Tucson to Sacramento Road Trip Guide

The last stop on this road trip before you make it to the beautiful city of Sacramento is the Crocker Art Museum. It is located a little bit north of Los Angeles and is just a short drive from downtown Sacramento. When this museum first opened, it went by the name E.B. Crocker Art Gallery. This is one of the oldest art museums in the country and it opened its doors around 140 years ago.

Most of the art in the Crocker Art Museum was created by local California artists. There are several different styles of art to see while you’re there. This museum showcases sculptures, paintings, drawings, and more. Spending an entire afternoon walking around a museum can be quite tiring. Don’t be shy to stay overnight in the RV at one of the nearby campgrounds. SacWest RV Park and Campground is a great option, as well as Sherwood Harbor and Marina.

While Modesto, California may be known for a lot of things, the entire family will enjoy making memories at Funworks Modesto. This place consists of 18-acres and is a great way for the kids to burn off some of the sugar from road trip snacks! It’s an indoor amusement center that has a variety of different activities. Allow your kids to be in the driver's seat as you battle it out for the top spot while racing go-karts.

There are also batting cages that test coordination, balance and cognitive skills. The whole family will be able to take part in an afternoon of miniature golf. There are daily deals that can save you a bundle as well! Be sure to check online to see what the deals are for the day you plan on visiting. Don’t forget to enjoy a slice of pizza or two at the cafe before hitting the road!

The next stop is located in Bakersfield, California. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science is a place where kids and adults can learn something new. Bakersfield is known for the bustling art district and this museum is located in the heart of downtown! There are three subjects that the Buena Vista Museum focuses on: paleontology, geology, and anthropology.

There are classes where kids can learn all about how specific things work and why certain things are the way they are. Just like many other museums out there, this one has rotating exhibits. You’ll be able to check online before your trip to see what will be there on the dates of your trip! Kern River Campground and Buena Vista Run and RV Park are great places to park overnight. The RV Park offers modern amenities to keep you and the kids connected and your gadgets charged!

Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, making a stop at Universal Studios Hollywood is a fun way to mark the midpoint of your trip. This is a thrilling theme park that will take at least a day to get through. If you want to experience everything. You’ll be able to see and take pictures with characters from your favorite TV shows and movies, like The Simpsons or Jurassic Park.

There are changing themes all around the park including Harry Potter, Kung Fu Panda, and The Fast and the Furious. There are small kiddie rides as well as thrilling roller coasters that parents will love. This is a fun way to get your adrenaline pumping and take a break from endless hours on the road. Hollywood RV Park is nearby if you need to park and get some rest.

One of the most iconic national parks in the United States is Joshua Tree National Park. It’s just over 100 miles to your next stop and is a great way to immerse yourself in nature before reaching the bustling city of Los Angeles. This park is protected due to the unique landscape and vegetation that surround Joshua Tree. With a mostly open area, you can take a hike and get your blood flowing again after hours on the road.

If you like animals, you may want to sit back and relax, because there are several critters that call this place home. You could even bring a pair of binoculars to have an even better experience. Just like Salvation Mountain, Joshua Tree National Park makes the perfect place to take a family photo to remember your journey! You can camp there for the night for a small fee if needed.

After a day at the zoo, it’s time to spend a few hours at Salvation Mountain. This is the perfect place to stretch your legs and see something that you won’t see anywhere else in the United States. Salvation Mountain is located in Calipatria, California. It is an art sculpture made on a hillside by local resident Leonard Knight. You don’t have to be religious to enjoy your stop there either!

The hillside is painted a variety of different colors and there are paintings of things like hearts, stripes, scripture from the Bible, and more. Many people enjoy taking photos here as well, as the art installation makes a beautiful backdrop. Mojo’s Slab Camp and Lotus Lane are popular RV parks in the area where you can stay for the night. Don’t forget to get in a bit of stargazing before falling asleep!

Both adults and kids alike will love a stop at the Phoenix Zoo on the way to Sacramento. This is quite a large zoo and over 1,200 animals call it home. It is located right in Phoenix and is an easy way to enjoy a day off the road. There are animals that you’d see at most zoos like giraffes, zebras, lions, and wolves, but the zoo also has themed exhibits that offer new and unique animals that your family hasn’t seen before.

There are easy to follow trails throughout the zoo, making it a quick stop if you only want to see specific creatures. If you’re traveling with really young kids, take them to see the cows, chickens, and pigs in the farmyard area. You can also grab a bite to eat at the food court within the zoo and grab a memento at the gift shop to remember your trip!

One of the first places you can stop on your way to California is Picacho Peak State Park. This is a great way to get in some exercise and see some beautiful views in Arizona. There is something for the whole family to enjoy during their stay here. One of the top locations in Picacho Peak State Park is the children’s cave. Not only can you explore this cave-like structure, but there are also plenty of hiking trails nearby.

If you’re towing an off-highway vehicle behind your rig, there’s space to take it out and enjoy an afternoon of riding around at this state park. It’s understandable that a long day outdoors can be exhausting. You want to make sure you’re rested for the entirety of your journey. No worries - you’ll be able to park the motorhome you rent at Picacho Peak State Park overnight.