The Ultimate Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip

We’re kicking your road trip off in Santa Barbara, which is also often referred to as “America’s Riviera”. This is a town that blends Mediterranean-style architecture with mountain and ocean views, and it is packed with trendy shops, craft coffee spots, and art galleries to enjoy. The Funk Zone, in particular, is a must while you’re here and it is filled with murals, wine tasting rooms, and some of the best eateries in town.

For some beach time, East Beach is the place to go for an afternoon relaxing by the waves, while Butterfly Beach in nearby Montecito is where locals hang out to take the sunset views. Don’t miss this historic Santa Barbara Mission while you’re here, either – a beautifully preserved 18th-century Spanish mission with lovely gardens and a fascinating history.

Just a short drive from Santa Barbara, you’ll find Carpinteria and its classic California beach town atmosphere. Carpinteria State Beach is famous for its tide pools, where you can spot sea creatures like starfish and anemones in their natural habitat. Once you’ve done exploring the pools, grab some fish tacos at a local stand and spend a few hours exploring the beach – you might even be lucky enough to spot seals and sea lions lounging along the coast if you’re visiting during spring or summer!

Your next stop is Ventura, a chill beach town with a little something for everyone. We recommend starting your visit here with a walk on the Ventura Pier, one of California’s oldest wooden piers, and soaking in the beautiful Pacific Ocean views. After that, head to the Ventura Harbor Village for an afternoon of shopping and some of the most delicious seafood around.

If you’re into history, you should also check out Mission San Buenaventura or explore Olivas Adobe, which is a preserved 1840s ranch house and museum. Or, if you’re in the mood for some hiking, Los Padres National Forest is the place to go for some awesome trails that end in panoramic coastal views.

Next, make a quick detour inland to Ojai, where you’ll find a small town that is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and wellness retreats paired with mountain views. Take a stroll through Ojai’s downtown area, which is filled with interesting boutiques and cozy cafes, and if you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the opportunity to check out Ojai Farmers’ Market. This place is brimming with local produce, artisan goods, and homemade treats, making it the ideal stop for picking up essentials or a few souvenirs.

There are some great opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in Ojai, too. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is a particularly popular spot to spend the day hiking, and if you time your visit just right, you might be able to see the “Pink Monument” – a sunset phenomenon that colors the surrounding mountains in a soft pink glow.

Back on the coast, Malibu is one of the places you simply cannot miss when taking a Southern California road trip. The stunning beaches here are legendary, and Zuma Beach and El Matador Beach are among the most popular spots for catching some waves, cooling off in the ocean, or relaxing on the shore.

After you’ve had your fill of beach fun, we recommend heading over to Adamson House, a beautifully preserved 1920s Spanish-style home with intricate tilework and gorgeous gardens to explore. Or, if hiking is your thing, Malibu Creek State Park has some fantastic trails through oak groves, grasslands, and rocky landscapes that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into another world miles away from the coast.

Much like Malibu, you can’t take this road trip without visiting Santa Monica, which is home to the world famous Santa Monica Pier. You can ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy loads of other amusement rides and carnival games here before grabbing some snacks and watching the street performers do their thing. It’s also worth visiting Third Street Promenade while you’re here, where you can shop and chill in a bar while enjoying some live music.

Venice Beach is just a few miles away from Santa Monica and while you won’t find the same fairground attractions here, you will experience some amazing sights! The Venice Beach Boardwalk is an absolute must-visit when you’re here, and you’ll see street performers and artists, as well as vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to unique souvenirs.

You also need to stop by Muscle Beach while you’re here, where you’ll find bodybuilders working out on the sand. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is another popular spot and offers shops, artisanal coffee stops, and some of California’s coolest restaurants.

As you continue down the coast, Redondo Beach is a great place to rent a paddleboard and head out on the water! Don’t worry if you’d prefer to keep dry, though – it’s still a fabulous location for taking a scenic walk along the water’s edge or for grabbing some seafood from one of the many great restaurants.

You definitely need to stop here if you’re interested in marine life, too, as Redondo Beach is home to the SEA Lab. This is a small aquarium and marine education center with hands-on exhibits that is perfect for wildlife-lovers and families alike.

The next location on your must-see list is Long Beach, a city that perfectly combines both coastal and urban vibes. Make sure you visit the Aquarium of the Pacific while you’re here, where you’ll see everything from sea lions to tropical fish. This is one of the best aquariums on the West Coast with fun, educational experiences for all ages on offer.

While you’re in Long Beach, take the time to check out the historic Queen Mary as well, which is a former ocean liner that has been turned into a museum and hotel. The Shoreline Village is a must-visit, too, where you can enjoy good food, shop for souvenirs, or simply spend the afternoon relaxing by the marina.

A little further South, Huntington Beach is known as “Surf City USA”, and it certainly lives up to the name. Here, you can join the surfers catching some serious waves, or if you’d prefer to stay firmly on land, the Huntington Beach Pier is a favorite spot for sunset views, beach walks, and fishing. Main Street is another great place to explore here, with surf shops, beach-themed cafes, and lively bars on offer.

If you’re particularly interested in surfing culture, make sure you head over to the International Surfing Museum, where you’ll get a look into Huntington Beach’s surf history. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a surf competition at the annual US Open of Surfing while you’re in town, which draws surfers from around the world.

Continuing south, Laguna Beach is a small town with a laid-back, artsy atmosphere and galleries, shops, and cafes around every corner. It’s also home to Crystal Cove State Park, where you’ll find historic beach cottages, several great hiking trails, and loads of tide pools waiting to be explored! Also, in the summer, Laguna Beach hosts the Pageant of the Masters, an amazing show that features “living pictures” of famous artworks that are certain to add a little extra magic to your road trip.

A little further down the coast, you’ll find Dana Point, a beautiful spot that is most famous for its harbor and for being a prime whale watching location. There are several tour companies here that offer boat tours where you may be able to catch a glimpse of gray whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Even if you prefer not to head out on the water, the harbor itself is a lovely place to wander and snap some awesome photos.

Before you finish your journey, take another detour inland to Joshua Tree National Park for a complete change of scenery. This desert wonderland is filled with Joshua Trees and surreal rock formations, offering you not only a break from the beach but some of the best hiking, rock climbing, and star gazing opportunities in California.

Popular spots here include Hidden Valley and Skull Rock, while the hike to Keys View gives you some stunning views of the Coachella Valley below. This is the ideal place to spend a few days hiking and nights under star-filled skies before hitting the road again and heading back to the coast on the final leg of your road trip.

You’ve finally arrived in Los Angeles, but this doesn’t mean the adventure has come to an end! Start your time here with a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and snap a photo of the Hollywood Sign. Once you’ve done that, head downtown, where you can explore some of the city’s most famous cultural spots, like The Broad Museum or Union State. And, for some of the best views across LA and beyond, take a trip to the Griffith Observatory to end your road trip in a truly memorable way.

There’s no better way to explore the West Coast than on a Southern California road trip, and whether its surfing in Huntington Beach or stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park, this California road trip has it all.

With a campervan from Travellers Autobarn, you’ll have the freedom to cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway with unlimited miles, stopping wherever and wherever you feel like. And, with so many destinations to explore, each packed with its own character, you can take your time to truly immerse yourself in everything for as long as you like. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the road for a trip filled with adventure! Hit us up for a free quote to get started today!