Road Trip with RVshare Sacramento to San Diego

If you want to enjoy an enchanting journey through the Golden State, take this Sacramento to San Diego road trip. While in Sacramento, you can see remnants of the Gold Rush days in the downtown district. In Los Angeles, you can visit world-class museums or eat at some of the West Coast's best restaurants. At the end of the trip, take some time to spend a few days in San Diego. This city is known for its warm weather, beaches, and attractions. With this itinerary, you will see the best sights and attractions in the state of California. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

When following this road trip itinerary from Sacramento to San Diego, you will travel through several cities during your journey. You can find a few places to park your vehicle so that you can enjoy a relaxing vacation. If you need a clean dump station, there are plenty of sanitary stops along the route to clear out your RV's tanks. 

Modesto

Modesto is located between Yosemite National Park and San Francisco. If you love parks, this city is a great place to kick off your next adventure in the outdoors. San Joaquin National Wildlife Refuge and Turlock Lake State Recreation Area are just miles away from the middle of the city. While in Modesto, there are a couple of convenient and relaxing campgrounds to park your RV.

Los Angeles

While you are traveling on your Sacramento to San Diego road trip, you will pass through Los Angeles. This city is home to several movie and television studios that are worth a visit. You will definitely want to visit the thrilling theme parks, fascinating museums, and exciting sports venues in the area. Along with that, there are plenty of places to grab a delicious meal. When it is time to settle down for the night, you can find several campgrounds to accommodate your rig.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield is a great place to enjoy comfortable year-round temperatures. This town is home to the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and California Living Museum. There is an extensive hiking path through the Kern River Ranger District Park. Bakersfield is a popular location to set up your RV, and you can find the right campground to spend a night under the stars.

National Parks

If you want to take a break from the road, visit some of California's national parks. These parks are the perfect way to enjoy the diverse beauty of the state. 

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a bit of a drive from Sacramento, but you will see some of the tallest trees in the world here. Along with the giant trees, this park is home to other features, including riverways, prairie grasses, oak forests, and coastlines. Redwood National Park encompasses over 193,000 acres of land, and it includes about 45% of the world's coastal redwoods. There are plenty of endangered animals in this park. You might catch a glimpse of a northern spotted owl or Steller sea lion. If you are looking to participate in a few recreational activities, there are plenty of things to see and do in this national park. Hiking, kayaking, and tide pool exploration are some of the most popular activities. 

Sequoia National Park

California is home to another national park with giant trees. Sequoia National Park contains one of the largest groves of giant sequoias. Along with the trees, this park is the perfect spot to grab a view of the snowcapped Sierra Nevadas. If you love to hike, you will want to lace up your boots and hit the trails. While you are there, you can sign up for ranger-led hikes and talks, which are popular events with visitors to the park. Besides hiking, this national park is a great place to horseback ride or climb the rock cliffs. Visitors in the winter can participate in snowshoeing and skiing activities. 

Kings Canyon National Park

While you are at Sequoia National Park, you might want to visit Kings Canyon National Park; these national parks are right next to each other. Kings Canyon is a great place to see more sequoia groves. It is also home to the General Grant Tree. In addition to the trees, you will want to grab a camera to snap a picture of the Sierra Nevadas. Like Sequoia National Park, this spot is a perfect place to hike, backpack, or horseback ride along the trails. 

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park features plenty of natural landscapes, including high cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias. Many of these giant sequoias are over 1,000 years old. Within the park, make time to visit some notable landmarks, such as Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. This national park has its own transit system that will take you to all those famous spots. With over a million visitors per year, Yosemite National Park is quite popular. If you want to backcountry camp, horseback ride, or hike, this is a great place to set out for an adventure. In the wintertime, you can enjoy snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.

Nearby State Parks

California has some pretty impressive state parks. During your visit to these natural wonders, you can have a picnic or explore the local area. 

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Northern California has many ancient redwood trees. If you want to see these wonders, then you should visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek. Many of these trees are as tall as the Statue of Liberty. These redwood trees tower over the dense forest floor. For those who want a little exercise, there are over 80 miles of trails for hikers, horseback riders, and bikers. 

Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area

When you are in Sacramento, take a few hours to explore the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area. There are over 63 acres of land, and many people come to this location to fish or boat. If you want to stay on the grounds, there are other recreational opportunities to enjoy, such as hiking and wildlife viewing. 

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is about 50 miles from San Diego. This state park covers over 24,000 acres of pine tree and oak forests. If you want to look at the native wildlife, there are plenty of chances to see badgers, foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park provides a habitat to over 100 species of birds, including sparrows, red-tailed hawks, and northern flickers. With over 100 miles of trails, this is the perfect spot for biking, horseback riding, and hiking.

Along the Way

There are several points of interest that you will want to visit on your Sacramento to San Diego RV road trip. 

California State Capitol

While you are in Sacramento, you should visit the California State Capitol building. This building was built between 1861 and 1874. Today, it is home to the governor's office and the state legislature. If you want to learn about California's history, you can take one of the daily tours.

Griffith Observatory

Located near the hills of Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory is a great place to visit on your road trip. This historic spot is an icon of Los Angeles. While you are there, you can get a panoramic look at the City of Angels. From this location, there are also some spectacular views of the famous Hollywood sign. 

Coronado Beach

The San Diego area might have one of the best beaches in the country. If you love white sand beaches, then you will want to visit Coronado Beach. Many visitors head to this location to enjoy the water sports or relax on the beach. On Orange Avenue, you can visit the charming shops and restaurants. You will marvel at the historic homes and Hotel del Coronado near the southern end of the beach. For those dog lovers, there is a park at Coronado Beach's north end.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Sacramento to San Diego, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Sacramento or San Diego.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Sacramento to San Diego?

To plan an RV road trip from Sacramento to San Diego, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Sacramento to San Diego without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Sacramento to San Diego. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!