Central California By Motorhome

Itinerary

• Day One: Hotel Bijou San Franciso – San Francisco

  Fly into San Francisco where you’ll spend the night at this classic and elegant boutique hotel in an Art Deco building near Union Square. The hotel has a restaurant, bar/lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi, in-room spa service, nearby gym, parking, and 24-hour reception. From cable cars and Pier 39’s seafood chowder to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the historic Alcatraz Island prison; the ‘City by the Bay’ has lots to discover. Mandatory fees include: resort fee $29.11 per room per night payable locally.

• Day Two – San Francisco → Sonoma Valley

  After spending time in one of the most vibrant and historic cities in North America; collect your Cruise America RV from the San Francisco depot and head north into the hills and valleys of Marin County. Your first stop on this itinerary is the Mayo Family Winery in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. This small family run business specialises in small batch artisan wines producing 20 different types each year.

• Day Three – Sonoma Valley → Chico

  Spend the morning exploring the beautiful town of Napa with its local restaurants, stylish boutiques, and public works of art; before heading due north to your next stop just outside Chico, one of California’s most distinctive and stylish small cities. The resting place for the night is on the Raging Bull Vineyard with its vast vineyards spread across 200 acres of rolling hills.

• Day Four – Chico → Shingle Springs

  You’re now heading into ‘Gold Country’. This is where the modern California began and where the famous 49ers came to find their fortune in the American River and beyond. Drive parts of Highway 49 through peaceful and quaint hill towns which tell the tales of these pioneers. The stop for the night is the Bella Branch at SE Ranch. This small family-owned ranch raises llamas, goats, and sheep on the property.

• Days Five to Six – Shingle Springs → Lake Tahoe

  You’re just a short drive away from one of the finest natural sights in North America. The majestic Lake Tahoe shimmers in shades of green and blue and, at over 6000ft high, is one of the deepest and highest in the country. The 72-mile loop road will show you the different sides of the lake.

• Days Seven to Eight – Lake Tahoe → Yosemite National Park

  After a few days by the lake, it’s time to head to Yosemite National Park. It’s a beautiful, albeit long, drive as you travel down the spine of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. There are many campsites in and around the park.

• Day Nine to Ten – Yosemite National Park → Land of the Giants

  Head out of Yosemite to the city of Fresno with its gorgeous gardens and parks. Your destination for the next few nights is in the ‘Land of the Giants’ – famed for its ancient, towering redwood and sequoia forests - in Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks.

• Day Eleven – Land of the Giants → Paso Robles

  After nearly a week of tremendous mountain-based activities; make your way towards the beautiful California coastline. Tonight, you’re staying on the Four Lanterns Winery, just outside the small town of Paso Robles.

• Days Twelve to Thirteen – Paso Robles → Carmel-by-the-Sea

  The highlights are set to continue as, for the first time on this road trip, you’ll be driving north along California’s famed Pacific Coastline. Continue with the breathtaking coastal scenery as you head north for your stop just outside the quaint and artsy town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

• Day Fourteen – Carmel-by-the-Sea → Airport → UK

  Make the 90-mile drive back to the Cruise America depot to return your motorhome before your flight home to the UK from San Francisco Airport - hopefully with many happy memories to look back on of your Central California by Motorhome adventure.

• Day Eleven – Avenue of the Giants → Napa Valley

  Today’s adventure continues south to the Napa Valley. Napa Valley is famous for its hillside vineyards and leads to regional gourmet food at Napa’s Oxbow Public Market, rides on the Napa Valley Wine Train through the valley, and the nearby town of Yountville known for its sparkling wine.

• Day Twelve – Napa → Sonoma Coast

  Continue south towards the Sonoma Coast. This rugged 17-mile stretch of Pacific coastline extends from Bodega Head to north of Jenner - offering dramatic coastal bluffs, quiet beaches, and sweeping ocean views. Spend the night near the coast, enjoy the fresh sea air, and a glass of local Pinot Noir.

• Day Thirteen – Sonoma Coast → Sacramento

  Head inland to Sacramento today. Explore the Old Sacramento district that harks back to the city’s Gold Rush era with wooden sidewalks and wagon rides. Walk along the riverfront and enjoy the historic downtown. This is a good day for a relaxed city stop before heading back towards the coast.

• Day Fourteen – Sacramento → Pinnacles National Park

  Drive south today to Pinnacles National Park. This natural park offers unique rock formations, intriguing caves, desert-like landscapes, and a rich diversity of wildlife including mountain lions and condors. Spend the afternoon exploring the trails and enjoying the warmer winter temperatures.