Fly Drive USA

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to San Francisco. Upon arrival, independently make your way to your hotel, where you spend the first night of your adventure.

Pick up your motorhome in San Francisco for the start of your adventure through Northern California. It’s not too far to travel as you head for the closest campground to the city, Candlestick RV Park right next door to the 49ers stadium. Take advantage of the campgrounds hourly shuttle into the centre of the city for the next couple of days, as you explore San Francisco, one of America’s most popular cities, and it’s easy to see why. Visit: the world famous Alcatraz Island – not only a fascinating tour, but also great views of the city from the boat ride over. Bike the Golden Gate Bridge and take the ferry back, an unforgettable experience.

Less than an hour north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge lays a land of agricultural bounty and world-class wines; ancient redwood forests and secluded ocean coves. Sonoma County is your next stop in the Golden State. With more than 300 friendly wineries, 40-plus spas, farm-to-table restaurants, art galleries, shops, rivers, redwoods, and trails that meander over oak covered hills, Sonoma County beckons the adventurous, the curious, and the lovers of the Northern California lifestyle. In Sonoma County people come not to ‘be seen’, but rather experience life. Visit: Bodega Bay for beautiful ocean views, and amazing clam chowder.

It’s time to head north on Highway 101 through meandering rolling hills and a diverse landscape rich in agricultural heritage. Along the way, visit some of Sonoma County’s best wineries along the river banks in the Russian River Valley and sample an array of exceptional wines. Hike the nature trail in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve near Guerneville. North of picturesque Jenner-by-the-Sea stands Fort Ross State Historic Park, and farther north on the coast is Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve. Continuing north on scenic Highway 1 will lead you to explore numerous parks, beaches and coastal villages. Just north of the park a must see is Point Arena historic lighthouse. Visit: embrace nature in Gualala Point Regional Park, take time to visit some of Sonoma county’s fine wineries and maybe buy a bottle to enjoy around the campfire later!

Your journey continues along Highway 1, 300-foot-tall redwoods will tower overhead as you drive the 31-mile stretch called the Avenue of Giants. The trees within Humboldt Redwoods State park are part of the largest remaining forest of virgin redwood trees in the world. At Meyers Flat, you can pass through the Drive-Thru-Tree. Tour Humboldt Bay by boat, then shop and dine in Old Town Eureka. Between Orrick and Crescent City are the world’s tallest trees-preserved in Redwood National Park. North of Klamath, you’ll be greeted by statues of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe. Crescent City is the northern gateway to the Redwood National Park. Offshore, see the oldest Pacific Coast working lighthouse in Crescent City. Visit: one of the world’s tallest trees in Rockefeller Forest.

Travelling from Eureka east on Hwy. 299 is the start of the Trinity River Scenic Byway, which offers some of the most diverse scenery of any drive in far Northern California. Admire Weaverville’s historic sites, and catch insights into pioneer life at the Jake Jackson Museum. Stop by Whiskey town National Recreation Area to enjoy free kayaking or hiking to one of the many beautiful falls in the area. In Mt. Shasta you will find numerous places to hike and swim, or drive along Everitt Memorial Highway to capture breath taking views of majestic Mount Shasta, 14,179 feet, the second highest peak in the Cascades. Visit: on Interstate 5, marvel at the castle like natural stone turrets of Castle Crags State Park.

From Mt. Shasta take highway 89 toward McCloud. This will tie you into one of California’s only All American Roads: the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Enjoy the beauty of this scenic drive as you make your way down to one of the regions most prized attractions: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, featuring a 129-foot high waterfall that transports you to a tropical island. Subway Cave offers an opportunity to walk through a 1/3-mile long volcanic lava tube. Visit: have a picnic lunch and try your fly fishing skills on Hat Creek.

After seeing the stunning sights of northern California’s volcanic parks, today you take a drive to Lake Tahoe. Truly a year-round destination, this beautiful jewel in the mountains offers so much to do no matter what the weather. Lake Tahoe activities are limitless. Spring and fall, Lake Tahoe activities include perfect fishing and scenic Tahoe golf courses. Summer offers family fun time with mountain biking trips, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, water sports and golf courses. Visit: evening dinner cruises on the lake are a great way to end your day with spectacular views.

Sacramento is the star on the map of California – where you will find cultural attractions to inspire you, cutting-edge cuisine to impress you, history to enrich you and surprises to put a smile on your face. Venture out in any direction and you’ll see why they say “California begins here.” California’s Capital is great value for visitors with lots to do for little or no cost like free tours of the California State Capitol building or sightseeing in historic Old Sacramento, and as Americas Farm-to-Fork Capital, you can be sure of some amazing cafes, bars and restaurants. Visit: stop at the Dive Bar to see a real mermaid while enjoying unique, locally brewed beers.

Today, you visit one of the most recognisable National Parks in North America, Yosemite. Comprising of over 1,189 square miles of scenic wild lands and ranging from 2,000 feet above sea level to over 13,000 feet. The park is home to alpine meadows, mountain forests, lakes, waterfalls, abundant wildlife and a grove of giant sequoias. Spend a couple of days here exploring this iconic National Park. Visit: Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls and, if you can, take the 2.5 mile hike to Inspiration Point.

The drive today is approx 158 miles, so you have plenty of time to enjoy this great journey across California’s central valley. Drop your motorhome at the San Francisco depot, make your way to the airport and check in for your flight back to the UK.