Sacramento to St. George Road Trip Guide
Introduction
One of the best ways to spend some quality time as a couple is to hit the open road and do some exploring. A weekend trip in a van gives you enough time to explore places that aren't just a few hours away but also means that you can return home after a few days of fun.
Thanks to the extensive road system in the United States and great RV camping options there are so many routes that you can explore, especially if you are leaving from the city of Sacramento. The capital of California is the perfect place to start a road trip with your partner since you can head north, south, east, or west depending on what you would like to see and do. Heading east from Sacramento along the Lincoln Highway will make for a great trip. It will take you through a diverse landscape that has plenty on offer for you and your partner to enjoy, including getting the chance to see Lake Tahoe, the desert of western Nevada, and even Las Vegas if you don't mind taking a quick detour.
The city of St. George is a wonderful final destination for your trip thanks to the combination of outdoor activities for those who still want to have some fun in the sun and the opportunities to spend some time inside.
Point of Interest
KISS Mini Golf
Taking a detour to Las Vegas is never going to be boring, but if you are looking for something a little different during your time on the strip you should head to the Rio Casino and play a round of KISS Mini Golf. This 13,000 square foot area of the casino combines KISS memorabilia, merchandise, and of course, mini-golf!
There are 18 holes to play that are full of challenges, but no matter how good you are at golf you are sure to have some fun in this rocking environment. If you and your partner are looking to tie the knot you won't even have to leave, since there is a wedding chapel at the KISS Mini Golf attraction. When in Vegas!
You won't be able to go RV camping at the Rio, but Las Vegas is home to plenty of great campgrounds. If you are looking for a place to stay with some more luxurious amenities you can't beat the Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town Journey.
The Clown Motel
Now, this isn't an ideal RV destination, but it sure is interesting and a must-see during your drive through the sparsely populated areas along the Veterans Memorial Freeway. Located around four hours away from Lake Tahoe, the Clown Motel is known for its unique decor that attracts visitors who love things that are out of the ordinary.
Take a minute or two to stop in and take some photos in front of the reception, or head inside and check out the spooky shelf that is home to many clown dolls. It is very dated, but that is part of the charm that makes the Clown Motel attractive to visitors from all over.
There aren't any RV parking options at the Clown Motel, so you will have to look for accommodation in Tonopah if you want to spend the night in your van. Consider staying at Tonopah RV Resort where you can also have some fun at the casino that is on the park grounds.
Lake Tahoe
Your next stop on the way from Sacramento to St. George just so happens to be one of the most popular lakes in the entire country, so stopping in to check it out is a must! Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the country and is only behind the Great Lakes in terms of size, with 122,000 surface acres waiting for you to explore.
There are so many things to do during your stop at Lake Tahoe so it makes sense to plan your activities in advance. Swimming, boating, and fishing are the most popular activities, but there are also plenty of trails to explore and many wildlife viewing opportunities. Consider arriving at Lake Tahoe early so you can make the most of your day, but when the evening arrives you can do some stargazing or roast some smores.
Visiting the lake will also mean that you have a large choice of RV-friendly campgrounds since there are many around the lake. Most of the campgrounds are at the southern end of the lake, including the state-run Fallen Leaf Campground and the City of Lake Tahoe Campground.
California State Capitol Museum
Starting off a trip in Sacramento will mean that you and your partner can enjoy some of the historical offerings that are available within the state capitol. One of the best places to visit to learn about the history of California is at the California State Capitol Museum.
Operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the museum gives visitors the chance to take a tour of the capitol building, view educational exhibits on the history of parliament, and view educational films. You can also tour the historic offices, including those that belonged to the Treasurer, Secretary of State, and the Governor of California.
Starting your trip in Sacramento also means that you will have a large choice of private RV campgrounds to stay at, so no matter what size van you are traveling in there will options suitable for you. Consider booking a night at the Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park or Cal Expo RV Park.
Summary
Only 120 miles from Las Vegas and the ideal last stop on your weekend getaway is St. George. This southwestern Utah city is very different from your previous destinations since it combines city attractions with some stunning natural areas.
If you and your partner are up for some outdoor exploring you can check out the Red Hills Desert Garden, Pioneer Park, or the Red Cliffs Natural Conservation Area, all of which are only a short drive from the city. There are also many great restaurants if you want to celebrate the end of a great trip, including Wood Eye Rash, Hawaiian Poke Bowl, and Aragosta. You won't have to travel far to find a great place to stay either, with St. George / Hurricane KOA, Snow Canyon State Park, and Zion National Park all close-by.
