Los Angeles to Vancouver Road Trip

Before you start out on the first leg of your journey, take some time to soak up everything Los Angeles has to offer. Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at one of LA’s many famous diners, like The Original Pantry Cafe, and after fuelling up, head to Griffith Park for sweeping views of the city from Griffith Observatory. It’s also worth taking this opportunity to stock up on your road trip essentials at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA so you can hit the road safely with the knowledge you’ve got everything you need.

Your first stop is Malibu, which is just over an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. This destination is best known for its beautiful beaches and celebrity homes, and there are plenty of places to visit, including El Matador State Beach. This spot is around 20 minutes from Downtown Malibu and has miles of coastline and sea caves that are just begging to be explored. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little less active, take the 20-minute drive to Zuma Beach, where you can swim in the turquoise waters or simply lay back and relax on the sand.

Santa Barbara is a city that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a Mediterranean postcard, and as you drive into town, the first thing you’ll notice is the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, red-tiled roofs, and palm-lined streets. Once you’re parked up, the first thing you should do is head to Stearns Wharf, which is just 25 minutes on foot from City Hall and offers panoramic views of the coastline and mountains. Or, if you’re looking to learn more about the history of the area, a 6-minute drive will take you to the Old Mission Santa Barbara, where you’ll find fascinating exhibits and beautiful gardens. Whatever you feel like doing, Santa Barbara is a place to stop for a day or two and explore it to its fullest.

No journey from LA to Vancouver is complete without visiting what is known as the “Happiest City in America!” San Luis Obispo (which you’ll likely hear locals refer to simply as “SLO”,) is a place to slow down after 95 miles on the road. Start by taking a stroll down Higuera Street, which is just a 10-minute walk from Downtown San Luis Obispo, where you’ll find some cool shops and cafes. Or, for something a little offbeat, check out Bubblegum Alley, a narrow passageway that is completely covered in colorful chewing and is both fascinating and a little bit gross. Also, if you’re up for some outdoor adventure, a 10-minute drive takes you to the Bishop Peak Natural Area, which gives you the chance to spot some wildlife and take some awesome photos.

As you finish your longest day on the road so far, you’ll arrive in the magical Big Sur, a stretch of California’s coastline that is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty and opportunities for exploration. One of the most popular sites here is McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that spills directly onto a secluded beach below, and it’s a 25-minute drive to the viewpoint where you’ll get that postcard-perfect photo op. Bixby Creek Bridge is another must-see while you’re here, which spans the canyon below and is one of the most photographed spots along the coast. Also, if you have time to explore a little further, a 15-minute drive will take you to Pfeiffer Beach and it’s amazing purple sand and incredible rock formations. Big Sur is a place that will leave you speechless throughout, and definitely one to set up camp for a few days before hitting the road again.

Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea share a space on your travel itinerary, as they’re only 4 miles apart, but each offers its own experience. Start in Monterey, where you can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and see the playful sea otters and amazing kelp forest exhibit before taking a walk along Cannery Row and exploring the shops and galleries. After that, head over to Carmel-by-the-Sea and stroll down Ocean Avenue or relax on Carmel Beach, with its soft white sand and amazing views. You’ve got a relatively long drive to your next stop from here, too, so it’s worth taking the time to stop, refuel, and prepare to head out again.

After just over 2 hours on the road, you’ll arrive in San Francisco. This city never fails to impress with its energy and iconic sites, and even driving into the city over the Golden Gate Bridge is an experience in itself. Make sure you stop at Vista Point first, where you can take in panoramic views of the bridge, the bay, and the city skyline before heading deeper into the city. Once in, make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf or, for some history and intrigue, take a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and tour the infamous prison that once held some of America’s most notorious criminals. All of these attractions are within 25 minutes of the city, but as with most stops on this road trip, you’ll want to dedicate a couple of days to exploring San Francisco. That way, you’ll have the chance to take everything in and really make the most of your visit.

After a couple of days exploring the city, you’ll likely be craving a return to nature, and Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect place to do just that. Just over an hour north of San Francisco, this protected area is home to windswept beaches and a host of wildlife, along with some super interesting attractions. We recommend starting your visit here by taking the 20-minute drive to Tomales Point Trailhead and heading out on this awesome hiking track, where you’ll even get the chance to spot tule elk grazing in their natural habitat. Or, for some of the most impressive ocean views on your road trip, drive 30 minutes to Point Reyes Lighthouse. There are some awesome foodie opportunities here, too, such as the Cowgirl Creamery, where you can sample some of the best artisanal cheese in the world. It’s 40 minutes from the National Seashore, but definitely worth the trip!

The next stop of your trip is Clear Lake State Park, where you’ll find some amazing views as well as the chance to look out over the region’s largest freshwater lake, from which the park takes its name. The calm waters of Clear Lake are perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply taking in the views from the shore, and if you’re into fishing, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to catch some bass or catfish. Feel like heading out on a hike? You’re in luck! Clear Lake State Park features several easy trails, such as the Dorn Nature Trail, which leads you through oak woodlands with loads of wildlife to spot along the way, including deer, wild turkeys, and several bird species. Or, for something a little different, take the 25-minute drive to Anderson Marsh Historic State Park, where you can learn more about the area’s Native American heritage and ancient Pomo settlements.

You’ll cover a lot of road between Clear Lake State Park and Crater Lake National Park, but the 346-mile drive is absolutely worth it for some of the most awe-inspiring sights in the country. This is a volcanic lake (and also the deepest lake in the United States), and it is famous for its amazing blue color and clarity. You’ve got a couple of ways of exploring it, too, the first being the Rim Drive, which takes you through various viewpoints so you can take in the beauty of the lake from different angles. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous and want to break free from your campervan, you can hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which takes you down to the lake’s edge and gives you the opportunity to take a dip in the icy waters!

A 5-hour drive from Crater Lake National Park will take you straight to Portland, a city that lives and breathes creativity. The first place to visit here, especially if you’re a bookworm, is Powell’s City of Books, which is located in Downtown Portland and is home to hundreds of books waiting to be discovered. Or, if you’re craving some outdoor time and the chance to stretch your legs after a long drive, the Portland Japanese Garden is 10 minutes from town and has beautifully manicured gardens you can spend hours walking through. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Alberta Arts District while you’re here, too, and when you’re feeling hungry, head to Voodoo Doughnut for a sweet treat!

Once you’ve spent a couple of days exploring Portland, hit the road again and take the 3-hour drive to Seattle. This is the penultimate stop on your road trip, and it’s a place that perfectly balances urban excitement with natural beauty, offering something for everyone. Start your visit here at the world-famous Pike Place Market, where you can watch fishmongers toss salmon to each other, as well as pick up some fresh flowers and sample local treats. The market is also home to the original Starbucks, so be sure to stop by if you’re a coffee lover. After that, dive into some nature at Discovery Park, which is 15 minutes from town and where you’ll find several walking trails with views of Puget Sound in the distance. Or, for something gentler and closer to town, kick back with a picnic in Kerry Park, where you’ll also get the opportunity to snap some photos of the sun setting over the Seattle skyline.

After over 1,300 miles on the road, you’ve reached your final destination. But this doesn’t mean the road trip is over, and Vancouver has plenty to explore before you have to head back into reality. The first place we recommend visiting is Stanley Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks, where you can bike or walk along the famous Seawall and take in amazing views of the city skyline. Or, if you’re seeking a little more adventure, a 10-minute drive out of town will take you to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and offer the opportunity to walk across a treetop adventure course with the Capilano River rushing far below.

As you can see, this road trip really is an incredible experience, and with so many must-visit stops along the road from Los Angeles to Vancouver, you’ll want to take your time and savor every moment. At Travellers Autobarn, we know that any great journey starts with a reliable vehicle, and that’s why we offer campervan rentals with free unlimited miles to help you make the most of your adventure. So, whether you’re planning this getaway or feel like taking on a different Los Angeles road trip, we’ve got everything you need to hit the open road in comfort and style.

Interested in exploring other parts of the United States? Here are some other articles you might enjoy:

• Ultimate National Parks Campervan Road Trips
• A Beginner’s Guide to Yosemite National Park Guide
• 11 Weekend Road Trips on the West Coast in a Campervan
• Best Campervan Campgrounds in California

An important note, if you’re looking to take a Travellers Autobarn vehicle into Canada there is an additional fee of $750.

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