Hello all,We are planning a week or so trip in Feb. to Ca. from Az.DW would like to stay a few days near the ocean, I was thinking around Santa Barbara ? then on to wine country, here I was thinking near Paso Robles.Any park suggestions ?Also any good half way points from Phx to coast, and then from wine country back to Phx ?? nothing fancy... walmarts would even work.Thanks Bruce

Just north of Santa Barbara there are two state parks - El Capitan and Refiguo. Both are nice parks, great beaches, but a bit pricey (welcome to California). In Buellton there is Flying Flags RV Park. This is a good home base to explore the many great wineries in the Los Olivos/Santa Ynez area. This area is where the movie "Sideways" was filmed. There is a self guided tour map that takes you to all the wineries/locations featured in the movie. Fun to watch the video the evening before, then do the tour.

For a stop over... Quartsite or Joshua Tree depending on which route you take.There really isn't a good choice near Santa Barbara other than the State Parks which are sometimes booked solid, noisy and no extras...North of Santa Barbara is Ocean Mesa RV Resort... high priced but nice it is not on the water side of Hwy 101 but is high enough you get some water views.North of Santa Barbara in Buellton is Flying Flags RV Resort there are wineries in the area and it is near Solvang (tourist destination). It is inland right off of Hwy 101Pismo Beach area has some good RV parks.Coast state campgrounds around Morro Bay & San Simeon (Hearst Castle) are good.Another Wine Area is in Southern California around the City of Temecula. There are lots of great RV Parks nearby plus casinos. Our favorite is the Rancho California RV Resort east of Temecula. Unfortunately, they only accept 30 foot plus Class A or 5th wheels.Another favorite in the area is Tucalota Springshttp://www.tucalotasprings.com/

Pismo beach has some nice RV parks and State and County CGs - it is also very near the Edna Valley Wineries.

Flying Flags is a lovely park with all the amenities of a resort park. It is central to many wineries, a bit of a drive to the ocean, but close to Solvang, a tourist town. A bit North is Pismo Coast Village, reservations are tight as it is a shareholder park (whatever that means) but they do take non-members, a very nice park, on the beach (sort of, you have to walk a bit and there is not an ocean view from the sites) Even farther North is Morro Bay and San Jose. All are great destinations. Have fun, and Happy Trails.

deputybubba wrote:Hello all,We are planning a week or so trip in Feb. to Ca. from Az.DW would like to stay a few days near the ocean, I was thinking around Santa Barbara ? then on to wine country, here I was thinking near Paso Robles.Any park suggestions ?Also any good half way points from Phx to coast, and then from wine country back to Phx ?? nothing fancy... walmarts would even work.Thanks BruceGiven the length of time for your trip (week or so) this is going to be a quick trip. 1. drive from Phx. to Indio for overnight or if you are ok with a long day of driving, go into Ventura or Santa Barbara. In Santa Barbara, stay Refugio state park for the night.2. or drive from indio to Pismo to give you more time at the ocean and winneries.3. Make your reservations as soon as possible. The coast RV parks can be crowded all year long. You can always cancel reservations

Ca. trip in Feb looking for beach and wine country RV parks

oldcat1
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014
deputybubba

I looked at both El Capitan and Refiguo State Parks for Feb. and they are listed as "walk-up only". That means they don't take reservations in the off season = first come first served. If you arrive in early afternoon during the week you should not have a problem. Safe travels.
IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2014
deputybubba wrote:
So lots of Flying Flags recommendations...
I should have stated that we don't have a toad, so hopefully wherever we stay will be walking distance to town/stuff to see...

There is some things close by,
In walking distance to Pea Soup Andersons and Ellen's Danish Pancake House

Flying Flags also offer wine tours that you can go on and a free shuttle to the Chumash Casino

A short drive up HWY 246 you find Solvang with a lot to do and a few wine tasting spots thrown in too.

There is a large RV parking lot on HWY 246 just pass Alisal RD on the left, it is large enough for most any size rig and is free and short walking distance to everything.

Solvang Map
JT
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014
This site may be helpful for winery visits in SLO County:

http://www.slocountywineries.com/
JT
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014
It's about 45 miles from Pismo to Paso Robles. You could look at RV Park Reviews for listing of RV parks in Pismo; many like Pismo Coast Village. You might also check the websites of individual wineries that interest you to see what, if any, "shuttle" options they might offer.

And, Enterprise Rent is everywhere; check their website for locations and availability.
deputybubba
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014
Wow... so ventura beach RV seems to be about the only choice... at least along the coast... all the state parks listed seem to be booked till about mid-march...

Pismo might be a better choice... from looking at the map it's fairly close to paso robles... nice short drive then...

Any recommendations for Pismo area ???
:)
thank you for taking the time to respond...
Bruce
deputybubba
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014
So we will be driving a Gulf Stream Conquest Super C... about 35-36 ft.
I was hoping that a RV park in wine country would have a shuttle service for a fee, a tour service, or a lead on a rental car place in town...
Gonzo42
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014
Wine tasting: as a general rule (but each place has its own rules) the cost of tasting is $10/person and you get 6 tastings, plus you get to keep the glass.

Some of this has changed in the last few years. Fewer free glasses for starters. Some places give you tickets and tear off a part for each wine tasted. Others just count. In out experience we can always get to taste more than the standard quantity only by asking to taste or re-taste something.

Every winery has a member's club to join. Generally speaking, you sign up to get 2 or 3 newer bottles of wine shipped to your home or you pick them up in order to save on shipping. Shipments normally 4 times a year. Members have their tasting fees waived, and you also get a substantial discount on wines bought at the tasting room, either by the bottle or by the case.

We have memberships at several wineries in the Solvang area and in the Temecula area.

A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past, he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future. --- Sydney J. Harris
JT
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014
The rv park on California State Route 41 just east of Paso has much less traffic noise. I think it is called Wine Country RV Resort.
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Wine Country RV is on Airport Rd. east of Paso Robles off Hwy. *46* (not 41).

The OP didn't say what s/he would be driving, but without a car (or a small vehicle), visiting wineries (in any of the areas mentioned) will be a challenge! If winery exploration is the objective of the trip, I suggest focusing on one or two general areas; base camp at one of the suggested RV parks in each chosen area and rent a car.

BTW, be prepared for tasting fees; most wineries refund the cost with a purchase over a certain amount.
deputybubba
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014
So lots of Flying Flags recommendations...
I should have stated that we don't have a toad, so hopefully wherever we stay will be walking distance to town/stuff to see... or a rental car place will be close by...

Thanks for all the recommendations...
I will be making the wine country rv requests soon.
Bruce
cgmartine
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014
On your way west bound on the the I-10, stop by the county camp ground in Yucaipa. Beautiful setting surrounded by tall trees.