Roadtrip with RVshare San Diego to Sacramento

Traveling in an RV can be a joyous journey for you and your family. If you travel from San Diego up to Sacramento in California, you will begin the trip on I-5. To follow the most scenic path, you will need to travel west during this San Diego to Sacramento road trip to ensure that you hit some state and national parks along the way. In fact, when you are north of Los Angeles, you can make a detour to the coast to visit Channel Islands National Park as well. This national park is a must-see location if you enjoy scuba diving.

Nearby National Parks

Pinnacles National Park

The only national park that is directly along this road trip itinerary from San Diego to Sacramento is Pinnacles National Park. Pinnacles did not gain its status as a national park until 2013. It sits on the San Andreas Fault, which is the reason for the unique terrain of the park. The park was also formed by the Neenach volcano, which is now extinct.

Since the fault lines underneath the park cause erosion, there is a maze of caves and canyons to explore. The park is home to 14 of the 23 species of bats that can be found in California. In addition, there are over 400 species of bees living in the park. Because the park is in a remote location, the stars really look amazing at night. Hiking, bird watching, biking, and rock climbing are also popular activities that you can enjoy in the park.

Nearby State Parks

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park became a state park in 1979. Before that, it was known as a recreational spot where locals would come and enjoy the amenities. Many sites in California have been used as movie backdrops, and Treasure Island was actually one of the first films shot at this location. The park includes a marine conservation area, a historic district, bluffs and canyons, and an underwater park. This is a great area to explore if you want to participate in water sports and activities like swimming, surfing, diving, and more. You can also hike through the 18 miles of trails in the park or relax on the beach.

Chino Hills State Park

Chino Hills State Park is about 14,000 acres of land that is located between Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. It is only about 27 miles from Anaheim, but it has a unique feel that is not common in this area of California. In the spring, this park is full of wildflowers. It is the ideal place to hike, to ride a bike, or to ride a horse as you enjoy the park's meadows and canyons. Bird watchers will also love the number of birds that can be seen in the park.

Henry W. Coe State Park

Henry W. Coe State Park is another state park to visit during this road trip from San Diego to Sacramento. The grounds cover more than 87,000 acres, and they include rugged terrain, steep canyons, and beautiful vistas. Many people enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding here, and if you would like to take a boat out or play in the water, Lake Anderson is located in the park as well as several creeks.

Along the Way

SeaWorld San Diego

If you love animals, this is a great place to visit. The park was founded in 1964 and is located along 22 acres of Mission Bay. It's actually the first SeaWorld location, and there are rides and several aquatic and non-aquatic shows that you can enjoy. You can check out dolphins, sea lions, orca whales, and much more. This was the home of the dolphin from "Flipper" and the famous killer whale Shamu. In total, there are five coasters and six other rides throughout the park that make for some exciting experiences.

Disneyland Park

Opened in 1955, Disneyland has a rich history and serves as one of the first mega theme parks in the nation. It is home to the first daily monorail in the west and housed Walt Disney's private quarters that he used until his death in 1966. Rides like Splash Mountain, the Mark Twain Riverboat, and Pirates of the Caribbean are all here at the park, and there are multiple lands within the par, like Tomorrowland, that you can spend the day visiting. If you are traveling with kids, this is a location that you will want to visit.

Mount Diablo

Located in its namesake state park, Mount Diablo is a mountain formed 165 to 190 million years ago. Despite its fiery name and appearance, this is not an active volcano, and it's actually a great place to visit with the entire family. The name of the mountain comes from the thicket of willows growing in the area; Spanish explorers named it "Monte del Diablo," which actually means thicket of the devil in English. When here, be ready to walk; there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and along the way, you'll see some of the 400 species of wildlife that call the area home.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Del Mar, CA

The city of Del Mar, CA, is a place that is irrevocably tied to the early years of Hollywood and the movie industry; it once served as a retreat for producers and stars of the golden age of cinema. Del Mar means "by the sea," and this name couldn't be more apt considering that it is definitively a seaside town. You'll be treated to ocean-side vistas and a rich culture that is a point of pride for Del Mar residents in the city. While in town, consider a trip to Torrey Pines State Beach or the Del Mar Race Track.

Local RV parks and campgrounds can easily be found nearby, and Vista-area campgrounds include locations like Del Mar Beach Resort in Oceanside and Guajome Regional Park, which both have multiple sites and multiple options for RV hookups.

Anaheim, CA

Anaheim is often called California's "Gateway to Theme Parks" because the city is home to Adventure City, Disney's California Adventure Park, Disneyland, and Paradise Gardens Park. During your San Diego to Sacramento RV road trip, you'll also find that Anaheim has a beautiful farmer's market as well as a rich culture and history to explore. If you're looking for fine dining, consider places like The Ranch, Ruth's Chris, and Steakhouse 55, which are all in the city.

Anaheim campgrounds are numerous. Some great examples include Anaheim RV Park, Anaheim Harbor RV Park, and Canyon RV Park. The largest in the area, which is East Shore RV Park in San Dimas, has over 500 sites that include both back-in and pull-through options. Most have full hookups, and a few have usable dump stations for your wastewater.

Los Angeles, CA

There are few cities throughout the nation that are more famous than sunny Los Angeles. This is also the second-most populous city in the United States, behind only New York City. Here is also where you'll find iconic places like the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as sports teams like the Dodgers. L.A. is also home to the film industry, so if you want to see a celebrity or two, you may spot one here. The average temperature in Los Angeles is typically pleasant with weather bottoming out in the high 40s in January and rising only to about an average of 85 degrees in August.

Find Adventure from San Diego to Sacramento

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from San Diego to Sacramento, 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 San Diego or Sacramento.