Thinking of taking a California Route 1 RV road trip this year? Great idea - it’s one of the best routes to take an RV in California. A beautiful drive with a ton of great places to stop along the way makes it tough to beat. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your California road trip.
Tip #1: Pick the Right Time of Year for a RV Road Trip
Just like we talked about in our post on New Year's Resolutions, the time of year is important. Even though Southern California is beautiful year-round, the midcoast and north parts of the state are a bit different. The weather becomes more of a factor up there, so keep this in mind as you plan your trip. The best time of year is generally the fall. It’s easier to cruise highways in an RV when you’re less likely to see rain or fog. While it may not seem like it, the heat of the summer actually tends to make Highway 1 a bit foggy. The best times to make the trip are generally from August to October.
Tip #2: Choose Which Sights You Want to See on your RV Road Trip
The best thing about this scenic California route in an RV - besides the beautiful scenery of course - is the long list of things you can see along the way! Here are just a few places to consider checking out on your trip.
San Luis Obispo - sometimes referred to as “SLO”, this little town has some cool things to offer. Downtown is a fun place to walk around, along with attractions like “Bubblegum alley.”
Hearst Castle - you haven’t seen a mansion until you’ve been to Hearst Castle. Everything from the statues outside to the coolest indoor pool you’ve ever seen makes it worth the trip.
Monterrey Bay Aquarium - consider pausing your California road trip for a bit in Monterrey to visit this aquarium. Even if you’ve been to an aquarium once or twice before, you’ll be amazed at some of the animals they have here.
Leggett- have you ever heard of the tree that is so big it has a tunnel going through it? You may have even seen a picture before. Well, there’s a good chance you were hearing about Chandelier tree, which is in Leggett, California.
Redwoods - speaking of huge trees, think about spending some time in a Redwood National Forest. There are a lot of things to do as you hang out among these quiet giants.
Point Sur Lighthouse - all lighthouses are cool, but this one is especially so. You can either go during the day to get the best panoramic view or you can see what their nighttime schedule is like. If it fits your schedule, check it out.
Pfeiffer Beach - have you ever seen purple sand? Well even if you have, Pfeiffer Beach is still worth the trip. It’s not every day you get to see a beach like this.
Tip #3: Plan Where You’re Going to Stay and the Supplies You Need on your RV Road Trip
You don’t want to get caught out in the middle of nowhere at 10pm at night without a place to stay. Of course, your RV gives you a place to lay your head, but you don’t want to just pull it over to the side of the road, right?
That’s why it’s good to use a site like Camp California to plan your stops. That site actually covers Washington and Oregon as well, making it a great resource for your entire Route 1 road trip.
The other part of preparation is making sure you have all of the supplies you need. Do you need any RV replacement parts before you hit the road? Maybe you need more camping supplies or tools? We’ve got it all - just check out our shop!
Conclusion
Cruising a California highway in an RV is a great way to see this beautiful part of the country. Just like any other RV road trip, the key is to plan ahead. Figure out the best time of year to go, reserve your spot at key tourist destinations and book your stay at campsites along the way. Enjoy the trip and make sure you take lots of pictures!
