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.
Do I maintain or service the motorhome rental during my rental period?
No, it is the responsibility of the RVshare owner to ensure the motorhome is properly maintained and serviced before your rental period. Just take good care of your rental and keep it clean.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when operating a motorhome rental in Irvine, CA?
Yes, motorhomes are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, so it is important to allow for more time and space when turning, merging, or stopping. Additionally, it is recommended to drive slower than the posted speed limit and to use caution when driving in windy or wet conditions.
How do I properly level and stabilize a motorhome at my campsite or RV park?
Motorhomes typically have built-in leveling jacks or blocks that can be adjusted to ensure the RV is level and stable. Some RV parks may also provide leveling pads or blocks if needed. Discuss your campsite with the RV owner ahead of time and they can provide you guidance on stabilizing.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the interior and exterior during my rental period?
You should keep the interior clean and tidy, empty waste tanks as needed, and report any damages or malfunctions to the RVshare owner. Exterior maintenance such as checking tire pressure is also recommended.
Does my motorhome rental come with bedding, linens, or other items I would consider to be personal?
This varies by RVshare owner. Some owners may include bedding and linens, while others may require renters to bring their own. It is best to check with the owner prior to renting.
Should I bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the motorhome rental?
While some motorhomes may come equipped with entertainment options or appliances, it is always a good idea to bring your own if desired. However, be mindful of any limitations on power usage or space restrictions. Check the RV listing or ask the RV owner what kind of entertainment is included.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a motorhome rental in Irvine, CA, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
There may be restrictions on where motorhomes can be parked or stored in certain areas. It is best to research local laws and regulations or to ask the RVshare owner for guidance.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a motorhome rental?
Motorhomes are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve gas mileage such as driving at a lower speed, avoiding excessive idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
How do I properly operate and maintain the various systems in a motorhome rental?
The RVshare owner should provide you with detailed instructions and manuals for operating and maintaining the various systems in the motorhome. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and prevent damage.
Are any unique features or amenities available in motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Irvine, CA?
This varies by RV owner and motorhome class, but some motorhomes may have unique features such as slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, or luxury finishes that may not be found in other types of RVs.