Northern California Highlights

Northern California Highlights Itinerary

• Day 1 • Arrive in San Francisco

  Upon arriving in San Francisco, you have a free evening at your airport hotel before collecting your motorhome and experiencing northern California's highlights.

• Day 2-3 • San Francisco, 50 Miles

  Pick up your motorhome in San Francisco to start your adventure through northern California. Head for one the closest campgrounds to the city, Marin RV Park, and head into the centre of the city by public transport to start exploring. Visit Alcatraz Island or ride a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge, before taking the ferry back to the city.

• Day 4 • San Francisco to Bodega Bay, 55 Miles

  Your next stop is Sonoma County, where you can find over 300 wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, art galleries, shops,. river and redwoods. Be sure to visit Bodega Bay for fantastic ocean views and a culinary treat - we recommend enjoying some warming clam chowder!

• Day 5 • Bodega Bay to Manchester Beach, 70 Miles

  It's time to head north on Highway 101 through diverse landscapes rich in agricultural heritage. Visit some of Sonoma County's best wineries along the riverbanks of the Russians River Valley and sample an array of exceptional wines. Hike the nature trail in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and visit Fort Ross State Historic Park, Continuing north on scenic Highway 1 will lead you to numerous parks, beaches and coastal villages. A must-visit is Point Arena historic lighthouse.

• Day 6 • Manchester Beach to Eureka, 180 Miles

  Still following Highway 1, travel along the Avenue of Giants, a stunning 31-mile road passing through the Drive-Through-Tree at Myers Flat. Tour Humboldt Bay by boat then shop and dine in Old Town Eureka. Between the cities of Orrick and Crescent City are the world's tallest trees in the Redwood National Park. The statues of local legend lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, can be seen as you approach Crescent City, the northern gateway to the Redwood National Park.

• Day 7-8 • Eureka to Mount Shasta, 210 Miles

  Travelling east from Eureka you'll find the Trinity River Scenic Byway, which offers some of the most diverse scenery in northern California. Admire Weaverville's historic sites and stop by the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area to enjoy free kayaking or hiking at one of the many beautiful falls in the area. In the Cascade Range of mountains at Mount Shasta, you will find numerous places to hike, or you can opt to drive along Everitt Memorial Highway to capture some breathtaking views of majestic Mount Shasta. At 14,179 feet above sea level, it's the second highest peak in the Cascades.

• Days 9 • Mount Shasta to Hat Creek, 80 Miles

  From Mount Shasta, travel south on Highway 89 toward McCloud. This will take you onto one of the US's most scenic drives, the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Enjoy the majesty of this drive as you make your way down to one of the region's fantastic attractions, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, which has a 129-foot high waterfall. What's more, Subway Cave offers an opportunity to walk through a volcanic lava tube.

• Day 10-11 • Hat Creek to Lake Tahoe, 215 Miles

  After seeing the stunning sights of northern California's volcanic parks, today you will drive to Lake Tahoe. This beautiful alpine lake offers so much to do no matter the weather. Activities include fishing, golfing, mountain biking and horseback riding. End your day with a dinner cruise on the lake with spectacular views.

• Day 12 • Lake Tahoe to Sacramento, 100 Miles

  In Sacramento, you will find cultural attractions to inspire you. California's capital is great value for visitors with lots to do for minimal charges, including a free tour of the California State Capitol building or sightseeing in historic Old Sacramento. As well as its history and culture you will be sure to find some amazing cafes, restaurants and bars. Stop at the Dive Bar to see magical underwater live shows whilst enjoying unique, locally brewed beers.

• Day 13-14 • Sacramento to Yosemite National Park, 170 Miles

  Today's drive will take you to one of the most iconic national parks in North America, Yosemite, comprising of over 1,189 square miles of scenic land and peaks ranging from 2,000 feet above sea level to over 13,000 feet. The park is home to alpine meadows, mountain forests, lakes, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife and a grove of giant Sequoias. View the amazing El Capitan and, for the adventurous, take the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. In yosemite Village there are shops, restaurants and the Yosemite Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery showing prints of the photographer's renowned landscapes of the area.

• Day 15 • Yosemite National Park to San Francisco, 158 Miles

  The drive today is approx. 158 miles and be sure to allow plenty of time to enjoy this great drive across California's central valley before returning your motorhome in San Francisco. Return to downtown San Francisco for a final evening to relax and enjoy a fantastic meal in China Town or Little Italy.

• Day 16 • Homeward Bound

  Enjoy your final few hours in San Francisco before making your way to the airport for your homebound flight.