Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Check It Out!
Our Favorite Documentaries
Books – Non-Fiction
Challenge of the Big Trees: A Resource History of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Lary Dilsaver; William Tweed
Books – Fiction
For Younger Readers
Family Friendly Movies for Tweens and Teens
PG
- Classic Steve McQueen film shot almost entirely in San Francisco
- Known for one the all time best car chases in a film! The scene lasts over 10 min and starts at Fisherman’s Wharf, takes you through the city past Coit Tower, and ends up at the Guadalupe Canyon Parkway in Brisbane.
- Funny tidbit – the chase scene has been mapped out and proven geographically impossible to take place in real time
PG-13
- This children’s favorite was partially filmed in Yosemite Valley, an area which the toys believe to be their planet Gorgon
PG-13
- The penultimate battle scene between Hulk and his father used the real Pear Lake in Sequoia National Park as a backdrop.
PG
- Though the film is set in Wisconsin, it was actually filmed in Yosemite as well as in Bass Lake in California
- Ducey’s Bass Lake Lodge, a rustic 1940s resort, was featured as Wally and Juanita’s Perk’s Pine Lodge
PG-13
- Classic Robin Williams comedy. He called Tiburon (in Marin County) his home – and the tunnel from the Golden Gate bridge over to Marin County is named in his honor.
- This movie was set and filmed entirely in San Francisco – you will see plenty of famous locations.
- You can check out the Hillard family home at 2640 Steiner Street in Pacific Heights and enjoy the incredible view down Steiner to the Bay!
PG
- This film dramatizes the real 1962 prisoner escape from the maximum security prison on Alcatraz Island.
- Alcatraz was closed shortly after the true events on which the film was based.
- Much of this movie was filmed on location on Alcatraz Island.
- Producers paid $500,000 to restore the decaying prison. Many improvements remain intact after filming.
PG
- One of the most famous movies filmed in Yosemite
- Captain Kirk spends his shore leave climbing on El Capitan and Inspiration Point
PG
- The rafting sequence was filmed in the Tuolumne River Rapids in Yosemite
PG
- This three-time Academy Award nominated film starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne was mostly filmed in Yosemite National Park in the Ahwanee Hotel.
R-Rated Films
R
- Another movie filmed mostly on Alcatraz Island. Since the Island is now part of the National Park Service – the production could not shut it down – and filming had to be done around crowds of tourists.
- The scene where Womback is thrown off the balcony – was filmed at the Fairmont Hotel. Filming led to multiple calls to the hotel out of concern for a man hanging from a balcony!
R
- This award winning film is based on the life of gay rights activist Harvey Milk, who was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California – to the San Franscisco Board of Supervisors
- Much of this was filmed on Castro St., including Milk’s former storefront – Castro Camera.
R
- Set in the City’s Financial District. It’s such a busy section of the city – that filming was done mostly on weekends in order to have more control.
- The scene where the taxi drives into the San Francisco Bay was near the Embarcadero.
- Some notable filming locations, Golden Gate Park, The Presidio, and the famous Filoli Mansion (located in Woodside). San Francisco Airport even makes an appearance!
R
- This was shot almost entirely in San Francisco
- The story is drawn from the real life case of the Zodiac Killer, a notorious serial killer who operated in Northern California. The film’s character seeks out a similar vicious psychopath.
- Many well known spots can be seen – City Hall, the Hall of Justice, Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Lombard Street, and Kezar Stadium to name a few.
R
- One of the few recent movies filmed in Yosemite.
- This dramedy was entirely shot in California with several parts of the road trip being filmed in Yosemite.
RVs on Screen
Ultimate Road Trip Playlists
We’ve curated a handful of Spotify playlists to pair perfectly with your travels!
Famous Musicians From San Francisco
Recommended Maps
Campground Fun
S’mores Sticks
These are a must have for campfire nights! You can roast hot dogs and marshmallows all night long on these!
Table Top Fire Pit
So you can still enjoy s’mores even if there is a fire ban.
Disposable Charcoal Grill Pan
Check to be sure there aren’t any fire restrictions before you purchase this.
Fairy Lights
Bring some of these solar or battery-powered lights and hang them around your campsite…instant style for the environment!
Wint-O-Green Lifesavers
These are a must. Get a fresh pack, wait for night time around the campfire. Pop one in your mouth and crunch/grind it with your mouth open. You are in for a surprise! Trust us 🙂
Pop Up lantern
For those after-dark trips to the campground bathroom, or set it up on your picnic table for the evening.
Fire Starter
Helps with starting your campfire!
Kitchen & Bathroom
Drip Coffee Maker
An easy coffee solution for campsites without electric hookups (your RV’s coffee pot will only work when you have electricity).
Meat Thermometer
Make sure your meat is cooked through on the grill!
Disposable / Compostable Dishware / Utensils
Save on dishwashing and water.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Save space in the RV bathroom.
Microfiber Towel
Compact, lightweight, super absorbent, and quick drying. Great for carrying with you to lakes, rivers, or rafting trips, or just as an extra towel in the RV.
Useful for RV Travel
Power Bank
A portable charger for your devices.
Sasquatch Multi-Tool
Fun and useful! Has a bottle opener, cord cutter, screwdrivers, butterfly wrench, can opener, and 4 hex wrench positions.
Loop Earplugs
These earplugs filter sound waves to reduce noise while still allowing you to hear music and speech clearly.
Sleep Headband Bluetooth Headphones
Use to mask noise/listen to music via Bluetooth, to help you sleep better. Good for side-sleepers who find earbuds uncomfortable!
Magnetic Hooks
Put them on the back bumper – and hang bathing suits to dry. Just remember to bring them in before you drive away!
Grill Gloves
To move the hot grill off the table when you are done grilling.
Dishwasher Gloves
Keep hands clean during the task of dumping your waste tanks!
AC Inverter
You can use this to charge your phone or run low-power devices on household (AC) current without running the generator or plugging into shore power. (More on all of that in your Adventure Kit!)
Out & About
Binoculars
If you’re looking for an outstanding pair of binoculars, these are a great choice
Binoculars
A less expensive binocular option.
Hiking Poles
Hiking with poles improves balance and stability, reduces strain on joints, and increases walking speed.
Sun Hat
Useful for face and neck sun protection.
Kids Camera
Ideal for ages 3-8 years, this camera is easy for little hands to hold. Has video mode, selfie mode, in-built games, neck lanyard, and comes with an SD card
Disposable Camera
Consider for younger children, especially if they don’t have a phone yet.
Day Pack
A lightweight backpack is useful for carrying water and other supplies when you are out exploring.
Walkie Talkies
These are great for exploring. Give one to your kids (make sure you test it first). Then off they go!
Wet Wipes
Very handy.
Pet Waste Bags
Small and easy to carry for packing out trash.
National Park Passport
Preserve your memories of America’s national parks with this compact passport book.
Games For in the RV
Wiki Stix
Make sculptures on the windows!
Window Art
You can put up your creations on the RV windows!
