Week-Long Trips
Las Vegas to California Road Trip
Your 10-Day Road Trip Itinerary
Ready to hit the road? This California road trip from Las Vegas takes you on a 10-day adventure through sun-soaked deserts, buzzing cities, and breezy coastal hideaways. From Red Rock Canyon to the golden hills of San Francisco, every stop offers its own rhythm—whether you’re hiking beneath starlit skies or wandering through palm-lined streets. This is freedom, the roadsurfer way.
Route:Las Vegas ➤ Ridgecrest ➤ Los Angeles ➤ San Diego ➤ Palm Springs ➤ Joshua Tree ➤ San Francisco
Distance: 1,095 miles
Duration: 10 Days
Landmarks & Scenic Spots: Red Rock Canyon State Park, Hollywood, Venice Beach, Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, Joshua Tree National Park, Sequoia National Park, Golden Gate Bridge
Best Travel Time: April to June / September to October
Tolls & Fees: Some roads, tunnels, and bridges—especially near cities like Los Angeles and San Diego—charge tolls. Entrance to national parks such as Joshua Tree and Sequoia typically costs $30–$35 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. For more details, check the Joshua Tree National Park entrance fee information and the Sequoia National Park fee details.
Stop 1 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Our recommendation: 1 day
Just across the California border, Las Vegas is a strategic and high-energy starting point for a California road trip. Pick up your RV at our Las Vegas station, stock up, and hit the road after a single night in the city. Desert landscapes, bold architecture, and iconic entertainment make this a fast-paced kickoff before the route shifts toward California’s national parks, coastlines, and open-road scenery.
Best for
- Nightlife
- Entertainment
- Quick city stop
Things to do
- Las Vegas Strip walk
- Bellagio fountains
- Fremont Street
Stop 2 – Ridgecrest, California
Our recommendation: 1 day
Set between the Sierra Nevada and the Mojave Desert, Ridgecrest is a deliberate pause on a California road trip itinerary. This one-night stop suits RV travelers who want stark desert landscapes, red rock canyons, and clear night skies—without crowds or detours. Hiking by day and stargazing after dark make Ridgecrest a calm reset before the route continues toward California’s busier highlights.
Best for
- Desert landscapes
- Quiet overnight
- Dark skies
Things to do
- Death Valley viewpoints
- Red Rock Canyon drive
- Trona Pinnacles
Stop 3 – Los Angeles, California
Our recommendation: 2 days
Los Angeles earns a two-day stop for the simple reason that it rewards contrast. One day lets you cover the coast, neighborhoods, and city energy; the second gives you time for viewpoints, markets, or studio-era landmarks without rushing. For RV travelers, this balance makes LA feel manageable rather than overwhelming. To plan overnight stays, see our guide to camping in Los Angeles for RV-friendly options around the city.
Best for
- Beach lovers
- Landmark seekers
- Urban explorers
Things to do
- Santa Monica Pier
- Griffith Observatory
- Hollywood sign views
Want to go deeper? Our guides to things to do in Los Angeles and outdoor activities in Los Angeles can help you plan extra time in the city.
Stop 4 – San Diego, California
Our recommendation: 2 days
San Diego works best as a two-day coastal stop that slows the pace before the route turns inland. One day covers beaches and waterfront neighborhoods; the second leaves room for food, culture, or a relaxed reset by the ocean. For a California road trip itinerary, this balance makes San Diego feel restorative rather than rushed.
Best for
- Coastal views
- Outdoor activities
- Family trips
Things to do
- La Jolla Cove
- Balboa Park
- Gaslamp Quarter
Stop 5 – Palm Springs, California
Our recommendation: 1 day
Palm Springs is a focused one-day stop that adds contrast to a California road trip itinerary. The appeal is concentrated: desert scenery, mid-century design, and a quick shift in pace before moving on. Ride the aerial tramway, drive through the city’s iconic neighborhoods, and call it done. If you’re traveling in April, this is also the closest base for the Coachella festival.
Best for
- Desert scenery
- Design lovers
- Poolside downtime
Things to do
- Aerial Tramway ride
- Mid-century architecture
- Indian Canyons hike
Stop 6 – Joshua Tree, California
Our recommendation: 1 day
Joshua Tree is a one-day stop built around atmosphere rather than mileage. Short hikes, boulder-strewn landscapes, and wide-open desert skies make it ideal for slowing down without committing extra time. For RV travelers, it’s a reset point between cities rather than a place to linger. To see how it fits into a broader California route, our guide to all of California’s national parks, with a closer look at Joshua Tree puts this stop into context.
Best for
- Rock formations
- Stargazing
- Short hikes
Things to do
- Hidden Valley trail
- Skull Rock
- Keys View overlook
Stop 7 – San Francisco, California
Our recommendation: 2 days
San Francisco works best as a two-day finale that brings the trip full circle. One day covers the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods; the second gives you space to slow down before returning your RV. This pacing lets the shift from desert and coast to urban California feel intentional rather than abrupt. If you’re staying overnight before drop-off, plan ahead near our San Francisco station or use our guide to camping near San Francisco to find RV-friendly options around the city.
Best for
- Iconic landmarks
- City views
- Walkable neighborhoods
Things to do
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Alcatraz ferry
If you want to break up the drive before reaching San Francisco, Sequoia National Park adds a single, high-impact nature stop. Massive sequoia groves create a quiet transition between desert terrain and the coast without reshaping the overall route.
Useful Tips for your Las Vegas to California Road Trip
- Know the Road Rules: In California, right turns on red are allowed after a full stop—unless posted otherwise. Four-way stops follow “first come, first go” etiquette. In Nevada, some rural stretches require headlights even during the day.
- Wildlife Awareness: Coyotes, deer, and even hawks can appear suddenly—especially at dawn or dusk along desert roads and canyon routes.
- Speed Limits: Expect 15 mph near railroad crossings, 25 mph in neighborhoods, 55 mph on two-lane highways, and up to 70 mph on freeways. Always check local signage.
- Toll Roads: You’ll encounter tolls near big cities and major bridges (like the Golden Gate). Some require prepayment or a toll pass—check with your rental provider.
- Permits & Campground Reservations: Popular spots in Yosemite, Big Sur, or Death Valley may require permits or advance bookings. A quick online check can save a headache later.
- Pack for Desert Heat & Coastal Chill: You’ll need layers for wild temperature swings—think tank tops by day, warm jackets at night. Don’t forget your swimsuit for hot springs or ocean dips, and a lightweight towel for quick drying.
- Regional Must-Haves: Binoculars for sweeping desert vistas, a sunhat, SPF lip balm, insect repellent for dusk hikes, and a daypack for spontaneous stops and farmers’ markets.
- Essential RV Gear: Leveling blocks, water pressure regulator, power adapters, and a first-aid kit should all make the cut. For a full road trip checklist, check out our RV camping packing list.
- Navigation: Not everywhere has cell service—especially in Death Valley, Yosemite, or the Mojave. Download offline maps ahead of time or bring a backup GPS device.
- Water & Fire Safety: Bring refillable jugs or a water filter—remote campgrounds often have no potable water. Always check for fire bans, use designated rings, and fully extinguish your fire before leaving.
- Campsite Etiquette: Keep your space clean, observe quiet hours (usually 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), and respect your neighbors’ space—especially in tightly packed coastal sites or high-desert campgrounds.
- Wildlife & Bear Safety: In areas like the Sierra Nevada or Sequoia National Forest, use bear-proof lockers and store all scented items properly. Temptation isn’t just a human trait.
- Pets: Most parks allow pets—but leashes are a must, and cleanup is non-negotiable. Some trails or beaches may have pet restrictions, so check local rules before heading out.
- Parking Paint Code: Red means no stopping. Yellow is for loading zones. Blue is for disability parking only. Always check signs before walking away from your vehicle.
- Leave No Trace: From Red Rock Canyon to Joshua Tree and the Pacific coast, pack out your trash, stay on designated trails, and help keep wild spaces wild.
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