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California

Bridges, Redwoods & Alcatraz: San Francisco With Your Grandchild

Program No. 21059RJ

A jailhouse that has stories to tell, bridges that stretch across the sparkling sea and the tallest trees on Earth — discover these and more in the Bay Area with your grandchild.

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We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program

At a Glance

Duration

6 days

Program Begins

San Francisco, California

Program Concludes

San Francisco, California

Meals

11 ( 5B, 3L, 3D )

Activity Level

Climb aboard a classic cable car with your grandchild to explore the City by the Bay and the nature that surrounds it. Ride a ferry to Alcatraz Island to explore the famous jailhouse, and take in the sights, smells and sounds of the largest Chinatown in America. Walk across one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and tinker with some science experiments at the Exploratorium. Plus get outside the city to play amongst the foot of giant redwoods in Muir Woods and visit The Marine Mammal Center. Introduce your grandchild to this world-class city as you explore our favorite spots around San Francisco, making new friends along the way!

Best of all, you'll...

Experience natural and cultural wonders including redwoods at Muir Woods and the complex history of Alcatraz Island.
Go behind the scenes at the Academy of Sciences, where you’ll be transported into a rainforest, an earthquake and a starry night sky!
Learn what life was like for people aboard the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a World War II ship that is now a living museum near Fisherman's Wharf.

View Full Itinerary

James Dalessandro

James is a writer and filmmaker best known for his novel "1906," a retelling of that year's earthquake in San Francisco. He has more than 20 feature film and television scripts to his credit. He wrote and directed "The Damnedest Finest Ruins," a documentary on the earthquake. In his adopted hometown of San Francisco, James lectures on the Transcontinental Railroad, Old Chinatown, and the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the history of its artists: Mark Twain, Jack London, Isadora Duncan and the Beat Generation.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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John Martini

John Martini is a native San Franciscan and a life-long researcher into the history of California and the American West. He worked as a national park ranger for more than 25 years at parks around the country including Fort Point National Historic Site, Alcatraz Island, the National Maritime Museum, the USS Arizona Memorial, the Presidio of San Francisco, and Teddy Roosevelt's estate at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. For many years, John was stationed at the Marin Headlands District of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area as a supervisory park ranger for interpretation and education. He completed his long career with the National Park Service at the Presidio of San Francisco where he served as curator of military history. He now works as an independent historian and consultant specializing in historical research, interpretation and preserving of cultural resources.

Dawn Spare

Dawn Spare is an avid traveler with a deep love of nature, history, and culture who enjoys both the city and country life. She earned her BFA magna cum laude from the University of California, Irvine, and attended graduate school at Temple and the University of Wisconsin. She lives on California’s Central Coast underneath pine trees at the beach, where she walks in nature daily. She belongs to a book club and has sung for over 20 years with the award-winning Vocal Arts Ensemble.

Barrie Simpson

After a long career in the technology, pharmaceutical, and hospitality industries, Barrie Simpson became a Road Scholar group leader. She was raised in New England; following high school, she made her way to Oregon, where she planted trees all over the West before going on to earn a degree in environmental engineering. Currently living in San Francisco, she is a historical group leader for SF City Guides, a waterbird docent on Alcatraz, and a long time member leader of the American Society of Quality (ASQ).

Mary McCloy

Mary McCloy was born and raised in San Francisco; she has led for Road Scholar there and internationally, taking groups to Central and Eastern Europe. Mary is certified through the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild and a graduate of the International Tour Management Institute. She is also a volunteer for San Francisco City Guides and leads a Haight Ashbury walking program, revisiting the neighborhood where she grew up. Mary holds a master’s degree in both nursing and counseling. She enjoys Irish history, music, and dance.

Kenn Sparks

Kenn Sparks is an award-winning journalist, foreign correspondent, and Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker. His life has taken him from the once-closed cities of Siberia to debating business economics with Barack Obama. Kenn’s Road Scholar groups explore the mysteries of old Chinatown, hear tales of treacherous sea voyages to Gold Rush California while aboard a famous 19th-century Square Rigger, experience the mostly unknown legacy of the wives of the Big 4 Robber Barons, and wonder at centuries of Medieval and Renaissance art and relics at Grace Cathedral.

Karyn Benkendorfer

Karyn Benkendorfer is a native Californian who has a B.A. in communications arts – film and television from Loyola Marymount University. She is also a graduate of ITMI’s International tour management program. Karyn is a passionate storyteller, photographer, writer, and teacher. She is energized by engaging with people, sharing stories and experiences. On her daily walks, she logs 5-8 miles. She is an active volunteer with Opera League Los Angeles.

Activity Level

Let's Go!

Walking up to three miles at a time over varied terrain, including stairs. Extensive use of public transportation.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (17 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Bridges, Redwoods & Alcatraz: San Francisco With Your Grandchild

Enroll with Confidence

Protecting the Environment

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