Road Trip with RVshare Los Angeles to San Francisco

A road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes you through some gorgeous scenery and changing California landscape. Although you can drive from Southern California to the Bay Area in about six hours, there are so many national parks, beaches, historic buildings, and great restaurants along the way that you could easily make this a multi-day trip.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Although the fastest way from Los Angeles to San Francisco is on the 5 Freeway, there are some much more beautiful options for a coastal road trip. Highway 1 is one of the most beautiful highways in America, and the 101 Freeway is a nice compromise that's faster than Highway 1 but prettier than the 5. You'll pass through several beautiful towns on your way up the coast, with interesting history and gorgeous ocean views as well.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara's nickname is the "American Riviera," thanks to the beautiful Mediterranean-style buildings and views of the ocean. You can stop to play golf, relax at a spa, or enjoy the restaurants, shops, and bars along State Street. The local campgrounds are popular with travelers, and many have upscale amenities like pools or breathtaking views.

Solvang

Solvang is a unique California town that will make you feel as though you've taken a slight detour to Denmark. You'll find European-style bakeries, wineries, and Danish architecture including several windmills. There are lots of campgrounds in both Solvang, and in other nearby cities like Santa Maria.

Atascadero

Atascadero is a little town near San Luis Obispo that's known for being near hundreds of wineries along California's Central Coast. It's almost exactly between Los Angeles and San Francisco, so it makes a good halfway stop to relax and enjoy a day or two. You'll find lots of campgrounds in both Atascadero and San Luis Obispo.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is known for its amazing beaches, and for the boardwalk which features a roller coaster and rides for all ages. Be sure to see Natural Bridges State Beach for the bridge-shaped rock, or stroll Pacific Avenue for vintage shopping and great restaurants. You'll find campgrounds all along Monterey Bay with plenty of amenities to make your stay pleasant.

National Parks

Channel Islands National Park

Just outside of Los Angeles, along the coast, sits Channel Islands National Park. The park is only accessible by boat, but you can park an RV at one of the visitor centers on the mainland. Although Channel Islands is only miles from one of the biggest cities in the U.S., it's home to a wide number of unique plant and animal species. You'll also get beautiful views of the coast and the Pacific Ocean.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is inland, and you'll need to make a detour from your coast trip. However, the park is well worth the extra time you take to explore. The park features the world's largest trees by volume, and you can spend several days admiring the giant sequoias. Kings Canyon National Park is next to Sequoia, so it's not hard to visit both parks on the same trip.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is California's most iconic national park. Although it means a trip inland, you won't want to miss Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. You could easily spend a week at just this one park and still not have explored all its wonders.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is full of the towering rock formations that give the park its name. The park also has caves to explore, along with canyons, woodlands, and other ecological areas. While you're there, keep an eye out for California condors, an endangered species of raptors that build their nests in the cliffs at the park.

Nearby State Parks

Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park is 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles and has creekside trails, fishing, birding, mountain biking, and horseback riding. As with many LA spots, it was also the site of numerous movies and TV shows including M*A*S*H and Planet of the Apes.

Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park encompasses a lagoon and natural bay, along with iconic Morro Rock in the middle of the water. The park has hiking, kayaking, tidepool exploring, and much more.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos is a unique place to walk, with beautiful coves where you may spot sea lions, otters, and other marine wildlife. It's a popular spot for jogging, hiking, photography, and picnicking. It's also near Carmel and Monterey, so it's a great place to stop while enjoying those towns.

Half Moon Bay State Park

Half Moon Bay State Park features a protected area of beach and some beautiful dunes. It was a popular spot for smuggling liquor ashore during Prohibition, although the peaceful waves and gentle winds today don't hint at the area's checkered past.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is home to amazing, soaring redwood trees that are over 1,000 years old. There are more than 80 miles of trails in the park that wind through the woods, past waterfalls, and up to breathtaking overlooks. Visitors can hike, bike, or go horseback riding in the park.

Along the Way

When planning your road trip itinerary from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you may want to include some of these points of interest. 

Santa Barbara Zoo

The city of Santa Barbara makes a great stop on a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip, and you may want to take several days to explore the area. The Santa Barbara is a wonderful, smaller zoo where visitors can feed the giraffes and enjoy wildlife in a beautifully landscaped setting.

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is a lovely area for a pit stop. Grab some lunch and sit with a view of Morro Rock and the ocean, or rent a kayak and get out on the bay for a while.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is considered one of the best aquariums in the world. The sea otter exhibit is one of the most popular, but you'll see an amazing array of plant and animal life that thrives in the nearby Monterey Bay and around the world.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Ride the Giant Dipper, a wooden coaster built in 1924, or enjoy midway games, bumper cars, and other amusement park rides at this boardwalk. Next to the rides, you can relax on the beach with a picnic, or while eating delicious fair food available at the boardwalk.

The Tech Interactive

This unique museum showcases the technology that made Silicon Valley famous. You'll find vintage computers, phones, and other tech items. Hands-on exhibits and areas for kids bring engineering and technology fun to even the youngest visitors at this downtown San Jose museum.

While there are only 382 miles between Los Angeles and San Francisco, you could easily take a week or more to make the journey while stopping at the many sights along the way. If you do not have one, use RVshare to find a rental in Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

To plan an RV road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!