meg_phillips

Hi! My husband and I are driving our kids (3 boys ages 10, 13, and 16) cross country in an RV this summer from VA to CA and back in 3 weeks. Yes, a quick trip! I'm looking for the following:

1) Suggestions for campgrounds: 1) near LA, 2) somewhere in between LA and San Francisco, and 3) near San Francisco

2) Suggestions for places to stop and things to do between LA and San Francisco. We will be there in early July.

3) We will most likely be near LA on the 4th of July. Any suggestions on what to do there (or what NOT to do) for the 4th?

Thanks so much for any tips!
Meg

MmePerdu

For camping about 20 miles south of San Francisco, I'm very fond of Butano State Park, inland just a bit so warmer than the beach will be, in redwoods, close to Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the small town of Pescadero and beaches. Best access is driving north from Santa Cruz, an beautiful drive along the coast.

jamie99

For LA on July 4 I suggest either tickets for the Hollywood Bowl to see fireworks and the band Chicago is playing, or take in a baseball game with the Dodgers (also fireworks).
You really need two overnights driving an RV on Highway 1, they drive slow and don't get good gas mileage. Remember to pull over if 5 or more cars are behind you, it is the law.

JonAJ

When you're in or near San Francisco with children, you should consider the Walt Disney Family Museum in the former Army Presidio near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
http://www.waltdisney.org/

It's great for adults, as well. We're retired and the two of us go at least once a year; we never manage to get through all the special exhibits, the Disney movies and cartoons, and the general exhibits.

janisj

And -- it is the 'Walt Disney Family' museum (as in the WD Family Foundation) -- not the Walt Disney 'Family museum' as in a children's museum. So while there is a lot interesting for kids -- it is a pretty mature/fascinating museum substantially geared to adults.

fdecarlo

Costanoa in Pescadero, not far north of Santa Cruz is the best beach RV park we've found in CA. If you go you'll understand why. Even the onsite restaurant is excellent imo. That's about as close to a SF recommendation as we can make.

For between SF and LA, Pismo Coast Village in Pismo Beach is our favorite. Not as quiet as Costanoa but great location and lots of dining and other choices within walking distance. For something quieter and more remote, Ocean Mesa (20 mi. from Santa Barbara) would be our first choice.

FYI south of Santa Barbara, the coastal weather is much warmer (less fog) and virtually anywhere qualifies as a great RV location. Take your pick on area and beach preferences. Malibu Beach RV Park is pretty amazing imo and you can't beat its location for exploring L.A.

Thecurlybun

Hi!

My name is Christian. In a few days my son, Ben and I are taking our first trip to California with my boyfriend. We will be visiting his family in Los Angeles and have planned a few kid friendly activities to make the trip special for Ben. Here are a few of our stops!

1. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
The World's most famous Ice Age fossil excavation site. This is a great educational and fun activity that matches your camping and outdoors trip.

2. Whale watching
For three hours you can take a tour to search the ocean for whales, dolphin and sea lion sightings! This is also a great out doors activity to match your camping trip.

Now this one is JUST for fun. Not much educational leeway here..BUT ITS A VACAY RIGHT?!

3. Knott's Berry Farm
Charlie Brown theme park. Thrill rides, family rides, childrens rides, water rides , shows, ect. All for a significantly lower price than Universal Studios.

I hope this was helpful, definitely check out my blog to see how we enjoyed all of these activites as well as packing tips and ways to keep little ones occupied and less cranky on long trips!

Thecurlybun.com
IG: @thecurlybun

meg_phillips

Hi everyone! Just wanted to say thank you for all the responses. Looking forward to checking them out!

sf7307

For camping about 20 miles south of San Francisco, I'm very fond of Butano State Park, inland just a bit so warmer than the beach will be, in redwoods, close to Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the small town of Pescadero and beaches. Best access is driving north from Santa Cruz, an beautiful drive along the coast.

We just drove this route yesterday coming back to San Francisco from Santa Cruz - it is beautiful, loads of beaches, funky towns, etc. Don't forget the ollalieberry pie at Duarte's in Pescadero!

MmePerdu

My granddaughters, staying with me now, told me all about their recent celebratory dinner at Duarte's. They live just a few miles away. I love the fried oyster sandwiches.