West Coast RV Trip for Summer #2: Don’t Miss These Spots!

Arguably one of the most famous drives in the U.S., the Pacific Coast Highway is the ultimate RV road trip destination. Spanning Washington to California, and featuring countless cliffside vistas, urban and suburban spaces, and plenty of charming pit stops along the way, the PCH offers 600 miles of unspoiled, coastline-hugging roadway –– perfect for exploring.

If you are thinking about taking the RV for a summer drive along America’s west coast, there is truly no better way to see the sights. So we’ve put together another breathtaking journey like no other––a continuation of our first leg from San Diego to Morro Bay. And one you are sure to remember for a lifetime. Picking up where we left off, we’re heading back towards Los Angeles and embarking on a new journey with new sites to see. And plenty of pristine spots to rest the RV along the way.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most exciting cities in the world. If you are spending even a day in La La Land, you will never be short of things to do and see. However, if you’ve got an RV in tow, you might want to stick to some of the coastal beach spots to avoid those world-famous freeway traffic jams.

Depending on where your journey begins in Los Angeles, you might want to try to visit San Clemente State Beach. Known for its mountain, ocean, and hillside views, it’s a great destination for beachfront frolicking and overnight RV camping.
Of course, if you’ve got the kids with you (or even if you don’t), Disneyland (“The Happiest Place on Earth”) in Anaheim is a 40-minute drive north from San Clemente along Interstate 5 (I-5) –– one of the most frequently traveled segments of the PCH in Southern California –– and offers plenty of parking space for vehicles of all sizes.
Continuing along North I-5 into downtown Los Angeles, you’ll want to travel towards Glendale in order to catch the westbound 101 highway that will take you out towards the coastline section of the PCH. And along the way, you’ll pass a number of scenic parks and recreation spots to stretch your legs in anticipation of the trek ahead. Topanga State Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Point Mugu State Park are all incredible destinations to tour with the RV, and each offers plenty to see. Or, if you prefer to hit the coastlines early, after Topanga State Park, you can catch State Route 1 and drive through the sandy beaches of Malibu, with its charming shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, before heading north.

RV Accommodation:
Just beyond Los Angeles is the Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu, with its full hookups and both back-in and pull-through 30/50-amp RV parking spots.

Directions:
Upon taking the northbound I-5, catch the westbound 101 in Glendale and head out along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara may seem like a sleepy harbor town sitting quietly above the waves (and it is), but it is also abuzz with activity for tourists passing through. There is an incredible food scene, thanks to the dozens of restaurants, ranging from fine dining to creative food trucks; and plenty of shopping, nightlife, and historical points of interest. Find a place to park the RV (there are a ton of options) and take a few hours to discover the charm of this coastal paradise.

Cultural points of interest:

RV Accommodation:
Recalibrate your journey by pulling the RV into Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara, an RV resort that features amenities and full hookup RV back-in spots.

Directions:
Take the 101 westbound to the northbound CA-1, the Pacific Coast Highway

Pismo State Beach

Continuing north along the 101 of the PCH, about 90 minutes from Santa Barbara is Pismo State Beach, a 17-mile-long stretch of land in the city of Pismo Beach that houses gorgeous beaches and dunes that are the ideal pit stop for RV travelers.

Pismo Beach is a camper’s dream. In fact, for this part of the journey, we recommend pulling the RV into one of the area’s numerous campgrounds and parking sites to unload and partake in a day full of adventure by the water. Rent an ATV and plow through the sandy dunes, head into town and grab dinner, then head back to the beach and start a bonfire before retiring to bed. You’ll be fresh-faced and bright-eyed the next morning, ready to get back on the road.

Directions:
Continue north on CA-1, the Pacific Coast Highway

Big Sur

Now, when most people think of driving up the Pacific Coast Highway, it is the images of Big Sur that typically come to mind. Big Sur is quintessential California: stark beaches, rolling waves, surf culture, and pristine beauty as far as the eye can see. It is made up of a solid stretch of coastline nestled between the cities of Carmel and San Simeon –– both of which have their own incredible hubs of activity.

Big Sur is the most breathtaking and easily accessible part of the PCH –– and only about 3 hours from San Francisco, so there are many people who live in the Bay Area who use it as a weekend getaway. And as a result, there are plenty of attractions to see and experience in town.

Bask in the sun at Pfeiffer Beach, travel along the iconic Bixby Bridge, or take a brisk hike within Big Sur State Park.

Directions:
Continue north on CA-1, the Pacific Coast Highway

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a charming and friendly university-beach town that offers plenty to see and do––from the famous redwood trees to the high-mounting waves that attract surfers from all over the world. Once you’ve parked the RV in any one of the area’s designated campgrounds or motorhome lots, you must check out the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, with its multi-colored concession stands and old-timey roller coasters (all with outstanding Pacific Ocean views).

Heading out of Santa Cruz along the PCH towards San Francisco, you’ll pass through the Big Basin Redwoods State Park (and who doesn’t love an RV camping trip through a park?) which offers a ton of outdoor recreational activity and plenty of parking and overnight accommodations for RV travelers.

Directions:
Continue north on CA-1, the Pacific Coast Highway

San Francisco

Once you’ve arrived in San Francisco, you will never be short of things to do or see. If you are wrapping up your PCH RV road trip and have more time to experience all that this cosmopolitan city has to offer, you have an abundance of places to start. Many neighborhoods simply ooze charm, not to mention great restaurants, historical hubs, and trendy shops. In fact, it’s almost impossible to condense the possibilities into one list.

When it comes to San Francisco dining, there are great options for whatever type of cuisine, location, and budget you have in mind. As for exploring, the Nob Hill and the Presidio neighborhoods have tons to experience.

Take the RV for a scenic detour a couple of hours inland and stop for the night in Yosemite National Park, a California cultural institution. Or stay on the coastal drive and head towards Ocean Beach and take in all of the SoCal vibes.

RV Accommodation:
As you’re driving into San Francisco, pull the RV off the PCH and take it to the San Francisco RV Resort. This all-inclusive, open-year-round facility sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and features accommodations like restroom and showers, picnic, and BBQ areas and even a full-service swimming pool. It’s close to everything for when you want to walk or take a cab into town.

If San Francisco is the end of the line for your northbound PCH road trip, then you can experience the best of the area’s local attractions before turning around and heading back down south via Highway 1. Pick up where you left off and check back into some of the previously highlighted spots. OR, keep going north. Pass over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and experience the 1,000+ acres of bucolic lakes and gardens in Golden Gate Park.

Directions:
Continue heading north or south––the sky’s the limit!