RVing From Portland To San Francisco For Summer 2023

This summer, take a tour of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most driven road trips and go RVing from Portland to San Francisco!

The classic West Coast road trip takes you from the towering pines of Oregon, through the breathtaking black sand beaches of the Pacific Northwest, and to the golden hills of northern California. But there’s even more to experience on this trip than its dazzling natural features. Amazing seafood, world class wineries, and lush farmer’s markets dot the trail through the coast on our journey.

RVing from Portland to San Francisco takes around 10 hours, so we’ve filled the trip with plenty of stops and amazing places to see. Get your RV rental secured and join us on our fabulous West Coast getaway!

Things To Do From Portland To San Francisco

Evergreen Curling Club

Our RV trip from Portland to San Francisco will make its first stop just outside of the city.

West of Portland, the Evergreen Curling Club of Beaverton is Oregon’s sole curling establishment. The northern sport has increased in popularity over the years due to its participation in the Winter Olympic Games. Evergreen’s club is a fantastic way to get into the game like a local. Offering team events— with no prior experience required—, an afternoon at the club is a great send off to the culture. 

After you get your curl on, head into Portland center to grab lunch at Higgins, a local favorite known for their sustainable dining and fine wines.

RV Resorts Near Portland

Jantzen Beach RV Park | Sandy Riverfront RV Resort | Fox Run RV Park

Harris Beach State Park

Traveling southwest along the coast, Harris Beach State Park is a farewell bid to the moody beaches that the Pacific Northwest is famous for. Dark sand shoreline that gives way to vibrant blue water; lush green hills overlooking the bay dotted with wildflowers. Campgrounds throughout the park allow travelers to spend one last night in Oregon before dipping into California.

A quick drive North of Harris Beach finds you at Lone Ranch Beach, equally as stunning with less visitors. If you’re looking for a bit more privacy on your day trip, Lone Ranch and the viewpoints near it (namely Cape Ferrelo or House Rock) are a great way to spend the afternoon by the water.

For dinner, be sure to check out the numerous seafood restaurants along the harbor of Chetco Cove and Brookings.

RV Resorts Near Harris Beach State Park

Harris Beach State Park | Alfred A. Loeb State Park | Whaleshead Beach RV Resort

Ricochet Ridge Ranch

Tucked beneath Ten Mile Beach of Mendocino County, Ricochet Ridge Ranch specializes in horseback riding tours through a number of terrains. Times range between one hour to an entire day trip through wooded hills, grassy plains, or the famous beach itself. As an introduction to California’s many stunning natural features, the ranch itself is perfectly placed along the route to sample a little of everything. Best of all, you’ll do so in a unique, totally California way.

Even if you don’t stop by the ranch while you’re passing through Mendocino County, the black sands of Shelter Cove are definitely worth an afternoon visit. 

RV Resorts Near Ricochet Ridge Ranch

Pomo RV Park and Campground | Woodside RV Park & Campground | MacKerricher Westpine Campground

Avenue of the Giants

RVing from Portland to San Francisco would be incomplete without this classic West Coast stop.

Renowned as the most scenic forest drive in the world, Avenue of the Giants is a must-do excursion on any Californian road trip. The towering redwoods loom majestic and high over a 31 mile stretch of road parallel to the highway. Stopping off for a walk in the woods at one of the numerous Avenue trailheads makes for an extraordinary camping experience not to be missed if the opportunity is available. 

That being said, what’s most important is that the Avenue be driven through, period. If you’re in a time crunch, be sure to at least snap a picture of the famous Drive-Thru Tree during your trip.

Avenue of the Giants is one of the most sought after RV road trip destinations in the US. As such, the area is chock full of campgrounds and hikes to accommodate the high number of visitors each year. 

RV Resorts Near Avenue of the Giants

Redcrest Resort | Hidden Springs Campground | Ancient Redwoods RV Park

Napa Valley

 

A road trip to San Francisco won’t be finished unless you make a stop in Napa Valley. Although, once you’re there— you’ll probably never want to leave. In the city of Napa itself, gourmet foods and farmer’s markets dominate the lush landscape. For a truly unforgettable experience, however, a ride aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train is second to none. The train passes through all of Napa’s most sumptuous vineyards, stopping at notable wineries along the way. 

Napa Valley is an hour and a half’s drive from downtown San Francisco and marks the last stop on our road trip before the city. The greenery of the rolling hills and their golden hue are stunning in any season. However, summer and fall in particular are beautiful like nothing else. 

Although Napa County is world famous for its wine, anyone can enjoy the beauty of the region without having to partake in any drinking. With such a gorgeous backdrop and plenty of hiking and fine dining in the area, it’s an amazing RV destination.

RV Resorts Near Napa Valley

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | R-Ranch At The Lake | Pleasure Cove Campground

 

What do you think about our RV trip from Portland to San Francisco? Where will you go next?