Northern California Roadtrip | campervan hire

Stop 1: Malibu

Highlights:

Leo Carrillo State Park: Beachside park with many activities and natural wonders
Malibu Country Mart: Upscale shopping district with many boutiques, restaurants and diverse architecture
Escondido Falls: Make the trek to the wonderful, hidden 45.7 m waterfall

Where to Eat:

Neptune’s Net ($): Long-standing seafood and burger diner, featured in many films
Malibu Farm Restaurant and Cafe ($$$): Serves fresh, delicious food at either end of Malibu Pier

Where to Park for the Night:

Malibu Pier ($$): Easy access to the pier but can fill up quickly
Malibu Lagoon State Beach ($): Convenient car park adjacent to the beachfront

Malibu, a Pacific Paradise

Bordered by soft, sandy beaches and covered in picturesque hiking trails, Malibu is the perfect first stop on your California road trip. The city and its people are warm, comfortable and relaxed, just as you might expect from such a scenic spot. Surfers try their luck on the waves, hikers climb along the dry and rocky landscape, families feast at classic roadside diners, and couples enjoy tasting local wines under the dusky Californian sky.

Known for hosting the beach houses of many Hollywood stars, Malibu is an iconic pacific paradise. There’s something for everyone in the city and surrounding landscape. Beach lovers have a wide selection, from the rocky coves of Point Dume and El Matador to the powder sands of Zuma Beach. Trekkers can enjoy the stunning backdrop of Malibu Creek State Park, where famous movies such as Planet of the Apes and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were filmed. Places like Malibu Pier or Surfrider Beach cater to those who enjoy watersports, like surfing, diving, or fishing.

Your Southern California to Northern California road trip will be filled with awe-inspiring scenery, amazing destinations, and lots and lots of driving, so take advantage of your Malibu stay to get yourself energised for an epic adventure.

Stop 2: Red Rock Canyon State Park

Highlights:

El Paso Petroglyphs: See prehistoric drawings from early native Kawaiisu Indians
Red Cliffs Trail: Staggering cliff-face with vibrant, layered red rock

Where to Eat:

Carolyn’s Kitchen ($): A Southern comfort kitchen located 25.7 km from the park
Voyager Restaurant ($): Friendly American diner with a view over an airfield
Picnic Spots, Red Rock Canyon (Free): Bring your own food to one of many scenic spots

Where to Park for the Night:

Red Rock Canyon State Park

To the North of Malibu, through the hot Californian desert, lies the geological marvel that is Red Rock Canyon State Park. Dominated by colourful cliffs and incredible, jagged rock formations, the park is as historic as it is beautiful. Hundreds of years ago, the park was home to the indigenous Kawaiisu people. Their legacy now lives on in the many drawings and carvings that have been discovered in and along the mountains.

While Red Rock Canyon State Park is breathtakingly beautiful enough to justify the journey, many flock to the park to see the filming location of a range of Western classics, and other features such as Jurassic Park and Holes.

If you‘re travelling in the Summer and leave Red Rock, driving through the Great Basin Desert to reach your next destination, you may feel as though you have left civilisation behind. While there are towns dotted along the Three Flags Highway, they are few and far between. A great place to visit, if you need a break from the long road, is the small, historic town of Lone Pine.

Stop 3: Yosemite National Park

Highlights:

Valley Floor Tour: Guided open-air tram tour of Yosemite Valley
Horsetail Fall: A sunset visit in February offers the amazing ‘Firefall’ illusion

Where to Eat:

The Ahwahnee ($$$): A grand 1920’s lodge with quality American cuisine
Meadow Grill, Curry Village ($): Affordable, easy lunch, halfway from Half Dome to Yosemite Falls

Where to Park for the Night

Indian Flat Campground ($$): 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley Visitor Center along Highway 140

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a famed, Californian-protected, valley known as much for its natural beauty as it is for its varied wildlife. A great stopping point on any road trip, Yosemite can be explored through a network of hiking trails on foot, or by following the winding and scenic roads from the comfort of your campervan.

It’s difficult to choose a favourite feature of Yosemite National Park, as it has a variety of natural wonders to behold. Yosemite Falls is just one of many waterfalls to flow into the vast park, but it is so named as it is the longest, at nearly 762 m. Impressive mountains border Yosemite, such as the iconic Half Dome, or the 914 m tall El Capitan. Discover the flatlands throughout the park, like the Tuolumne Meadows which spreads from the Tuolumne River, and see if you can spot some deer or bobcats. Take a step back in time as you journey through the impossibly tall and ancient Giant Sequoia trees.

Yosemite National Park isn’t the only geological marvel in the area. While you’re travelling the Three Flags Highway in the summer, be sure to visit the Hot Creek Geological Site, where natural springs bubble with geothermically heated boiling water.

Stop 4: Napa

Highlights:

Silver Oak Vineyard ($$$): Enjoy tasting the finest wines in Napa Valley
Charles Krug Vineyard ($$$): Discover Napa Valley’s longest-standing vineyard
Hess Persson Estate ($$): A magnificent blend of vineyard and art gallery

Where to Eat:

Napa Valley Wine Train ($$$): Sophisticated meal aboard an antique train travelling through wine country
Compline Restaurant and Wine Shop ($$): Terraced restaurant with French-American cuisine

Where to Park for the Night:

Napa Valley, Extraordinary Vineyards

This sunny Northern California region is the birthplace of some of the greatest wines ever produced. Many flock from all over the world just to visit one of Napa Valley’s high-class vineyards and wineries, so it’s worth a visit when you’re in the area.

Stretching out for miles and miles over the beautiful countryside are vines with all different coloured grapes. From the warm-weather Cabernet Sauvignon to the cold-weather Chardonnay, wine is being produced in Napa Valley all year round. While wine-tasting here is always recommended, remember to never drink and drive. Only partake in the tasting if your campervan is in an caravan park or one of the many free car parks, and you are finished driving for the day.

Bodega Bay

Highlights:

Bodega Head: Rugged, beachside hiking trail
Doran Beach: Peaceful, county park famous among bird-watching enthusiasts
Potter Schoolhouse: 19th Century building used prominently in Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’

Where to Eat:

The Marshall Store ($): A landmark restaurant, known for their fresh and delicious seafood
Spud Point Crab Company ($): Freshly caught crabs and fish served along the shorefront
Gourmet Au Bay ($$): Wine and snacks along a waterfront terrace

Bodega Bay: Sea, Sun, and Serenity

You’ve made it all the way from Los Angeles to Bodega Bay on your epic Northern California Road Trip. Now is the time to sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. Bodega Bay is famed for its natural beauty, with sandy beaches and picturesque hiking trails. Explore the quaint harbour, with its fascinating boutiques, or stretch your legs as you adventure through the various protected parks.

While you’re in town, make sure to sample some of the fresh seafood that is caught and prepared for the numerous waterfront restaurants each day. Then pick up a pair of binoculars and walk along to the end of the Bodega Head peninsula for your chance to spot some Grey Whales.