Nature & Camping Inspiration
10-Day West Coast Road Trip
10-Day RV Itinerary Through Cities, Parks & Ocean Views
There’s no better way to experience California’s wild contrasts than on a California coast road trip, a 10-day RV loop through national parks, iconic cities, and seaside escapes. Starting and ending with an RV rental in San Francisco, this route links granite cliffs and desert silence with neon skylines and slow-moving surf towns. Whether you’re wandering through Yosemite’s alpine air or watching the sun sink behind Venice Beach, this California road trip itinerary blends big landscapes and coastal energy into one unforgettable west coast road trip.
Route
San Francisco ➤ Yosemite National Park ➤ Death Valley ➤ Las Vegas ➤ San Diego ➤ Los Angeles ➤ San Francisco
Distance
Approx. 820 miles
Travel Duration
10 days
Highlights
Golden Gate Bridge, Mirror Lake, Badwater Basin, Sphere, Balboa Park, Venice Beach
Best Time to Travel
April to June / September to October
Tolls
There are some toll roads, as well as tunnels and bridges.
Stop 1: San Francisco
Recommended stay: 1 day
San Francisco kicks off your California coast road trip with fog-draped bridges, lively neighborhoods, and a coastline that invites you to slow down. Compact yet sprawling, it blends sea salt air with steep cable car climbs and sunset views at Twin Peaks. This is where your road trip finds its rhythm. If you’re staying overnight before heading out, explore our guide to camping near San Francisco for coastal, city, and forest spots just beyond the city.
Best for
- Iconic city sights
- Food & culture
- Coastal views
Things to do
- Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge
- Explore Fisherman’s Wharf & Alcatraz views
- Ride a cable car through Nob Hill
Stop 2: Yosemite National Park
Recommended stay: 2 days
The city fades as Sierra granite rises around you. Driving from San Francisco to Yosemite, the road winds through pine forests into wide valleys lined with waterfalls. Yosemite RV camping brings you close to towering cliffs, ancient trees, and dark night skies that define this stretch of your California road trip. If you want to see how Yosemite compares to the state’s other national parks, our national parks guide offers helpful planning context for shaping the rest of your route.
Best for
- Iconic national park scenery
- Waterfalls & viewpoints
- Outdoor adventure
Things to do
- Drive through Yosemite Valley
- Hike to Yosemite Falls
- Visit Glacier Point
Stop 3: Death Valley
Recommended stay: 1 day
Leaving Yosemite behind, the landscape shifts quickly into the stark silence of Death Valley. Colors change across salt flats and canyon walls as you descend 86 meters below sea level. This stretch of your California road trip feels dramatic and otherworldly. If you’re planning camping in Death Valley, you’ll find accessible RV-friendly spots close to the park’s most photogenic viewpoints.
Things to do
- Walk across Badwater Basin
- Watch sunrise at Zabriskie Point
- Drive through Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Things to do
- Walk across Badwater Basin
- Watch sunrise at Zabriskie Point
- Drive through Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Stop 4: Las Vegas
Recommended stay: 2 days
After the stillness of the desert, Las Vegas shifts the pace completely. From casinos and rooftop pools to immersive art shows and retro diners, your Las Vegas itinerary can easily fill two days. Beyond the neon lights, red rock canyons and desert viewpoints offer a quieter contrast that keeps this stop grounded in the landscape.
Best for
- Nightlife
- Live shows & casinos
- Poolside downtime
Things to do
- Walk the Las Vegas Strip
- Watch the Bellagio fountains
- Explore Fremont Street
Stop 5: San Diego
Recommended stay: 1 day
Leaving the desert behind, San Diego shifts the mood to sun, surf, and coastal energy. Each San Diego neighborhood brings a different feel, from beach bonfires in Ocean Beach to rooftop spots in Little Italy. This stop is about slowing the pace for a day of salty mornings, coastal walks, and sunset views before heading north again.
Best for
- Beach lovers
- Coastal scenery
- Laid-back atmosphere
Things to do
- Walk along La Jolla Cove
- Explore Balboa Park
- Watch sunset at Sunset Cliffs
Stop 6: Los Angeles
Recommended stay: 2 days
The drive from San Diego to Los Angeles marks another shift in pace. LA stretches in every direction, blending beaches, hills, and city streets. Spend a morning hiking Runyon Canyon, explore the Walk of Fame, or head toward quieter coastal spots. If you’re planning where to stay, see our guide to beautiful camping destinations near Los Angeles for top local options.
Best for
- Iconic city sights
- Beach days
- Pop culture fans
Things to do
- Visit the Hollywood Sign
- Walk Santa Monica Pier
- Drive through Beverly Hills
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 7: San Francisco (Return)
Recommended stay: 1 day
After miles of coastlines, canyons, tacos, and trailheads, the fog feels familiar again. But you’re not the same traveler who left two weeks ago. This final day isn’t just about returning—it’s about reflecting. As the wind picks up at Ocean Beach or the lights flicker on in North Beach, your California road trip itinerary wraps with the same rhythm it began: the freedom to wander, pause, and take the scenic route home.
Travel Tips for Your California Coast Road Trip
- Toll Roads & Bridges: California uses cashless tolling on bridges (like the Golden Gate) and some freeway express lanes. Register your vehicle or pay online via bayareafastrak.org.
- Right on Red: In California and Nevada, you can turn right at a red light after a full stop, unless posted otherwise.
- Urban RV Parking: Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have limited RV parking. Use designated lots or park outside the city and use public transport.
- Best Time to Go: Travel between April–June or September–October for mild weather, fewer crowds, and clear roads from coast to desert.
- Camping in Yosemite: Yes, you can camp with an RV—but reservations are essential, especially in spring and fall. Reserve early on Recreation.gov.
- Camping in Death Valley: Allowed year-round, but avoid low-elevation spots in summer due to extreme heat. Choose higher-altitude campgrounds and travel with plenty of water.
- RV Camping Essentials: From cookware to power cables, make sure you’re stocked with everything you need for the road. Check our full list of tips in this RV camping essentials guide.
- Leave No Trace: Stick to marked trails, pack out all waste, and respect wildlife to help preserve these landscapes.
FAQs
- How many days do you need in San Francisco for a road trip?
Plan for 2–3 days to see the major sights and settle into road trip mode without feeling rushed. - Is it safe to drive an RV from San Diego to Los Angeles?
Yes—just avoid peak traffic hours. The I-5 is faster; Highway 1 offers scenic coastal views if you have time. - Do I need to worry about altitude on this trip?
A bit. Yosemite and Mount Charleston reach over 6,000 feet. Stay hydrated and take it easy the first day at higher elevations.
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