Day 1
San Francisco - Moss Landing/Montery Bay
Pick up your separately booked campervan or motorhome in San Francisco. Impressive redwood forests, fantastic views over the Pacific Ocean and impressive nature reserves with diverse wildlife await you along the beautiful Highway 1. Stop off in Santa Cruz on the Central Coast, for example, which is popular with surfers for its magnificent waves. 2 nights in the Moss Landing/Monterey Bay area. Approx. 150 km.
Day 2
Moss Landing/Monterey Bay
Explore Moss Landing today, which was founded in the 1800s as a fishing village. It is located in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which is home to dozens of bird species as well as otters, sea lions and harbor seals. Take a scenic tour of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, one of the largest wetlands on the California coast, or join one of the daily whale-watching cruises (all optional). A beautiful beach and nice restaurants are just a few minutes' walk away.
Day 3
Moss Landing/Monterey Bay - Morro Bay
Take your time for today's stage along one of the most beautiful and spectacular sections of Highway 1. One viewpoint follows the next and, with a bit of luck, you may even spot sea lions or whales. A stop at Big Sur, a hike at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and a visit to Hearst Castle near San Simeon are particularly worthwhile. Approx. 225 km.
Day 4
Morro Bay - Van Nuys/Los Angeles
Via Pismo Beach, a classic beach town, and Arroyo Grande with its historic town center, we head through the interior, which is characterized by farmland and vineyards, to charming Santa Barbara. Bougainvilleas twine over red tiled roofs, birdsong mixes with the sound of the sea and islands and whale fountains can be seen on the horizon. Continue to the next stop on your journey, Los Angeles. 3 nights in the Van Nuys/Los Angeles area. Approx. 300 km.
День 5
Days 5-6: Los Angeles
Your campsite in Van Nuys, in the San Fernando Valley, is an ideal starting point for exploring Los Angeles. Take the Metrolink trains from Van Nuys station, which will take you to downtown L.A. in about 30 minutes, where you may see stars and starlets, but you'll also find charming neighborhoods, incredible museums and great shopping hot spots. Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studios and Beverly Hills should be on your to-do list, as well as an evening hike to the Griffith Observatory with views of the Hollywood Sign and over the sea of lights of L.A.. The city has a lot to offer!
Day 7
Van Nuys/Los Angeles - Twentynine Palms/Joshua Tree National Park
You leave the Los Angeles metropolitan region in an easterly direction, where it is first worth making a stop in Palm Springs. The desert comes back to life here, with palm trees and green parks everywhere. How about a gondola ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mt. San Jacinto? On a walk through Andreas Canyon, you can watch hummingbirds flying among more than 150 plant species. Or hike along Murray Canyon with its towering red cliffs, stately fan palms and cacti. At the end of the trail you'll reach the Seven Sisters, a terraced waterfall cascading over smooth granite. One night in Twentynine Palms. Approx. 240 km.
Day 8
Twentynine Palms/Joshua Tree National Park - Yermo
Visit Joshua Tree National Park today with its 2 different desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. In this land characterized by strong winds and occasional downpours, you can see a fascinating variety of plants and animals. The dark night skies, rich cultural history and surreal geological features add to the allure of this southern California wilderness. At the visitor center you will find tips for short hikes that you can take along the drive through the park. In Barstow, you can visit the Route 66 Museum before reaching your destination for today. One night in Yermo. Approx. 180 km.
Day 9
Yermo - Three Rivers/Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
You drive through the fertile farmland of the Central Valley, where you can stop at one of the numerous farm stores. Continue north to one of the highlights of your trip, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park. 2 nights in the Three Rivers area. Approx. 370 km.
Day 10
Three Rivers/Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Huge mountains, deep canyons, enormous caves and the largest trees in the world are at home in this beautiful region. In the Giant Forest, for example, you can marvel at the largest sequoia tree, General Sherman. The giant sequoias easily reach a diameter of 6 m and you can admire them both on hikes and along the road.
Day 11
Three Rivers/Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park - El Portal/Yosemite National Park
Today you continue north to Yosemite National Park. Through the southern entrance, Fish Camp, you will reach Mariposa Grove, the first highlight in Yosemite National Park. Explore the huge redwood forest on a circular hiking trail. Continue to El Portal, a perfect starting point for the next few days in the park. 3 nights in the El Portal area. Approx. 225 km.
День 11
Days 12-13: Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, which was placed under protection in 1864, is the third oldest national park in the USA and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is best known for its waterfalls, but you will also find deep valleys, magnificent meadows, ancient sequoias and much more in its 3,100 square kilometers. Especially in the summer months, we recommend that you use the bus transfer to the park (approx. USD 8/route) or the free shuttle in Yosemite Valley (see note). From short walks to longer hikes - there are countless opportunities to explore the El Capitan rock formation, the 2,693 m high Halfdome mountain and the Lower Yosemite Falls.
Day 14
El Portal/Yosemite National Park - Pleasanton/San Francisco
In the morning, you can take a few souvenir photos in the park, e.g. at the beautiful Cathedral Beach, before heading back to the coast and the metropolitan region of San Francisco Bay. One night in the Pleasanton area. Approx. 255 km.
Day 15
Pleasanton/San Francisco - San Francisco
Drive to San Francisco and return of the camper van. End of the trip.