Joshua Tree National Park is about two hours east of Irvine, so you can easily visit this fascinating desert park. While there are plenty of beautiful trees on display here, there are also numerous awesome rock formations and desert animals to see.
To get to Channel Islands National Park, you need to travel an hour and 45 minutes to Ventura and then hop on a boat or a seaplane. These five channel islands are home to plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth.
Sequoia National Park is a four-hour drive north of Irvine. At the end of this trip, you’ll get to walk in the midst of some of the largest trees in the world. Horseback riding, rock climbing, and camping are other favorite pastimes here.
The entrance to Crystal Cove State Park is only 20 minutes from Irvine. The coastal scenery here is gorgeous; beauty awaits you on the beach, in the canyons, on the bluffs, and even under the water.
Since Southern California has a vast array of gorgeous beaches, you should drive 25 minutes northwest of Irvine to Bolsa Chica State Beach. This 3-mile stretch of beach between Huntington Beach and Sunset Beach is a great place to go swimming, surfing, and camping.
Half an hour northeast of Irvine is the entrance to Chino Hills State Park. You’ll forget all about the city for a while when you set foot in this lovely park full of rolling hills and 90 miles of trails.
You can easily find some of California’s great landmarks in the Irvine area. One of the most iconic of these is the Hollywood Sign, which has greeted visitors and residents alike for decades.
Another interesting Hollywood landmark is Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, also known as the TCL Chinese Theatre. This working moviehouse has a distinctive facade and a sidewalk full of the handprints and footprints of various movie stars.
Knott’s Berry Farm may not be quite as well-known as Disney, but it’s still an iconic California theme park in its own right. The park has grown significantly from its origins as a berry stand in the 1920s; nowadays, you can experience attractions like GhostRider, HangTime, and Montezooma’s Revenge.
Finding high-quality campgrounds in the Irvine area is easy. One excellent campground is Sutliff RV Park, located in nearby Tustin. Some amenities here include Wi-Fi, cable TV, showers, and laundry facilities. Another nice place to camp is the OC Fair & Event Center Campground. This campground in nearby Costa Mesa is a great place to stay if you want to attend the Orange County Fair or stop by Newport Beach without camping there. If you want to camp near the beach, then Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort may be right for you. This full-service resort on Newport Bay offers plenty of planned activities, boat rentals, and more to customers.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Irvine, CA without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Irvine, CA?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Irvine, CA, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Irvine, CA?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Irvine, CA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Irvine, CA that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.