West Coast Wow Route
Hey everyone!
Today, I wanted to share something super exciting with you. The routes for this year's Vanhalla Rally have been officially announced, and I couldn’t be more excited for all of you to experience these routes this summer! We spent months researching these routes, and know these are stops you are going to absolutely love. The West Coast Wow is the first rally, so let’s start there and talk about the route and why we chose the stops we did.
Kickoff near Los Angeles, CA
We’re starting off this rally near Los Angeles, California! If you’re flying in for the rally, fly into LAX, check out the Hollywood sign, pick up your rental vehicle, and head on up to to the registration site (coming soon!). Registration will start that evening– where you’ll get to meet everyone else attending, eat some food, hangout, and more.
Day 1: LA to Big Sur
The first day we’re starting out with one of the longer stretches of driving! And let me tell you, this drive is gonna be INSANE. Highway 1 has been on my bucket list since I was 14 and I am so ready to check it off! If you aren’t looking forward to driving along the cliffs and oceans, (I’ve heard it can be quite nerve racking!) don’t worry, you can drive on the highways that are inland. Big Sur’s rugged coastline is one of the most famous in the world – once you arrive, check out the state park, go for a hike, and explore the local coastal towns.
Day 2: Big Sur to San Francisco
Next stop, San Francisco! As you drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, we’ll be there taking EPIC pictures of your van/car going across the iconic landmark. From there, you have a day to sight-see as much or as little as you’d like! I’ve always loved the show Full House, so I will be making my way to see The Painted Ladies while we are there. I’ve also heard there are some iconic corn dogs in San Francisco (for all my Princess Diaries fans!)
Day 3: San Francisco to Napa Valley
Just a short drive from San Francisco, we’re heading north to Napa Valley. Known for their vineyards and wineries, Napa Valley will be a nice, relaxing day after sightseeing in San Francisco. One of my parents favorite places to visit is Napa Valley/Sonoma, and if you are thinking “I don’t want to go to wineries, I don’t drink” – neither does my mom! She loves the towns in the area and how gorgeous the vineyards are. I have a feeling this might be one of the favorite stops of the trip!
Day 4: Napa Valley to Redwood National Park
Oh to see the Redwood trees in person! I am SO excited for this part of the trip, as I know this is on so many people’s bucket lists. We’ll head out from Napa Valley and start the drive up to see the Redwoods. Take time to explore the parks, take some epic pictures, and go for a hike or two.
Day 5: Redwood to Medford, OR
Just a couple hours from Redwoods, we are heading into Oregon! We’ll make the drive of just a couple hours up to Medford. This is for all those who want to upfit their van while on the rally! You’ll have the chance to stop at Johnson RV and upfit your van/check out their epic upfitting business.
Day 6: Medford to Bend
Bend is the next gem on our list. Our sales rep, Micky, is from Bend and raves about it, so we knew it had to be on our list! And while you make your drive up to Bend, make sure you plan plenty of time to go to Crater Lake National Park! Or, if you want even more time at Crater Lake and aren’t looking to get your van upfitted, head from Redwoods directly to Crater Lake, and head to Bend from there.
Day 7: Bend to Hood River
We’re wrapping up our first ever rally in Hood River, Oregon. Located on the river, and just north of Mt Hood, not only is the spot STUNNING, but it is where the Adventure Van Expo is being hosted the following 2 days! So, make sure you check out Mt Hood, say goodbye (for now) to all the van-lifers you met on your drip, and check out the Adventure Van Expo the next day!
So, if you’re thinking of signing up (and I HIGHLY recommend you do), I hope this helped break down in a little bit more detail of what you can expect on the Vanhalla Rally, West Coast Wow, route.
See you out west this summer!
