Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Planning a 3-day family road trip through Northern California's wine country and coast without wine tasting? In this video, we share our honest experience glamping in an Airstream suite at AutoCamp Russian River [01:00], reviewing the Calistoga Motor Lodge [07:57], catching clam chowder in Bodega Bay [11:08], and seeing wild elephant seals at Point Reyes [15:06]. Here is our complete family itinerary, practical packing tips, and honest hotel reviews!
0:00 - 3-Day Family Road Trip Itinerary
1:00 - AutoCamp Russian River Airstream Suite Tour
2:21 - Camp Amenities, Sports Courts & Grill Tips
3:16 - Tent Glamping & Camp Facilities Walkthrough
4:43 - Morning Yoga & Russian River Access
5:56 - Old Faithful Geyser of California (Calistoga)
7:15 - Petrified Forest Quick Hike
7:57 - Calistoga Motor Lodge (Hyatt) Honest Review
10:22 - Calistoga Geothermal Mineral Pools
11:08 - Bodega Bay: Crabbing & Clam Chowder Lunch
13:45 - Petaluma Downtown & Pokémon Card Surprise
14:33 - Cypress Tree Tunnel Walkthrough
15:06 - Point Reyes National Seashore Elephant Seals
16:53 - Marin French Cheese Co. Picnic Stop
Can you visit Wine Country with kids without going to wineries?
Yes! We spent three full days exploring outdoor parks, hot springs, coastal bays, and glamping sites without booking a single wine tasting.
Is AutoCamp Russian River good for families?
We had a wonderful stay in the Airstream suite right next to the playground [01:06]. The kids loved the open grass areas [03:23], basketball court [02:21], and borrowing the complimentary children's bikes [05:47].
Can you cook inside the Airstream at AutoCamp?
They don't want you cooking full meals inside the camper cabin [01:26], but there is a mini fridge and microwave [01:32], along with outdoor cast iron pans and private fire pit grills [01:39].
Why were you disappointed with the Hyatt property in Calistoga?
While the mineral pools [10:22] and grounds are pleasant, our room felt dated rather than retro [08:26], with furniture oddly blocking the entryway [09:07] for a $440/night stay [08:54].
How does the Old Faithful Geyser admission work in Calistoga?
Your admission receipt is valid for two consecutive days [06:26]. If you miss an eruption window like we did [06:33], you can explore nearby spots and return for the next cycle [06:45].
What is the best time to see the elephant seals at Point Reyes?
Check the park road hours before heading out. When we arrived around 8:30 AM [15:14], the access road was gated until 10:00 AM [15:18].
Summary of the Trip
Day 1: AutoCamp Russian River The first stop is a "glamping" experience at AutoCamp, staying in an Airstream suite [01:00]. The creator notes this is now a Hilton partner [00:50]. They provide a detailed look at the Airstream's interior, which includes a bed, sofa bed, and bathroom, but no indoor kitchenette [01:14, 01:26]. The site encourages outdoor grilling [01:39] and offers amenities like free yoga [04:43], sports courts [02:21], and river access [05:09]. The only complaint was the poor Wi-Fi signal [05:22].
Day 2: Calistoga & a Hotel Disappointment The second day is spent in Calistoga, known for its hot springs [05:56]. The family visits the "Old Faithful of California" geyser [06:04] and a nearby petrified forest [07:29]. However, the video gives a strong negative review of the Hyatt hotel they stayed at [07:57]. The creator describes the room as outdated, "like a real motel" [08:26], and a poor value at $440/night [08:48]. On a positive note, the hotel management was receptive to the criticism and shared their plans for future upgrades [09:43].
Day 3: Bodega Bay, Petaluma & Point Reyes The final day includes several stops:
Bodega Bay: A lunch stop for fish and chips and a well-reviewed clam chowder [12:16, 12:36].
Petaluma: Explored as a great spot for family kayaking and home to a card shop with a large Pokémon collection [13:59, 14:11].
Point Reyes: The trip concludes with visits to the scenic Cypress Tree Tunnel [14:33] and the elephant seal viewing area at the National Seashore [15:06].
Other videos related to the same area:
A full day of Charles Brown and Snoopy at Santa Rosa! : youtu.be/9PdfHJnFh_U
Things to Consider Before Visiting Safari West : youtu.be/n8wLAwi9MFU
The Lodge, Autograph Collection (Marriott) : Sonoma, California - Hotel Review : youtu.be/NxX0spZxUR4
Cooking Oysters from Santa Rosa & Dungeness Crabs 🦀 : youtu.be/XVlBB8gsLGQ
Planning a 3-day family road trip through Northern California's wine country and coast without wine tasting? In this video, we share our honest experience glamping in an Airstream suite at AutoCamp Russian River [01:00], reviewing the Calistoga Motor Lodge [07:57], catching clam chowder in Bodega Bay [11:08], and seeing wild elephant seals at Point Reyes [15:06]. Here is our complete family itinerary, practical packing tips, and honest hotel reviews!
0:00 - 3-Day Family Road Trip Itinerary
1:00 - AutoCamp Russian River Airstream Suite Tour
2:21 - Camp Amenities, Sports Courts & Grill Tips
3:16 - Tent Glamping & Camp Facilities Walkthrough
4:43 - Morning Yoga & Russian River Access
5:56 - Old Faithful Geyser of California (Calistoga)
7:15 - Petrified Forest Quick Hike
7:57 - Calistoga Motor Lodge (Hyatt) Honest Review
10:22 - Calistoga Geothermal Mineral Pools
11:08 - Bodega Bay: Crabbing & Clam Chowder Lunch
13:45 - Petaluma Downtown & Pokémon Card Surprise
14:33 - Cypress Tree Tunnel Walkthrough
15:06 - Point Reyes National Seashore Elephant Seals
16:53 - Marin French Cheese Co. Picnic Stop
Can you visit Wine Country with kids without going to wineries?
Yes! We spent three full days exploring outdoor parks, hot springs, coastal bays, and glamping sites without booking a single wine tasting.
Is AutoCamp Russian River good for families?
We had a wonderful stay in the Airstream suite right next to the playground [01:06]. The kids loved the open grass areas [03:23], basketball court [02:21], and borrowing the complimentary children's bikes [05:47].
Can you cook inside the Airstream at AutoCamp?
They don't want you cooking full meals inside the camper cabin [01:26], but there is a mini fridge and microwave [01:32], along with outdoor cast iron pans and private fire pit grills [01:39].
Why were you disappointed with the Hyatt property in Calistoga?
While the mineral pools [10:22] and grounds are pleasant, our room felt dated rather than retro [08:26], with furniture oddly blocking the entryway [09:07] for a $440/night stay [08:54].
How does the Old Faithful Geyser admission work in Calistoga?
Your admission receipt is valid for two consecutive days [06:26]. If you miss an eruption window like we did [06:33], you can explore nearby spots and return for the next cycle [06:45].
What is the best time to see the elephant seals at Point Reyes?
Check the park road hours before heading out. When we arrived around 8:30 AM [15:14], the access road was gated until 10:00 AM [15:18].
Summary of the Trip
Day 1: AutoCamp Russian River The first stop is a "glamping" experience at AutoCamp, staying in an Airstream suite [01:00]. The creator notes this is now a Hilton partner [00:50]. They provide a detailed look at the Airstream's interior, which includes a bed, sofa bed, and bathroom, but no indoor kitchenette [01:14, 01:26]. The site encourages outdoor grilling [01:39] and offers amenities like free yoga [04:43], sports courts [02:21], and river access [05:09]. The only complaint was the poor Wi-Fi signal [05:22].
Day 2: Calistoga & a Hotel Disappointment The second day is spent in Calistoga, known for its hot springs [05:56]. The family visits the "Old Faithful of California" geyser [06:04] and a nearby petrified forest [07:29]. However, the video gives a strong negative review of the Hyatt hotel they stayed at [07:57]. The creator describes the room as outdated, "like a real motel" [08:26], and a poor value at $440/night [08:48]. On a positive note, the hotel management was receptive to the criticism and shared their plans for future upgrades [09:43].
Day 3: Bodega Bay, Petaluma & Point Reyes The final day includes several stops:
Bodega Bay: A lunch stop for fish and chips and a well-reviewed clam chowder [12:16, 12:36].
Petaluma: Explored as a great spot for family kayaking and home to a card shop with a large Pokémon collection [13:59, 14:11].
Point Reyes: The trip concludes with visits to the scenic Cypress Tree Tunnel [14:33] and the elephant seal viewing area at the National Seashore [15:06].
Other videos related to the same area:
A full day of Charles Brown and Snoopy at Santa Rosa! : youtu.be/9PdfHJnFh_U
Things to Consider Before Visiting Safari West : youtu.be/n8wLAwi9MFU
The Lodge, Autograph Collection (Marriott) : Sonoma, California - Hotel Review : youtu.be/NxX0spZxUR4
Cooking Oysters from Santa Rosa & Dungeness Crabs 🦀 : youtu.be/XVlBB8gsLGQ
