San Francisco
Dates
Embarking on a camper van trip to San Francisco, California, is an enticing adventure filled with remarkable sights and thrilling experiences. San Francisco, infamously known as the "City by the Bay," boasts of its diverse culture, vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and gastronomic delights that will undoubtedly make your camper van trip a memorable one.
Upon entering the city, the magnificent sight of the Golden Gate Bridge will greet you. This iconic red suspension bridge, stretching across the mile-wide Golden Gate Strait, offers a panoramic view of the city and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Don't miss the chance to capture some beautiful photographs at the vista points located at both ends of the bridge. Next, steer your camper van to Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area best known for Pier 39. This lively pier is packed with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions such as the Aquarium of the Bay and the playful sea lion colony. Be sure to try the famed clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, a local classic. For a slice of history, head over to Alcatraz Island. Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals, this former federal prison now serves as a national park. Here, you can explore the eerie cellhouse through an excellent self-guided audio tour that narrates tales of infamous inmates and daring escape attempts. Your camper van trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia. Stroll down its bustling streets filled with exotic shops, food markets, and dim sum restaurants. Don't forget to pass through the Dragon's Gate, the ornate entrance to this vibrant neighborhood. For nature enthusiasts, set your course towards Golden Gate Park. This sprawling urban oasis, larger than New York's Central Park, houses a myriad of attractions including the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, a Japanese Tea Garden, and a carousel. For a quieter encounter with nature, the tranquil Presidio park, once a military post, provides stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Finally, make a stop at the quirky and eclectic neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury, the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement. Here, you'll find colorful Victorian homes, vintage clothing stores, vinyl record shops, and the famous Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream shop at the corner of Haight & Ashbury streets. A camper van trip to San Francisco is more than a journey; it's an unforgettable experience that combines the freedom of the open road with the allure of a city that effortlessly marries its storied past with its dynamic present. Get ready to hit the road and make lasting memories in the captivating City by the Bay!
Brandy: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Hacienda Hideaway: Ford Transit
During the Great Depression, not a single San Francisco based bank failed. In fact, business was so good that the city constructed two more banks during that period.
Penthouse: Ford Transit
Rufus: Storyteller Overland Beast MODE 4x4
Downtown San Francisco's Lombard Street gets all the attention for extreme angles, but Filbert Street between Hyde and Leavenworth is actually the steepest at 31.5 degrees.
Sparkles 2.0: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Solmar: Winnebago Solis
Van Zandt: Ford Transit AWD
Gandalf: 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Balou: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Dream Catcher: Ram ProMaster
Revel Yell: 4x4 Winnebago Revel
Mateo: Mercedes-Benz Sportsmobile
Lima: Ram ProMaster
Hydeout: Ram ProMaster
Laguna: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Octavia: Ram ProMaster
Reyes: Ram ProMaster
Scout: Nissan NV200
Clay: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Van Ness: Ram ProMaster