If you’ve dreamed of taking a road trip through California, you’re not alone. California is around 770 miles long and 250 miles wide, and much of it is stunning. This California road trip itinerary takes you from the jewel of northern California, San Francisco, to the iconic Los Angeles, with stops at some of California’s best sights along the way.
Lake Tahoe
Stop 1
Your first stop is in beautiful Lake Tahoe, a three-and-a-half hour drive from San Francisco. This huge alpine lake is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains, near the Nevada border. Its famed for its clear water and striking surroundings. Lake Tahoe is equally gorgeous in warm and cold weather and offers hiking, bicycling, water sports, and winter sports.
Yosemite National Park
Stop 2
A San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip would not be complete without a stop in Yosemite National Park, one of the greatest natural treasures in the U.S. Yosemite features 1,200 square miles of jaw-dropping sights including towering cliffs, amazing rock formations, giant sequoia trees, and dazzling waterfalls. Like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite is beautiful year-round and offers various ways to admire the scenery such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, horseback riding, and more.
Big Sur
Stop 3
A four-and-a-half hour drive south takes you to Big Sur, a dazzling 90-mile stretch of coastline along California’s central coast. The best way to see Big Sur is by traversing Highway 1, which hugs the edges of the Santa Lucia mountains and gives visitors spectacular views of the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. There are several campgrounds in Big Sur that can accommodate RVs and campervans.
Pismo Beach
Stop 4
Next up: Pismo Beach, a classic California beach town along California’s central coast, just about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Pismo Beach is known for its beaches and wineries. Check out the Pismo Beach Pier, built in 1928; go horseback riding along the beach and dunes; and visit some nearby wineries.
Santa Barbara
Stop 5
Craving more surf, sand, and wine? A quick hour-and-a-half drive south brings you to Santa Barbara, a city with beautiful beaches, excellent wineries and museums, and California Mission-style architecture. Stroll down State Street, which has various shops and galleries; kick off your shoes on East Beach; play a round of golf; go wine tasting; visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden—there are tons of ways to enjoy this pretty city.
Los Angeles
Final stop
End your epic trip in the City of Angels, about two hours from Santa Barbara (depending on LA traffic). California’s most populous city has something to offer almost anyone. There are iconic LA sights such as Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Malibu. Then there are Santa Monica, Griffith Park Observatory, and Beverly Hills. Los Angeles also has fantastic museums such as the Getty Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and The Broad. Hungry visitors will not be disappointed: there are excellent restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. And, best of all, there are numerous RV campgrounds in LA.
Drive safely and enjoy your trip!
Find other popular road trips across San Francisco
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- Check Out San Francisco to New York Road Trip
- See all San Francisco road trips
Get the best rates on campervan rentals across San Francisco
San Francisco is the perfect starting point for an amazing road trip. A budget campervan rental in San Francisco ensures you have a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel. Book now and start your journey with ease!
FAQs about San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip
The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, taking the inland route through Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and Big Sur and then along the coast the rest of the way, is around 1018 miles (1638 km). This trip would take you around 10 hours without stopping. But with so many stunning stops along the way, we recommend making a 6-day road trip.
If you’re planning a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, there are some amazing stops to hit along the way. Kick things off at Lake Tahoe, where you can swim, hike, or ski depending on the season, all while soaking in those crystal-clear alpine views. Then make your way to Yosemite National Park for giant sequoias, waterfalls, and epic hikes.
From there, drive down the coast to Big Sur, one of California’s most scenic stretches, with cliffs that drop straight into the ocean and Highway 1 winding through redwoods and rocky beaches. Keep heading south to Pismo Beach, a laid-back beach town with ocean views, a historic pier, and nearby vineyards. After that, Santa Barbara offers a mix of wine, surf, and Spanish-style charm.
Finally, roll into Los Angeles where you can hit the beach, explore world-class museums, or check out Hollywood landmarks before wrapping up your California road trip.
Yes, we have facilities in San Francisco and LA. So, you can collect your campervan in San Francisco and drive it to LA, where it can be dropped off at our facility.
Along this particular San Francisco to LA route, there are plenty of stunning freedom camping areas that you can park off at and enjoy.
It’s best to always check the facilities available at the different sites so you can see if they suit your needs. To compare the different freedom camping sites before your journey, take a look at our freedom camping guides for California and Nevada.
April to October is the ideal time to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, especially if you’re taking the scenic route along Highway 1. Spring and fall offer mild weather, clear views, and a more relaxed pace with less traffic. It’s a beautiful drive with plenty of spots to stop and stretch it out.
Yes, especially if your trip does not fall during the busiest weeks of the year. Booking ahead opens the door to off-season rates and gives you more flexibility when planning your travel days and pacing your journey.
The San Francisco to Los Angeles route does not have tolls, so you can enjoy the full trip down the coast or inland without factoring in any extra road costs.
Our Campervans
Seats 2-5
Tent Optional
Chairs Optional
Ice Box Optional
Ext. Table Opt.
Gas Cooker Opt.
