Road Trip Through Northern California
Two-week Northern California round trip
Always dreamed of driving the Pacific Highway, hitting the trails in Yosemite National Park, or discovering the charm of California’s coastal cities? With our two-week road trip through Northern California, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for your getaway. Setting off from San Francisco, this route takes you on through charming coastal cities like Monterey and Morro Bay before heading off into two of America’s National parks, Sequoia and Yosemite, to give you a chance to switch off and reconnect with nature.
Route
San Francisco ➤ Monterey ➤ Morro Bay ➤ Sequoia National Park ➤ Yosemite National Park ➤ San Francisco
Miles
819 miles
Trip duration
14 days
Highlights
Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Park, whale watching, Morro Rock, General Sherman Tree, Yosemite National Park
Best time to visit
April to June / September to October
Tolls
There are some toll roads, tunnels and bridges.
First stop - San Francisco
Our recommendation: 3 days
The first stop of your two-week road trip through Northern California is San Francisco, a diverse city full of historic charm and modern culture. From the sights and sounds of the sea in the bay and the famous cable cars that trundle the steep streets to the metropolitan centre to charming wooden painted houses and Lombard Street, famed for its colourful flower displays, there is something for everyone.
Make use of your three days here to see one of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as the world’s most famous prison, seals and romantic sunsets.
Top sights
- Golden Gate Bridge: One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, no trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. The Presidio and Battery Spencer viewing points are ideal photo stops and give you spectacular views of the bridge and the bay. But for a truly unique experience, get behind the wheel of your camper and drive the 1.7 miles across the bridge suspended over the Pacific Ocean.
- Alcatraz: The infamous prison island, once housing notorious convicts like Al Capone and George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly, is now one of the most popular city attractions, with guided tours running throughout the year. Located just one and a half miles from Fisherman’s Wharf, it can be reached by ferry in less than 15 minutes, but pre-booking is recommended.
- Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf:Stroll along the pier and watch San Francisco’s famous sunbathing sea lions, peruse traditional seaside shops and amusements or sample the area’s best fresh seafood.
- Twin Peaks:For extraordinary views across the city and beyond, the climb up The Twin Peaks, two of the city’s most prominent hills, is well worth it.
- Muir Woods National Park:Just 15 miles north of San Francisco, majestic redwood trees await you in Muir Woods National Park.
Food
Evening meal
- Ramen Yamadaya
- Tacolicious
- Roam Artisan Burgers
- Flour & Water
Snacks
- Tartine Bakery
- Four Barrel Coffee
- Bi-Rite Ice Cream
- Dandelion Chocolate
Second stop – Monterey
Our recommendation: 2 days
The panoramic Highway 1 takes you to the second stop on our Northern California road trip itinerary – the coastal town of Monterey. Known as the largest marine reserve in the USA, it’s home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and is one of the best places in Northern California to go whale watching.
Top sights
- Fisherman’s Wharf:As in San Francisco, you can sample fresh seafood, buy souvenirs and delight in the diverse sea life, including the playful sea lions down by the wharf.
- Whale watching: Monterey is considered the best place on the West Coast to spot whales, dolphins, seals and many other sea creatures and multiple tours run.
- Point Lobos State:Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city at this nature reserve southwest of Monterey. Enjoy spectacular cliffside hikes, accompanied by breathtaking views and the sound of the ocean.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea:The delightful Californian village offers a charming atmosphere and is brimming with quirky, independent shops and fine dining options. Our top tip: visit in the early evening and treat yourself to a special meal before heading to the beach and watching the sun set over the bay.
Food
Evening meal
- Passionfish
- Züm Sushi
- Schooners Monterey
- Estéban Restaurant
Snacks
- Cafe Guarani
- Beach Kitchen
- Crepes of Brittany
- East Village Cafe
Third stop - Morro Bay
Our recommendation: 2 days
Morro Bay, the next stop on our road trip itinerary, is a small seaside town on the Pacific coast, where you can grab a well-earned break, soaking up the peaceful seaside atmosphere. Feel the sand under your feet, watch playful otters in the harbour and breathe in the fresh sea air, before hitting the road again.
Top sights
- Morro Rock:This ancient volcanic rock that dominates the bay is particularly beautiful at sunset when the golden light bathes Morro Rock in warm colours.
- Black Hill:The gentle ascent of Black Hill rewards you with a marvellous panoramic view of the coast and the surrounding countryside.
- Art Center Morro Bay:Visit one of the largest art centres on the Californian coast, discover masterpieces by local artists or get involved in the many events hosted here over the year.
Food
Evening meal
- Windows on the Water
- The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar
- Taco Temple
- House of Juju
Snacks
- Stax Wine Bar
- Hofbrau
- Bayside Cafe
Fourth stop - Sequoia National Park
Our recommendation: 2 days
Sequoia National Park takes you into a world of ancient giant redwood trees. Between the mighty sequoias that seem to touch the sky and the deep canyons, it is a landscape like no other you’ll have encountered before.
Hiking trails & viewpoints
- General Sherman Tree:Over 2,200 years old, this tree is believed to be the largest living tree in the world. With a diameter of 11 metres and a height of 83 metres, it is guaranteed to impress.
- Tokopah Falls Trail:Just over four miles long, this hiking trail rewards you with a stunning waterfall that shines in all its beauty, especially in the spring months.
- Tunnel Log:On the way to Crescent Meadow, you’ll drive through a fallen redwood tree, which now serves as a natural tunnel. Aim to arrive early, as it is a popular photo stop and can get busy.
- Big Trees Trail:This hiking trail delivers stunning scenery as well as educational insights into the history of the giant trees.
Food
In the park
- The Peaks Restaurant
- Wuksachi Pizza Deck
- Lodgepole Grill & Market
Nearby
- Sequoia Cider Mill Restaurant
- Cedar Creek Pizza
- Old Stage Saloon at Fountain Springs
Fifth stop - Yosemite National Park
Our recommendation: 3 days
The penultimate stop on our Northern California road trip is the third oldest national park in the USA, Yosemite National Park. Rightly considered one of the ten most beautiful in the world, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Majestic waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, and giant redwood trees create a calm and tranquil environment. Relax and take it all in your stride, or let your adventurous side run free in one of nature’s greatest playgrounds.
Hiking trails & viewpoints
- Yosemite Falls Trails:Taking you to one of the largest waterfalls in the USA, Yosemite Falls, you can decide to follow the Upper or Lower Trail, depending on whether you want to marvel at the waterfall from above or below.
- El Capitan:The majestic El Capitan rises 910 metres into the sky. See it in all its glory from a viewing platform, or if you’re an avid climber why not put your climbing skills to the test and take on one of the most challenging climbing routes in the world?
- Mirror Lake:Once part of a large glacial lake, it now usually only fills with water in spring as the snow on the surrounding mountains melts, but is well worth a trip delivering crystal clear reflections of the stunning natural scenery.
- Tunnel View:At the end of the Wawona Tunnel, you have an unforgettable view into the heart of the national park.
Food
In the park
- The Ahwahnee Bar
- Mountain Room Lounge
- The Loft at Degnan’s
Nearby
- North Fork BBQ
- Wild Fig Kitchen
- Artisan Taproom
Last stop - San Francisco
Our recommendation: 2 days
After two unforgettable weeks packed full of adventure, diverse landscapes and unique scenery, you’ll head back to San Francisco. This is the perfect time to enjoy a final few days exploring this magnificent city, stocking up on souvenirs or taking in all the sights you missed on your arrival.
Useful tips for your Northern California road trip
Booking your flights and camper rental is just the start of your Californian adventure. To help you prepare for your road trip through Northern California, we’ve put together everything you need for your travels:
- Valid passport:Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your trip, including the day of departure. It’s also a good idea to carry your passport or a copy with you at all times, so you can show it if necessary.
- ESTA form:As a UK citizen, you can travel to the USA for tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa if you have completed an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) form in advance. The application must be submitted at least 72 hours before your departure and be presented on arrival.
- Driving licence: A UK driving licence is usually sufficient for renting a campervan across California and many other US states. However, as regulations can change, it is advisable to check beforehand or take an international driving licence with you to be on the safe side.
- Credit card: In the USA, credit cards are generally used more widely than debit cards. So we recommend taking a credit card authorised for international payments with you if possible.
- International health and travel insurance:Healthcare costs in the USA can be high, so you should take out comprehensive international health and travel insurance. This ensures any costs will be covered in the event you fall ill or have an accident.
- SIM card:Our North California road trip itinerary takes you through some more remote areas, including national parks, where WiFi is often not available. To ensure you can be contacted in emergencies wherever you travel, we recommend getting a prepaid SIM and making sure that your mobile phone does not have a SIM lock so you can use it without any problems.
Wide, open freeways, vast horizons and breathtaking coastal roads – driving in California is an unrivalled experience! And while driving in Northern California is similar to driving in Europe, there are some specific rules you should be aware of:
- Give way at junctions:/strong> Four-way stop signs at junctions are common across the USA. The rule is first come, first served, but if the order is not clear, drivers will often use hand signals to agree on who should go first.
- Turning right on red:You can turn right at any red light after stopping unless expressly forbidden by a sign.
- School buses:If a school bus stops to let pupils on or off, you must always stop. This applies on both sides of the opposite carriageway.
- Speed limits:The speed limit is 15 mph at level crossings, 25 mph in residential areas, 35 mph in urban areas, 55 mph on two-lane highways and 65-70 mph on freeways.
- Parking:Always pay attention to designated parking zones to avoid fines – red markings mean no stopping, yellow or black markings indicate lorry loading zones, and blue markings are used for disabled parking spaces.
- Toll roads:California has numerous toll roads, tunnels and bridges, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Pay attention to road signs that warn of upcoming tolls, or consider deactivating the toll roads in your SatNav if you’d rather avoid them.
To find the cheapest flights from the UK to California, we recommend:
- Booking flights two to eight months in advance
- Avoiding peak travel times from mid-June to mid-August or big American public holidays like Independence Day and Thanksgiving
- Staying flexible with travel dates and times – it’s often cheaper to fly mid-week than a weekend or in the early hours of the morning
- Using flight comparison websites to find the best deals with the least hassle
- Looking at smaller airports, such as San Diego or Oakland instead of flying directly to San Francisco
- Opting for indirect flights
Find your perfect travelling companion!
At roadsurfer, you’ll discover the largest vehicle fleet of rental campervans, sprinter-type campervans, motorhomes and RVs. So, whatever your travel plans, you’ll have no problems finding the perfect camper to hire for your North Californian road trip.