San Diego to Sacramento Road Trip Guide

The kids will likely be ready for another indoor stop that will be more than entertaining. Thankfully, the Children’s Museum of Stockton is on the way to Sacramento. You will be welcomed by the colorful giant toy soldier statues on the outside of the building. Once you’re inside there are over 22,000 square feet to explore, keeping your children entertained for hours.

There are rotating exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Stockton, but you’ll always find about 40 exhibits there at all times. Kids of all ages will enjoy visiting there and you can even rent it out for a birthday party! There are events throughout the month and even an art studio where you can create something to remember your road trip by!

No California road trip is complete without visiting "The Happiest Place on Earth!" Disneyland offers classic Disney magic with attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the beloved Matterhorn, while Disney California Adventure showcases California-themed fun with Cars Land and the Incredicoaster. Plan a full day (or two!) to experience both parks plus Downtown Disney's shopping and dining.

Stay at Canyon RV Park in nearby Anaheim, featuring 140 family-friendly campsites with full hookups, playground, swimming pool, and easy access to Disneyland plus Southern California's stunning beaches.

If you haven’t gotten enough of the great outdoors during your road trip, make a pit stop at San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll have around 120 miles left of your journey and it’s worth checking out and you’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs. While zoos are amazing, seeing wildlife roam in their natural habitat can be breathtaking. There are several animals that call the wildlife refuge home, including large elks and bears.

It’s important not to approach any wild animal and to clean up after yourself if you have a picnic in order to keep their home clean. You won’t have to go far if you need to hit the hay before the last leg of your journey as you can park the motorhome there and get some rest. As a bonus, the stars shine extra bright here and are worth checking out!

It’s time to get away from the crowds at Disney and delve headfirst into nature. Making a pit stop at Los Padres National Forest is the perfect way to unplug from the business of the real world. Los Padres National Forest sits at nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, making it a great spot to get in some hiking. You could even unload the mountain bike and explore the forest on two wheels!

If you’re still tired from Disneyland, lay down a towel and relax at the beach with a good book and some snacks! If you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll still be able to enjoy visiting Los Padres National Forest. You could cast a reel and catch fresh dinner for your entire family. There’s also plenty of wildlife to see and you could even get in some cross-country skiing if there’s snow!

Before hitting the road, consider stopping at the San Diego Zoo for a few hours of fun with amazing animals. With over 3,500 different animals and 650 subspecies to see, you’re bound to see something you never have before! There are classic zoo animals like lions, giraffes, and monkeys. You’ll also get to see unique animals like anaconda snakes, white foxes, the babirusa, and more.

There are also plenty of cool plants to check out including flowers and ferns. You can explore the many trails within the zoo and even grab a bite to eat. If you need a place to park the motorhome after a long day at the San Diego Zoo, there are plenty of RV parks nearby. San Diego RV Park and Admiral Baker RV Campground are both great options that have enough amenities to keep you comfortable overnight.

Thrill seekers, this is your first major stop! Located just off I-5 in Santa Clarita, Six Flags Magic Mountain holds the world record with 19 roller coasters—more than any other theme park on the planet. From the towering Wonder Woman Flight of Courage to the twisted excitement of Tatsu, this is an adrenaline paradise. The park's nickname "Thrill Capital of the World" is well-earned, with coasters ranging from family-friendly to extreme.

For RV parking, Castaic Lake RV Campground offers convenient access to both Six Flags and beautiful lake recreation, with full hookups and mountain views just minutes from the theme park excitement.

Perfect for families, this unique combination zoo and botanical garden showcases native California wildlife that can't be released into the wild. Kids will be amazed by rare California Condors, the fascinating "Cats of California" exhibit, and the interactive tide pool with moon jellyfish and octopi. It's an educational stop that breaks up the drive while celebrating California's incredible biodiversity.

End your journey with California's classic beach camping experience! San Clemente State Beach offers RV camping right on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Wake up to stunning sunrise views, spend your day on beautiful sandy beaches, and enjoy evening campfires with the sound of waves as your soundtrack. It's the perfect way to unwind before reaching San Diego.