San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip Guide

This storybook village delivers European charm with California casualness. Carmel Beach's white sand and turquoise water rival any Caribbean destination, while the village's fairy-tale cottages, art galleries (over 100!), and dog-friendly downtown make wandering pure joy. No street addresses exist here—homes have names instead—adding to the quirky appeal.

Don't miss Point Lobos State Natural Reserve just south of town. Often called the "crown jewel of the California State Parks," Point Lobos offers otherworldly coastal landscapes, tide pools, sea lion colonies, and seasonal whale watching. The Cypress Grove Trail showcases windswept trees clinging to granite cliffs—pure California poetry. Note: This popular reserve fills early on weekends; arrive by 9 AM or risk closure.

No visit to Santa Barbara would be complete without a visit to Stearns Wharf. This is the oldest working wharf in the US and if you get there really early, you will be able to buy fresh fish directly from the fishing boats as they return to harbor. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy but be aware that the later in the day you visit, the more crowded the area will become. It is a wooden wharf and it is suggested that you don’t wear heels or walk barefoot.

Whilst at the wharf you have a number of options to keep you busy. One of the favorites among both locals and visitors is to take a bike ride along East Beach. Riding is flat and smooth and there will be plenty of opportunities to take those memorable photos along the way. For something a little less sedate, you might like to hire a paddleboard or do a kayak safari.

Big Sur isn't a town—it's a 90-mile stretch of California's most dramatic coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise straight from the Pacific. Bixby Bridge, completed in 1932, remains one of the world's most photographed bridges. Pull into the vista point on the south side for the iconic shot, but arrive early—parking fills by mid-morning in summer.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers 189 riverside campsites nestled among towering redwoods along the Big Sur River. The park's moderate 1.3-mile hike to 60-foot Pfeiffer Falls rewards with misty beauty, while the Big Sur River creates natural swimming holes perfect for cooling off. No hookups available, but the location among ancient redwoods makes generator-free camping magical. Reserve 6 months ahead for summer dates.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park's McWay Falls drops 80 feet directly onto a pristine beach—one of California's two oceanfront waterfalls. The 0.6-mile Overlook Trail provides the classic view. Note: Beach access is closed permanently due to unstable cliffs, but the overlook delivers that Instagram-worthy shot everyone seeks.

For RV camping in Big Sur, Riverside Campground provides 34 sites with water hookups and 20-amp electrical service along the Big Sur River, just minutes from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Hot showers, river swimming, and catch-and-release fishing November-February make this family-friendly base perfect for exploring the region.

This Danish-heritage village in the Santa Ynez Valley feels like stepping into a European fairy tale—complete with windmills, half-timbered architecture, and authentic aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls). Founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, Solvang maintains strong cultural ties with festivals, bakeries, and even a replica of Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue.

Beyond the Danish kitsch, Solvang sits in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country. The Santa Ynez Valley produces world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Many tasting rooms line downtown streets—perfect for those not driving the RV. For families, Ostrichland USA offers a quirky farm experience feeding ostriches and emus, while nearby Nojoqui Falls provides an easy 0.5-mile hike to a 164-foot seasonal waterfall.

Often called the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara delivers Mediterranean elegance against dramatic mountain backdrops. The Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786, remains California's most beautifully preserved mission with stunning architecture and peaceful gardens. Stroll State Street's palm-lined shops and restaurants, then walk the 2,100-foot Stearns Wharf—California's oldest working wharf—for sunset views and casual seafood dining.

East Beach offers California's quintessential beach scene with volleyball, cycling paths, and the kid-friendly Cabrillo Bathhouse. For wine lovers, the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail features 30+ tasting rooms within walking distance downtown. The Santa Barbara Zoo and Botanic Garden provide family-friendly alternatives to beach time. Don't miss the Thursday Certified Farmers Market, where locals and visitors gather for fresh produce, live music, and community vibes.

Stay at Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park, the city's only RV park, offering full hookups, WiFi, cable TV, and a convenient location for walking to downtown attractions. The family-owned park provides a peaceful base for exploring Santa Barbara's beaches and cultural sites.

Just 45 minutes south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay offers your first taste of California coastal charm. This working fishing village serves up fresh-caught Dungeness crab at waterfront restaurants, while Main Street's historic downtown features antique shops and locally owned boutiques. Don't miss the iconic Mavericks surf break (winter viewing only—these monster waves aren't for casual surfers!) and Pillar Point Harbor, where sea lions bask on the docks.

The nearby Coastside Trail provides easy coastal walks perfect for stretching your legs after leaving the city. Pumpkin season (September-October) transforms the area into a harvest wonderland with farm stands and the famous Art & Pumpkin Festival. Half Moon Bay State Beach offers RV-accessible beach parking year-round.

Santa Cruz brings California beach culture to life with its 1907 Beach Boardwalk—California's oldest surviving seaside amusement park. The Giant Dipper roller coaster, a National Historic Landmark, still thrills riders after 95+ years. Stroll the Municipal Wharf for sea lion watching and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, or rent surfboards at Cowell Beach, where gentle waves welcome beginners.

Just 14 minutes inland, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park showcases 40 acres of massive coastal redwoods, including trees 1,500 years old, 277 feet tall, and 16 feet wide. The easy 0.8-mile Redwood Grove Loop Trail delivers cathedral-like groves perfect for family photos. You can even take a vintage steam train from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk directly to the park—kids love it!

Monterey combines world-class attractions with laid-back coastal vibes. The renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases over 35,000 creatures, including playful sea otters, mesmerizing jellyfish galleries, and the massive kelp forest exhibit. Historic Cannery Row, immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel, now hosts restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and waterfront hotels where you can watch harbor seals from your deck.

The famous 17-Mile Drive ($12.25 per vehicle) winds through Pebble Beach's pristine coastline, passing the photogenic Lone Cypress, Bird Rock's barking sea lions, and five championship golf courses. Sunrise or sunset drives deliver the best lighting and fewer crowds. The Monterey Bay Coastal Trail offers free walking/biking along 18 miles of coastline if you prefer two wheels to four.

William Randolph Hearst's 165-room hilltop mansion represents California extravagance at its peak. This National Historic Landmark showcases priceless art, Roman-style pools, and architecture blending Mediterranean Revival with Spanish Colonial. Tours book weeks ahead in summer; the Grand Rooms Tour best suits first-timers. The castle influenced Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane"—film buffs will spot references throughout.

Directly across Highway 1, the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery offers free viewing of thousands of elephant seals year-round. December-March brings "seal season" when bulls battle for dominance—watching these 5,000-pound giants clash is unforgettable! Boardwalk viewing keeps visitors safe while allowing close-up photography. Arrive early morning for best light and fewer crowds.

Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug, dominates this charming fishing town's skyline. While climbing the rock is prohibited (it's a protected nesting site), kayaking around its base offers unique perspectives and possible sea otter sightings. The Embarcadero waterfront buzzes with seafood restaurants—order the rockfish fish and chips and watch fishing boats unload their daily catch.

Morro Bay State Park provides RV camping with partial hookups, a golf course, and the Museum of Natural History. The park's Back Bay offers excellent bird watching with over 250 species spotted here. Montana de Oro State Park, just 15 minutes south, showcases rugged coastal cliffs, tide pools, and wildflower-covered bluffs—bring a picnic and spend the afternoon exploring.

Often overlooked between Santa Barbara and Malibu, Ventura delivers authentic California beach town vibes without the crowds. The Ventura Pier extends 1,700 feet into the Pacific, perfect for sunset strolls and fishing. Historic downtown features restored Art Deco buildings, local boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants that haven't yet discovered L.A. prices.

Surfers flock to Ventura's consistent breaks, particularly at Surfers Point and C Street. The Channel Islands National Park visitor center sits harborside—while you can't RV camp on the islands, day trips via Island Packers boats offer incredible hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling in this "Galapagos of North America." Back on the mainland, Ventura Ranch KOA provides family-friendly camping with activities, pools, and easy access to both the coast and Santa Barbara's wine country.