Pacific Northwest Road Trip from Los Angeles

We get it – you’re probably itching to put your foot on the accelerator and get going. But before you wave goodbye to the city, it’s worth exploring LA because it has more than a few tricks up its sleeve to get into vacation mode. Start in Downtown Los Angeles, where you can grab a coffee on the Downtown Coffee Trail and explore several shops and art galleries before heading up to Griffith Park and the Griffith Observatory for some killer views across the city.

If you’re an art lover, you should also carve out some time to visit The Broad in Downtown LA. Or, if you’re more into movies, a 20-minute drive will take you to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank.

Whatever you choose to do, LA’s famous food scene also means you can easily find something incredible to eat. Leo’s Taco Truck is one of the most popular, and there are several dotted around the city, but the closest to Downtown LA is on Glendale Boulevard. Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, it’s time to jump in your RV and make your way to your first stop on the road.

After about two hours of driving up the coast, you’ll arrive in Santa Barbara, and one of the first things you’ll notice is the shift into the town’s Spanish-style architecture. One of the best ways of appreciating this to the fullest is by taking a walk along Stearns Wharf, where you’ll also get the chance to breathe in some fresh sea air after your drive and even spot sea lions lounging on the shore.

After that, head over to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, which is within walking distance of town. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the area, with hand-painted murals on the ceilings and a stunning garden to match. You should also take the time to visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, especially if you’re interested in learning more about the area’s history. Or, if you’d rather do something a little more adventurous, take the 5-minute drive to West Beach and head out on the waters in a rented kayak or paddleboard.

Less than 10 minutes from Downtown Santa Barbara, you’ll find an excellent camping opportunity at Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park. This park is surrounded by a 12-foot wall that cuts out a lot of traffic noise and all the sites have full 30-amp and 50-amp hookups, plus you’ll get access to flushing toilets, showers, laundry facilities, and picnic tables. It’s also got easy freeway access, which is ideal for hopping back on Highway 101 when you’re ready to make your way to your next stop.

After cruising up the 101 for about five hours, the skyline of San Francisco will come into view. Start your stop here at the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most iconic structures in the world that can either be driven or walked across. Either way, you’ll get some incredible views of San Francisco Bay and beyond. Then, once you’ve crossed into the city, stroll through Chinatown, check out the mural in the Mission District, and stop at the Ferry Building Marketplace for something to eat surrounded by waterfront views.

Another must-do while you’re in San Francisco is Alcatraz Island, but tours book up fast, so it’s a good idea to plan in advance if you want to explore the old prison island. Or, for something a little more relaxed, Golden Gate Park is less than 10 minutes from town and is home to attractions like the de Young Museum and the Japanese Tea Garden.

Of course, with so much to see and do, you’re going to need somewhere to set up camp. Marin RV Park is a great option for this, which is 30 minutes from Downtown San Francisco and has 87 RV spaces with water and electricity hookups, as well as amenities that include a dump station, laundry facilities, cable TV, a swimming pool, and an on-site convenience store. Don’t worry if it’s full, though, as you’re likely to find a space at some of the other best San Francisco RV camping and campgrounds.

Just over 300 miles North of San Francisco, things start to get wild, quite literally! You’ve left the city far behind you now, and as you head into Redwood National and State Parks, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the giants of the natural world.

The ancient redwoods here are amongst the tallest trees on Earth, and to experience them at the grandest, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail or take the Prairie Creek to Fern Canyon Trail, which was used as a filming location for Jurassic Park 2. Wildlife is abundant here, too, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Roosevelt elk and even black bears (just be sure to keep your distance).

If you’re into the idea of breaking free from your RV for a night and camping in a little solitude, some areas here allow backcountry camping, but you’ll need to grab a backcountry permit to do that. Otherwise, Elk Country RV Resort and Campground is less than 10 minutes away from the entrance to the National Parks and has a mix of forest and meadow sites, along with amenities that include restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, a dump station, and an on-site store.

Expect another complete change of scenery as you make your way to the Oregon Coast. This is the land of cliffs, sea stacks, and tide pools, and you should start this leg of your trip with a stop at Harris Beach State Park, which is on the South Coast just outside Brookings. You can spend hours beachcombing and whale watching here, and the rocks towering out of the ocean will have you reaching for your camera time and time again.

You should also drive to Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, which is only 5 minutes from Harris Beach. This is a 12-mile ribbon of forests and viewpoints, with plenty of hiking trails that lead to hidden coves and natural bridges. If you only have time for one, the Secret Beach Trail should be at the top of your list, which takes you to a waterfall that pours from Miller Creek directly onto the sand below.

For your camping options, you can actually pull up at Harris Beach State Park itself, which has a designated campground that’s open all year round. There are 65 reservable RV sites here, all with full hookups, and you’ll have access to flushing toilets, hot showers, a dump station, and fire pits. There’s also a playground, which is ideal if your little ones still have some energy left to burn after a day of exploring.

Your longest stretch of road so far, Seattle marks the midpoint of your journey and the place where you’ll start to turn back towards Los Angeles. However, the adventure is far from over, and there’s still plenty to explore, starting at Pike Place Market, where you can watch fishmongers hurl salmon and grab a hot cup of chowder from a local stall. If you’re a coffee lover, you should definitely take the time to swing by the original Starbucks before heading up to the top of the Space Needle for an unbeatable view of the city and, on clear days, even all the way over to Mount Rainier.

There are some great cultural experiences here, too. For something a little different, head over to the Museum of Pop Culture, where you’ll find some fascinating exhibits from all over the world. Or, if you’re traveling with kids who love animals (or you’re an animal lover yourself), the Seattle Aquarium and Woodland Park Zoo are both excellent places to spend an afternoon learning more about the natural world.

When you’re ready to call it a night, Lake Pleasant RV Park is an excellent place to park your RV. It’s 25 minutes from town, so you’ll feel close enough to the action but also far away enough to get some peace, and it’s open all year round. The amenities here are really good, too, and include private shower houses, laundry facilities, a playground, a library, and a catch-and-release fishing pond.

Heading back South now, Portland is your next stop, and this place is famously known for its awesome food scene. You’ll find multiple food cart pods dotted around the city that are ideal for lunch, from Korean tacos and vegan bowls to Belgian Fries. There’s also Voodoo Doughnut which, while considered a little “touristy” by the locals, is an unmissable stop if you’ve got a sweet tooth. You also can’t miss a visit to Powell’s City of Books while you’re here, which has walls packed with every type of book you can imagine.

It’s not all food and books in Portland, though. There are also some beautiful green spaces to explore, including Washington Park and the Portland Japanese Garden. You can take a bike ride along the Willamette River, too, and if you’ve got time, a 30-minute drive inland will take you to Multnomah Falls.

For camping near Portland, one of your best options is Jantzen Beach RV Park, which is around 15 minutes from the city center and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. This includes a heated swimming pool, fitness center, playgrounds, and even a spa. It’s dog-friendly, too, so you’re welcome to bring your furry travel buddy along – just keep them on a leash outside of your RV.

By this point in your road trip, you think you’d be used to the changing scenery. But as you pull into Crater Lake National Park, you’ll be blown away again by the impossibly blue waters. This lake was formed from a collapsed volcano, and one of the best ways of taking in its majesty is along the Scenic Rim Drive, which is open from June to November and has plenty of stops to pull over and snap some truly Instagram-worthy photos.

Also, if you’re visiting during the summer, a boat tour out to Wizard Island is a must, especially if you want to see the lake from an entirely different angle. There are a couple of camping options within Crater Lake National Park, too, but you’ll need to make sure you get a backcountry camping permit.

If you’re looking for an easier way to camp with less paperwork, you’ll find a great option at Crater Lake RV Park. It’s conveniently located off the Crater Lake Highway, but its forested surroundings don’t make it feel like you’re close to the road. Even better, it’s got some fantastic amenities, including restrooms with hot showers, fire pits, internet access, and a DVD and book-lending library available at no charge.

You’re now back in California, and your next stop is Redding, which is one of the most often overlooked towns but one that’s definitely worth exploring. The first thing to do here is to take a walk across the Sundial Bridge, which is only 5 minutes from town and takes you across the Sacramento River for some breathtaking views. From there, you can get straight onto the Sacramento River Trail to explore the area’s natural beauty spots up close.

Redding is also home to Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which is a fantastic attraction if you’re traveling with kids or just want a little bit of everything under one roof, including nature, science, history, and animal exhibits. And, if you’ve still not quite satisfied your nature craving and are willing to make a bit of a detour, Lassen Volcanic National Park and its bubbling mud pools are less than an hour’s drive away.

For a great place to stay nearby, Mountain Gate RV Park is just 15 minutes out of town and conveniently located just off Interstate 5. All sites here can be reserved in advance, and there are full hookups and amenities that include restrooms with hot showers, a public clubhouse, a seasonal pool and spa, laundry facilities, and an on-site coffee bar.

Another 2.5 hours on the road takes you to Sacramento, the State Capital of California, and another place with plenty to explore. You can head over to Old Sacramento Waterfront and walk the wooden sidewalks and browse the old-timey shops, some of which sell the best saltwater taffy you’ll ever taste.

After that, head over to the California State Railroad Museum to learn more about the area’s fascinating history. And, once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are plenty of farm-to-fork restaurants to choose from, which makes sense given that California is a major apple producer. The Kitchen and Tower Cafe are two of the most popular spots, and if you’re visiting over a weekend, make sure you swing by the Midtown Farmers Market for even more Californian foodie delights.

When you’re ready to relax in your RV for the evening, Cal Expo RV Park is a great choice around 10 minutes from town. There are 65 pull-through sites here with full hookups, and you’ll have access to amenities like restrooms with hot showers and laundry facilities. It also has a designated dog park, so both you and your canine companion have everything needed for your stay.

You’re at your penultimate stop, and before you close the loop back to Los Angeles, Yosemite National Park is your last chance to see some of the best nature that California has to offer. From the towering face of El Capitan to the awe-inspiring Yosemite Falls, this park is full of things to explore, and you should start with a hike to Glacier Point for incredible views over the valley. Or, if you’re up for a cardio challenge, hit the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall.

This really is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. Want to chase wildflowers and wildlife? Head to Tuolumne Meadows when the road is open from late May through October. Looking for some awesome stargazing opportunities? Go to Olmsted Point for quite literally otherworldly views of the Milky Way over the granite domes. And, of course, no trip to Yosemite National Park would be complete without exploring the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove.

Whatever part of this incredible place calls out to you most, you’ll want to stay close to the park, and Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes makes that possible. It’s just 15 minutes away, is open all year round, and has all your essential amenities, including restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, a BBQ area, and several game courts.

And just like that, the loop closes. After winding through coastal highways and exploring some of the most amazing places in the United States, you’ll return back to Los Angeles with more memories than you could ever have hoped for. All that’s left to do now is return your RV and start planning your next LA road trip!

Ready to get going on your Pacific Northwest journey? At Travellers Autobarn, you can get affordable campervan hire out of Los Angeles with free unlimited miles as standard, making it possible to explore every stop on this itinerary without the worry of extra costs.

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