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MilesandSmiles's avatar
MilesandSmiles
Explorer
Oct 31, 2014

California Central Coast - Christmas to New Year's

Our family of five (me, my wife, son 17, daughter 17, and daughter 16) along with my son's service dog (Golden Retriever) will be picking up a rental Class A in San Francisco on December 26 and returning the RV on January 2 to the same location. I'm working on an itinerary and would appreciate feedback. So far it looks like this:

Friday, Dec. 26 Pick up RV in the afternoon, drive to Marin and set up camp.

Saturday, December 27 Take the Ferry or Bus into San Fransisco. Our "must do's" are Alcatraz and ride a cable car. Spend some time at Fisherman's Wharf. Maybe some time in Chinatown? Back to Marin for the night.

Sunday, December 28 Sleep in and drive to Santa Cruz KOA and enjoy the park.

Monday, December 29 Head south with a stop at the "Mystery Spot" and a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Drive to Big Sur and stay at the campground.

Tuesday, December 30 Drive Route 1 down to Morro Bay. Perhaps a stop at Hearst Castle (although I'm worried that the teens will find this pretty boring). Stay at Morro Dunes.

Wednesday, December 31
Explore Pismo area. Another night at Morro Dunes.

Thursday, January 1
Drive north to San Jose. Visit the Winchester Mansion.
Stay at Coyote Valley

Friday, January 2
Up early, drive to San Francisco to return RV by 11:00 am. Fly home at 2:00.

Does this seem too ambitious? Is there somewhere you see me budgeting too much time? Too little time?

Are there sights or attractions along the way that I haven't mentioned that we shouldn't miss?

Thanks,
-Jeff
Roads and Routes
  • MilesandSmiles's avatar
    MilesandSmiles
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2014
    Thanks for the great replies. I think I'm sold on a second day in San Francisco, which will mean some tailoring.

    Anyone have feedback on Coyote Valley RV Resort? GS gives it all tens, but folks on TripAdvisor give it so-so reviews.

    Thanks!
  • newlee's avatar
    newlee
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2014
    Don't let all the negative coments stop you from going down hwy1.
    It is not that bad of drive with short motorhome and no toad.
    You will not regreat it after seeing the view along the way.
    Take your time and stop at the many senic pullouts along the way.
  • Rollnhome's avatar
    Rollnhome
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2014
    I would do two days in San Francisco. Don't wait in the tourist line for the street/trolly cars you can hop on and off anywhere along the route plus you can ring the bell...just ask. Suggests a tour of some sort in San Francisco the first day; then go back and spent time where you want. The kids should like Hearst Castle. Pismo & Morro not a favorite of ours. A day in Monterey waterfront and take Carmel scenic drive at least. Santa Cruz Boardwalk is interesting. Winchester house is pretty cool.
    Have a great time.
  • MilesandSmiles's avatar
    MilesandSmiles
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2014
    Executive wrote:
    How big is the RV? How experienced are you at driving it? You're looking at parts of Hwy 1 which may make you wish you hadn't chosen that route. If you do go along Hwy 1 be sure to include all the lighthouse stops along the way....Dennis


    It's a 30ft Class A. I've driven a 29ft Class C several times in the mountains of Arizona with no problem, but I've never driven a Class A before.

    What areas do you think would be the most trouble?
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Oct 31, 2014
    How big is the RV? How experienced are you at driving it? You're looking at parts of Hwy 1 which may make you wish you hadn't chosen that route. If you do go along Hwy 1 be sure to include all the lighthouse stops along the way....Dennis
  • tres_vagabonds's avatar
    tres_vagabonds
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2014
    I think I'd figure 2 days for Frisco, easily spend a half a day on Alcatraz and the rest of the day at Fisherman's wharf, 2nd day maybe the zoo and Chinatown.
    Morro Dunes is nice, but camp sites can be cramped.
  • Two_Hands's avatar
    Two_Hands
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2014
    Don't take the motorhome on California's SR1 from Carmel south to Hearst Castle/San Simeon. It is great for a passenger vehicle or motorcycle, but not for a motorhome. Use US 101 instead. Don't miss Cambria or the elephant seals just north of Hearst Castle.
  • JohnG3's avatar
    JohnG3
    Explorer II
    Oct 31, 2014
    Morro Dunes is a nice park, however, the spaces are small and cheek by jowl. Consider the Morro Strand Campground about 300 yards east of Morro Dunes. Next to the high school but that time of year school's out. There are two sections, the section you'll want is on your right as you head toward Morro Dunes. Suggest you Google Earth it. The section across Hwy 41 backs up to the Lila Kaiser park and is all asphalt.

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