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West Coast Road Trip

2-Week 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 two-week 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 invites you to take the scenic route every time—with no fixed schedule but endless places to pull over and stay awhile.

Route

San Francisco ➤ Yosemite National Park ➤ Death Valley ➤ Las Vegas ➤ San Diego ➤ Los Angeles ➤ San Francisco

Distance

Approx. 820 miles

Travel Duration

14 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: 2 days

San Francisco kicks off your journey with fog-draped bridges, buzzing neighborhoods, and a coastline that dares you to slow down and look around. It’s a launchpad full of contradictions—gritty and graceful, compact and sprawling, all wrapped in the scent of sea salt and sourdough. From steep cable car climbs to sunset views at Twin Peaks, this is where your road trip exhales into something bigger than a route—it becomes a rhythm.

Grey RV parked at a lookout where a man is sitting on a bench overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

  • Battery Spencer Viewpoint – Fog rolls like theater curtains over the Golden Gate from this iconic overlook.
  • Muir Woods National Monument – Towering redwoods whisper in a cathedral of light just 40 minutes from the city.
  • Twin Peaks – A windswept 360° view that makes the chaos below look like a toy city.
  • Ocean Beach – Wild Pacific energy at the city’s edge, where surfers and solitude both find room.

Local Culture

  • Alcatraz Island – The former prison holds ghost stories, rebellion, and panoramic views of the bay.
  • Mission District Murals – Vibrant street art that speaks louder than any gallery.
  • Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf – Street performers, sea lions, and that unmistakable tourist buzz.
  • Cable Car Ride – An old-school clatter through Nob Hill and down to the bay—half transport, half time machine.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites

  • Tartine Bakery (V, GF) – Legendary bakery known for its breads and pastries. Occasional gluten-free and vegan options available.
  • La Taqueria (V, VG, GF, DF) – Mission District staple serving iconic Mission-style burritos. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Corn tortillas for gluten-free diners.
  • Bi-Rite Creamery (VG, GF, DF) – Small-batch ice cream with vegan coconut-based flavors and gluten-free cones. Perfect for a sunny day in Dolores Park.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • Tacolicious (V, VG, GF, DF, AF) – Trendy Mexican eatery with many gluten-free and vegan options like cauliflower tacos. Great for groups.
  • Roam Artisan Burgers (V, VG, GF, DF, AF) – Casual spot with organic veggie patties, gluten-free buns, and dairy-free shakes.
  • Flour + Water (V, VG, GF) – Acclaimed Italian restaurant offering fresh seasonal vegetarian dishes and gluten-free accommodations.

Stop 2: Yosemite National Park

Recommended stay: 3 days

The rush of the city fades fast as the Sierra granite rises around you. Driving from San Francisco to Yosemite, the road twists through pine forests and opens up to vast valleys where waterfalls tumble and silence deepens. Whether you’re chasing misty overlooks or walking beneath trees older than your lineage, Yosemite RV camping brings you close to a rhythm set by wind, stone, and starlight.

Woman standing next to a white RV that is parked on the street with mountains in the back.

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

  • Yosemite Falls Trail – A short hike to the base or a serious climb to the top—either way, it’s the tallest waterfall in North America.
  • Mirror Lake – Glassy reflections and easy terrain, best in spring when water still flows and crowds haven’t peaked.
  • Glacier Point – A jaw-dropping vista over Half Dome and Yosemite Valley—get there for sunrise or golden hour.
  • Mariposa Grove – Step among ancient sequoias with trunks as wide as your RV; some trees here have stood for over 2,000 years.

Local Culture

  • Ansel Adams Gallery – See the park through the lens of the man who made Yosemite world-famous.
  • Yosemite Museum & Indian Village – Insight into Miwok and Paiute traditions and early park history.
  • The Ahwahnee Hotel – Historic architecture meets rustic luxury—worth a stroll even if you don’t stay for lunch.
  • Ranger-Led Programs – Fireside talks, guided nature walks, and wildlife demos (check the seasonal schedule).

Where to Eat

Quick Bites

  • Degnan’s Deli (V, GF) – Sandwiches, grain bowls, and picnic-friendly snacks right in Yosemite Village.
  • Village Grill Deck (V, GF) – Simple grilled fare and fast service with outdoor seating—open seasonally.
  • Curry Village Pavilion (VG, GF, DF) – A large buffet-style setup with plenty of dietary-friendly choices.
  • Yosemite Valley Lodge Coffee Corner (VG, GF) – Morning essentials: espresso, muffins, and gluten-free wraps.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • The Mountain Room (V, GF) – Lodge-style dining with windows that frame Yosemite Falls—think steak, trout, and veggie entrees.
  • The Ahwahnee Dining Room (V, GF) – Candlelight and cathedral ceilings, with an upscale menu that includes vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • Jackalope’s Bar & Grill (VG, GF) – Casual but elevated; burgers, salads, and comfort food for the post-hike appetite.
  • Evergreen Lodge Restaurant (VG, GF, DF) – Slightly outside the valley, but worth the trip for forest views and seasonal menus.

Stop 3: Death Valley

Recommended stay: 2 days

Leaving Yosemite’s alpine hush behind, the road unravels into the surreal silence of Death Valley. Here, colors change by the hour and the heat seems to hum across salt flats and canyon walls. It’s a place that asks you to slow down, breathe less shallowly, and take in the strangeness of standing 86 meters below sea level. If you’re wondering about camping in Death Valley, rest easy—there are accessible RV-friendly spots near the park’s most photogenic places.

White RV driving through the desert.

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

  • Yosemite Falls Trail – A short hike to the base or a serious climb to the top—either way, it’s the tallest waterfall in North America.
  • Mirror Lake – Glassy reflections and easy terrain, best in spring when water still flows and crowds haven’t peaked.
  • Glacier Point – A jaw-dropping vista over Half Dome and Yosemite Valley—get there for sunrise or golden hour.
  • Mariposa Grove – Step among ancient sequoias with trunks as wide as your RV; some trees here have stood for over 2,000 years.

Local Culture

  • Ansel Adams Gallery – See the park through the lens of the man who made Yosemite world-famous.
  • Yosemite Museum & Indian Village – Insight into Miwok and Paiute traditions and early park history.
  • The Ahwahnee Hotel – Historic architecture meets rustic luxury—worth a stroll even if you don’t stay for lunch.
  • Ranger-Led Programs – Fireside talks, guided nature walks, and wildlife demos (check the seasonal schedule).

Where to Eat

Quick Bites

  • Furnace Creek General Store (VG, GF) – Stock up on snacks, cold drinks, and road-trip fuel—vegan jerky, trail mix, and fresh fruit included.
  • Stovepipe Wells Badwater Saloon Takeout (V, GF) – Sandwiches, chili, and shaded patio seating when you need a break from the sun.
  • Panamint Springs Deli (V, GF) – Sandwiches and quick bites in a rustic stopover setting near the park’s western edge.
  • Amargosa Café (VG, GF, DF) – Just outside the park, known for quirky charm and plant-forward plates.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • The Inn at Death Valley Dining Room (V, GF) – A rare desert oasis with tablecloths, palm trees, and refined dishes using regional ingredients.
  • Toll Road Restaurant (V, GF) – Western-style comfort food with vegetarian options and cold beers on tap.
  • Jack’s Café (VG, GF) – Home-cooked meals and shaded outdoor tables, just past Death Valley Junction.
  • Wild Rose Tavern (V, GF) – Simple but hearty dinner fare with fresh salads and mountain views, best at sunset.

Stop 4: Las Vegas

Recommended stay: 2 days

After the vast stillness of the desert, Las Vegas crackles with energy. It’s a city that doesn’t just light up—it performs. From glittering casinos and rooftop pools to immersive art shows and retro diners, your Las Vegas itinerary can stretch from sunrise hikes to midnight roulette. Just beyond the neon, you’ll find unexpected calm in red rock canyons and stargazing spots that remind you you’re still in the desert—even when surrounded by chandeliers.

White RV parked in front of a neon 'Vegas' sign at night during a west coast road trip.

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

  • Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive – Just 25 minutes from the Strip, this 13-mile loop winds through rust-colored cliffs and sandstone peaks.
  • Valley of Fire State Park – Bright red Aztec sandstone, petroglyphs, and Martian terrain just under an hour from the city.
  • Mount Charleston Trails – Alpine air, towering pines, and snow-dusted hikes only 45 minutes away—yes, really.
  • Lake Mead Overlook – A serene spot to watch the water catch the light before heading back into the buzz.

Local Culture

  • The Sphere – This massive immersive venue is the newest crown jewel of the Strip—spectacle inside and out.
  • Neon Museum – Vintage Vegas signs light up the desert night in this outdoor time capsule of casino history.
  • Fremont Street Experience – LED canopy, zip lines, street performers, and old-school Las Vegas grit.
  • Atomic Museum – A surprisingly compelling dive into the history of atomic testing in the Nevada desert.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites

  • Dirt Dog (V, GF) – Wild street dogs with all the toppings—plus vegetarian swaps and gluten-free buns.
  • The Crack Shack (VG, GF) – SoCal chicken sandwiches with flavor-packed vegan options and an upbeat patio scene.
  • Mothership Coffee Roasters (VG, GF) – A spacey local favorite for small-batch coffee and house-baked vegan treats.
  • La Bonita Groceries Taquería (VG, GF, DF) – Hole-in-the-wall tacos with authentic flavor and plant-based options.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • Monta Ramen (V, GF) – Hidden gem in Chinatown with rich broths and vegetarian-friendly bowls.
  • Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews (VG, GF) – Over-the-top burgers, boozy milkshakes, and a gluten-free menu that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
  • Esther’s Kitchen (V, GF) – Farm-to-table Italian in the Arts District—rustic, intimate, and full of surprises.
  • VegeNation (VG, GF, AF) – 100% plant-based global menu with street food flair and allergy-conscious labeling.

Stop 5: San Diego

Recommended stay: 3 days

As you leave the high desert behind, San Diego welcomes you with sun, surf, and a slower heartbeat. This is the exhale of your journey—a coastal sprawl where each San Diego neighborhood offers its own microculture, from beach bonfires in Ocean Beach to rooftop cocktails in Little Italy. It’s where you stop racing the road and start savoring the rhythm: salty mornings, golden-hour hikes, and evenings spent toes-in-sand with a taco in hand.

Skyline of San Diego photographed on a sunny day.

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve – Clifftop trails above crashing surf and ancient, wind-sculpted pines—one of SoCal’s last wild stretches.
  • La Jolla Cove – Kayak, snorkel, or just sit and watch sea lions nap on rocks; the turquoise water feels almost tropical.
  • Sunset Cliffs – West-facing bluffs that deliver daily drama as the sun dips below the Pacific—pack a blanket.
  • Cabrillo National Monument – Vistas, tidepools, and history collide at this scenic point overlooking the harbor.

Local Culture

  • Balboa Park – Museums, gardens, Spanish architecture, and performers around every corner in the cultural heart of the city.
  • Liberty Station Public Market – A former Navy training center turned foodie haven with artists, craft beer, and local makers.
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park – The birthplace of California, full of 1800s adobe buildings, Mexican folk art, and mariachi music.
  • Gaslamp Quarter – Cobblestone meets cocktails in this nightlife and dining hub lined with Victorian-era facades.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites

  • Mitch’s Seafood (V, GF) – Waterfront counter-service with local catch, grilled veggie tacos, and harbor views.
  • Caroline’s Seaside Café (VG, GF) – Coastal breakfast and lunch spot with smoothie bowls and gluten-free pancakes.
  • Trilogy Sanctuary (VG, GF, DF, AF) – Rooftop vegan café and yoga studio serving plant-based wraps, elixirs, and gluten-free baked goods.
  • Donut Bar (V, GF) – Creative, over-the-top donuts with rotating vegan and gluten-free options that sell out fast.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • Juniper & Ivy (V, GF) – Upscale yet playful—seasonal plates, coastal influences, and a warm urban setting.
  • Oceana Coastal Kitchen (VG, GF) – Bayfront dining with sustainable seafood and vegetarian dishes that don’t feel like an afterthought.
  • The Plot (VG, GF, DF) – 100% plant-based fine dining with globally inspired dishes in a sleek, modern space.
  • Dockside 1953 (V, GF) – Relaxed resort-style dining with beach views and a California-inspired menu.

Stop 6: Los Angeles

Recommended stay: 2 day

From laid-back surf to urban sprawl, the drive from San Diego to Los Angeles feels like a mood shift in motion. LA sprawls in every direction—glamorous, gritty, and endlessly layered. You might catch a sunrise from Runyon Canyon, then spend sunset elbow-deep in tacos on Sunset Boulevard. Whether you’re here for the Walk of Fame or off-grid beaches, LA doesn’t offer a single vibe—it offers all of them at once

Two girls with surfboards walking from their white RV, parked on the beach, towards the sea.

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

  • Griffith Observatory & Trail – Classic skyline views with hiking access to the Hollywood Sign and a star-studded night sky.
  • El Matador Beach – Sea arches, rocky coves, and golden light—it’s the kind of beach you imagine when you picture the California coast.
  • The Getty Garden Walk – Hillside architecture meets curated gardens and sweeping views from one of LA’s cultural landmarks.
  • Santa Monica Mountains – Trailheads tucked behind Malibu offer panoramic hikes and picnic-perfect ridgelines above the Pacific.

Local Culture

  • The Broad Museum – Contemporary art in bold, minimalist surroundings—free entry, but timed tickets go fast.
  • Grand Central Market – A living, breathing food hall where LA’s global flavors collide—from vegan ramen to Salvadoran pupusas.
  • Venice Boardwalk & Canals – Street art, skaters, and eccentrics on parade just steps from serene, bridge-crossed waterways.
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame – Cheesy and iconic in equal measure. If you’re going to be a tourist, be a full one here.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites

  • Joan’s on Third (V, GF) – Elevated deli fare with roasted veggie sandwiches, kale salads, and clearly marked GF/VG options.
  • Sidecar Doughnuts (VG, GF) – Luxe doughnuts made fresh daily—rotating vegan flavors and gluten-free classics.
  • Javista Hollywood (VG, GF, DF) – Plant-forward café tucked just off Sunset, known for its almond milk lattes and breakfast wraps.
  • Plant Food + Wine (VG, GF, AF) – Venice gem serving upscale vegan bites in a sunlit courtyard.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • 71Above (V, GF) – Dinner with a view—refined plates served 950 feet above downtown with vegan/gluten-free menus available.
  • Belles Beach House (VG, GF) – Hawaiian-Japanese fusion in a laid-back setting just steps from Venice Beach.
  • Gracias Madre (VG, GF) – Organic, plant-based Mexican food in a lush courtyard that’s as Instagrammed as the dishes.
  • Gjelina (V, GF) – Venice staple with market-fresh small plates, a moody vibe, and always-packed tables.

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.

Dark grey RV parking in front of old victorian houses in San Francisco.

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.
Man sitting behind steering wheel of a campervan looking at the Golden Gate Bridge.

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