Awesome Weekend Adventures

ACA provides you with unbeatable adventures all summer long, transporting you in comfort and style to a host of vibrant destinations. This distinctive part of ACA provides uniquely enriching, exciting opportunities for growth, learning and entertainment. ACA weekend adventures create a truly rewarding summer experience.

Our summer programs include visits to the superstar city of San Diego at the peak of its summertime excitement. As if that weren’t enough, we turn the volume up a notch with trips to Magic Mountain and Universal Studios. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time to explore the surrounding cities of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara that make Southern California spectacular. As always, the cost for these adventures is already included in your tuition!

Magic Mountain and Universal Studios

Magic Mountain– If you’re a thrill-seeker, Magic Mountain has to be tops on your list. Ride some of the most intense roller-coasters in the country. If you’d rather keep both feet on the ground, there are plenty of carnival games and stage shows.

Universal Studios– One of LA’s favorite tourist attractions and a must for film fans, you’ll tour famous sets and check out incredible special effects and movie-themed rides. Exciting attractions include:

  • Ride the Movie– Don’t just see the movie, ride it! Experience the thrill of the 84-foot plunge of Jurassic Park, the terror of Revenge of the Mummy and the virtual reality experience of The Simpsons.
  • King Kong 360 3-D– The monstrous classic comes alive in the world’s largest 3-D experience.
  • Special Effects Stage – An eye-popping new feature that reveals the secrets behind the making of your favorite movies.

Santa Barbara & Huntington Beach

Serious Shopping in Santa Barbara– Get a Mediterranean experience on the fabled “American Riviera.” This is one of Cali’s favorite shopping areas. Wander the cobblestone walkways of State Street and sunny expanses of open-air plazas and promenades in search of “must-have” fashions. Take a break for a gourmet treat, then get right back in the hunt!

Huntington Beach– This is the West Coast’s longest stretch of clean, uninterrupted beachfront. Enjoy a day at the beach in the city that defines Southern California. Best known as Surf City, USA, here’s the ideal example of West Coast fashion, food and lifestyle.
 

San Diego Weekend Adventure

San Diego Zoo– This animal sanctuary is actually the world’s leading zoo. Admire more than 800 species and 4,000 animals, including the mighty giant panda.

Sea World– Part amusement park, part aquarium, part outdoor marine zoo, this theme park has everything from shark encounters to orca shows. Ride the aerial tram over the bay and soar in the gently rotating sky tower. Of course, you have to say hello to Shamu.

La Jolla– Surrounded by the sea and the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla has a real Mediterranean feel set amongst West Coast splendor. The bustling business district offers chic boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, with a mix of turn-of-the-century Spanish architecture and eccentric modern designs.

Mission and Pacific Beaches– Miles of coastline offer the best sand and surf on the Pacific. Take a break from the waves and sip a smoothie while checking out the surf shops. Looking for a thrill? See if you can handle the Giant Dipper roller-coaster!

Seaport Village– This huge outdoor waterfront property has over 70 trendy stores. Right on the coast and overflowing with summertime excitement, Seaport Village makes the perfect shopping destination.

Balboa Park– The largest urban cultural park in America, home to major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the world famous San Diego Zoo.
 

Southern California Seaside Weekend

Santa Monica Pier– A favorite for Hollywood movie scenes, this California icon comes alive at night. Take a ride on the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel or stop by the famed aquarium to get nose-to-nose with the ocean’s most fearsome predators!

Third Street Promenade– The world-famous strip features designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants, all in the heart of Santa Monica. The outdoor mall is full of colorful street entertainers and dancers enjoying perfect California weather.

Palisades Park– Stunning ocean views makes this the perfect place to savor nature. If the fast pace of LA living and Hollywood glamour get to be a bit much, this is an ideal spot to chill out.

The Grove– For shopping, dining and simply living life, you can’t do better than the Grove. Make sure to sample some of the freshest fruits and veggies next door at the original Farmers’ Market, an LA landmark.

Venice Beach– Stroll the shops and eateries on Venice Beach’s beautiful Boardwalk. It features plenty of far-out attractions and some of the best people-watching on the planet.

Hollywood Walk of Fame– This entertainment icon immortalizes more than 2,400 stars along a two-mile stretch of Hollywood Boulevard. Take a stroll and spot your favorite TV and movie stars.

Mann Chinese Theater– The most sought-after theater for Hollywood premieres, this famed theater has witnessed the debut of silver screen favorites like Avatar, Titanic and Due Date.

Zuma Beach– Stunning views along the Pacific Coast Highway lead to three miles of pristine beach that has been a favorite for movie producers. Feeling active? Grab a volleyball and try your skill on the same beach the pros have competed on for decades.

Universal City Walk– LA comes to life at the City Walk. Grab a bite at one of the famous restaurants and then hit the trendy shops before bracing yourself for thrilling activities, all set under the beautiful California stars.

Marina del Rey– One of LA’s most beautiful marinas lets you stroll down the docks while enjoying a California sunset.
 

San Francisco Extension (4 Days)

For a guaranteed incredible weekend, there’s no beating San Francisco! From the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge to the natural beauty of Muir Woods, the City by the Bay is no doubt one of the prettiest on the Pacific, if not all of America! And for things to do, San Francisco is second to none. Take a sightseeing tour of Alcatraz Island, ride the cable cars to Union Square or check out the unforgettable dining and shopping at Fisherman’s Wharf. Baseball fans may be able to catch the 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants in action, and art lovers have an unlimited supply of world-renowned galleries and museums to choose from.

Fisherman’s Wharf– Set overlooking beautiful San Francisco Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf features great shopping, some of the freshest seafood in the country, and amazing street performers of incredible variety. Fisherman’s Wharf has been THE place to be in San Francisco since 1946!

Pier 39– Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 packs a serious punch! You can see the sea lions, take a whale-watching tour, find your way through the incredible Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, thrill to the ride of your life on RocketBoat, or ride the movies (you heard us!) at the Turbo Ride 4-D Experience. This place is FUN!

Alcatraz– Formerly the home of America’s most notorious prison, Alcatraz Island also has astonishing marine life, rare flowers and plants, and buildings dating back to the Civil War. There’s no end to what you can learn and see.

Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park– Take a trip that feels like you’ve gone across the ocean and back in time. The five-acre Japanese Tea Garden is an enchanting and fascinating experience – not to be missed!

Golden Gate Bridge– Completed way back in 1937, this fantastic bridge remains a technical marvel and the most recognizable symbol of San Francisco. Put on some comfortable shoes and walk the 1.7 miles across for a view you won’t believe!

Union Square– San Francisco’s shopping paradise! Be it in fashion, food or anything else, you’ll find all the very best names. A great place for serious shoppers or to just walk around and take in the sights.

Chinatown– Breathtaking in its scope of history, beauty, art, architecture (and food!), spending part of your day in San Francisco’s Chinatown is an exotic vacation in and of itself.

Muir Woods to Stinson Beach Hike– Take an unforgettable hike through the majestic Redwood forest to the stunning views of the California Coast. Along the way you’ll see eye-popping ravines, lush and diverse plants, and wildlife of every sort. An absolute must for the hiker or nature lover!

Ghirardelli Square– Shops, restaurants and – of course – chocolate! One of San Fran's historic sites, it’s an ideal place for people-watching, putting a dent in your credit cards, and noshing on decadent desserts.

Cable Car– Originally an alternative to horses on the slippery San Fran slopes, the cable car system is a must for anyone wanting a timeless tour of this beautiful city. It’s Frisco's favorite way to get around!


(Supplemental fee: $895*)
*Transportation costs are not included in your tuition.

 

 

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