4 California RV Road Trip Ideas You Have To Check Out
California truly encompasses a wealth of experiences. With its renowned national parks, picturesque coastline, top-tier wine regions, and an inviting climate, it’s no surprise that it stands as an idyllic haven for RV enthusiasts, particularly during the summer months.
While we trust that you’re already tempted to explore The Golden State, the challenge lies in the route selection. Fear not, for we are at your service! We’ve meticulously curated four captivating summer RV road trip pathways, each offering a touch of variety to cater to all preferences.
Joshua Tree National Park >> Sequoia National Park >> Yosemite National Park >> Lake Tahoe
If you love outdoor activities and hanging out in national parks, this route is for you.
With more national parks than any other state, California is the place to be! This route alone will take you to 4 of the state’s 9 national parks (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks share a border so you can cross both off your list at once!). So pack your hiking gear, kayak, bike, and action cam, and get out there!
Photo Credit – Rodrigo Soares
Top sights/attractions: Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Ryan Mountain, Skull Rock, Keys View, General Sherman, Mount Whitney, Giant Forest, Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Emerald Bay State Park, Sand Harbor, Humbnewt-Toiyabe National Forest, Commons Beach.
Popular RV Parks & Campgrounds:
Photo credit Jay Mantri
San Diego >> Dana Point >> Long Beach >> Malibu
This route will take you along the coast to some of Southern California’s most popular and desired beaches. With short drives in between each destination, you’ll have more time for relaxing in the sun. Also, staying in these destinations will put you in close proximity to major metropolitan areas as well as other popular beaches for shorter day trips.
Photo Credit Follow Your Detour
Top beaches on this route: La Jolla Cove, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Hermosa Beach, Venice Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, Zuma Beach
Top Activities/Attractions: San Diego Zoo, Coronado Island, Sea World, Legoland, Universal Studios, Aquarium of the Pacific, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Naples Canals, Disneyland, Griffith Observatory, whale watching, surfing, hiking in Malibu.
Popular RV Parks & Campgrounds:
San Francisco >> Napa Valley >> Fort Bragg >> Redwoods
If you want a little of everything that Cali has to offer, well here you go!
Expect to check off several bucket list items while traveling on this route. You’ll go from gawking at the Gnewen Gate Bridge and riding the trolley like Uncle Jessie from Full House to sipping some of the nation’s best wine. Also, you can walk on the famous glass beach, and then end your day with a sore neck from photographing the world’s tallest trees!
Top sights/attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, Bay Bridge, Painted Ladies, Oxbow Public Market, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Castello di Amorosa, Glass Beach, MacKerricher State Park, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Trees of Mystery, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon, Gnew Bluffs Beach.
Popular RV Parks & Campgrounds:
Santa Barbara >> Buellton >> Paso Robles >> Monterrey
Everyone knows about Napa Valley, but there’s so much more to California’s wine country than just Napa. In fact, this route is preferred over Napa, by many locals (including us).
If you love wine, but also love breathtaking views, this is the route for you. You’ll also get some time on the coast and be able to drive a spectacular part of the Pacific Coast Highway. This route is definitely the most laid-back and relaxing route of the four in this blog.
Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA – Photo Credit: Follow Your Detour
Top wineries in the area: Santa Barbara Winery, Kunin Wines, Fess Parker, Koehler, Beckman, Bridlewood, Croad Vineyards, Aronhill Vineyards, Daou Vineyards, Castoro Cellars, Doce Robles
Top activities: Wine and brewery tours, State Street, Santa Barbara Courthouse, Stearns Wharf, Solvang (Danish village), Hearst Castle, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lover’s Point, Cannery Row, Bixby Bridge
Popular RV Parks & Campgrounds:
Are you feeling the “California dreamin” vibes? We’re absolutely jazzed about these routes, and we’re pretty sure you’ll catch the excitement too. Regardless of whether you’ve got weeks or even a couple of months to spare for exploration, we’ve whipped up these routes to shrink your time on the road and blow up your adventure meter. Speed demons or leisurely wanderers, it’s all your call – how you groove along these routes is totally in your hands. So, why wait? Let the trip scheming commence!