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Arizona for Beginners

Hitting the open road in an RV and exploring Arizona’s great outdoors is nothing short of incredible. This state has it all for anyone who loves nature, and the variety is stunning. It’s easy to drive the open roads and fantastic for those that love dark skies.

Starting in Northern Arizona, the cool pine forests and endless plateaus are a refreshing escape. You feel like you’re breathing in pure wilderness up here. Then, rolling into Central Arizona, the scenery changes dramatically. The iconic red rocks of Sedona and the lush Verde Valley take center stage—trust us, there’s nothing like waking up to those views from your RV window. There are so many different types of vehicles that regardless of whether you are a solo traveler a couple or a family, the right vehicle is available for you to rent.

Lake of the Woods – Image credit Arizona Office of Tourism, AdventurePiece 2020

As we continued south, the desert landscapes opened up to endless stretches of towering saguaros, and the rock formations—both above and below ground—are awe-inspiring. In Western Arizona, surprisingly, you’ll find yourself at the beach, enjoying water sports along the Colorado River. Don’t you think travel is about being surprised by contrast? that’s certainly the case in Arizona.

Catalina State Park – Image credit Arizona Office of Tourism

Eastern Arizona is the perfect mix of everything. One moment you’re driving through thick green forests, and the next, you’re surrounded by ancient petrified wood and centuries-old petroglyphs. It’s like every corner of Arizona has its own unique experience, and you will love that RV rental let you take it all in at our own pace and at a price that will mean you have the budget left to do all the activities on offer.

Pro tip: make sure to check each State and National park’s website for hours, fees, and services. Some parks are pretty remote, which is great for peace and quiet, but you’ll want to be well-prepared, especially if you’re heading into the backcountry. Also, if you’re visiting parks on tribal lands, plan ahead for permits or guides.

Arizona has so many parks to explore, from the iconic cacti to the hidden gems in the Sky Islands down south. We’ve been using the Arizona Parks Passport to make sure we don’t miss a thing. And while you’re at it, share those epic RV moments with #AZParksPassport—you might even get a little surprise from them! If you are visiting more than just Arizona buy the America the Beautiful National Parks pass.

Tombstone – Image credit Arizona Office of Tourism

An RV trip through Arizona will without doubt be the adventure of a lifetime, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. We will put more detailed post about each of the major national and state parks for you to explore, We didn’t even mention The Grand Canyon yet!! To plan your trip go to the states tourism site – Visit Arizona for lots more detail.

Look at this interactive guide to parks and sights in Arizona

Every stop offers something new and unforgettable!

Remember when you travel in these unique and fragile environments to only take photos and only leave foot prints.

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Washington DC on an RV road-trip

It takes some planning to include cities in a road-trip of the USA, so lots of traveler’s skirt around them instead. But you don’t have to, let me fill you in on how to include DC.

Washington DC is on a lot of bucket lists, and for good reason, it’s an amazing city, with iconic sights and historic museums and neighborhoods it would be a great shame to skip it.

I’ll let you in on the secret of how to include DC on an RV road-trip, it’s called Cherry Hill Park  a holiday park that sets the standard, it’s not just the closest RV park to DC, it has great amenities including a cafe and grocery store and something that’s an amazing bonus – a Concierge! to help you with sightseeing in the capital, especially the things that you can benefit from having pre-booking.

Cherry Hill Park is actually in Maryland but only 27km (17miles) from the Icons of DC, it has its own shuttle bus, from the park, but at US$29 a head that option is quite expensive when its a short uber ride to College Park Metro Station. That’s on the green line and only 25mins into the National Mall, the Metro starts early and runs till 11.30pm, if you stay out late for the night in DC and have to cab it back it will cost you between US$80-100. 

HINT: Having said all of that you can leave your vehicle for a few nights and stay in a hotel in the center of DC, have a look at Yotel for it’s great location, easy walk to The Capital and Union Station, and it’s terrific prices.

Public transport around DC 

Union Station is the hub for all public transport into and around DC. Get yourself a Smartrip Card at College Park Station in Maryland so you can use both the Metro and the Circulator bus, you can buy a 1 or 3 day pass. 

There are very reasonable ways to get around once there:

  1. Walk – it’s nice and flat and all of what you want to see is walkable, you will want to walk the National Mall in particular, at least one way.  
  2. Bike and scooter share options are available, you will see their docking stations around the popular areas, a credit card will activate them, there are 143km’s of bike lanes.
  3. Taxi’s – DC isn’t that big so if you won’t find it an expensive option.
  4. Metro and Circulator bus as above.
Circulator Bus route and stops

Before you get to DC

Do your research on which sights, museums and galleries are most important to you otherwise you will be overwhelmed by the choices. You won’t be able to do everything unless you are moving to DC!

The Mall – Above is the route of the Circulator bus and shows you where all the Metro stations are.  For context, it’s about 5km’s from 1. Union Station to 9. Lincoln Memorial. Everyone is going to walk The National Mall, so pack a lunch and spend your first morning wandering all the memorials, you can hop on and off The Circulator Bus.

You will be able to see, above, the Jefferson Memorial and all the other memorials – Franklin D Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jnr, Korean War Veterans, Lincoln, Vietnam, WWII, the Washington Monument obelisk, and of course The Whitehouse. 

My tip – 1. It’s always good to do the Hop on Hop off bus tour in any city, the commentary is always so informative and it orientates you to go back and give more attention to what you’re most interested in.  In DC (pick it up at Union Station) do the tour and hop off at Arlington Cemetery, over the bridge into Virginia (also blue Metro line) the Circulator bus doesn’t go there, when you have orientated yourself you can go back to each of the monuments. I do consider it to be quite expensive though.

2. If the line to go up the Washington Obelisk is too long you can go up the clock tower of the Old Post Office Building for an equally good view of the capital, without the crowds.  

Capital Hill – It’s all about the US Capital Building, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and the Botanical Gardens. But there is also the Eastern Market, and a lot of stately 19th century homes in the area.  The guided tour of the Capital Building should be on your ‘MUST DO’ list, go online and book your entry time so you don’t have to wait around for too long, It’s free and takes about an hour. The museum inside the building is very informative so allow an extra hour to include it. There is also a tour of the gardens available if that’s your thing.

My Tip – if you are in DC in the summer US Marine Barracks has a parade on Friday nights,  get there by 7.30 pm to ensure a seat. 

The Smithsonian’s – The 17 free Smithsonian museums in DC are one of the biggest drawcards of the capital. The National Air & Space, and National Museum of African American History and Culture are more popular than others and you need to book an entry slot, this ensures that they are not over crowded. I also went to the Natural History , National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Gallery of Art Gallery. There is also relatively new fun Spy Museum that’s not part of the Smithsonian, but it’s interactive a quite a treat, I loved it.

The Neighborhoods of DC

Georgetown – Is where it all started. Take a step back in time to small old stone houses and the larger stately homes of the era and you are just breathing in the past. The best thing I did on my most recent trip to DC was a Georgetown Walking Tour. Full disclosure – I love a walking tours, particularly when history or food are involved (the secret is to do good ones!) and there are only a few places more important in US history than Georgetown Washington DC. My group consisted of 10 other walking tour lovers and our guide who knew everything there is to know about the history and architecture of the area, it went for 3 short hours and we where all very sad when it finished. When you have finished exploring the area head down to the Potomac water front where you’ll find restaurants and the Kennedy Center (everything performing arts and a tribute to the legacy of JFK).    

My Tip – There are water taxi services from the water front that are a terrific inexpensive way to do a river cruise, there is even commentary, they will take you to the Navy Yards, another place to eat and the National Museum of the US Navy.

U Street Area –  As you would expect the birthplace of Duke Ellington is a great night time spot for Jazz Club’s and Ethiopian Restaurants, by day see the quirky street Murals, and the touching African American Civil War Memorial. It’s another good place for a walking tour, here I did the Black Broadway Food Tour which started at the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl and took in Dukem one of U Streets famous Ethiopian Restaurants as well as the history of the area and pastry and ice cream.    

My Tip – U Street has the largest Ethiopian population outside Ethiopia, so guess where you should be trying Ethiopian food for the first time? 

Dupont Circle – Head here via Metro Red line for The American Revolution Institute, as well as the National Geographic Museum and President Wilson’s House. If you lose your passport this is also where you will find all the embassies.   

My Tip – make sure you have lunch at Kramers Book Store and Restaurant, it’s an institution, and have a beer in the 1921 Garden Bar of Henrich House, Christian Henrich was Washington DC’s pioneering brewer.

This just scratches the surface of what there is to do in Washington DC, depending on your interests you may lean more heavily towards museums or the Smithsonian institutes.   For everything Washington DC see – washington.org

Photo credit – Washington.org, circulator bus and personal photos by Shelley 

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Slow Travel – Central California Coast RV Road-Trip

Spread out the activities below over two days depending on when you arrive or depart the area. Relax and enjoy the area, you don’t want to rush, part of the beauty of these areas is letting them seep into your skin.

We have provided links to the best RV parks to stay, book in for at least 2 or 3 nights at each place.

DAY 1 & 2

San Diego is indeed a vibrant and diverse city with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for culinary delights, cultural experiences, outdoor activities, or just some time to relax by the water, San Diego has it all.

San Diego, SeaWorld, Beluga Whales – Image Credit Visit California
  • Neighbourhoods: Each neighbourhood offers a unique vibe. Little Italy is perfect for food lovers, with a range of Italian restaurants and trendy cafes. The Gaslamp Quarter is the place to be for nightlife, while the East Village is a hotspot for arts and entertainment. North Park is known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, breweries, and galleries, and Old Town offers a glimpse into the city’s history with its preserved buildings and traditional Mexican cuisine.
  • Balboa Park: A must-visit, this expansive park is home to numerous museums, beautiful gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The zoo, renowned for its conservation efforts, is one of the few places where you can see giant pandas.
  • Beaches: San Diego’s beaches are perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re catching waves at Ocean Beach, enjoying the lively boardwalk at Mission Beach, or soaking up the sun at Pacific Beach, there’s a beach for every mood. Mission Bay is especially great for water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
  • La Jolla: Just a short drive from downtown, La Jolla offers stunning coastal views, upscale dining, and the chance to explore sea caves or snorkel with sea lions. The beaches here, like La Jolla Shores, are perfect for a day of relaxation or exploration.
  • Attractions: SeaWorld San Diego is a fun-filled destination for families, offering marine shows, rides, and interactive exhibits. The Maritime Museum gives you a glimpse into maritime history with its collection of historic ships, including the Star of India.
  • Craft Beer: San Diego is also famous for its craft beer scene, with breweries like Stone Brewing, Ballast Point, and Modern Times leading the way. A brewery tour is a great way to sample some of the best beers in the country.

Whether you’re planning a day at the zoo, exploring the historic sites, or just unwinding at the beach, San Diego offers a perfect mix of activities and experiences.

Stay –KOA San Diego

DAY 3 & 4

Huntington Beach, often referred to as “Surf City USA,” offers the quintessential Southern California beach experience. Here’s how you can make the most of a day soaking up the surf vibe:

Morning:

  • Start with Breakfast: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local spots on Main Street. Try Sugar Shack Café, a classic, or head to one of the beachfront cafes for a meal with a view.
  • Explore the Pier: After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll along the Huntington Beach Pier. The pier offers stunning ocean views, and you can watch surfers catching waves from above. If you’re up for it, grab a coffee or snack at the end of the pier at Ruby’s Diner.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon:

  • Beach Time: Spend some time on the sand. Whether you want to relax, swim, or try your hand at surfing, the beach is the perfect spot. You can rent surfboards, bikes, or even take a surfing lesson if you’re feeling adventurous.
  • Volleyball & Biking: If surfing isn’t your thing, play a game of volleyball on the beach courts or rent a bike to cruise along the oceanfront path, enjoying the sea breeze and the beautiful coastline.

Lunch:

  • Pacific City: Head to Pacific City, an outdoor mall just a short walk from the pier. Here, you’ll find a variety of dining options with ocean views. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, burgers, or something a bit more upscale, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Afternoon:

  • Shopping: After lunch, explore the surf shops and boutiques along Main Street and in Pacific City. Pick up some surf gear or a unique souvenir to remember your visit.
  • Horseback Riding in Central Park: For a change of pace, head to Huntington Central Park for horseback riding. It’s a serene way to connect with nature and experience a different side of Huntington Beach.
  • Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: If you prefer exploring on foot, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a fantastic spot for birdwatching and hiking. The reserve is a haven for wildlife and offers peaceful trails through the wetlands.

Evening:

  • Sunset at the Pier: End your day by watching the sunset from the pier. The colors over the ocean are breathtaking and it’s the perfect way to wrap up a day in Surf City.
  • Dinner: For dinner, you can choose from a variety of restaurants along Main Street or in Pacific City. Enjoy some fresh seafood or a classic California-style meal, and maybe even a craft beer from one of the local breweries.

This itinerary gives you a taste of everything Huntington Beach has to offer, from its iconic surf culture to its natural beauty and vibrant shopping and dining scenes.

Stay – Bolsa Chica State Beach

DAY 5 & 6

Santa Barbara truly encapsulates the essence of the California good life with its stunning architecture, beautiful weather, and rich cultural scene. Here’s how you can make the most of a day in this picturesque city:

Santa Barbara, California , Lizards Mouth Hike – Image Credit – Visit California

Morning:

  • Start with Breakfast: Begin your day with breakfast at a local café on State Street, like Jeannine’s or Scarlett Begonia, where you can enjoy a delicious meal in a charming setting.
  • Stroll State Street: After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll down State Street. This main thoroughfare is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or just enjoy the ambiance of the city.

Late Morning:

  • Old Mission Santa Barbara: Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, often called the “Queen of the Missions.” The beautiful architecture and serene gardens provide a glimpse into California’s history and the Spanish influence on the region. Don’t miss the museum and the lovely rose garden in front of the mission.
  • Tour the Presidio: Head to the 1782 Presidio of Santa Barbara, where you can explore the preserved adobe buildings, including El Cuartel. This historic site offers insight into the early days of Spanish colonization in California.

Lunch:

  • Lunch in The Funk Zone: Make your way to The Funk Zone, Santa Barbara’s trendiest neighborhood, for lunch. This area, with its converted warehouses, offers a mix of urban wine-tasting rooms, art studios, and eclectic eateries. You can enjoy fresh, local cuisine at a spot like The Lark or Santo Mezcal.

Afternoon:

  • Kayak from East Beach: After lunch, head to East Beach and rent a kayak. Paddle out under Stearns Wharf, taking in the views of the coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains. If you’re up for more adventure, you can explore the nearby coastline or simply relax on the beach afterward.
  • Wine Tasting in The Funk Zone: Return to The Funk Zone for some afternoon wine tasting. This area is home to several urban wineries and tasting rooms, where you can sample some of Santa Barbara’s award-winning wines. The area’s relaxed vibe makes it a great place to unwind and enjoy the local flavors.

Evening:

  • Sunset at Stearns Wharf: Head back to Stearns Wharf to catch the sunset. The pier offers stunning views of the ocean and the mountains, and it’s a perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
  • Dinner on the Waterfront: For dinner, choose one of the waterfront restaurants near the wharf, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a view. Brophy Bros. or The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach are popular choices for their excellent cuisine and oceanfront settings.

This itinerary provides a blend of history, culture, outdoor adventure, and, of course, the wine and dining experiences that make Santa Barbara so special.

STAY – Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

DAY 7 & 8

The Santa Ynez Valley offers a quintessential wine country experience with its stunning landscapes, diverse microclimates, and world-class wines. Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit:

Morning:

  • Start with Breakfast in Solvang: Begin your day in Solvang, a charming Danish village in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy a traditional Danish breakfast at a local bakery like Olsen’s or Mortensen’s, where you can indulge in freshly baked pastries and coffee.
  • Wine Tasting Pass: Purchase a Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association pass. This pass offers great value and allows you to taste at multiple boutique wineries in the region.

Late Morning:

  • First Tasting in Los Olivos: Start your wine tasting journey in Los Olivos, a quaint town known for its numerous tasting rooms. Visit a boutique winery like Stolpman Vineyards or Carhartt Vineyard to sample some of the region’s best wines. Los Olivos has a charming small-town vibe, perfect for a leisurely stroll between tastings.
  • Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour: For a unique and adventurous way to explore the region, sign up for a Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour. This guided tour will take you off the beaten path, four-wheeling through scenic mountain roads to visit various wineries. You’ll get a chance to enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the vineyards, making for a memorable experience.

Afternoon:

  • Sideways Self-Guided Tour: After your Jeep tour, take a self-guided tour of locations featured in the movie Sideways. Start in Buellton, where you can visit the Hitching Post II, famous for its steaks and Pinot Noir. Then head to Los Alamos and Los Olivos, where you can explore the wineries and charming towns that were part of the film. Even if you haven’t seen Sideways, these locations are picturesque and offer a great glimpse into the region’s culture and scenery.
  • Wine Tasting in Happy Canyon: As the afternoon progresses, head to Happy Canyon for a different tasting experience. The warmer climate here is ideal for Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Stop by a winery like Grassini Family Vineyards or Vogelzang Vineyard to enjoy these rich, full-bodied wines.

Evening:

  • Dinner in Santa Ynez: End your day with a delicious dinner in Santa Ynez. The town offers several excellent dining options, such as SY Kitchen, known for its farm-to-table Italian cuisine, or the elegant restaurant at The Ballard Inn. Pair your meal with a local wine to complete your wine country experience.
  • Optional: Stay Overnight: If you want to extend your visit, consider staying overnight in the valley. There are numerous charming inns and boutique hotels in the area, such as The Landsby in Solvang or Fess Parker Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos.

This itinerary gives you a taste of the best that the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer, from wine tasting and scenic tours to exploring the charming towns that make this region so special. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful getaway, the Santa Ynez Valley is a perfect destination.

Stay – Flying Flags – Buellton CA 93427

DAY 9 & 10

San Luis Obispo, or SLOCal, offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit on California’s Central Coast. Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit:

Pismo Beach – SLO – Image Credit – Visit California

Morning:

  • Start with Breakfast at Scout Coffee Co.: Begin your day with a visit to Scout Coffee Co. on Garden Street for some of the best coffee in town, paired with a fresh pastry or breakfast sandwich.
  • Explore Mission Plaza and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: After breakfast, head to Mission Plaza, the heart of downtown SLO. Visit Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one of California’s oldest missions, founded in 1772. The mission’s serene gardens and museum offer a glimpse into the area’s rich history.

Late Morning:

  • Stroll Downtown: Spend some time exploring the downtown area. Pop into local shops, boutiques, and art galleries. If it’s the first Friday of the month, take advantage of Art After Dark, where galleries open their doors for wine tastings and meet-and-greets with local artists.

Lunch:

  • Farmers’ Market or Downtown Eateries: If you’re visiting on a Thursday, don’t miss the farmers’ market in the evening, where you can sample local specialties like tri-tip sandwiches, tamales, and craft beer. If not, grab lunch at one of the many downtown eateries, such as Firestone Grill, known for its famous tri-tip sandwich, or Novo Restaurant & Lounge, which offers a beautiful creekside dining experience.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Madonna Inn: After lunch, take a short drive to the iconic Madonna Inn. This kitschy and colorful hotel is a SLO landmark. Explore the grounds, have a look at the uniquely themed rooms, and don’t leave without trying a slice of their famous pink champagne cake at the Copper Café.
  • Wine Tasting in Edna Valley: Spend your afternoon wine tasting in the nearby Edna Valley, known for its cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visit Edna Valley Vineyard for its stunning views and exceptional wines, and Tolosa Winery for a tasting of their highly regarded Pinot Noirs.
  • Explore Arroyo Grande Valley: If time allows, head south to the Arroyo Grande Valley to discover some of the area’s under-the-radar wineries. Laetitia Vineyard & Winery is particularly known for its sparkling wines, making it a perfect stop to end your wine-tasting tour.

Evening:

  • Dinner in Downtown SLO: Return to downtown SLO for dinner. Enjoy a meal at Luna Red, which offers globally inspired dishes with a focus on local ingredients, or go for a casual yet delicious experience at SLO Brew Rock.
  • Live Music at Mission Plaza: If you’re visiting in the summer, stick around Mission Plaza for live music on Friday nights. It’s a great way to soak up the local atmosphere and enjoy the warm, laid-back SLO vibe.
  • Stay at Madonna Inn: End your day by staying at the Madonna Inn. Choose one of their quirky themed rooms for a memorable overnight experience. Whether it’s the Caveman, the Love Birds, or the Fox and Hound, each room offers a unique and whimsical touch.

This itinerary highlights the best of SLO’s history, culture, and culinary offerings, with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of California’s Central Coast.

STAY – Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

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