Los Angeles to San Diego Road Trip Guide
Introduction
Sun, fun, shopping, and culture are just some of the things you get to experience on a visit to Los Angeles - California's sprawling metropolis. With balmy weather and an abundance of family-friendly attractions, it's not surprising that LA can receive up to 50 million visitors in a single year. Tourists flock to attractions like the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, movie studios, and museums.
Be warned: all these tourists, coupled with the local residents, can create issues with traffic, parking, and general navigation, especially in a larger motorhome. For those looking for an escape, why not take your RV on the road and embark on a day trip to San Diego? The best route parallels the scenic coast once you clear the city, and uses the I-5, a perfect interstate for any type of RV. If you don't make any stops, which would be a real shame, the journey between these two major cities takes about two hours.
Once you arrive in San Diego, you'll have a whole new set of interesting things to do. Park your RV at one of the local campgrounds, including the San Diego Metro KOA Resort. Your whole family is sure to enjoy a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo or a day spent at the beach. If you're already in LA, a quick trip to San Diego is an easy way to explore more of the Golden State.
Point of Interest
LEGOLAND
Any parent who wants to win points or is nostalgic for the building blocks of their own childhood should add LegoLand to their trip. Spend an afternoon being young at heart at this popular attraction in Carlsbad. This paradise for lovers of the Lego brand offers rides, a water park, and an aquarium.
The park features over 60 rides and the water park has a lazy river, water slides, and splash areas. Sea Life is LegoLand's 20,000 square foot indoor aquarium, ideal for a visit on a rainy day. Encounter fascinating sea creatures like sharks, fish, sea turtles, and sea horses. Attend a talk or check times to see if your visit coincides with feeding time.
If you are having too much fun and want to stay the night, there are two onsite hotels. Finding food is easy here too. Restaurants within the park offer everything from sandwiches to pasta to ice cream. It's almost like they don't want you to leave.
Crystal Cove State Park and Historic District
Near Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove State Park offers sun-worshippers 3.2 miles of pristine beach and an offshore area for diving. Land lovers can immerse themselves in the 2,400 acres of wilderness on a guided tour or on their own. You can navigate over 18 miles of trails either on horseback or on foot.
During times of low tide, families can explore one of the four tide pool areas along the shore. Find interesting sea life in the rocky pools and make sure you leave all living organisms undisturbed. Staff at the park also run year-round interpretive programs to entice the kids.
If you ever tire of the beach, Crystal Cove State Park also has a federally listed historic district - a seaside colony built in the 1930s and 1940s. Tour the almost 50 cottages that make up the area near the mouth of the Los Trancos Creek for a glimpse of a different time.
Summary
Once you arrive in San Diego, don't worry, the fun isn't over. This vibrant coastal city has plenty of unique and interesting activities. Park your RV at your choice of campgrounds and visit the Embarcadero in the city's harbor for maritime museums, shops, restaurants, and colorful water views. The San Diego Zoo and a visit to one of the white sand beaches are solid ways to spend your RV vacation.
This world-class itinerary is the best RV road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. Make sure you take plenty of pics and explore as much of the area as your time allows. This is a trip you'll remember forever.
