It is the last public holiday of the summer season, so you (and everyone else) will want to make the absolute most of it. Even if you decide not to take an extra day or two of leave, having the Monday off means that you can road-trip further than you usually would on a usual weekend.
From the Californian cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, and Nevada’s Las Vegas, you can hit the road to experience some of the country’s most rewarding national parks and big-ticket sites. Renting a campervan for one of these Labor Day weekend road trips is the most affordable and relaxed way to set off on an adventure. There’s no fixed agenda and no hotel bookings. It’s just you and the open road and going where the mood takes you.
So, if you’re getting excited for tackling some pristine hikes and absorbing everything from coastal breezes to desert skies, set the wheels in motion with these road trip ideas that are perfect for embarking on over a long weekend, or if you can, an even longer weekend. Ready, set, road trip!
Why renting a campervan for the Labor Day weekend is a great idea – expert advice
“The thing about Labor Day weekend is that you have an extra day up your sleeve, and a campervan is the best way to really take advantage of that. You can go further to visit the top headlining parks, such as Yosemite and Joshua Tree, then get up early and move onto to somewhere completely different. You’ll cover way more ground than a regular weekend. It’s that flexibility that turns a good road trip into a great one.” – Harrison Greig, Social Media and Marketing Content Manager
Table of contents
Best Labor Day road trips from San Francisco
Heading out from San Francisco, there are plenty of itineraries that put you in the centre of nature and unravel extraordinary scenery, from the coast of Big Sur to pretty Lake Tahoe and the iconic Yosemite National Park. Here are three to consider for your next Labor Day escape.
Lake Tahoe loop
Distance: 525 miles return
Days: Allow 8–12
While the drive direct from the city to Lake Tahoe takes a little under four hours, consider our best drive itinerary for a loop that meanders through some of California and Nevada’s most spectacular scenery. Starting with a detour through Muir Woods’ ancient redwood forests, you’ll roll through Sacramento and into the fragrant fir and pine of Eldorado National Forest before reaching the Lake Tahoe. Cross into Nevada to explore the Victorian streets of Carson City, the ghost town saloons of Virginia City, and the casino energy of Reno. Wind back through the mountain town of Truckee, then exhale as you return via Napa Valley’s vineyard-dotted hills before the Golden Gate signals you’re home.
Yosemite National Park
Distance: 197 miles
Days: Allow 3–7
The San Francisco to Yosemite road trip packs a huge amount of natural wonder into just 197 miles. After leaving the Golden Gate City, your first stop inside the park is Tunnel View, where you’re treated to a sweeping panorama of Yosemite Valley that sets the tone for the trip. From there, Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, marks the second highlight. With mountains, waterfalls, and vast wilderness on your doorstep, this is California road-tripping at its best.
Big Sur and the Pacific Coast Highway
Distance: 146 miles
Days: Allow 1–2 days
It’s not far, but what this drive lacks in distance it sure makes up for with jaw-dropping scenery and idyllic coastal vibes. It all kicks into gear just 30 minutes from the city with a stop at Half Moon Bay, from there you’re winding down toward energetic Santa Cruz, serene Monterey Bay, where a visit to the Aquarium is a must, and the creative charm of Carmel by the Sea. The grand finale is that ocean-edged stretch of Big Sur that includes photo-op stops at Bixby Bridge, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls.
Best Labor Day road trips from Los Angeles
With deserts and national parks within a couple of hundred miles from the city, LA is a great starting point for a Labor Day weekend road trip. Just keep in mind, you’re not the only one with this idea, so prepare to leave early to beat the traffic.
Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: 127 miles
Days: 2–4 days
An easy road trip to tackle if you don’t have any extra leave up your sleeve, LA to Joshua Tree takes you out of the bustle and into the calm of the desert. Sprawling across the Mojave and Colorado deserts and dotted with the distinctive, contorted Joshua Trees, this rocky landscape is breath-snatching by day and otherworldly at sunset when it’s painted with dusty pinks and purples. Along the way, stretch your legs with a stop at San Bernardino National Forest and swing into Palm Springs, where a ride up to the Mount San Jacinto State Park on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must-do.
San Diego and La Jolla
Distance: 126 miles
Days: 2–4 days
Making your way southwards down the coast, this road trip takes in oceanside towns set on sparkling beaches and the rugged sea lion crowded rocks of La Jolla Cove. It’s not a huge distance, which gives you ample time to sync with the laidback rhythm of the south coast. Take detours off the main route to unearth gems such as Huntington Beach (Surf City), Laguna Beach, the historic 1776-era Spanish San Juan Capistrano Mission and the home of the country’s rarest pine tree, the Torrey Pine State Reserve, is a great spot for beach trails and dolphin spotting.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Distance: 241 miles
Days: 3–4 days
Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two different national parks sprawling over 1,300 square miles of mountains, canyons, caverns, and ancient giant sequoia groves in California’s southern Sierra Nevada. Both are a must-do on the country’s national parks hit-list with highlights including the Giant Forest Museum, Grizzly Falls and plenty of day hikes of various difficulty. While the drive out isn’t too intensive, add the extra day in this itinerary to really immerse in the pristine nature of the parks. On the road out here, include stops at Bakersfield, and the gateway town of Three Rivers.
Best Labor Day road trips from Las Vegas
While plenty of people come to Las Vegas for the Labor Day weekend, this is your cue to get out of town and right into some of the southwest’s best national parks. It’s a playlist of dramatic scenery, high-vis desert colors and canyon chasing.
Zion National Park
Distance: 155 miles
Days: 2–3
One of the most rewarding short road trips in the American Southwest, Las Vegas to Zion National Park is a journey that trades neon lights for soaring sandstone in under three hours. The transformation is dramatic with Nevada’s sun-scorched desert giving way to Utah’s towering red cliffs. Stop at Valley of Fire State Park on the way out of Vegas, where ancient Aztec sandstone blazes crimson in the afternoon light, then roll through the charming gateway town of Springdale before arriving at Zion itself. Inside the park, world-famous hikes, such as Angels Landing and The Narrows through the Virgin River gorge deliver scenery that is as far away from regular life as you can possibly get.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 248 miles
Days: 3–4
Utah’s Bryce Canyon may not get as much of the spotlight as Arizona’s Grand Canyon, but it’s just as deserving as a road trip destination with its striking collection of rock spires, called ‘hoodoos’. Bryce Canyon is particularly incredible if you’re an avid star-gazer, as this elevated geological beauty has some of the darkest skies in the country. Before you get here, though, your route from Las Vegas passes some other natural highlights, such as Valley of Fire State Park, Zion National Park and a preview of what’s to come at Red Canyon. Other pauses along the route include the charming gateway town of Springvale and Cedar City.
Grand Canyon National Park
Distance: 280 miles
Days: 3–4
A bucket-list road trip that is worth every mile, Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon journeys through some of America’s most iconic landscapes and history. Head south out of Vegas and make your first stop at the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam, a hydroelectric power plant that straddles Nevada and Arizona above Lake Mead. From there, continue eastwards to the rich-red formations of the Valley of Fire State Park, stop in Utah’s Mesquite, and get a taste for what’s to come with a pause at Zion National Park. The next day, you’ll arrive at the exclamation point of the trip, Arizona’s astonishingly vast Grand Canyon, which stretches before you in all its ancient beauty.
How to avoid Labor Day weekend traffic on the West Coast
Labor Day is the last holiday of the summer, so it tracks that everyone is wanting to make the most of it. That adds up to busy roads, especially in and out of cities. According to the AAA, the most reliable rule of thumb is the earlier you leave, the better. Your best bet is to stay off major arterial roads during peak congestion in the afternoons and early evenings. Here are some hot tips:
1. Take a full day off work, not just a half-day, so you’re able to leave in the morning.
2. The best times to leave are before 12pm on the Thursday or Friday prior to the weekend. Or Saturday 6am-10am.
3. Ergo, the worst times to leave are after noon on the Thursday and Friday until 8pm, and on Saturday after 10am.
4. On your return trip, try leaving before 12pm on Monday (Labor Day)
5. If you’ve missed the sweet spot, don’t panic. As long as you avoid the peak times, you should miss the worst of the traffic.
6. Have a back up route and check traffic forecasts.
Plan your Labor Day weekend campervan road trip
Before you hit the road, make sure you’re fully prepared for the adventure of a lifetime and check out our campervan travel tips to make sure you’re set for road trip success.
Get the Best Rates on Campervan Rentals Across for your Labor Day weekend road trip
Opting to take a road trip by campervan is a great, budget-friendly option when you rent with Travellers Autobarn. Every rental comes with free unlimited miles, meaning you don’t need to stress if you get a little side-tracked because you’re having so much fun.
FAQs
In terms of weather, it’s ideal. Not too warm or cold and hints of fall color are starting to come through. However, it’s also a popular time to visit the national parks, which means crowds. Be sure to book park reservations and campgrounds well in advance.
Typically marking the transition into fall, the weather across most western states is usually mildly warm and dry. However, desert areas still experience extremes and you can encounter more fog along the coast.
It is, although, this depends on where you’re going. You want to make sure you are leaving yourself enough wiggle room to stop and enjoy the sights along the way and return comfortably. Anything up to 500 or so miles would be doable, but why not take an extra day of leave and make it a four-day escape? There is a minimum 4-day rental period on our campervans, so make the most of the Labour Day weekend!
Technically, yes, but securing a spot is super competitive and advanced planning is needed. Almost all facilities at national parks can be booked up to 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov, and popular spots can fill within moments of becoming available. Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends are particularly difficult to book.
Yes. But if you have left it too late, check for cancellations, as they do happen.
Most of the best experiences in western national parks are free once you’ve paid the entrance fee. So look to itineraries such as San Fran to Yosemite and Los Angeles to Joshua Tree.
A campervan is your best budget option, especially if you are traveling as a family or a group. Accommodation over the Labor Day weekend is considered peak and comes with a price to match.
There are many more incredible Labor Day road trips to discover
If none of the above tick the box for what you’re looking for, we have plenty more itineraries departing LA, San Francisco and Las Vegas. It also doesn’t have to be Labor Day to hit the road for an unforgettable adventure – these trips are great to take at any time!
DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct when published. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSAbout the Author
Harrison Greig
Harrison is the Social Media & Marketing Content Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Bachelor of Business (International Tourism). He has 6+ years experience in the tourism industry, enjoys capturing and showcasing the beauty of the world we live in!
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