California is home to beautiful coastline, stunning backdrops, and unbelievable natural wonders. There is so much to see and so much variety in California, that road trips here are never the same as another. Whether you decide to spend your time on the coast or would prefer to head inland to deserts, mountains, rivers or large granite peaks, California does not disappoint. Here are 4 epic California road trip itineraries.
California Coastline
10 Nights - Starting in San Francisco or Los Angeles
This iconic road trip will take you down the California coast on the windy and beautiful Pacific Coast Highway. Kick off your trip in San Francisco and pick up your RV before heading south. Make your first stop on the coast in Monterey, where you can marvel at the many species at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Continue your drive to Big Sur, home to secluded beaches, giant redwoods, and a laid-back vibe. The road takes you to Morro Bay before you hit Santa Barbara, also known as the “American Riviera”, where you can relax on the beach or stroll through this adorable beach town. Your last stop brings you to Ventura, a surfer town with charming shops and restaurants, and also a great jumping off point for the Channel Islands. Finish your adventure in sunny Los Angeles before returning home.
If you have more time, continue south from Los Angeles to San Diego. Experience pristine beaches, perfect sunny weather, and attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Kings Canyon, Sequoia & Yosemite
9 Nights - Starting and Ending in San Francisco
Fly into San Francisco and explore the many eclectic neighborhoods before picking up your RV. Drive to Yosemite, home to sheer, granite cliffs, giant sequoia trees, towering waterfalls, and endless activities. Visit Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest living organisms on earth, the giant sequoias. Just in its backyard is Kings Canyon, which John Muir once called a “rival to Yosemite”. On your way back to San Francisco, we’ll introduce you to an up-and-coming wine region, Lodi, and you may find that some of your most loved wines hail from this region! Drop off your RV in San Francisco and fly home.
If you have more time, return to San Francisco via Big Sur & Monterey. Secluded beaches and unspoiled rock formations line this section of the coast. Explore the peaceful town of Big Sur and take in the magic at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Lake Tahoe & Yosemite
9 Nights - Starting and Ending in San Francisco
Kick off your trip in San Francisco, where you can wander the many eclectic neighborhoods before picking up your RV. Your drive takes you through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and into Truckee, a charming mountain town with a historic downtown that makes you feel like you are in the old-West. Drive along the Truckee River to Tahoe City and spend your days on the shores of Lake Tahoe before heading south to Yosemite. Enjoy the huge granite walls, endless hiking, and giant sequoias. Stop in the lesser-known wine town of Lodi and get a few tastings in before returning to San Francisco to drop off your RV and fly home.
Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
9 Nights - Starting and Ending in San Francisco
Kick off your trip in San Francisco, where you can wander the many eclectic neighborhoods before picking up your RV. Head to the town of Napa, where you’ll experience word-renowned wine tasting. Continue to the northern end of Napa Valley to Calistoga and St. Helena, where you can wander the charming downtown streets and pedal through vineyards from tasting to tasting. Continue west to Sonoma County, and taste your way through Healdsburg and Dry Creek Valley. Drive out to the coast for a little break in your wine tasting and rest on the beaches of Bodega Bay. Continue inland to Petaluma, a town known as the “Egg Capital of the World”, but also popular for its food, wine, and beer scene. Once you’ve tasted all you can, return to San Francisco to drop off your RV and fly home.
While we love these 4 California road trip itineraries, there are so many more options for exploring California! Either way, we are here to help plan your next getaway. Let us know where you want to go, and we’ll take care of the rest.