California is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world for a road trip. With breathtaking landscapes, iconic cities, and spectacular national parks, this western United States state is an absolute dream for camper van travel enthusiasts. In this article, we will take you on a 3-week journey discovering the wonders of California by visiting its vibrant cities and preserved national parks.
Week 1: San Francisco and the Pacific Coast
Our adventure begins in the legendary city of San Francisco. After picking up our camper van, we set off exploring by visiting the famous Golden Gate Bridge. From there we head towards Fisherman’s Wharf, where we delight in delicious fresh seafood. We also take the time to visit Alcatraz Island, the former prison that housed some of the most notorious criminals in history.
Leaving San Francisco, we start our journey along the Pacific Coast. We follow the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, enjoying spectacular ocean views. We make a stop at Santa Cruz, famous for its beach amusement park. We also pass through Monterey, where we spot sea lions and take a boat ride to watch the whales.
Week 2: Los Angeles and National Parks
The second week of our road trip takes us to Los Angeles, the entertainment capital. We visit Hollywood, the Walk of Fame and the famous Hollywood sign. We also make a detour to Universal Studios for a dose of adrenaline..
After leaving city hustle, we head east to explore national parks. Our first destination is Joshua Tree National Park, famous for its desert scenery and unique Joshua Trees. We spend a couple of days exploring hiking trails and observing incredible rock formations.
From there, we head towards Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. We are amazed by the grandeur of the giant sequoia trees, some being among the tallest trees in the world. We also take advantage of hiking trails to discover waterfalls and breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
Week 3: Yosemite and Return to San Francisco
The final stage of our road trip takes us to Yosemite National Park. This iconic park is renowned for its valleys, waterfalls and spectacular rock formations. We spend several days exploring hiking trails, admiring majestic waterfalls and contemplating the famous peaks of Half Dome and El Capitan.
After enjoying the natural beauty of Yosemite, we start our return journey to San Francisco. On our way, we stop at Napa Valley, a famous Californian vineyard, to sample some of the region’s finest wines.
Arriving back in San Francisco, our incredible camper van adventure in California comes to an end. We have traveled hundreds of miles, discovered cities, national parks, and breathtaking landscapes. This road trip has allowed us to experience the essence of California in all its forms, from the lively spectacles of San Francisco to the natural wonders of national parks.
A camper van road trip in California is an unforgettable experience. Between fascinating cities and breathtaking national parks, the diversity of landscapes and activities is simply incredible. Whether you are a fan of urban culture or a nature enthusiast, California has something for everyone. So, prepare your camper van and set off on an adventure to discover everything this western United States state has to offer.
