arrive in Los Angeles

Day 9 Los Angeles Attractions

Day 10 San Diego

Day 11 San Diego

Day 12 Departure from Los Angeles

Day 1 Arrival in San Francisco

We start our California tour from San Francisco. It is from the northern part of California, because, firstly, there will be a more intense program, secondly, it is more convenient to travel along the beautiful highway No. 1 (Highway 1) from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and thirdly, to relax on the coast ocean before flying is better in LA or San Diego, because it is warmer there.

San Francisco is, in my opinion, the most beautiful and most livable city in America. One of the most expensive, too, by the way.

Even those people who dislike or are prejudiced against America will be delighted with San Francisco. After all, there is something free, European and romantic in the atmosphere of this city.

San Francisco has some of the most beautiful city views in America. The city is located on 40 hills and is surrounded by water on three sides. One of the streets has the status of the most crooked street in the world. Interestingly, San Francisco has historically been home to the largest number of Asians in the US.

Arriving at San Francisco , we pick up a car at the rental office right at the airport. Convertible class is better to book in advance, as they are very popular among tourists. The cost of a weekly rental is about $400, depending on the date of booking.

What is nice and important, all roads in California, Nevada, Arizona are free. You won’t spend a dollar to drive on beautiful highways.

One thing is important to keep in mind. In the center of San Francisco, it is rather inconvenient to live with a rented car – there are few public parking lots, they are expensive in hotels, attractions are close. It is dangerous to leave the car in the wrong place – tow trucks will immediately drag you away.

Therefore, the first 2-3 days that you spend in the center of San Francisco, you can safely see all the sights by public transport or taxi. And then, in the same center, you can rent a car for the rest of the trip, including to visit Silicon Valley, Napa Valley and Yosemite National Park.

Or alternatively, once I lived in San Francisco outside the city in a good chain hotel with free parking, and in the morning I drove to downtown San Francisco, where I left the car for the whole day in a public parking lot. It is also convenient that you take the car right at the airport and do not return to this issue.

The journey from the airport to the center takes about 40 minutes.

To see all the most interesting places, understand and feel the atmosphere of San Francisco, you will need 2 full days in the city (ideally 3 days) and 3 days in the San Francisco area – Napa Valley, Yosemite, Silicon Valley.

In the afternoon, after checking into the hotel (presumably in the very center), you can walk around the very center of San Francisco. Union Square is the heart of Union Square. A vast area of one hectare is occupied by street cafes and restaurants, and in the center of it rises a historical monument in memory of US national hero George Dewey. Union Square is also a paradise for shopaholics and theatre-goers: six mega-malls lined up on the sides of the square at once, and within walking distance are two popular Frana theaters – Geary and Curren.

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest Chinese population outside China. The history of the district has more than 150 years, and today about 200,000 citizens of China permanently live in 24 quarters of Chinatown.

Day 2. San Francisco Sights

On the second day of your stay in San Francisco, you should do a full tour of the city and its central attractions. Once again, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful and unusual cities in America.

On this day, you can plan a convenient bypass route through the entire city and see the most interesting places in San Francisco:

1. Twin Peaks panoramic platform overlooking the bay and the city. If there is fog (and they are in San Francisco very often), it might look like this 🙂

Or maybe like this.

2. Golden Gate Park is the largest man-made park in America (even bigger and more beautiful than Central Park in New York). Various animals and even bison are found here, and we also advise you to go to the Japanese tea garden – a piece of Japan with pagodas and a Buddha statue.

3. Historic Cliff House restaurant and the beaches of San Francisco – a place for walking and relaxing for residents of the city.

4. Lombard Street is San Francisco’s most famous street. The famous zigzag street looks like a ski slope. It is especially beautiful to drive along it in the summer, when Lombard Street is surrounded by greenery, among bright flower beds.

5. Fisherman’s Wharf. One of the main tourist areas of San Francisco with restaurants where you can try crabs and seafood at very attractive prices, the place of the evening promenade of citizens and tourists. The most convenient way to get here from the center is by cable car.

Also on the pier is Pier 39 with shops, cafes and entertainment. The place is really interesting, the main attraction is the Californian sea lions, which are firmly established here.

Must try Clam Chowder – crab soup. It’s incredibly delicious!

6. Coit Tower is an observation tower that offers a beautiful panoramic view of San Francisco.

Walking around San Francisco, you can at any time stumble upon some beautiful building in the Victorian style.

Day 3. Alcatraz Island and Silicon Valley

In the morning it is worth sailing to the famous Alcatraz Island with an excursion. The legendary prison where Al Capone and many other mafiosi were serving their sentences. Ships to Alcatraz depart from Pier 33 in the morning and afternoon. The duration of the tour is 3 hours.

In the afternoon we drive to the famous Silicon Valley to see the offices of Google, Apple, Intel, Facebook corporations, the garage where Bill Gates worked, creating Microsoft and many other iconic places for technology lovers.

Also visit Stanford University – one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the USA. You can walk here for a long time.

Day 4. Golden Gate Bridge – Napa Valley

Day 4 is dedicated to the San Francisco area. First, you can finally admire the Golden Gate Bridge, the hallmark of San Francisco, as well as visit the Napa Valley, where great Californian wine is made.

Two photos of the bridge taken in different weather:

Our path lies through the Golden Gate Bridge (after moving to the other side, you can find special sites from where you can take cool panoramic photos) to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys (Napa, Sonoma).

On the way, you can stop by for a short time at Muir Wood s is a national park where relic giant sequoias grow. Muir Woods is a fabulously beautiful forest with crystal clear air.

Napa Valley. Here begins the wine California or “American Tuscany” – vineyards, wineries, green hills and flowers. In these valleys they make such delicious Californian wine, which is highly valued even in Europe.

The next route lies in Yosemite, so there is not much point in returning to San Francisco. The best option is to spend the night in a hotel in the valley area or immediately move closer to Yosemite (2. 5 hours drive from the valleys).

Day 5. Yosemite National Park

A full day is a must in Yosemite National Park . This is one of the most impressive national parks in America.

The nature here is really fabulous and it would be a crime to come to Yosemite for just a couple of hours, as they do on a day trip from San Francisco (4 hours one way!).

Ideally, I recommend staying overnight at The Ahwanhee 4*. This is the best hotel in Yosemite National Park. But in any case, it is worth a look – you can have a great lunch and go to one of the best souvenir shops that I have seen in the USA.

Yosemite also offers group tours. We were there on our own, according to our program, and I can say that coming here on a group tour is nonsense. It is much more pleasant to drive around all the viewpoints, viewing platforms, take a walk in the forest, enjoy a delicious lunch at The Ahwanhee 4 * than to stop by for 3-4 hours and run through several locations.

In 1.5 days in Yosemite, we walked more than 10 kilometers through forests, rocks, valleys and rivers. But this national park made one of the biggest impressions of all.

There is Mariposa Grove at one of the exits from Yosemite National Park. It is here that the largest and most ancient sequoias on the entire continent are located.

Day 6. Monterrey and Carmel Valley

Departure towards San Francisco and the ocean. But this time we pass by San Francisco and look at two popular towns Monterrey and Carmel .

Monterrey is a beautiful town on the Pacific coast. Monterrey is home to one of the largest aquariums in the United States.

7 kilometers from Monterey is Carmel Valley – a favorite vacation spot and residence of wealthy Californians. Local residents care about the unique atmosphere of the place, where there is not a single traffic light, and the architecture of the houses resembles fairy-tale houses.

The city carefully preserves the forest, among which Carmel was once built, and deer calmly walk along the streets and are not afraid of anyone.

Day 7. Highway #1 – Big Sur – Santa Barbara

Between San Francisco and Los Angeles there is a high-speed highway deep into California, and there is the famous Route 1 (Highway 1) – a road that runs along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

The most panoramic 17-mile stretch is called Big Sur . We recommend that you include these places in your California travel itinerary.

The places you will see are exceptional in their beauty. And driving along the panoramic road along the ocean in a Ford Mustang convertible is a double pleasure!

Stop 1 – Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – an easy 40 minute walk through beautiful forest with quaint dry trees to the end of the headland.

Big Sur panoramas.

Stop 2 – Along the way you will see natural resting places of sea lions, seals and sea cows.

Stop 3 – Enter Hearst Castle – the legendary mansion of the American media mogul.

Visit the colorful Dutch village Solvang with windmills, bakeries, old lanterns and unusual buildings.

And the best way to end this day in road movie style is in Santa Barbara, where you should arrive in the evening.

Day 8. Arrival in Los Angeles

Santa Barbara is a cool, cozy town, you can see that rich Americans live here.

Main tourist attraction – Mission Santa Barbara .

On the way from Santa Barbara to downtown Los Angeles, you can stop by the cool Camarillo Premium Outlet .

Shopping in USA is one of the best in the world and this outlet is no exception. Here you can buy a large number of cool American brands for very little money.

Clients Yeremenko & Partners who fly to the US, we issue special vouchers that give additional discounts in the most famous stores and outlets.

A little more – and before us is Los Angeles. This is a very large city and one cannot do without a car.

The most popular tourist spot in Los Angeles is Hollywood Boulevard , where the Hollywood Walk of Stars is 18 blocks long. It is here that you should go in the first place and spend the evening here.

Even more interesting is Chinese cinema , in front of which, on concrete, there are hand and footprints of the most popular actors in history.

Day 9. Los Angeles Attractions

There are many iconic places in Los Angeles that we have all seen hundreds of times in movies.

Santa Monica is a separate town in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, known for its waterfront. Here you will see a gym where Arnold Schwarzenegger worked out, a skate park, an amusement park.

Beverly Hills is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the world. The magic numbers

and the mansions of world-class stars attract many tourists here.

Rodeo Drive is home to the most expensive boutiques and stores. Walk along Wilshire Boulevard and Miracle Mile. You can often see Hollywood stars shopping or dining in a restaurant here.

Get a panoramic view of LA and the Pacific from Griffith Observatory .

Day 10. San Diego

Then the route lies to the third city of interest in California – San Diego .

You can get from Los Angeles to San Diego in just 2 hours. San Diego is located near the border with Mexico.

San Diego is interesting for several things. Firstly, it has a cool zoo and amusement parks.

Second, San Diego is home to several US military bases, including the busiest military port in the world. You can visit a real aircraft carrier and an active base of the Marine Corps.

Thirdly, there are about 10 most interesting and unusual museums in San Diego. In general, San Diego is called the city of parks and museums.

Relatively warm ocean, mild climate and Spanish flavor attract many tourists to San Diego.

It is best to start exploring the city from the historical center (especially in the evening) with its numerous fish restaurants.

Be sure to set aside a half-day to visit the huge San Diego Zoo safari style. About 4,000 animals and hundreds of rare plants live in it.

Day 11. San Diego

Visit to the most interesting sights of San Diego to choose from:

Miramar Marine Corps Base. You can take a tour of the active US military base. On the territory of Miramar there is an aviation museum with two dozen aircraft and helicopters.

SeaWorld is a huge amusement park dedicated to the marine life of the ocean. Ticket price – from $60. The killer whale show deserves special attention.

Balboa City Park – an old park in the heart of the city. There are 15 museums on the territory of the park: the Museum of Photography, the Museum of the Railway, the Museum of Space and Aviation, the Art Museum and many others.

Day 12. Departure from Los Angeles

Check-out from the hotel and transfer back to Los Angeles. Flights from the US to Europe are usually overnight, so there will be enough time to arrive in Los Angeles, walk somewhere else and have lunch, and then go to the airport.

This is such a beautiful route to take in California. In 12 nights / 11 days you will see 90% of California’s most popular, beautiful and interesting sights.