With so many great parks near the Bay area from Yosemite to Big Sur or Point Reyes, Pinnacles is and under rated gem of a park.

Getting there: An easy drive down the 25. The park East entrance is actually very easy to miss so pay attention on the windy road or you'll miss it like I did... twice.

Campsites: Car/RV camping. Full plumbing restrooms and showers. Metal fire pits at each campsite. Wood for sale. Campsites are very close to eachother and you will catch a lot of neighbor noise so try and select a campsite on the end. The Visitor center has maps, information, and a small shop.

The Park: Very much had a high desert feel. Very hot during the day with little shade to be offered, but got fairly chilly at night. It seemed small for a National Park... but i'm also comparing its size to the likes of Yosemite or Big Sur. You can explore just about the entire park in 2 days/1 night.

What to do: ...Hike.

• I would suggest one day going to explore the Balconies Cave. From the Old Pinnacles Trailhead Parking its 2.1 miles each way to the cave and the cave is about .4 miles. All said and done it will be about a 5 mile round trip hike. The walk out is exposed and gets hot, have plenty of water. The cave itself stays very cool, around 50*f. Headlamp for both caves will be required.
• Now that you're warmed up go for a real hike the next day up to the top of the Pinnacles. I'd suggest parking at Bear Gulch Day use area > up the Condor Gulch Trail (1.7mi) > turn left at High Peaks Trail (.6mi) > stay left on the High Peaks Trail all the way back down (2.2mi) [there is a restroom on the trail near Scout Peak] [Photo Ops here, look for the Condors!!] > turn right onto the Rim Trail (.4mi) > cool off going down through the Bear Gulch Cave (.7mi) [need your headlamp again] > and finish the hike back down to the Day Use Area (.5mi). It's a good hike... not to be done with young kids. You better have some food with you and at least 2-3 Liters of water per person, the trail is very exposed and the sun will beat down on you like an ant under a magnifying glass. Start in the morning to try and avoid some heat and finish in the cave to cool off at the end, it will feel refreshing and amazing.