Road Trip with RVshare San Diego to Santa Barbara

Driving from San Diego up to Santa Barbara is an adventure. You'll travel along the Pacific Coast Highway and see stunning landscapes, fun historical sites, and some of the best amusement parks in the country. While you could technically completely a San Diego to Santa Barbara RV road trip in an afternoon, make sure to plan plenty of time for the drive. You'll want to savor the journey by enjoying fun stops along the way.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

San Diego

Your starting point in San Diego has a few attractions you may want to check out before you take off on your road trip. If you enjoy animals, you will want to visit the San Diego Zoo. There is also Balboa Park, which is a 12,000-acre historic area. You can enjoy walking paths, gardens, and historic buildings. The USS Midway Museum, which is located at the Navy Pier, contains a collection of aircraft.

Before you head out on your trip, you may wish to rest up and use a dump station to get your RV ready. Consider stopping in El Cajon at the Circle RV Resort, a place that offers many amenities as well. If you need a beautiful place to park in the area, you can stay at the San Diego RV Resort. They offer a swimming pool and a 10% discount for many of the area's attractions.

Long Beach

If you want a great pit stop, you will want to explore Long Beach. It is a beautiful coastal town. You can visit the RMS Queen Mary, which is a retired ocean liner and now a museum. Long Beach also has the Aquarium of the Pacific with touch tanks and a lagoon of sharks. If you want to take a side venture, reserve a boat tour off the coast of Catalina Island. This little island is enchanting and worth the extra time to experience. 

If you need a dump station in this region, check out one of the RV parks in the area. Most offer dumping service for free when you settle in overnight. The Golden Shore RV Park features full hookups and a pool/hot tub where you can rest up and use the dump station as well. 

Carlsbad

Carlsbad is another fun town in San Diego County to visit. It is the home of LEGOLAND and LEGOLAND Water Park, the first of its kind in the world. If you enjoy LEGOs, this is a must-visit. You can also take to the air and enjoy Fly Carlsbad Air Tours or Fun Flights Biplane Rides. Another option is the Icon Helicopter tours. You can also enjoy go-karts, golfing, skate parks, or water sports. If you are a fan of enjoying nature, check out the Aviara Trails and Buena Vista Lagoon. Since there are so many great campgrounds near Carlsbad, you may want to make this an overnight stop. 

Santa Barbara

Once you reach the destination of Santa Barbara, there is still plenty to see and do. If you enjoy waterfalls, you can explore Nojoqui Falls, Tangerine Falls, Seven Falls, and San Ysidro Falls. Santa Barbara has been described as the American Riviera. Be sure to check out East Beach near State Street, which is one of the main shopping areas. You'll also want to see Stearns Wharf, the oldest working pier in the state. Near there, you will discover a grassy picnic area and volleyball courts. If you have a dog, Arroyo Burro Beach is the perfect pet-friendly spot. 

Once you get to Santa Barbara, you will probably be looking for a place to park, a dump station, and a nice spot to stay while you explore the area. The Ocean Mesa RV Park is a wonderful choice. This is a beautiful spot that's right near the ocean and even pet-friendly. It is peaceful and well-maintained, and the sites include a fire pit and picnic table. 

National Parks

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park covers five beautiful islands and the surrounding ocean environment. This is a refreshing area to get away from the urban world for a bit. Take a break and explore, take pictures, and hike on all five islands. If you want to visit just one island, check out Anacapa Island. You'll travel up by boat, but be well-prepared because there are no services on the island. You will need to bring food, supplies, and water for yourself. 

Nearby State Parks

San Clemente State Beach

San Clemente State Beach has been in the state park system since 1937. It's a great place to escape the inland heat, especially if you enjoy water sports. This beach is a mile long stretching between the surf and a steep bluff. The gate closes at 10:00 p.m., so you cannot camp there, but it's a nice stopover point for a day. 

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Before you leave San Diego, check out the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. There is a wide variety of historical houses to visit as well as places like the Seeley Stable Museum and San Diego Sheriff’s Museum. When you work up a healthy appetite, you'll be near a wide variety of dining choices. Before you go, check out a calendar of events to see what entertainment acts are coming.

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

The Chumash Painted Cave is fairly small, but it contains some of the best rock art made by Chumash Native Americans. You have to climb a steep trail to the entrance of the cave that's protected by grillwork made of iron. According to some experts, these paintings date back to the 1600s or even earlier. The parks department, local high school, and Chumash elders have all worked to preserve images of the paintings.

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is one of the largest natural coastlines and open beach areas left in California. It includes a little over 3 miles of beach as well as 2,400 acres of wilderness and some offshore underwater area. Be sure to check out the vintage cottages that were built around the 1930s. You can also enjoy tide pool walks, guided hikes, and geology talks. 

Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is about 121 acres in size and the perfect spot for people who love the water. The beautiful beach is a fun spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or fishing. Get some exercise on the multi-use trail or by using the volleyball and basketball courts. If you just want to relax, there are fire rings available for bonfires. This is definitely a great place to take a healthy break. 

Along the Way

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is a two-story building full of fascinating educational exhibits. You can learn about the Chumash, whaling, early explorers, and much more. It features interactive stations as well as an art exhibit area. There are multiple programs specially designed for children’s education. There are also science nights, field trips, and lectures. 

San Diego SeaWorld

Before you leave San Diego, you should plan at least one day to visit SeaWorld. If you are a thrill-seeker, you have lots of rides to choose from. You will also want to reserve your seats for the animal encounters. There are dolphins, orcas, and sea lions as well as Polynesian Fire Dancing. The highlight of SeaWorld is animals. Whales, dolphins, walruses, penguins, and sea lions are all available to see. Be sure to check out the underwater viewing tunnel.

Flight Deck Flight Simulation Center

When most people think about what to do in Anaheim, they first imagine Disneyland. If you do not have children, however, you might want to try something different. The Flight Deck Flight Simulation Center is a fun choice. You can choose from different types of flight training. The flight instructors can guide you through the experience of a 30-minute, 60-minute, or 90-minute flight. Be sure you reserve your spot ahead of time and wear light clothing for this breathtaking experience. 

Driving from San Diego to Santa Barbara will be a fantastic adventure. You can experience ocean beaches and mountains. There are also plenty of adventures to be had at the theme parks, zoos, and museums. You may also want to go out to an island for peace and quiet. Prepare your road trip itinerary from San Diego to Santa Barbara well, and plan to take your time because there is plenty to see and do on the Pacific Coast Highway. Whether you want to get an RV in San Diego or Santa Barbara, RVshare has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara?

To plan an RV road trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara, 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 San Diego to Santa Barbara 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 San Diego to Santa Barbara. 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!