San Francisco to Sacramento Drive – Road Trip Itinerary

Since you’re departing from San Francisco, it only makes sense to stop for a while and explore what this incredible city has to offer before heading out on the road. Start your day at Presidio, where you can hike the Batteries to Bluffs Trail for beautiful views across the ocean, or visit the Walt Disney Family Museum if you’ve got a soft spot for animation. After that, make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll find sea lions basking at Pier 39 and street performers entertaining the crowds.

The Exploratorium on the Embarcadero is another must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids who want to experience some hands-on science exhibits. And, of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Alcatraz Island for a tour of the infamous former prison. Golden Gate Park also deserves a visit, and inside, you’ll find the de Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers.

It’s fair to say there’s plenty to do before you head to the next stop on the road, and if you really want to experience San Francisco to the fullest, it’s a good idea to consider spending a night or two here as your first stop. The San Francisco RV Resort is a great base for this, as it’s only 15 minutes away from Downtown San Francisco and has some excellent amenities. These include restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, a picnic area, WiFi, and a swimming pool, along with sites that boast ocean views.

You don’t have to spend long on the road before reaching your next stop, as Half Moon Bay is only 30 miles from San Francisco. As soon as you arrive, head to Half Moon Bay State Beach, which is perfect for a morning stroll or picnic by the sea. Or, if you’re into nature walks, take the Coastside Trail that hugs the shoreline and offers unparalleled views across the Pacific.

Over in town, Main Street is the place to be, with locally-loved shops like Oddyssea waiting to be explored and the Moonside Bakery & Cafe providing you with the perfect place to grab a sweet treat and a coffee. There are also opportunities in Half Moon Bay to explore something a little more off the beaten path, including Purisimia Creek Redwoods Open Preserve with its redwood and fern-lined trails, or the 654-acre Filolo House & Garden, which is only 20 minutes inland.

When it’s time to set up camp for the night, you can’t go wrong with a reservation at Half Moon Bay RV Park. It’s only 5 minutes from town and has amenities including, full hookups, private bathrooms with showers, laundry facilities, and free WiFi. There’s even a historic British pub right on the premises, which is perfect for unwinding in after a long day of exploring.

Heading a little further south now, the next stop on your road trip is Pescadero. It’s all too easy to breeze through here on your way to the better-known Santa Cruz, but it’s more than worth stopping and slowing down for. Start with a visit to Harley Farms Goat Dairy, where you can meet the goats and pick up some award-winning cheese to take with you on the rest of your trip.

After that, head to Arcangeli Grocery Co (also locally known as Norm’s Market) for some of the most delicious artichoke garlic bread and to look around the antique stores and gift shops lining the street. Or, if you’re feeling outdoorsy, Pescadero State Beach has plenty of opportunities for tide pooling, while Butano State Park is less than 10 minutes away and is home to some excellent walking trails.

For your camping options, we highly recommend staying at Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA, which is around 10 minutes from Pescadero State Beach. It’s also one of the best-equipped campgrounds in the area, with plenty of drive-thru sites and amenities that include electric hookups, toilets, showers, trash cans, drinking water, an on-site market, picnic tables, and WiFi.

Cruise 35 miles inland and around the curve of Monterey Bay, and you’ll land in Santa Cruz, which has a perfect mix of surf culture and classic Americana. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the top attraction here, with the iconic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and arcade games pulling in families from all over the country. Meanwhile, Downtown Santa Cruz is home to indie bookstores, record shops, and plenty of cool cafes that double as impromptu concert venues.

If you’re keen on exploring Santa Cruz’s wilder side, a 15-minute drive out of town will take you to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where you can walk the Redwood Grove Loop Trail to see some of the tallest trees on Earth, including one you can step inside! Or, if you simply want to see some of the best ocean views on this road trip, the West Cliff Scenic Drive is the perfect stretch for an evening stroll. And before you’re done exploring, make sure you swing by the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which is set in a lighthouse overlooking Steamer Lane, where you can watch locals catching waves with enviable ease.

When it’s time to rest your head for the night, the Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA is 20 minutes away in the town of Watsonville. Full RV hookups are on offer here, along with amenities such as a year-round pool, a general store, a clubhouse, and several planned activities throughout the week, making it an ideal spot for families traveling this route.

San Jose is your next stop on the road, and while it might be best known as the capital of Silicon Valley, it’s not all microchips and startups here. For instance, you can visit the famously bizarre Winchester Mystery House, a maze-like mansion built by Sarah Winchester (heir to the rifle fortune), who believed she had to keep building to ward off spirits. This place is part haunted house, part architectural oddity, and totally fascinating. Once you’ve puzzled your way through it, head down to The Tech Interactive, a hands-on science and technology museum with fun exhibits that both kids and adults will love.

With those San Jose attractions ticked off your to-do list, the next place to visit is San Pedro Market Square, where you can sample your way through a dozen local food vendors with everything from sushi burritos to wood-fired pizza on offer. After that, head to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which is packed with genuine ancient artifacts, including a few real mummies! Or, if you’re simply looking for a peaceful walk, the Municipal Rose Garden is less than 10 minutes from town and is especially beautiful in spring when the blooms are out in full, fragrant force.

After a day of exploring everything San Jose has to offer, Garden City RV Park is the perfect place to settle down for the evening. Located just 10 minutes from town, there are full-hookup sites available here, and while the amenities aren’t as high-end as some other campgrounds, you’ll still have access to everything you need for a comfortable stay, including restrooms with showers, on-site laundry facilities, and WiFi.

From San Jose, a 40-minute drive east brings you to Livermore, which is one of California’s oldest wine regions and a seriously underrated spot. Start your trip here with a wine tasting at Wente Vineyards, where you can sip varietals surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Then head over to Concannon Vineyard, which is best known for introducing Petite Sirah to the U.S., and enjoy another tasting experience in relaxing surroundings. Or, if beer is more your kind of thing, Altamont Beer Works serves up craft brews in a funky, industrial-style tasting room.

With your tasting experiences done, head to Livermore’s historic downtown and visit the Livermore Heritage Guild for an interesting look at the town’s past. After that, make your way to Sycamore Grove Park for a stroll around the gardens and the chance to spend an afternoon bird watching. You can also attend occasional festivals here, from wine walks to art shows, so keep an eye on the town’s official website for upcoming events.

One of the best places to stay if you’re planning to camp at Livermore is Alameda Country Fairgrounds RV Park, just 15 20 minutes from town. There are sites here with full hookups, and you’ll also have access to amenities that include a covered picnic area, showers and laundry facilities, a general store, and even a 9-hole golf course & driving range.

Not far along the road, your next stop is Walnut Creek. This is one of the East Bay’s best shopping districts, and your first point of call should be Broadway Plaza. This is an open-air mall with a mix of big-name brands and boutique shops, all surrounded by cafes and sun-drenched patios that are perfect for a midday break between retail therapy sessions.

It’s not all shopping here, though. There’s also a strong arts scene, and the Lesher Center for the Arts hosts plays, concerts, and community performances all year round. There are also some great opportunities for outdoor adventures, including a visit to Mount Diablo State Park, which is around 40 minutes away but worth the drive if you want to head out on a hike to views of the Sierra Nevada. Closer to town (and much less strenuous), the Lindsay Wildlife Experience gives you the chance to have a hands-on encounter with local wildlife, which is especially fun for family vacations.

There aren’t any camping options right in Walnut Creek, but Tradewinds RV Park is ideally located at the halfway point between Walnut Creek and your next destination of Davis, and only 20 minutes from town. There are 30-amp and 50-amp hookup sites available here, along with a host of excellent amenities, including restrooms with showers, free WiFi, a TV lounge, children’s playground, and picnic tables.

Your penultimate stop also happens to be your longest stretch of road so far, and just under an hour’s drive will take you to Davis, where at first glance you might only see a small college town, but there’s a surprising number of fun things to check out. Start at the UC Davis Arboretum, which is a massive stretch of gardens and walking trails that wind along a creek and through themed landscapes from desert plants to redwoods.

If you plan your trip just right and land in Davis on a Saturday, you can also visit the Davis Farmers Market in Central Park and indulge in some fresh produce or handmade tamales while enjoying live music. There’s also the Pence Gallery to explore, which is packed with local art and small community performances.

In terms of camping, there aren’t many suitable options in the immediate area. But since you’re only 14 miles from Sacramento, it’s best to head straight to your final destination and set up camp for the night before exploring the following morning.

You’ve made it to Sacramento! This might be the end of your road trip, but it’s definitely not the end of the fun. Your first stop should be Old Sacramento, where you’ll find boardwalks and 19th-century buildings along the riverfront, and get the opportunity to hop aboard the Delta King, a historic paddlewheel riverboat that is now a hotel and restaurant. Or, if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, head to the California State Railroad Museum to explore some beautifully restored train cars.

When hunger strikes, head to Midtown Sacramento and grab a bite to eat at The Porch for elevated Southern comfort food or LawBrau for craft beer and brats in a lively beer hall setting. Then, make your way to Capitol Park, which wraps around the California State Building and includes gardens filled with trees from around the world. Finish your day at Crocker Art Museum, one of the oldest and most impressive art institutions on the West Coast.

For your final night of camping, we recommend making a reservation at Cal Expo RV Park. Conveniently, it’s only 10 minutes from town and has all the amenities you need, including private restrooms with showers, full hookups at every site, free WiFi, and a laundry room.

Make this road trip comfortable and stylish with affordable campervan hire in San Francisco from Travellers Autobarn. Our rentals include free unlimited miles as standard, too, so you can explore every inch of the adventure without worrying about racking up extra charges.

Looking for some other fantastic San Francisco road trips? Check out these itineraries:

• San Francisco to San Francisco Route 66 Road Trip
• San Francisco to Denver Road Trip
• San Francisco to Las Vegas Road Trip
• San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip

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