Scenic Northern California Road Trip
A 2-Week RV Itinerary from Coast to Forest
The best way to see Northern California? Slowly. This 2-week RV itinerary takes you from the city streets of San Francisco to the redwood forests of Sequoia and the granite peaks of Yosemite, with windswept beaches and quiet coastal towns in between. Whether you’re new to RV travel or just ready to experience the state differently, RV rentals in California are set up with everything you need to make the road feel like home.
Route
San Francisco ➤ Monterey ➤ Morro Bay ➤ Sequoia National Park ➤ Yosemite National Park ➤ San Francisco
Distance
820 miles
Duration
14 days
Highlights
Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Park, whale watching, Morro Rock, General Sherman Tree, Yosemite National Park
Best Time to Travel
April to June / September to October
Tolls
There are some toll roads as well as tunnels or bridges with tolls.
Stop 1: San Francisco
Our recommendation: 3 days
Your RV rental in San Francisco is the perfect launch point for your northern California road trip. In this city, ocean fog meets buzzing neighborhoods, and coastal views give way to hidden alleyways packed with history. Take your time—three days here lets you settle into the rhythm of the West Coast while immersing yourself in both natural beauty and urban energy.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Twin Peaks: A sweeping 360° view of the Bay Area where sunrise feels cinematic and the fog rolls like a living tide.
- Muir Woods: A hushed cathedral of ancient redwoods, just across the bridge, where time feels like it stands still.
- Ocean Beach: Moody, wide-open shoreline backed by dunes and wind—perfect for sunset or a solitary morning walk.
Local Culture
- Alcatraz Island: A ferry ride away, this eerie former prison tells stories of escape, defiance, and isolation.
- Chinatown and North Beach: The clatter of mahjong tiles, incense curling out of shopfronts, and espresso around every corner.
- Golden Gate Bridge: The fog-shrouded icon that never loses its drama, especially viewed from Baker Beach or the Marin Headlands.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Tartine Bakery (V, GF options): Legendary pastries made for foggy mornings in Dolores Park.
- La Taqueria (V, VG, GF, DF): Mission-style burritos that are as big as your head and packed with local flavor.
- Bi-Rite Creamery (VG, GF, DF): Small-batch scoops—vegan or classic—right across from the park.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Tacolicious (V, VG, GF, DF, AF): Crowd-pleasing tacos in a lively, allergy-friendly space.
- Roam Artisan Burgers (V, VG, GF, DF, AF): Grass-fed, vegan, or bison—build it your way.
- Flour + Water (V, VG, GF options): Handmade pasta and rustic elegance in the heart of the Mission.
Stop 2: Monterey
Our recommendation: 2 days
The first time you smell kelp thick on the breeze and hear sea lions barking from a dock post, you’ll know you’ve left the city behind. Monterey hugs a wild edge of the coast, perched on a submarine canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon. This stretch of your road trip from San Francisco is less about the destination and more about the drive—past cypress groves, crashing surf, and the iconic curve of Bixby Creek Bridge.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Point Lobos: Dramatic coastal trails, turquoise coves, and barking sea lions echoing off the rocks.
- McWay Falls (Big Sur detour): A waterfall that spills onto a beach — one of the most photographed spots on the Pacific Coast.
- Carmel Beach: White sand, rugged bluffs, and off-leash dogs racing through the surf at sunset.
Local Culture
- Cannery Row: Once sardine-packing plants, now galleries, restaurants, and echoes of Steinbeck’s stories.
- Old Fisherman’s Wharf: Seafood shacks, gift shops, and boats bobbing in the harbor with otters nearby.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: Massive kelp forests, jellyfish halls, and otters so cute they stop you in your tracks.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Crepes of Brittany (V): Savory buckwheat galettes and sweet crêpes by the water.
- East Village Café (V, VG): Espresso, vegan dumplings, and artsy Monterey vibes.
- Café Guaraní (V, GF options): Family-run with empanadas and Paraguayan pastries.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Passionfish (V, GF options): Sustainable seafood with seasonal ingredients in Pacific Grove.
- Schooners Coastal Kitchen (GF options): Upscale casual with bay views right on Cannery Row.
- Estéban Restaurant (V, VG): Spanish-style tapas, cozy patio, and a wood-burning fireplace.
Stop 3 : Morro Bay
Our recommendation: 2 days
In Morro Bay, time moves like the tide—unhurried, deliberate, and full of tiny surprises. Sea otters drift in the harbor, wrapped in kelp like blankets, while gulls bicker overhead. The scent of fish and fog hangs in the air. Whether you’re walking the Embarcadero or sipping coffee with a view of the rock, morro bay camping isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a way to settle into the quiet between adventures.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Morro Rock: Framed by fog and crashing surf, this ancient volcanic plug commands the horizon like a sleeping giant.
- Black Hill Trail: A quick climb through coastal sage scrub leads to sweeping bay views—quiet, open, and always worth the ascent.
- Estuary Nature Walk: Drift past mudflats and salt marshes alive with egrets and herons—especially stunning in the golden light of morning.
Local Culture
- The Embarcadero: Fishermen unload their daily catch as visitors browse indie galleries and sniff out the next bowl of chowder.
- Morro Bay Maritime Museum: Historic vessels and outdoor exhibits tell the salty story of this working harbor’s past.
- Coalesce Bookstore & Garden Chapel: Part indie bookshop, part secret garden—perfect for browsing poetry or attending a tiny live concert.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Taco Temple (V, GF options): California-style tacos with local fish and mountain-sized portions.
- Buttercup Bakery & Café (V, VG, GF): Wholesome pastries, plant-based breakfast, and strong coffee.
- Sun-N-Buns (V, GF): Morning cinnamon rolls and bay views from a cozy window seat.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar (GF options): Oceanfront fine dining with fresh local catches.
- Windows on the Water (V, GF): Sunset dinners with floor-to-ceiling views and an elegant vibe.
- House of JuJu (V, VG, GF): Comfort food meets California coastal—bowls, burgers, and build-your-own options.
Stop 4: Sequoia National Park
Our recommendation: 2 days
You’ll feel it in your chest before you see them: the hush, the altitude, the weight of air among giants. This leg of your northern California road trip climbs into the Sierra Nevada, where sunlight filters through ancient trunks and trail dust clings to your boots. When you set up for sequoia national park camping, you’re not just parking—you’re bedding down among trees that outlived empires, with constellations visible through their branches.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- General Sherman Tree: The world’s largest tree by volume—standing beneath it feels like brushing up against eternity.
- Moro Rock: A granite dome with a stone staircase to panoramic views—sunset up here is pure Sierra magic.
- Crescent Meadow: A quiet, flower-ringed clearing dubbed “the gem of the Sierra” by John Muir—often visited by deer and black bears.
Local Culture
- Giant Forest Museum: Immersive exhibits that unpack the scale and ecology of these ancient trees—engaging and unexpectedly moving.
- Tunnel Log: Drive (or walk) beneath a fallen sequoia—it’s kitschy, classic, and oddly profound.
- Lodgepole Visitor Center: Trail maps, ranger talks, and local insight—plus a gift shop for your “I hiked with giants” sticker.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Lodgepole Market Deli (V, VG, GF): Grab-and-go sandwiches, snacks, and picnic staples near the trailheads.
- Grant Grove Restaurant Café (V, GF): Quick comfort food with veggie chili and gluten-free buns.
- Wuksachi Pizza Deck (V, VG): Personal pizzas and plant-based options under the pines.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- The Peaks Restaurant (V, VG, GF): Lodge-style dining with local ingredients and panoramic windows.
- Grant Grove Restaurant (V, GF): Cozy and casual—try the seasonal veggie bowl or trout.
- Wuksachi Lodge Dining Room (V, VG, GF): Rustic atmosphere, full bar, and flexible allergy-friendly menu.
Stop 5: Yosemite National Park
Our recommendation: 3 days
Then there’s the moment: you exit Wawona Tunnel and Yosemite Valley opens like a secret kept too long. El Capitan rises to the left, Bridalveil Falls plunges on the right, and Half Dome anchors the horizon like a myth. As the final stop on your northern California road trip, Yosemite offers not a climax, but a quiet landing. Here, even stillness feels like motion—waterfalls roaring in spring, granite glowing at dusk, a silence that sinks in and stays.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Yosemite Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in North America—visit in spring when snowmelt powers its thunderous drop.
- Glacier Point: A sweeping vista above the valley, where sunrise lights Half Dome in pink and gold.
- Mariposa Grove: Wander among 500+ ancient sequoias, including the massive Grizzly Giant—each step echoes with age.
Local Culture
- Ansel Adams Gallery: A serene space showcasing the park’s influence on photography and the preservation movement.
- Ahwahnee Hotel: Step inside this 1920s lodge for a drink, a meal, or just to admire its iconic architecture and warm grandeur.
- Yosemite Museum & Village: Insight into the park’s natural and Indigenous history—quiet, respectful, and deeply grounding.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Degnan’s Kitchen (V, GF): Sandwiches, snacks, and strong coffee—great for post-hike refueling.
- Base Camp Eatery (V, GF, DF): Cafeteria-style variety with veggie burgers, rice bowls, and allergy-friendly labeling.
- Village Store (V, GF, DF, AF): Grab-and-go groceries and picnic fixings, including gluten-free and vegan trail snacks.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- The Ahwahnee Dining Room (V, VG, GF, DF): Elegant but welcoming—perfect for a farewell dinner beneath chandeliers.
- Mountain Room Restaurant (V, VG, GF): Big windows and hearty fare—seasonal pastas and great views of Yosemite Falls.
- Wild Fig Kitchen (V, VG, GF, DF): A hidden gem outside the park—fresh, healthy meals if you’re heading south toward San Diego.
Final Stop: San Francisco (Return)
Our recommendation: 2 night
You return to San Francisco and realize it hasn’t changed—but you have. The fog still rolls in. The bridge still rises over the bay. But this time, you notice the space between things. You take your time crossing the street. You breathe slower. You don’t need to check off anything else. A quiet walk, something warm to eat, a view across the water—that’s more than enough. After two weeks of motion, it feels good to stop. The road gave you room, and you’re taking that with you.
Travel Tips for Your North California Road Trip
- City Driving: San Francisco’s steep hills and narrow streets make RV driving difficult—park outside the city and use public transit or rideshare apps.
- Mountain Roads: Sequoia and Yosemite both have winding grades—downshift early and check clearance signs before entering the parks.
- Dry Camping: Most national park sites don’t offer RV hookups. Plan ahead for water refills and waste disposal.
- Bridge Tolls: The Golden Gate Bridge uses a cashless toll system. Pay within 48 hours at bayareafastrak.org.
- Layered Clothing: Coastal fog, mountain chill, and sunny valleys mean you’ll want warm layers—even in late spring.
- Trail Gear: Bring sturdy shoes, a headlamp or flashlight, and sunscreen.
- Power + Water: Portable power banks and refillable jugs are helpful when hookups aren’t available.
- Food Storage: Bears are active in Yosemite and Sequoia—store all food and scented items properly.
- Packing Guide: Browse our RV essentials packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
- Best Travel Months: April to June offers full waterfalls, wildflowers, and fewer crowds than peak summer.
- Trail Conditions: Some high-elevation roads like Glacier Point and Tioga Pass may still be closed—check current park conditions.
- Fog & Microclimates: Expect chilly mornings and sudden fog, especially along the coast and in San Francisco.
- Campground Bookings: Reserve national park campsites well in advance at recreation.gov.
Find Your Perfect Travel Companion
Choose from one of the largest RV fleets in the world and book your ideal ride in San Francisco. Whether you’re after a compact RV or a fully equipped model, the perfect vehicle for your next adventure is ready and waiting.