Your Guide to Traveling to San Francisco in Your RV
Whether you’re obsessed with the show Full House or have always dreamed of driving your RV over the Golden Gate Bridge, there are so many reasons to visit San Francisco. Not only does the city itself offer a diverse culture and steep streets, it’s also close to many cool spots that are worth going to. Whether you are trying to check another national park off your bucket list or want to explore spots right in the city, here are the best things you can do while RVing in San Francisco.
1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Right near the Golden Gate Bridge, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is worth making a stop at. This area protects more than 2,000 plant and animal species, 19 distinct ecosystems, and is a perfect place to learn about the expansion of San Francisco itself. Its ocean and bridge views, mountainous landscapes, and tranquil hiking trails, such as the breathtaking Lands End Trail, make it hard to believe how close it is to the city!
2. Alcatraz Island
Located 1.5 miles off the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is a popular destination, mainly for the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, which was once an ultimate maximum security prison on the island that can be seen from the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition, the island is also known as being home to the first lighthouse on the west coast and a Civil War fortress, Fortress Alcatraz. If you have time, it’s worth planning a half or full day trip to this historical island in San Francisco.
3. Redwood National and State Parks
If you can dedicate half a day to driving, then it’s worth checking out the Redwood National and State Parks in northern California. This magical place offers 40 miles of coastline and views of the tallest trees in the world, such as Libbey Tree. The Redwood trees can be viewed in places like Jedediah Smith Redwoods or by hiking to spots like Tall Trees Grove. If you don’t have much time on your trip, then take a quick drive to Enderts Beach Road for a picture-worthy ocean view. You may even spot some Roosevelt Elk while driving!
4. Napa Valley
Wine lovers—don’t miss the chance to sip a glass of red or white wine from places like Caymus Vineyards or Cakebread Cellars in Napa Valley if you’ll be driving through San Francisco! This beautiful countryside is only an hour and a half from the Golden Gate Bridge. Not only is the sunshine, rolling hills, and lines on lines of grape vines absolutely stunning, the wine is also as fresh as it gets. There are over 400 wineries in the area, where you can follow a guide, visit wine cellars, nibble on some cheese, and taste several glasses of grapes.
5. Yosemite National Park
Just a few hours east of San Francisco and in central California, Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., and for good reason. From being home to El Capitan, one of the world’s best climbing spots and tallest granite monolith, to Half Dome, a popular hiking spot and one of the most dangerous in the country, there is so much adventure to seek here. While here, explore large sequoias that are more than 3,000 years old, stunning waterfalls, such as Yosemite Falls, and granite cliffs!
From exploring the city of San Francisco to everything around it, it’s easy to fill up an entire itinerary for a San Francisco trip. Relax by the ocean, hike up a dome, or try some wine in the countryside. If you’re wondering where else to go this year, check out our picks for the 8 best bucket list destinations in 2024.
See you on the road!