Los Angeles Round Trip: California Dream Come to Life

It’s only a few hundred miles, but the drive from Los Angeles to Big Sur is so diverse you may forget you’re in the same country. From one of America’s brightest cities, to rolling sand dunes, a castle, 70 feet of bubblegum walls, elephant seals and an iconic coastal bridge, this leg of your campervan road trip will surprise and impress you at every turn. You’ll need at least four days to take it all in, but don’t hesitate to hang around a little longer if you simply need more time!
 
Los Angeles
 
LA is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, and even if you only visit its most famous attractions, it can still take several days - although your Los Angeles motorhome rental will help you see many of them, even if you don’t have much time. A trip to the Hollywood Sign is a must for any first-timer, and once you’ve snapped your shots for Instagram, you can work up a sweat hiking some of the scenic tracks around Griffith Park for awesome views over the city. For the young at heart, Disneyland is the ultimate playground, while fashionistas and fans of the classic film Pretty Woman will love a chance to shop on Rodeo Drive. The Getty Centre might not be your usual LA experience, but it is a worthy one, as this museum is packed with many of the world’s masterpieces, and boasts some of the city’s best architecture, landscaping, and views to boot.
 
Once you’re ready to hit the road, simply drive north on the US-101 up the coastline.
 
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
 
It will be a hectic few days in the dazzle of LA, but you’ll instantly switch from the city life to beachy vibes when you arrive at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. These are the largest remaining dunes south of San Francisco, and will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. Start your visit with a stop at the dunes center to learn about the nature, history and stories of the site, or to join a private hiking group. Then, make your way out onto the dunes to feel the sand between your toes and take in the 18 miles of rolling golden hills.
 
Next stop, San Luis Obispo, a small town with a famous attraction that will stick with you for your entire trip.
 
Bubblegum Alley
 
It’s hands down one of the strangest attractions on your entire West Coast motorhome road trip, but it’s simply too fascinating to pass by and offers the only kind of sticky spot that you’ll actually want to find yourself in. It’s known as Bubblegum Alley, and it’s a narrow path that’s just 70 feet long and 15 feet high, located between Broad and Garden Streets. Its walls are colourfully decorated with thousands of blobs of used bubblegum, so be sure to pick up a pack of your own to add to this bizarre modern piece of culture. The alley got started sometime in the 1970s, and shows no sign of being shut down anytime soon.
 
Assuming you don’t get stuck, get back behind the wheel of your campervan and drive north on Route 1 to your next destination.
 
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
 
Elephant seals were once hunted almost to the point of extinction, but thanks to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, this wonderful and goofy-looking sea creature is making a comeback, and you can see them for yourself during your LA road trip. Stop by the Piedras Blancas Friends of the Elephant Seal Sanctuary to take a closer look at these mammals and learn more about fun facts about them. For example, they spend eight to ten months of the year in the ocean, and can dive down to 5,800 feet and stay underwater for up to two hours. They migrate twice per year, and this spot on the coastline is one of the best places in the world to see them onshore. Typically, your best bet is to visit between December and March, although you can drop in to the center at any time of year.
 
Hearst Castle
 
The United States isn’t exactly known for its castles, which makes a visit to the Hearst Castle even more special. This mansion is both a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark, with the site’s history dating back to the 19th century. It later became a state park in 1954, and opened its doors to the public a few years later. Today, the castle is a museum filled with an impressive collection of antiques and artworks. You can drop by for a tour of its rooms, explore the impressive gardens, and learn about the history of the structure and the area. Keep in mind that this popular attraction welcomes millions of visitors each year, so it’s best to reserve a spot on the tour ahead of time so you don’t miss out.
 
After the castle, enjoy a few hours meandering up the coastline, still following Route 1 north.
 
Bixby Bridge
 
Your final stop on this leg of the trip is a short and sweet one. The Bixby Bridge is easily one of the most iconic attractions of the west coast. It’s a masterpiece of design, and even though it was built in 1932, it remains one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world at 260 feet (79 metres) above the canyon floor. There are several spots where you can pull over before and after crossing the bridge, so you’ll be able to admire the structure and capture plenty of photos. If at all possible, stop by during sunset when the light and the bridge are at their most beautiful.
 
You’ll no doubt have noticed the beauty of the Big Sur as you drive along the coastline, so look for a campsite such as the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park so you can stay overnight.

Just when you think the Californian coastline couldn’t get much more intriguing, this little pocket of the country will exceed your California dreams. Take your time discovering the beaches and forests of Big Sur before heading off, then prepare for more of the diversity you found in the first leg of your road trip. This section of your route will take you from Big Sur to the Yosemite National Park, and on your way you’ll explore a world-famous aquarium, no less than two mind-boggling mystery houses, a couple of iconic American cities, and a cheese factory that will indulge your love of this rich dairy treat. Allow yourself another four or five days or so to complete this drive, and don’t forget to stop for photos as often as the scenery demands it.
 
Big Sur
 
Once you’ve found a good campground in California’s Big Sur, use it as your base so you can spend a day or two exploring the area. For example, if you stay at the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, you’ll be perfectly placed to hike the 3,379-foot Manuel Peak, and visit the McWay Falls where they tumble from the park into the ocean in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Pfeiffer Beach promises to inspire and awe you with its craggy bluffs and impressive stone structures dotting the shoreline, including the famous Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock which is regarded as the second-most photographed Big Sur attraction after the Bixby Bridge.
 
Once you’ve finished hiking and exploring all over Big Sur, head back to Route 1 and take the short drive north to Monterey Bay.
 
Monterey Bay Aquarium
 
Monterey Bay is a popular little holiday town where you can take surfing lessons, stroll Cannery Row for its shopping and attractions, or try your hand at a round of golf. The town’s top attraction however, is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and if you only make one stop in Monterey, this should be it. This is your chance to get up close and personal with more than 35,000 sea creatures representing more than 550 species. There are daily tours, opportunities to watch feedings, options to head behind the scenes, and regular special events every month. The Open Sea exhibit holds a million litres of water and a vast range of creatures, and the kelp forest was the first of its kind. After feeding the fish, head to the on-site restaurant for a lavish meal of your own before getting back on the road.
 
As you continue north again you’ll wind your way around the actual Monterey Bay, then arrive at Santa Cruz on the other side.
 
Santa Cruz
 
Santa Cruz is home to the west coast’s oldest beachfront amusement park, with the boardwalk dating back to 1907. This is naturally the main attraction of this playful and laid-back town, but there are a number of ways to spend a day or two in this charming spot. Once you’ve been for a stroll on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and taken all the rides in the amusement park, pick up a frozen treat at the Penny Ice Creamery for hand-made deliciousness from one of the city’s favourite staples. Next, wander over to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History to check out some of the local artistic talent and get a taste of the city’s cultural side. Before you leave town, make the short drive out to the Mystery Spot, a visual-illusion attraction where gravity is optional and balls roll uphill.
 
After Santa Cruz you’ll finally head inland, taking Route 17 north towards San Jose.
 
Winchester Mystery House
 
From a mysterious spot to the Winchester Mystery House, this is a must-see attraction that blends history, culture, and a little bit of hair-raising fear into one. The Winchester Mansion was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the gun magnate and heir to his fortune. With more than 160 rooms, two basements, and 10,000 windows, it’s certainly a mansion of epic proportions, but none of that is what makes it a mystery. Sarah added quirks to the home such as staircases that lead to ceilings, doors that open to an 8-foot drop down to a kitchen sink or a 15-foot drop into the garden. There’s even a cabinet that opens to 30 additional rooms. Rumour has it that Sarah’s eccentric plans were due to being haunted by spirits killed by Winchester rifles, and that a psychic told her to build non-stop to evade them. The 1906 Bay Area earthquake brought down sections of the home, but it’s still a bizarre wonder of the west coast, and one you can tour and experience for yourself.
 
From here it’s a short drive north through Palo Alto via Route 101 to San Francisco.
 
San Francisco
 
San Francisco is another of America’s most iconic cities, and everything from its Golden Gate Bridge and historic cable cars to its round-the-clock fog contribute to its larger-than-life personality. If it’s your first time visiting San Fran, there are a handful of unmissable attractions you’ll need to see. Start with a stroll through the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf and try one of its famous crab-and-clam-chowder in sourdough bread bowls, then take a tour across to the infamous offshore Alcatraz Prison to hear the incredible tales of those who served time there (be sure to book in advance, as this extremely popular attraction tends to sell out ahead of time). While it’s traditional to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, keep in mind that it’s actually quite a long way, and it may be easier to simply take your motorhome for a trip across the bridge so you can spend a lazy afternoon in Sausalito - without having to worry about biking back! Plus, if you take your campervan across, you can keep driving for a visit to the John Muir Woods, which offers a chance to walk amongst the gorgeous giant redwood trees and get out of the city. You will need to park your RV so you can take a ride on the famed cable cars of the city, which is no doubt much easier than driving a big vehicle up those steep streets anyway.
 
When you’re ready to say goodbye to San Fran, head east via Route 580 before turning southeast onto the 99.
 
Hilmar Cheese Company
 
The Hilmar Cheese Company is the kind of stop that road trip dreams are made of. The cafe offers a range of delicious cheese-themed refreshments, but it’s the shop and the experience that make it so worthwhile. Take a tour to learn how the cheese is made on-site, and get stuck in with the interactive exhibits about cheese, cows, and cheesemaking. Another tour option allows you to learn about making ice cream - then make and eat some of your own. And don’t forget to stop by the shop before you leave to stock up on a few souvenirs and some tasty snacks for the road.
 
From here, it’s only a couple of hours east to the Yosemite National Park.

It may only represent one quarter of a relatively quick road trip from Los Angeles, but this leg of your drive includes some of the most iconic and impressive attractions in all of the United States. You’ll begin in the Yosemite National Park before stopping by the Devils Postpile, one of the world’s best examples of basalt rock formation, and the world’s oldest living thing, the Methuselah Tree. You’ll pass from the wilderness of California into the bright lights of Las Vegas, and finally take a look at one of man’s boldest feats of engineering. Try to take five or so days for this leg of your motorhome journey, and don’t forget to book your campsites in advance whenever possible.
 
Yosemite National Park
 
The Yosemite National Park is practically a road trip in itself. There’s so much to see and experience in this wild tract of land that for the duration of your stay, you’ll forget all about the journey so far and what comes next. Top park attractions include the magnificent granite Half Dome, Glacier Point (which offers spectacular views of the Half Dome and surrounds), and the Yosemite Falls, which drop more than 2,400 feet in total. The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad will give your feet some reprieve from all the hiking as it takes you up four miles of train tracks once used to haul massive logs through the Sierra Mountains. Keep in mind that most of the park’s annual 4 million visitors will make a beeline for Yosemite Valley, so while it’s certainly a must-see, be sure to add a few more spots to your to-do list so you can get away from the crowds. Another trick is to visit first thing in the morning or last thing at night after the day-trippers have thinned out, and the easiest way to do this is to stay in the park itself. There are 13 campgrounds dotted around the park, although you will need to reserve a space ahead of time, as they do fill up quickly.
 
Devils Postpile National Monument
 
After leaving the park, take a short detour off Route 395 to Mammoth Mountain - the Devils Postpile National Monument isn’t a sight you’ll want to miss. The Devils Postpile is a jaw-dropping columnar basalt rock formation, and is one of the best examples of its kind. The columns are more than 60 feet high, and their noticeable symmetry makes them a favourite for geologists and tourists alike. The national monument also includes the Rainbow Falls, a set of cascades that drop 101 feet amongst this wild Californian scenery.
 
After the monument, you’ll drive south along the 395 before turning east at Big Pine. Once again however, you’ll need to make a quick detour off the 168 for your next stop.
 
Methuselah tree
 
It’s the kind of question you might come up against in a game of trivia: What is the oldest living thing on earth? After you’ve visited the Methuselah Tree, you won’t just know the answer, you’ll have seen it for yourself. This bristlecone pine tree is more than 4,770 years old - and many of its neighbouring trees are more than 2,000 years old, which may seem young in comparison but have still stood tall during the rise and fall of entire human empires. The Methuselah Tree itself is older than Stonehenge, having seeded not long after the mammoth went extinct. Plus, it’s an amazing-looking tree in its own right, so aim to be there around sunset for some extra-special photographs.
 
Las Vegas
 
What happens in Vegas absolutely does not need to stay in Vegas - in fact, you’ll be telling the stories and sharing the photos for years to come. ‘Sin City’ is internationally renowned for its non-stop lifestyle of bright lights, oversized novelty cocktails and casinos, but aside from the standard night out on the strip, you’ll find a smorgasbord of other sights and attractions to thrill you as well. Head away from the strip for the evening for a visit to Fremont Street, an open-air mall where the roof is covered with an ever-changing LED display, music is always pumping, and you can travel from one end to another in just seconds by taking the zipline option above the crowds. Another fantastic experience (and a great way to start your evening as the sun goes down) is the High Roller ferris wheel. A round-trip takes 30 minutes and promises awesome views over the strip, and if you’re all aged 21 and over, you can pay a little extra for an open bar pod to really get your night rolling. The Neon Museum is a fun spot to visit for a look into the city’s ‘bright’ past, and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay offers an entire underwater world you can step into if the crowds and the lights become all too much.
 
When you leave Vegas, head south on Route 515 and take a left onto the 93 for another quick detour.
 
Hoover Dam
 
You can’t pass by Las Vegas without stopping at the Hoover Dam, widely regarded as one of the greatest feats of human engineering anywhere in the world. Originally known as the Boulder Dam, this concrete monolith stands more than 725 feet above the Colorado River and produces 4 billion kilowatts of electricity each year. At the time it was built it was the biggest of its kind, and it’s even more impressive when you consider the remoteness of its location and the harsh working environment under which it was made. The dam was completed in March 1936 under-budget and ahead of schedule (by a full two years), and today is a National Historic Landmark - as well as an incredible attraction. A newer part of the dam is the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which lets you get a better view of the dam. It’s roughly 1,500 feet south of the dam itself and the walkway off the bridge is 900 feet above the river, so don’t miss the opportunity to see the dam from a whole new perspective.
 
After this final stop, take the 95 south to the Mojave National Preserve.

Indulge your passion for the outdoors on this final leg of your route. You’ll begin in the expansive Mojave National Preserve to explore its sand dunes and underground caverns, before stopping off in the Joshua Tree National Park to see where this tree comes from. And for the final major stop along your campervan trip, spend a couple of days finding out what makes San Diego a favourite motorhome destination for so many. These final few stops can be quick if you just want to take a look, but you could easily spend a week or more if you love to get your hike on!
 
Mojave National Preserve
 
The Mojave National Preserve, a 1.6 million acre park found in the Mojave Desert, is a place of pure natural beauty. For a taste of its size and scenery, you can start with a drive along the I-15 scenic detour, which will give you a quick introduction into the treasures you can expect here. Pay a visit to the Kelso Sand Dunes, where you can climb to the top then slide down to listen for the ‘singing sand’ phenomenon. This rare event is also known as booming dunes, and is a low-frequency rumble that you can feel and hear when you slowly slide down these sand mountains. The Mitchell Caverns are another favourite spot, made up of three limestone caves you can explore on a fascinating guided tour. Of course, there are countless hiking trails throughout the preserve, such as the Teutonia Peak Trail and the Rings Loop Trail. You’ll likely need a couple of days to see it all, so you can book a spot at the Mid Hills Campground or the Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, both of which have a range of basic facilities for your motorhome.
 
When you leave the preserve, head south via N’Amboy Road to your next destination.
 
Joshua Tree National Park
 
By now you will have come across many of the Joshua Trees that are scattered around the region, but it’s the Joshua Tree National Park to which they are native. Here, you can stay in the Jumbo Rocks Campground, which is an attraction itself as it’s surrounded by large boulders and small canyons, and there are multiple hiking trails that begin on site as well. Make your way up to the highest spot in the park - Keys Point - for epic views of your surroundings, and visit the iconic Arch Rock formation on a hike.
 
After the park, it’s time to head back to the city, so drive west, then turn south at Riverside.
 
San Diego
 
The final major destination on your LA round trip journey is San Diego, a city known as much for its zoo as for its cultural scene and blue sky weather. The 1,200 acre Balboa Park is arguably its biggest drawcard, as it’s home to no less than 17 museums, extensive park areas and gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo itself. You could easily spend a couple of days exploring this area of the city, but don’t forget to add a few other spots to your list. A stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District is a must - just make sure you arrive hungry as there are tempting restaurants and bars on every corner. Not far from the city centre is a small beachside town called La Jolla, and it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon strolling along the waterfront and visiting the shops, or even taking a sea kayak tour out into the bay.
 
Finally, take Route 5 back up the coastline into Los Angeles, and see if you can fit in a few more attractions that you might’ve missed the first time around.
 
This round-trip campervan itinerary from Los Angeles is the kind of experience that will make you wonder where the last two weeks have gone. When every turn of the wheel and every stop offers something new and exciting, you’ll quickly lose track of time and simply start to look forward to what each new day will bring. Whether you stick to this itinerary like glue or use it as a rough guide for your motorhome adventures, you’re sure to get a healthy dose of America’s best attractions along the way.
 
More than the great motorhome hire deals for California cities like Los Angeles, Sacramento, or even San Francisco and Calabasas, be sure to look at RV rentals from Billings (MT), or Louisville (KY), or Chicago (IL), to add to your US holidays!