Southern California

Sponsored by:
La Pacifica RV Resort
www.lapacificarvresort.com
(619)428-4411
[email protected]
It’s a great day for a road trip; we’ve got a full tank and nothing but open road ahead of us, so let’s get rolling!
Once we’re southbound on the I-5, our first stop is Anaheim, which is home to the Happiest Place on Earth; Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Both places are a special treat, and a great way to get a vacation off to a fun-filled start. The rides and attractions at Disneyland are world-famous and well worth seeing again and again and California Adventure compiles the best of the great Golden State wrapped in the traditional spirit of Disney family fun. Just follow the signs from the freeway – they do everything but drive it in for you!
After a day of fun in the sun, it’s time to point the rig south again. Twenty miles later, we reach the city of Mission Viejo, an upscale community in the “O.C.” with plenty of fine dining, shopping, and outdoor activities to keep us happy and well-fed. Eight miles further south, we pass through San Juan Capistrano, which is renowned for being a major stop in the swallows’ migration. One heads west off the freeway to the city proper. The mission is easy to find, and guided tours are readily available. The city is well-stocked with fine restaurants in all price ranges, and you’ll definitely want to come back and try them one by one.
Onward we go. Next stop, the beachfront community of Oceanside, which lies to the west of the I-5 and boasts 3.5 miles of sandy beaches fit for a picnic, jogging, or that sunbath you’re looking for. Whatever your preference, it’s there waiting for you. If water sports are your thing, there are plenty of facilities that are happy to rent boats, kayaks and jet-skis. Oceanside Harbor should not be missed, with fine restaurants and shops readily available. Limited RV camping is also available. The city of Oceanside also has three golf courses, numerous tennis courts and over six miles of beachfront roadway that’s perfect for jogging, rollerblading, or biking. It’s undoubtedly one of the garden spots of Southern California.
Now that we’re properly suntanned and watered, it’s time to get back on the road for our final stop and featured destination, the port city of San Diego. One could write volumes about the multitude of things to see and do there, but we’ll do our best to cover them quickly and efficiently.
An exit off the I-5 at Sea World Dr., and a quick ride west, takes us to Sea World, a one-stop viewing point for all manner of marine life, all of which dwell in humane, environmentally-friendly habitats. Shows and attractions run throughout the day, and one could easily spend a day or two seeing everything.
Without a doubt, Balboa Park should be a highlight of your trip. It’s the nation’s largest urban cultural park, home to no fewer than 15 major museums, beautiful gardens and, of course, the San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park has a constantly-changing calendar of museum exhibitions, plays, musicals, concerts and classes. Admission to the park is free, so head southbound off the I-5, and take the 10th Ave. exit. Turn left on “A” St. and left again on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to Balboa Park.
All in all, one’s got to admit that’s a lot to see on a single tank! No doubt, you’ll want to revisit some – if not all – of these spots on your return trip. This route has enough to keep everyone entertained. Happy motoring!
Other Area Sponsors in California: Campland on the Bay Capitol West RV & MH Park Far Horizons 49er Village RV Resort Napa Valley Expo RV Park Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort Tradewinds RV Park of Vallejo