The Best Road Trips From San Francisco: Four Day Road Trip Itinerary
San Francisco road trips are great if you’re looking for a spectacular journey through California’s natural landscapes. A four-day RV road trip from San Francisco is the perfect way to get all this in.
A road trip through this neck of the California woods puts you front and center to some of the state’s most iconic sights, from the towering redwoods to the rugged coastline of Big Sur. Here’s an ultimate four-day RV road trip itinerary that will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of California’s most beautiful destinations.
P.S. If you find yourself in The Golden State’s capital instead, many of these trips double as some of the best road trips from Sacramento.
And be sure to stock up on these road trip essentials before you roll!
Start your road trip from San Francisco by heading south on Highway 1 towards Santa Cruz. Along the way, you’ll pass through Half Moon Bay, a charming coastal town with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Continue south on Highway 1 to Santa Cruz, a vibrant beach town known for its surfing culture and laid-back vibes. Spend the afternoon exploring the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic seaside amusement park with thrilling rides and attractions.
The next day, continue south on Highway 1 towards Monterey. Once you arrive in Monterey, head straight to Cannery Row, a historic district that’s home to shops, restaurants, and a world-famous aquarium. Spend the afternoon wandering through the charming streets, and be sure to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see the some of the best marine life you’ll ever see.
Along the way, stop at the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, a stunning wilderness area with towering redwood trees and scenic hiking trails. Take a hike through the forest, and keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, coyotes, and even mountain lions.
On day three, continue south on Highway 1 towards San Luis Obispo. Once you arrive in San Luis Obispo, check out the charming downtown area, which is home to unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. If you’re looking for outdoor adventuring, head to the nearby Montana de Oro State Park, a stunning wilderness area with scenic hiking trails and beautiful beaches.
Along the way, stop at the famous Bixby Bridge, an iconic landmark that spans a deep canyon along the coast. Take a photo of the bridge and the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
On the final day of your San Francisco road trip, head back north on Highway 1 towards The Bay Area. Along the way, stop at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a scenic park that’s home to a diverse array of wildlife and stunning ocean views. Take a hike along the coast, and keep an eye out for sea lions, seals, and even whales.
Once you arrive back in San Francisco, take some time to explore the city’s many attractions. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, walk along the Embarcadero, or head to the top of Twin Peaks for panoramic views of the city.
The San Francisco to Yosemite National Park drive is one of the best road trips from San Francisco you can take. This relatively short drive takes you to an iconic national park that took over 10 million years to form.
The park is full of hiking trails, cozy campsites, and some of the best mountain viewing in the Western Hemisphere.
You can also park your RV for full hookup enjoyment at Outdoorsy Yosemite RV Resort – a tree filled RV campground that’ll get you all the amenities at the doorstep of the national park.
Oh and as with many of these itineraries, Sacramento is a good jumping-off point for this spot too.
These road trips from San Francisco create an unforgettable adventure that will take you through some of California’s most stunning landscapes. From the towering redwoods of Big Sur to the vibrant beach town of Santa Cruz, this itinerary has something for everyone. So pack up your RV, hit the road, and get ready to explore all that the Golden State has to offer!