Parks Across America Tour:
Central California Parks
Central California Parks
Join us for a memorable tour of Central California’s beautiful scenery—from the beautiful waters of Monterey Bay to the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park and the gigantic redwood trees of Sequoia National Park. This immersive adventure tour is designed to equip participants with a deeper understanding of God’s creation through hands-on learning and biblical insight.
When: Tuesday, September 29th - Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
Where: Starting in San Francisco, ending in Fresno (book your flights accordingly!)
What’s in Store:
Join ICR scientists and friends of ICR for 8 days / 7 nights of adventure as we explore and learn about evidences for the Global Flood, and the intricacies and exquisite engineering of God's handiwork seen in the ecology of the beautiful parks of Central California.
Our adventures begin in San Francisco and will start off with a tour of the California Academy of Sciences Museums and Aquarium and a welcome dinner and presentation on the evening of September 29th. Then, we will board our charter bus, and head to Monterey where we will tour the world class Monterey Bay Aquarium, and enjoy a whale watching excursion in Monterey Bay.
From there, we will venture in-land to the legendary Yosemite National Park, home of Half Dome and El Capitan, and a host of stunning waterfalls and pristine forests. After two days of adventuring in Yosemite, we will head south to Sequoia National Park to see first hand the magnificent Red Wood forests. We will spend parts of two days wandering amongst these beautiful giants, and then wrap up our tour with a time of reflection and time to share about our experiences before we travel to Fresno on Tuesday, October 6th for our flight back home.
Along the way, you'll hear first hand from ICR scientists and experts as they share about the evidences for creation, the Global Flood, and biological design seen in each location of our tour. You'll also have the opportunity to fellowship with like-minded champions of creation - forming new friendships, and deepening the bond you've made with fellow alumni of previous Parks Across America Tours.
We would love for you to join us as we explore and learn about these beautiful locations, share in fellowship together, and build memories for a life time!
When: Tuesday, September 29th - Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
Where: Starting in San Francisco, ending in Fresno (book your flights accordingly!)
What’s in Store:
Join ICR scientists and friends of ICR for 8 days / 7 nights of adventure as we explore and learn about evidences for the Global Flood, and the intricacies and exquisite engineering of God's handiwork seen in the ecology of the beautiful parks of Central California.
Our adventures begin in San Francisco and will start off with a tour of the California Academy of Sciences Museums and Aquarium and a welcome dinner and presentation on the evening of September 29th. Then, we will board our charter bus, and head to Monterey where we will tour the world class Monterey Bay Aquarium, and enjoy a whale watching excursion in Monterey Bay.
From there, we will venture in-land to the legendary Yosemite National Park, home of Half Dome and El Capitan, and a host of stunning waterfalls and pristine forests. After two days of adventuring in Yosemite, we will head south to Sequoia National Park to see first hand the magnificent Red Wood forests. We will spend parts of two days wandering amongst these beautiful giants, and then wrap up our tour with a time of reflection and time to share about our experiences before we travel to Fresno on Tuesday, October 6th for our flight back home.
Along the way, you'll hear first hand from ICR scientists and experts as they share about the evidences for creation, the Global Flood, and biological design seen in each location of our tour. You'll also have the opportunity to fellowship with like-minded champions of creation - forming new friendships, and deepening the bond you've made with fellow alumni of previous Parks Across America Tours.
We would love for you to join us as we explore and learn about these beautiful locations, share in fellowship together, and build memories for a life time!
Location
Starting in San Francisco
Ending in Fresno
Ending in Fresno
Date & Time
September 30th -
October 6th, 2026
October 6th, 2026
Schedule
Tuesday, September 29th
Arrival in San Francisco and visit to California Academy of Sciences Museums and Aquarium
Plan your flight to San Francisco to arrive in time to join the tour group on a visit to the California Academy of Sciences' Museums and Aquarium in Golden Gate Park. We will tour these museums starting at 1:00 p.m. For those who are not able to arrive in San Francisco until later in the afternoon, make sure you arrive for our welcome dinner at 6:00 p.m. where we will introduce the scientists and tour leaders, give an overview of the tour, and have the opportunity to make new friends as we fellowship together on the first night of our tour adventures.
Wednesday, September 30th
Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Monterey Bay Aquarium
Our first full day of touring will start with a journey from San Francisco through the coastal area of Northern California, with stops in the Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and then a tour of Monterey Bay Aquarium as our final destination for the day. We will stay overnight in Monterey,
Thursday, October 1st
Whale Watching in Monterey Bay, and travel day to Yosemite NP
Our day starts with an optional (add-on ticket required) boat excursion in Monterey Bay to watch whales frolicking about in the waters. For those who prefer to stay on land, we will have the opportunity to visit one of Monterey's beaches known for having a large seal population. After the whale watching excursion, we will board our tour bus, and cross California's Central Valley region to the Sierras for our adventures in Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park.
Friday, October 2nd
Yosemite National Park Adventures - Day 1
Today, we start our adventures in the National Parks of Central California. We will explore Yosemite National Park, including getting to see first hand the legendary Half Dome and El Capitan formations, and the gorgeous Yosemite Falls. Tour participants will have options for hiking trails ranging from shorter / easier to longer / moderate difficulty.
Saturday, October 3rd
Yosemite National Park Adventures - Day 2
We continue exploring Yosemite National Park, including getting to see first hand the legendary Half Dome and El Capitan formations, and the gorgeous Yosemite Falls. Tour participants will have options for hiking trails ranging from shorter / easier to longer / moderate difficulty.
Sunday, October 4th
Worship Service and Sequoia National Park Adventures - Day 1
Before heading south to Sequoia National Park, we will share in a time of worship and reflection on the awesome power of our Creator, the Lord Jesus. We will sing a few worship songs, hear an edifying message from one of our speakers, and spend time in prayer before we load up the tour bus and make the trek to Sequoia National Park. The afternoon will afford a couple of hours of time to participate in some short hiking trails near the Stump Meadow area of Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Parks.
Monday, October 5th
Sequoia National Park Adventures - Day 2
Today will be our last full day together, and what better way to spend it than to wander amongst the massive Red Wood trees of Sequoia National Park. Tour participants will have options for hiking trails ranging from shorter / easier to longer / moderate difficulty. Our last day together will wrap up with a time of dessert and coffee as we share testimonies and fellowship together reflecting on the adventures we've enjoyed over the last 7 days.
Tuesday, October 6th
Travel back Fresno and say our goodbyes!
After breakfast, we will load the tour bus, and make our way to the Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport to say our goodbyes, and head home after a very full and fun-filled week of adventures, wonder and learning, and forming new friendships with fellow champions of creation. The plan is to arrive back at the airport no later than 12:00 p.m. to give ample time for tour participants to make afternoon flights back to their home airports. Please plan your return flight(s) accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTRATION
What is included in registration?
Included in Registration:
• All registration and entrance fees to each park, museum, or other attraction our group visits. Having admission fees built into the cost of this tour allows us to take advantage of discounts available for larger groups. The only exception to this will be the optional whale watching tour while we are in Monterey. Because there may be some participants who are unable or don't want to spend time out on a boat, we have decided to make this excursion optional, and set up with an add-on charge for those who want to participate.
• Ground transportation. As part of this tour, we have chartered a bus for the tour group, which will provide transportation from our hotel in San Francisco on Wednesday morning, September 29th through the duration of our tour and return to Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) on Tuesday morning, October 6th. Each tour participant is responsible for getting to San Francisco, from there you won’t have to worry any further about ground transportation!
• Lodging each night of the tour. We will be staying in 3-star hotels at locations in San Francisco, Monterey, Oakhurst (3 nights), and the Sequoia National Park area (2 nights). Registration pricing includes lodging for 7 nights, from Tuesday night, September 28th through Tuesday morning, October 6th. If you choose to arrive earlier than September 28th, or stay later than October 6th, you will be responsible for making your own lodging arrangements and costs for those additional nights.
• A welcome dinner on our first night (before we leave San Francisco for Monterey), along with breakfast at the hotel each morning is included. We will also enjoy a coffee and dessert fellowship on the last night of our tour. Complementary bottled water and snacks will also be available throughout the trip during the daily excursions and activities.
• Branded Parks Across America merch, including a reusable water bottle, a custom iron-on patch, commemorative stickers, and a Parks Across America Tour: Central California Parks themed poster.
Not Included in Registration:
• Transportation to and from San Francisco, and from San Francisco Intl. Airport to the California Academy of Sciences Museums and Aquarium. There are multiple flight options into San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) from across the U.S., but we recommend booking flights that will arrive in San Francisco by 11:00 a.m. (Pacific) so as to be in place for the official start of our tour at 1:00 p.m. at the California Academy of Sciences Museums and Aquarium.
• The optional whale watching tour while we are in Monterey. Because there may be some participants who are unable or don't want to spend time out on a boat, we have decided to make this excursion optional, and set up with an add-on charge for those who want to participate.
• Other incidentals or added amenities related to lodging including food and beverage purchased from the hotel lobby gift shop, restaurant or coffee shop.
• Admission to, or fees for any other attractions, or excursions that are not listed on the official itinerary for this tour.
• Souvenir or gift shop purchases.
• All registration and entrance fees to each park, museum, or other attraction our group visits. Having admission fees built into the cost of this tour allows us to take advantage of discounts available for larger groups. The only exception to this will be the optional whale watching tour while we are in Monterey. Because there may be some participants who are unable or don't want to spend time out on a boat, we have decided to make this excursion optional, and set up with an add-on charge for those who want to participate.
• Ground transportation. As part of this tour, we have chartered a bus for the tour group, which will provide transportation from our hotel in San Francisco on Wednesday morning, September 29th through the duration of our tour and return to Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) on Tuesday morning, October 6th. Each tour participant is responsible for getting to San Francisco, from there you won’t have to worry any further about ground transportation!
• Lodging each night of the tour. We will be staying in 3-star hotels at locations in San Francisco, Monterey, Oakhurst (3 nights), and the Sequoia National Park area (2 nights). Registration pricing includes lodging for 7 nights, from Tuesday night, September 28th through Tuesday morning, October 6th. If you choose to arrive earlier than September 28th, or stay later than October 6th, you will be responsible for making your own lodging arrangements and costs for those additional nights.
• A welcome dinner on our first night (before we leave San Francisco for Monterey), along with breakfast at the hotel each morning is included. We will also enjoy a coffee and dessert fellowship on the last night of our tour. Complementary bottled water and snacks will also be available throughout the trip during the daily excursions and activities.
• Branded Parks Across America merch, including a reusable water bottle, a custom iron-on patch, commemorative stickers, and a Parks Across America Tour: Central California Parks themed poster.
Not Included in Registration:
• Transportation to and from San Francisco, and from San Francisco Intl. Airport to the California Academy of Sciences Museums and Aquarium. There are multiple flight options into San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) from across the U.S., but we recommend booking flights that will arrive in San Francisco by 11:00 a.m. (Pacific) so as to be in place for the official start of our tour at 1:00 p.m. at the California Academy of Sciences Museums and Aquarium.
• The optional whale watching tour while we are in Monterey. Because there may be some participants who are unable or don't want to spend time out on a boat, we have decided to make this excursion optional, and set up with an add-on charge for those who want to participate.
• Other incidentals or added amenities related to lodging including food and beverage purchased from the hotel lobby gift shop, restaurant or coffee shop.
• Admission to, or fees for any other attractions, or excursions that are not listed on the official itinerary for this tour.
• Souvenir or gift shop purchases.
Are there any discounts available for registration?
We have done our best to make this adventure as affordable as possible considering the location and duration of the tour, while also maximizing the educational benefits and maintaining the quality of the experience, and covering the expenses of ICR's staff involved. To that end, the price for each room is set up with the actual expected costs involved for each occupant / participant. By having rooms available that can accommodate up to 4 people, we are able to pass along some savings for those who will be joined by other family or friends who are able to share lodging accommodations.
However, we do understand that this adventure is costly, so we are making available a 15% discount off the full price registration fee for families of 4 or more people (can be immediate family or an extended family group). In order to receive the coupon code for the 15% discount, please email [email protected] with the number of people in your group and their names and ages. Please note that this discount will be available only through August 31st, 2026.
Are there any other discounts available?
Yes! If you would like to pay for your tour registration by personal check, you can receive a discount of $100 off the registration price for each registrant you pay for by check. Paying by check helps us reduce costs from credit card processing fees, and saves you additional money!
If you wish to pay for your registration by check, simply select "Pay by Check" on the "Payment Method" drop down menu on the registration page. Deduct $100 for each registrant from your order total, and mail a check to ICR Events at 1806 Royal Ln. Dallas, TX 75229
However, we do understand that this adventure is costly, so we are making available a 15% discount off the full price registration fee for families of 4 or more people (can be immediate family or an extended family group). In order to receive the coupon code for the 15% discount, please email [email protected] with the number of people in your group and their names and ages. Please note that this discount will be available only through August 31st, 2026.
Are there any other discounts available?
Yes! If you would like to pay for your tour registration by personal check, you can receive a discount of $100 off the registration price for each registrant you pay for by check. Paying by check helps us reduce costs from credit card processing fees, and saves you additional money!
If you wish to pay for your registration by check, simply select "Pay by Check" on the "Payment Method" drop down menu on the registration page. Deduct $100 for each registrant from your order total, and mail a check to ICR Events at 1806 Royal Ln. Dallas, TX 75229
What is the refund policy for registration cancelation?
We trust that you will be able to participate in this fun and educational tour, and make some new friends along the way as you learn more about the evidences for creation and the global flood! But, we do know that sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise, and a registrant may have to back out from participating in the tour.
That said, ICR will allow for cancellations of a registration requested by registrants who contact us as soon as they are aware of the need to do so, but due to the nature of financial commitment that ICR has involved in setting up this tour, a full refund for a registration cancellation will be available only through August 31st, 2026.
Cancellation requests made AFTER August 31st* will receive a partial refund of up to 50% of their total registration costs, based on the method of payment and the number of participants on your registration.
*In the event of extended severe weather (i.e. earth quakes, forest fires, landslides, etc.) that leads to a cancellation of the tour, each participant will receive a full refund of their registration payment.
That said, ICR will allow for cancellations of a registration requested by registrants who contact us as soon as they are aware of the need to do so, but due to the nature of financial commitment that ICR has involved in setting up this tour, a full refund for a registration cancellation will be available only through August 31st, 2026.
Cancellation requests made AFTER August 31st* will receive a partial refund of up to 50% of their total registration costs, based on the method of payment and the number of participants on your registration.
*In the event of extended severe weather (i.e. earth quakes, forest fires, landslides, etc.) that leads to a cancellation of the tour, each participant will receive a full refund of their registration payment.
LOGISTICS and Travel Planning
Where will we be staying?
We will be staying in 3-star hotels at locations in San Francisco, Monterey, Oakhurst (3 nights), and the Sequoia National Park area (2 nights).
What is the nearest airport?
For your trip TO the tour, the nearest public airport is San Francisco International Airport. This airport has regular daily service via Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, United, and West Jet.
For your trip going home FROM the tour, the nearest public airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport. This airport has regular daily service via Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United.
ICR will be providing transportation for the tour via a chartered bus, starting on Wednesday morning in San Francisco, and ending at Fresno Yosemite International Airport on Tuesday morning. If you choose to fly into or out of another airport in the region, you will be responsible for transportation to the tour meeting point.
For your trip going home FROM the tour, the nearest public airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport. This airport has regular daily service via Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United.
ICR will be providing transportation for the tour via a chartered bus, starting on Wednesday morning in San Francisco, and ending at Fresno Yosemite International Airport on Tuesday morning. If you choose to fly into or out of another airport in the region, you will be responsible for transportation to the tour meeting point.
What time should I plan my flight arrival and departure times?
Please note: this tour starts in San Francisco and ends in Fresno - you'll need to book a "multi-city" (or two one-way) ticket for your airfare, arriving at San Francisco International (SFO) and departing from Fresno Yosemite International (FAT).
Please plan to arrive in San Francisco by 11:00 a.m. in order to meet up with the group at 1:00 p.m. at the California Academy of Sciences Museum and Aquarium.
If you’re not able to make it to San Francisco before 1:00 p.m., just plan to arrive by Miami by 4:00 p.m. so you can make your way to our hotel in time to join everyone for our dinner to kick off the tour – that will take place at 6:00 p.m.
For the return trip, we should be to the Fresno Yosemite International Airport by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6th for anyone who has flights home that evening.
Please plan to arrive in San Francisco by 11:00 a.m. in order to meet up with the group at 1:00 p.m. at the California Academy of Sciences Museum and Aquarium.
If you’re not able to make it to San Francisco before 1:00 p.m., just plan to arrive by Miami by 4:00 p.m. so you can make your way to our hotel in time to join everyone for our dinner to kick off the tour – that will take place at 6:00 p.m.
For the return trip, we should be to the Fresno Yosemite International Airport by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6th for anyone who has flights home that evening.
Will ICR be providing transportation?
As part of this tour, we have chartered a bus for the tour group, which will provide transportation from our hotel in San Francisco on Tuesday afternoon, September 29th, through the duration of our tour and to Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport on Tuesday afternoon, October 6th. Each tour participant is responsible for getting to San Francisco Intl. Airport, from there you won’t have to worry any further about ground transportation!
Can I drive my own car and save on registration costs?
While the cost of chartering a bus for our group does add to the overall costs of registration for this tour, we have made the decision to not allow tour participants to drive their own vehicles. Part of the value of having a tour bus is that it allows our group to have additional time learning from the ICR scientists and experts along the way between stops, as well as fostering friendships with other tour participants, and it helps streamline the tour so that no one gets lost or left behind due to driving in a caravan of cars.
Can I book my own hotel rooms and get a discount on the tour registration costs?
We have carefully selected hotels that have good ratings, standard amenities, and locations that will be central to each day’s tour itinerary. We have done due diligence to select hotels that have rates that are modest and reasonable, and because we are able to book a larger block of rooms, we have also been able to get some significant discounts off of the costs that would be available to an individual booking a room on their own. Our tour is intended to be virtually all-inclusive, with the exception of airfare and lunch and dinner meal costs. Everything else has been included in the tour price, taking advantage of hotel block discounts and tour group admission discounts.
That said, and considering one of our primary goals for the tour is to help foster friendships and fellowship amongst the group, and to help streamline the logistics of an activity heavy itinerary we will not be allowing any tour participants to book their own lodging accommodations.
That said, and considering one of our primary goals for the tour is to help foster friendships and fellowship amongst the group, and to help streamline the logistics of an activity heavy itinerary we will not be allowing any tour participants to book their own lodging accommodations.
What Should I pack for the Trip?
Great question! Here are some items we suggest you pack to make your experience the best it can be:
Essentials:
Backpack – Comfortable and lightweight for carrying essentials
Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated in the heat
Snacks – High-energy, non-perishable snacks like trail mix or granola bars
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Protect against intense sun exposure at higher altitudes
Hat & Sunglasses – For sun protection
Rain Poncho or Lightweight Jacket – For that unexpected pop-up rain shower
Small First Aid Kit – Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications
Binoculars – For birdwatching and wildlife spotting
Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – Protect electronics from water exposure (if planning to take whale watching excursion)
Notebook & Pen/Pencil – Take notes on observations and lessons
Camera – Capture the beauty of the parks
Bible – For personal study and reflection
Journal – To record thoughts and experiences
Clothing
Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Shirts – Lightweight and long-sleeved options recommended
Quick-Dry Pants or Shorts – Protects against bugs and burrs while keeping cool
Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes or Hiking Sandals – Suitable for walking on trails
Water shoes – For whale watching boat ride
Extra Socks – Helps for changing out during hike
For the evenings, business comfortable (nicer jeans or chinos, and a polo shirt or blouse) would be quite acceptable for presentation time.
Optional Items
Field Guide to California Wildlife & Plants – Optional, but helpful for identifying species
Field Guide to Birds of Florida - Optional, but helpful for identifying these ubiquitous creatures
Headlamps or Flashlight – If exploring in the early morning or evening
Souvenir money - plan to bring along some spending money for souvenirs in the park gift shops, museums, and for any items you find in the markets of Monterey.
Backpack – Comfortable and lightweight for carrying essentials
Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated in the heat
Snacks – High-energy, non-perishable snacks like trail mix or granola bars
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Protect against intense sun exposure at higher altitudes
Hat & Sunglasses – For sun protection
Rain Poncho or Lightweight Jacket – For that unexpected pop-up rain shower
Small First Aid Kit – Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications
Binoculars – For birdwatching and wildlife spotting
Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – Protect electronics from water exposure (if planning to take whale watching excursion)
Notebook & Pen/Pencil – Take notes on observations and lessons
Camera – Capture the beauty of the parks
Bible – For personal study and reflection
Journal – To record thoughts and experiences
Clothing
Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Shirts – Lightweight and long-sleeved options recommended
Quick-Dry Pants or Shorts – Protects against bugs and burrs while keeping cool
Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes or Hiking Sandals – Suitable for walking on trails
Water shoes – For whale watching boat ride
Extra Socks – Helps for changing out during hike
For the evenings, business comfortable (nicer jeans or chinos, and a polo shirt or blouse) would be quite acceptable for presentation time.
Optional Items
Field Guide to California Wildlife & Plants – Optional, but helpful for identifying species
Field Guide to Birds of Florida - Optional, but helpful for identifying these ubiquitous creatures
Headlamps or Flashlight – If exploring in the early morning or evening
Souvenir money - plan to bring along some spending money for souvenirs in the park gift shops, museums, and for any items you find in the markets of Monterey.