Road Trip with RVshare San Jose to Napa

Your road trip from San Jose to Napa is a short one, but it will take you by the eastern side of San Francisco where there is a multitude of things to do and see. You will pass directly through several cities that offer a range of entertainment options, and this area of California also features multiple and diverse parks and preserves. California has nine national parks, the most of any state. San Jose is close to Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks, which affords you the incredible opportunity to easily see multiple national parks within a short timeframe. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Fremont, California

Fremont is a city near the San Francisco Bay Area that should definitely be in your road trip itinerary from San Jose to Napa. It is home to several interesting sites, such as Mission San Jose, the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, and the Ardenwood Historic Farm, which presents horse-powered farming alongside a Victorian mansion. There is also a water park in the city, Aqua Adventure Water Park. This urban area has several convenient dump stations if you need one for your RV. Anthony Chabot Regional Park is in Castro Valley north of Fremont and features hiking trails through eucalyptus trees and hills that overlook Lake Chabot, and it is well worth a visit.

Berkeley, California

Berkeley is home to the University of California, Berkeley. While visiting this area, you will get to see great views of both the campus and San Francisco Bay from the 1914 Sather Tower, and the Hearst Greek Theatre offers open-air concerts. You may need to use a dump station at this point in your trip, and there are many available options. If you are interested in staying at an RV park, Half Moon Bay RV Park, about 20 miles from Berkeley, is on the beach and has great views of the ocean. 

Vallejo, California

Vallejo is in the San Francisco Bay area and has several entertainment and cultural venues. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a huge theme park that features a number of thrilling roller coasters and other rides. You can discover the history of Vallejo and the naval base on Mare Island, and you can see rugged beaches and grassy spaces while taking a respite from your San Jose to Napa road trip. You will easily be able to find a dump station if you need to use one. Trade Winds RV Park has on-site management, a guest lounge, and proximity to restaurants and shopping, and it is near Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is one of California's better-known national parks and is famous for the Joshua tree, a yucca plant that is in the agave species. The Joshua tree has a unique appearance that resembles a tall palm tree with top-heavy, twisted branches. Native peoples utilized the nuts and flower buds for food and the fronds for shoes and baskets. The two ecologically distinct Sonoran and Mojave deserts are both represented in Joshua National Park. The Sonoran is considered a low desert with a low level of humidity and sparse vegetation, and the Mojave is a high desert with a higher humidity level and more plants. These include creosote bushes, sagebrush, and Parry saltbush. 

Yosemite National Park

While many Native Americans, naturalists, and political figures played a part in the formation of Yosemite National Park, it is the famous photographs of Ansel Adams that introduced Yosemite National Park to the public. The park is most known for its giant sequoias, the tallest of which is the Grizzly Giant, a tree estimated to have been propagated around 200 AD and one that today has a height of 209 feet and a circumference of 92 feet. Other popular sights include natural formations like Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome. Tuolumne Meadows is a large, open sub-alpine meadow that contains the Tuolumne River and is surrounded by mountain peaks and domes. Hetch Hetchy Valley has an average elevation of 3,900 feet and offers views of spring waterfalls and wildflowers. 

Nearby State Parks

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is a great choice for a stay during your San Jose to Napa RV road trip. The most prominent feature of the park is a 40-acre section of old-growth redwood trees, the tallest of which is approximately 277 feet tall and 16 feet wide and is around 1,500 years old. Another redwood stand is the Fall Creek Unit, which is a second-growth redwood forest that contains a river canyon and relics from a prior lime-processing industry. Fall Creek has around 20 miles of hiking trails and is open for day-use only. The campground is inside an evergreen forest and is near the Santa Cruz Sandhills habitat.

Caswell Memorial State Park

You will enjoy the chance to see great examples of riparian oaks in Caswell Memorial State Park, which once grew throughout California's Central Valley but now are in decline. Caswell Memorial State Park is also home to several endangered species of wildlife, such as the riparian brush rabbit, which is not known to inhabit any other area. Bird-watching is a favorite activity, and red-shouldered and red-tailed hawks are frequently spotted.

China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park is located in Marin County on the shores of the San Pablo Bay and features varied habitats of salt marsh, oaks, and meadows. While in the park, you may see deer, coyotes, foxes, squirrels, bats, California clapper rails, harvest mice, and other animals. China Camp State Park was once the site of a Cantonese Chinese shrimp and fishing village that had a marine supply store, three general stores, and a barbershop. Visitors today can hike, bike, ride horses, swim, boat, windsurf, and enjoy plenty of other recreational activities. The Quan Bros. snack shop offers snacks, ice cream, and drinks on the weekends. 

Along the Way

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most-visited sites in the U.S. due to its impressive towers, huge main cables, and Art Deco architecture, as well as beautiful views of the Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. This suspension bridge spans the one-mile Golden Gate strait, which connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bridge has a main length of 4,200 feet and a total height of 746 feet. It was designed by Joseph Strauss in 1917 and was the longest and tallest bridge in the world at that time. The Golden Gate Bridge is listed as one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers, and your San Jose to Napa road trip will be a better one with this site included as one of your excursions. 

Balloons Above the Valley

You can take the opportunity to float above the Napa Valley with a Balloons Above the Valley hot air balloon ride. The company offers packages that include lodging, photos, and refreshments for an intimate ride for two people; a balloon ride with refreshments in a group; and a visit that entails the balloon experience and access to the pickup location but without the actual flight. These balloons are rated as the largest in America, and you may well want to add this attraction to your San Jose to Napa road trip itinerary.

The California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences hosts a large number of exhibits and displays, including a planetarium, an aquarium, a rainforest area, and a natural history museum. The Steinhart Aquarium has around 40,000 animals that represent more than 900 species. This amazing aquarium includes an African penguin colony, a shark lagoon, a swamp with an Albino alligator, and a 100,000-gallon tank that emulates the California coast's ecosystem. The Osher Rainforest houses around 1,600 animals, including 250 birds and about 100 amphibians and reptiles.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from San Jose to Napa, 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 Jose or Napa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from San Jose to Napa?

To plan an RV road trip from San Jose to Napa, 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 San Jose to Napa 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 San Jose to Napa. 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!