RV Day trip ideas for SF Bay Area - LotusTalk

Mr. Know · 10-16-2009, 08:37 AM

So I've got an RV that barely ever gets driven...and I need to get it out and use it a little. Anyone have some good day trip, leaving in the morning and returning in the evening, ideas? Something that's family friendly (6 and 9 year old) and possibly dog friendly as well. I tried to tell the wife we needed to go down and watch the last GGLC AutoX at Great America...but she has doubts the kids would enjoy it...even though I would.

Preferably something that doesn't require reservations as well, since this is for tomorrow...

Also it's a Class A 30' (smallest class A), but the size is something that needs to be considered for certain areas.

MattG · 10-16-2009, 08:44 AM

Yosemite is a bit far, but can be done in a day.

Big Sur, obviously (plenty of hiking along the coast). If you're ambitious, make Hearst Castle your ultimate destination.

Why use an RV for a day trip, though? Wouldn't a passenger car be better?

Mr. Know · 10-16-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattG

Why use an RV for a day trip, though? Wouldn't a passenger car be better?

That's the issue...I need to get the RV out and use it, so I'm looking for something to do because of that.

Randy Chase · 10-16-2009, 08:58 AM

It would seem like most longer one-day road trips would not make sense. The point of an RV is not the driving, but the utility once you arrive at the destination. So 4 hours I would think would be the max time. That gives you stopping for 3-4 hours to justify the trip, then head back.

My thoughts off hand are north through Avenue of the Giants. Hike among the redwoods. Stop for dinner in Eureka at the Samoa Cookhouse. 4 hours each way.

Or east to Yosemite Valley. 4 hours. Park and enjoy the valley floor. Hike to Vernal Falls.

Or east to Lake Tahoe. 4 hours. Not sure what to do there.

Or south to Big Sur. 4 hours. Maybe the aquarium at Monterey. Park the rig at the beach in Carmel. Or better yet, park at Julia Pfeiffer state park and hike down to the waterfall. Or the state park there and hike inland. Eat at Rocky Point restaurant.

North to Shasta Lake. There is a cool cave near there. Or Lassen volcanic park?

Or realize that you should sell the thing and buy another cool car.

LarryB · 10-16-2009, 09:14 AM

Great America is a really short drive. However you can use the RV as a base for the day. By the way this is in the parking lot of Great America... an amusement park that that your wife and son can spend the day while you can check out the autocross and the park as well.

Heading out to Yosemite or the Eureka area would be a good 7-8 hours of drive time. Would make for a long day. Point Reyes is a nice area and would make for a more relaxed day trip. You could also make a stop at Muir Woods. I'll be heading to Yoesmite in about a week. With the recent storm there is snow in the high country (no issues for the valley) but it is also to say there is decent water flowing out of the waterfalls plus you may have some of the fall colors already going.

Mr. Know · 10-16-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

It would seem like most longer one-day road trips would not make sense. The point of an RV is not the driving, but the utility once you arrive at the destination. So 4 hours I would think would be the max time. That gives you stopping for 3-4 hours to justify the trip, then head back.

Or realize that you should sell the thing and buy another cool car.

Driving it isn't so bad actually...flat screen TVs, restroom, comfy bed, full kitchen...wait, those are all for the passengers.

Thanks for the ideas, some good ones in there I need to consider.
Yes, another cool car would be good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryB

Great America is a really short drive. However you can use the RV as a base for the day. By the way this is in the parking lot of Great America... an amusement park that that your wife and son can spend the day while you can check out the autocross and the park as well.

Heading out to Yosemite or the Eureka area would be a good 7-8 hours of drive time. Would make for a long day. Point Reyes is a nice area and would make for a more relaxed day trip. You could also make a stop at Muir Woods. I'll be heading to Yoesmite in about a week. With the recent storm there is snow in the high country (no issues for the valley) but it is also to say there is decent water flowing out of the waterfalls plus you may have some of the fall colors already going.

I suggested we go to PGA for the amusement park (and of course I'd sneak over to the AutoX), but she's not into the weekend crowds.

AgentTripleX · 10-16-2009, 09:50 AM

No suggestions here, but I envy you Craig. I was looking at RVs last night, thinking it would be nice to buy one. I'd love to cruise around for a year around the states. It'd be so much fun. I think I'm having Range Rover withdrawal.

Mr. Know · 10-16-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgentTripleX

I'd love to cruise around for a year around the states. It'd be so much fun. I think I'm having Range Rover withdrawal.

We thought we'd be much more impulsive with it...but soon realized you have to reserve spaces at campgrounds and such nearly a year in advance. Takes the fun right out of it for us.

LarryB · 10-16-2009, 02:22 PM

An FYI. Over the summer, for the first time in a good ten years, I went to Great America. It wasn't very crowded, especially the first couple of hours after they open... and it is now off season. Just trying to give you a little more ammo, if you don't already have someplace else picked out.

AgentTripleX · 10-16-2009, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Know

We thought we'd be much more impulsive with it...but soon realized you have to reserve spaces at campgrounds and such nearly a year in advance. Takes the fun right out of it for us.

Good to know in case I do venture down that route...

Mr. Know · 10-16-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryB

An FYI. Over the summer, for the first time in a good ten years, I went to Great America. It wasn't very crowded, especially the first couple of hours after they open... and it is now off season. Just trying to give you a little more ammo, if you don't already have someplace else picked out.

The idea is floundering...we can't make up our minds.

Mr. Know · 10-20-2009, 02:47 PM

Just an update. We decided to grab sandwiches, drive up to the Marin Headlands and visit Cronkite Beach for the day. Not a "day trip" per se, but it was a good outing and the RV got to stretch her legs a little.

AgentTripleX · 10-20-2009, 03:10 PM

If you ever want to rent it out, let me know.

Mr. Know · 10-20-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgentTripleX

If you ever want to rent it out, let me know.

Tempting...but the wife wouldn't be too keen on that idea. It's officially "her" RV.

SteveLevin · 10-20-2009, 04:49 PM

For day trips, I think the beaches, etc., are the best likely places to go. Even down to Santa Cruz and Monterey. You can use the RV for lunch or a mid-day break, etc.

If you can do a weekend -- even if you leave Saturday morning -- you can open up places down by San Luis Obispo, and Solvang (Andersen's Pea Soup! I know it's cheesy but as a kid I loved it whenever we traveled and got to stop there).

As others have said you can push across to the Sierra foothills like Nevada City and so forth and visit some of the mine works.

And to combine cars and camping...there's also something going on at Laguna Seca, and the campground there is really nice and provides a lot of space for bike riding, walking, etc., plus some great views of the track

Steve

Mr. Know · 10-20-2009, 05:15 PM

We definitely need to try Solvang, my wife will feel right at home there.

Dead Duck · 10-20-2009, 11:57 PM

Another trip for you would be to go up to Santa Rosa for the Charles schulz Peanut's museum and ice rink. From your place quessing it's 30 to 40 minute drive up 101.

Spudboy · 10-21-2009, 12:48 AM

How about some of the old gold country towns? They're still on my 'places to see in CA' list.

Randy Chase · 10-21-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spudboy

How about some of the old gold country towns? They're still on my 'places to see in CA' list.

Did one of those trips to Highway 49 and some gold towns back in the MR2 days. It was nice. Perfect roads for the Lotus though, instead of the RV.

Mr. Know · 10-21-2009, 08:30 AM

Unfortunately, I visit one of those towns too often for work for it to be enjoyable...but yes it would be interesting for others to do. Lots of cool things. I believe Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley is pretty cool to check out, although I've never been there.

10-16-2009, 08:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mr. Know British by extrapolation Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Marin, California Posts: 3,350 Images: 6	RV Day trip ideas for SF Bay Area So I've got an RV that barely ever gets driven...and I need to get it out and use it a little. Anyone have some good day trip, leaving in the morning and returning in the evening, ideas? Something that's family friendly (6 and 9 year old) and possibly dog friendly as well. I tried to tell the wife we needed to go down and watch the last GGLC AutoX at Great America...but she has doubts the kids would enjoy it...even though I would. Preferably something that doesn't require reservations as well, since this is for tomorrow... Also it's a Class A 30' (smallest class A), but the size is something that needs to be considered for certain areas. __________________ 07 Magnetic Blue Exige S Join the Blue Lotus Team on Facebook.

10-16-2009, 08:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
MattG insert clever title here Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Living above the clouds in Colorado Posts: 7,676 Images: 11	Yosemite is a bit far, but can be done in a day. Big Sur, obviously (plenty of hiking along the coast). If you're ambitious, make Hearst Castle your ultimate destination. Why use an RV for a day trip, though? Wouldn't a passenger car be better? __________________ '05 Elise, Magnetic Blue / Biscuit / Hardtop / http://eliseinfo.com Radar detector mounting brackets for sale here

10-16-2009, 08:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	It would seem like most longer one-day road trips would not make sense. The point of an RV is not the driving, but the utility once you arrive at the destination. So 4 hours I would think would be the max time. That gives you stopping for 3-4 hours to justify the trip, then head back. My thoughts off hand are north through Avenue of the Giants. Hike among the redwoods. Stop for dinner in Eureka at the Samoa Cookhouse. 4 hours each way. Or east to Yosemite Valley. 4 hours. Park and enjoy the valley floor. Hike to Vernal Falls. Or east to Lake Tahoe. 4 hours. Not sure what to do there. Or south to Big Sur. 4 hours. Maybe the aquarium at Monterey. Park the rig at the beach in Carmel. Or better yet, park at Julia Pfeiffer state park and hike down to the waterfall. Or the state park there and hike inland. Eat at Rocky Point restaurant. North to Shasta Lake. There is a cool cave near there. Or Lassen volcanic park? Or realize that you should sell the thing and buy another cool car. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! http://www.facebook.com/randychase 1991 Toyota MR2. AutoX Beast 2006 Noble M400. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Canyon Carver. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. On Order: Lotus Evora Next: McLaren MP4-12C

10-16-2009, 09:50 AM	#7 (permalink)
AgentTripleX #101 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 3,101	No suggestions here, but I envy you Craig. I was looking at RVs last night, thinking it would be nice to buy one. I'd love to cruise around for a year around the states. It'd be so much fun. I think I'm having Range Rover withdrawal. __________________ http://www.facebook.com/SPRVXN www.twitter.com/autoVXNS http://sprvxn.tumblr.com/ "We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love - first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage." Albert Camus "The refusal to choose is a form of choice; disbelief is a form of belief." Frank Barron

10-20-2009, 02:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
Mr. Know British by extrapolation Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Marin, California Posts: 3,350 Images: 6	Just an update. We decided to grab sandwiches, drive up to the Marin Headlands and visit Cronkite Beach for the day. Not a "day trip" per se, but it was a good outing and the RV got to stretch her legs a little. Attached Images __________________ 07 Magnetic Blue Exige S Join the Blue Lotus Team on Facebook. Last edited by Mr. Know : 10-20-2009 at 05:10 PM.

10-16-2009, 09:14 AM	#5 (permalink)
LarryB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NorCal Posts: 3,110	Great America is a really short drive. However you can use the RV as a base for the day. By the way this is in the parking lot of Great America... an amusement park that that your wife and son can spend the day while you can check out the autocross and the park as well. Heading out to Yosemite or the Eureka area would be a good 7-8 hours of drive time. Would make for a long day. Point Reyes is a nice area and would make for a more relaxed day trip. You could also make a stop at Muir Woods. I'll be heading to Yoesmite in about a week. With the recent storm there is snow in the high country (no issues for the valley) but it is also to say there is decent water flowing out of the waterfalls plus you may have some of the fall colors already going.

10-16-2009, 02:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
LarryB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NorCal Posts: 3,110	An FYI. Over the summer, for the first time in a good ten years, I went to Great America. It wasn't very crowded, especially the first couple of hours after they open... and it is now off season. Just trying to give you a little more ammo, if you don't already have someplace else picked out.

10-20-2009, 03:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
AgentTripleX #101 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 3,101	If you ever want to rent it out, let me know. __________________ http://www.facebook.com/SPRVXN www.twitter.com/autoVXNS http://sprvxn.tumblr.com/ "We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love - first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage." Albert Camus "The refusal to choose is a form of choice; disbelief is a form of belief." Frank Barron

10-20-2009, 04:49 PM	#15 (permalink)
SteveLevin Master of Disaster Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 468	For day trips, I think the beaches, etc., are the best likely places to go. Even down to Santa Cruz and Monterey. You can use the RV for lunch or a mid-day break, etc. If you can do a weekend -- even if you leave Saturday morning -- you can open up places down by San Luis Obispo, and Solvang (Andersen's Pea Soup! I know it's cheesy but as a kid I loved it whenever we traveled and got to stop there). As others have said you can push across to the Sierra foothills like Nevada City and so forth and visit some of the mine works. And to combine cars and camping...there's also something going on at Laguna Seca, and the campground there is really nice and provides a lot of space for bike riding, walking, etc., plus some great views of the track Steve

10-20-2009, 05:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
Mr. Know British by extrapolation Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Marin, California Posts: 3,350 Images: 6	We definitely need to try Solvang, my wife will feel right at home there. __________________ 07 Magnetic Blue Exige S Join the Blue Lotus Team on Facebook.

10-20-2009, 11:57 PM	#17 (permalink)
Dead Duck Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 145	Another trip for you would be to go up to Santa Rosa for the Charles schulz Peanut's museum and ice rink. From your place quessing it's 30 to 40 minute drive up 101.

10-21-2009, 12:48 AM	#18 (permalink)
Spudboy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,496	How about some of the old gold country towns? They're still on my 'places to see in CA' list. __________________ '05 Elise, Nightfall/Touring (1TON 1G) '94 BMW 325iS '67 Austin Healey 3000

10-21-2009, 08:30 AM	#20 (permalink)
Mr. Know British by extrapolation Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Marin, California Posts: 3,350 Images: 6	Unfortunately, I visit one of those towns too often for work for it to be enjoyable...but yes it would be interesting for others to do. Lots of cool things. I believe Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley is pretty cool to check out, although I've never been there. __________________ 07 Magnetic Blue Exige S Join the Blue Lotus Team on Facebook.

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