Roadtrip with RVshare San Francisco to Sacramento

Although the distance covered may be relatively short, you will have the time of your life on this San Francisco to Sacramento road trip. Your journey begins in the Bay Area, where there are plenty of tourist attractions scattered throughout the city. Once you hit the road, it is a quick trip to Sacramento. At the Golden State's capital, you can see traces of its Old West history alongside modern architecture. When you follow this road trip itinerary from San Francisco to Sacramento, you will have an exciting journey throughout the Golden State in your RV. 

Nearby National Parks

On your San Francisco to Sacramento road trip, you should take some time to explore California's national parks. The Golden State is home to nine national parks, and they all offer plenty of fun for the whole family.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is home to the tallest trees in the world. However, this park is also a great place to explore the area's coastlines, oak forests, prairies, and riverways. This national park contains 45 percent of the world's coastal redwoods. If you love animals, you will want to get a glimpse of the wildlife in Redwood National Park. There are some endangered animals in the park, including the northern spotted owl and Steller's sea lion. For those adventure seekers, check out the kayaking and hiking opportunities.

Sequoia National Park

In the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, you can visit another national park with giant trees. Sequoia National Park contains a large grove of giant sequoias. This national park is the perfect spot to hike the trails by foot or horseback, and you may even want to challenge yourself and climb the rock cliffs. In the wintertime, the fun does not stop in this park. When the weather gets a little snowy, you can ski or snowshoe through Sequoia National Park. 

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is located next to Sequoia National Park, and it is another must-see stop. Like Sequoia National Park, this park is a great place to explore the local area. You will want to visit the famous General Grant Tree in the Giant Grove section. If you are looking for some recreational activities, you can participate in horseback riding, hiking, and backpacking. The trails give you the perfect opportunities to see the Sierra Nevadas.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is another special national park in California. This park is home to ancient sequoias, high cliffs, and waterfalls, and most of the sequoias date back over 1,000 years. Yosemite has its own transportation system that will take you to all the popular spots. There are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy in the park, including horseback riding, backcountry camping, and hiking. If you head to this location in the winter, ice skating, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing are popular activities.

Nearby State Parks

During this San Francisco to Sacramento RV road trip, you should take a day to check out the beautiful state parks of California.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

If you travel along the coast of California, you will see plenty of ancient redwood trees. At Big Basin Redwoods State Park, there are many of these preserved natural wonders throughout the park. Some of these trees are even larger than the Statue of Liberty. For adventurers, this state park is an excellent place to strap on the hiking boots and hit the trails. There are over 80 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

Colusa-Sacramento River State Park

While you are in Sacramento, you might want to check out the Colusa-Sacramento River State Park. This state park is smaller than others, but you can pack in plenty of fun for your visit. This park is known for its boating and fishing opportunities, but if you don't want to hit the water, there are a few spots to hike the trails or view the wildlife.

Portola Redwoods State Park

Portola Redwoods State Park is just a short distance from Big Basin, but it doesn't see as many visitors. This state park is a great spot for those who want to disconnect and recharge in the great outdoors. Portola Redwoods State Park covers over 2,800 acres, and it slopes down from the ridgetop and descends into the redwood forest. Hikers will enjoy their time in this California park. There are over 18 miles of trails that wind through the redwood forests, and these paths often travel near the fallen trees and cascading waterfalls.

Along the Way

These exciting points of interest are must-see stops on your San Francisco to Sacramento road trip.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge might be the most iconic spot in San Francisco, and many visitors from all over the world head to this location to view this magnificent structure. This suspension bridge spans a strait that separates the Pacific Ocean from the city. When the bridge was built in 1937, it was declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World. It was the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world at its time of completion.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is another famous spot in San Francisco. If you want to check out the island, you will need to take a ferry across the bay. This small island has been used for many different purposes over the years, including a military fortification, federal prison, and military prison. Alcatraz Island is well-known for its notorious past, and it was deemed an inescapable prison due to its location in San Francisco Bay. You can take a tour of the island and learn more about this historic spot.

California State Capitol Building

When in Sacramento, make sure to stop by the California State Capitol. This building was built between 1861 and 1874. Today, the building houses the California State Legislature and Governor of California's offices. If you want to dig into the history of the Golden State, then you need to sign up for the guided tours. You can learn about the rich history of this state.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

You will travel near several fabulous cities on this road trip from San Francisco to Sacramento. Many of these offer plenty of accommodations for your RV. There are great campgrounds to settle down for the night, and you can even find spots to clean out those waste tanks.

Modesto, California

Modesto is located just outside of Sacramento. If you are a fan of outdoor fun, you should check out the recreational areas and parks. Turlock State Recreational Area and San Joaquin National Wildlife Refuge are close to the city as well. With all those recreational activities, there are plenty of relaxing camping options for your RV.

Oakland, California

When you are near San Francisco, you should stop by Oakland. History fans should make sure to check out the town's Old Oakland section. Within the neighborhood, the Cathedral Building is a must-see spot. This building was the first skyscraper built west of the Mississippi River. If you are looking for excellent shopping and dining opinions, then head over to the Uptown area. Oakland is a large city, and you have several options for camping. There are also a few spots where you can visit a clean dump station.

Santa Clara, California

Located in Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is home to several prominent tech companies. You can visit the Intel Museum and learn about the silicon chip's history. If you love art, make sure to stop by the Triton Museum of Art. You might want to experience some thrills at the Great America theme park. After a fun day of exploring, you will have no trouble finding a campground to meet your travel needs.

Find Adventure from San Francisco to Sacramento

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from San Francisco 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 Francisco or Sacramento.