California Whales & Wine 2025

Day One

Today we depart Phoenix and head to Ventura Beach, California. We’ll spend two nights at the Crown Plaza, the only hotel on the beach and just two blocks from historic downtown Ventura. Tonight enjoy an included welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travelers.

Day Two

Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel before boarding an Island Packers Whale Watching Cruise. The relaxing and scenic cruise will sail through the waters of the Channel Islands, where 28 species of whales and dolphins have been identified. Every year, the Pacific Gray Whales migrate 6,000 – 10,000 miles to Mexico to bear their young, then journey back to the Bering Sea, passing through the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. It’s possible to not only see Pacific Gray Whales, but Minke Whales, various species of dolphins, and other sea life. After your whale watching adventure, we’ll head back to the hotel and downtown Ventura. Spend the afternoon and evening wandering the shops and galleries downtown, visiting the Ventura Botanical Gardens, or taking advantage of the hotel amenities including an outdoor heated pool and beachfront access.

Day Three

After an included breakfast, we’ll depart Ventura and visit Brick Barn Wine Estate, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley. The land of the Estate had been used for organic farming, ranching, and was a renowned Arabian horse farm before becoming Brick Barn’s vineyard in 2012. Enjoy an included wine tasting among the picturesque backdrop of the vineyards. After choosing your favorite wine, spend some time exploring Solvang, a charming town brimming with authentic Danish architecture, windmills, and food. Founded in 1911 by Danish-American educators, Solvang features a ½ size bronze replica of the “Little Mermaid” statue, and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Spend your time in “Little Denmark” enjoying lunch on your own at one of the many Danish eateries or pick up an authentic gingerbread treat. This afternoon we’ll check-in to the SeaCrest Oceanfront Resort in Pismo Beach, where we will spend two nights. This evening, enjoy an included wine tasting overlooking the ocean before an included dinner. (2 wine tastings)

Day Four

After breakfast, included, we’ll visit Hearst Castle. The remarkable structure, built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, houses his collection of centuries-old sculptures, paintings, and tapestries. On the guided Grand Room Tour, we’ll see the opulent social rooms that were frequented by family and celebrity guests of Hearst. The architecture of the property is stunning, and the history of the property, along with the stories of the famous guests who visited, is fascinating. Just a few miles up the road from Hearst Castle is the Elephant Seal Vista. The elephant seals spend time on these beaches year-round, as they go through different phases of their life cycle. From December through March the female elephant seals arrive to give birth on the beach and nurse their pups before mating and heading back out to sea. The pups are left alone to learn to swim and find food and most are ready to depart for the sea in March and April. The Hearst Ranch Winery, where we’ll enjoy an included wine tasting and box lunch, provides more panoramic ocean views and breathtaking scenery. This afternoon we’ll return to the hotel where you can relax and enjoy the heated pool, three hot tubs, four terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or one of the various on-site dining options. Or visit the historic and classic downtown Pismo Beach, with amazing dining options, shopping, Vintage Airstreams and views of the surfers and sunbathers. Be sure to take a photo at the seven-foot-tall, illuminated Pismo Beach sign! (1 wine tasting)

Day Five

After breakfast we’ll depart Pismo Beach and head to sunny Palm Springs where we’ll spend the night at the Hilton Downtown Palm Springs. Enjoy time on your own to visit the many boutique shops and galleries that line Palm Canyon Drive. Take a photo with 26-foot tall “Forever Marilyn” sculpture or visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. This evening, spend some time at the Palm Spring Village Fest. This Thursday night street fair features arts, crafts, food vendors and entertainers.

Day Six

Breakfast is included at the hotel before it’s time to head back to Phoenix, with great photos and fantastic memories.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner