Vista, California

Just north of San Diego and not too far from the ocean (seven miles, to be exact) is the lovely So-Cal city of Vista. The name means view in Spanish, and while the views certainly are diverse, with palm trees, mountains, and green spaces, you could also say that the city’s view of the future is rich and bright. Vista was recently named one of the best places to live in the US, thanks to its economic climate, loads of leisure opportunities, awesome weather, and other positive factors. In the same regard, it’s also a great city to visit on your west coast RV trip. Next time you’re rolling through Southern California, stop by in a RV rental Vista CA!

Popular Tourist Attractions

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum

You don’t have to be a mechanical engineer to appreciate everything on display at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. With all sorts of engines on display, a huge tractor exhibit, and even a working model train set-up, there’s something for everyone to see and enjoy. If nothing else, the site is a testament to human ingenuity and the drive to go faster. It’s open every day as long as it’s not raining or muddy outside, and admission is just $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for kids.

Alta Vista Gardens

A wonderful combination of natural beauty and art, Alta Vista Gardens is the perfect place to be on a beautiful, sunny Southern California day. There are over 20 distinct gardens, including roses, herbs, and all sorts of flora, a labyrinth, a children’s garden, and a magical monarch butterfly habitat. Plus, the facility also takes great efforts to attract the ever-popular hummingbirds. As you walk around, you’ll notice bold sculptures placed among the plants to break up the sight lines and complement the natural surroundings. It’s open daily, and admission is just $3.

Ranch Guajome Adobe

Take a step back in time to the California of the 1850s at this hacienda that is a National Historic Landmark, a California Historic Landmark, and on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests can tour the grounds, house, and on-site museum to observe the wildlife, admire the architecture, and learn about the history of the region. It’s run by the County of San Diego Parks & Recreation. The grounds are open every day, while the house and museum have more limited hours.

Campgrounds and State/National Parks

San Elijo State Beach Campground

About 20 miles south of Vista in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is this stunning beachfront campground. RV sites have full hookups, and while the amenities may be a bit limited (but still include restrooms and showers), who cares? You’re right on one of the best beaches in the region, where you can spend all day enjoying the sand and the surf. Sounds like a fair trade-off to us.

Olive Avenue RV Resort

Right in Vista is where you’ll find this full-service RV park. It’s got everything you’d expect and then some: full hookups, cable, wifi, restrooms with showers, laundry, a big rec room, a dog run, and a heated pool and hot tub. While there are campers who spend months at a time there, the resort is welcoming to overnighters as well.

All Seasons RV Park

Located in Escondido, which is just a bit west of Vista, is All Seasons RV Park. It bills itself as a more rustic experience, but there are still full hookups, restrooms, showers, cable, wifi, and a large pool. Plus, it’s right on a five-acre lake, so there’s a lot of opportunity to do some catch and release fishing. The property is lovely and wooded, and there’s a store on site.

Events

Vista Strawberry Festival

Vista was once the strawberry capital of the world, and even though it no longer holds that title, it still celebrates this luscious red spring fruit every May with a daylong party. Featuring live entertainment, carnival rides, all sorts of contents from pie eating to stein holding, a Little Ms. Strawberry Shortcake pageant, and much more. The whole event kicks off with a 5k and 10k run.

Vista Viking Festival

Grab your horned helmet and get ready for two days of Scandinavian revelry! Put on at the end of every September by two Norwegian groups in Vista, the festival has hands-on archery and weapon throwing demonstrations, a huge kids area, art and history exhibits, all sorts of traditional food and drink (including mead), and much more. If your trip is in the fall, make plans to stop by; you’re not likely to find another festival quite like this one.

A trip to Vista is a trip through history. The area is proud of its heritage, both natural, ethnic, industrial, and agricultural, and visitors can see this pride in all of the area attractions and celebrations. Throw in some great RV camping spots, and you’ve got a city in which you’ll definitely want to spend some time.

Safe travels from everyone here at RVshare in your RV rental Vista California!