Los Angeles Roundtrip - Redwoods Waterfalls and Coastlines

Route Snapshot: Los Angeles to the Coast and Mountains

Before you turn the key in the City of Angels, here is a quick overview of what to expect on this spectacular California loop.

Why This Los Angeles Roundtrip Route Works for RV Travel

Charting a circular path entirely within the Golden State, this 13-day itinerary is a masterclass in natural beauty and cultural nostalgia. By sparking your engine in Los Angeles and setting a bold course along the iconic Pacific Coast, you weave together misty marine sanctuaries, towering groves of ancient trees, and the majestic granite cliffs of the Sierra Nevadas. This route offers a quintessentially Californian adventure, perfectly tailored for motorhome travel. Having your accommodations travel with you allows you to wake up to ocean breezes one morning and alpine thundering waterfalls the next.

This journey also champions "The Green Road." By embracing responsible travel and slow-paced exploration, your camper holiday ensures that these fragile coastlines and towering forests remain unspoiled for future generations. The convenience of a roundtrip out of Los Angeles also simplifies logistics, eliminating complex one-way drop-off planning while maximizing your time exploring the diverse landscapes.

Route Rhythm: Coastlines, Forests, and Valleys

To truly appreciate this journey, we recommend breaking the 1,456 mi drive into distinct regional stages. This prevents travel fatigue and allows you to immerse yourself in the changing ecosystems without rushing. The detailed, day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLANET, but here is the general rhythm of the road.

Stage 1: The Pacific Coast Ascent

Leaving the bustling City of Angels, your initial days are defined by the rhythmic crash of the Pacific Ocean. As you travel northward, the climate shifts into a mild, coastal marine layer. This coastal stretch is ideal for wildlife watching, beachcombing, and enjoying the relaxed pace of seaside towns. Expect manageable driving days that allow plenty of time to pull over at scenic overlooks.

Stage 2: Bay Area and the Ancient Trees

As you approach San Francisco and the surrounding regions, the landscape transitions. Here, the focus shifts to the towering groves of ancient redwoods. The driving becomes incredibly scenic as you navigate through mist-shrouded forests. The pace slows naturally as you spend time hiking beneath these giants, breathing in the crisp, earthy air.

Stage 3: The High Sierras and Waterfalls

Leaving the coast behind, the route climbs into the Sierra Nevadas, heading toward the iconic granite cliffs and thundering alpine waterfalls of the Yosemite region. This stage requires confident driving as you navigate mountain grades, but the reward is unparalleled natural beauty. Plan for multi-night stays in this region to fully explore the hiking areas and natural features.

Stage 4: The Central Valley Return

The final leg of your journey descends from the mountains and cuts through the agricultural heart of California—the Central Valley. This stretch offers a faster driving pace as you make your way back to Los Angeles. It is a time to reflect on the incredible diversity of the state, stopping at historical sites and point-of-interest markers along the way.

Key Locations and Themes to Discover

This route is packed with diverse attractions. While specific stops and campground recommendations are available on rvplan.net, here are the overarching themes you will encounter:

• Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventure: The core of this trip revolves around hiking areas, natural features, and extreme activities. From canoeing and kayaking to hiking among ancient redwoods and granite cliffs, nature lovers will find endless opportunities to explore.
• Wildlife & Marine Life: With stops along marine sanctuaries and forests, expect exceptional animal shows, wildlife watching, zoos, and world-class aquariums.
• Family Entertainment: The route offers a fantastic mix of amusement parks and water parks, ensuring travelers with children have plenty of high-energy fun mixed into the natural sightseeing.
• Culture, History & Dining: Throughout the loop, you will encounter rich historical sites, art galleries, and museums. When you are not cooking in your motorhome, the route boasts incredible traditional restaurants and fine dining experiences, particularly near the coast and major cultural hubs.
• Coastal Experiences: Beaches, cruise terminals, sailing excursions, and day tours offer unique ways to experience the Pacific Coast from both land and sea.

Trip-Prep Q&A: Planning Your California Loop

How many days do I need for this route?

We strongly recommend dedicating the full 13 days to this journey. Covering 1,456 mi is a significant undertaking, and a 13-day window allows for a comfortable driving pace, giving you ample time to explore the coast, the forests, and the mountains without feeling rushed.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. It is a quintessential California loop that offers three completely different vacations in one: a coastal beach trip, a serene forest retreat, and a dramatic mountain adventure. The sheer diversity of landscapes makes it one of the most rewarding RV trips in North America.

Who is this trip best for?

This route is incredibly versatile. The mix of amusement parks and aquariums makes it perfect for families, while the fine dining, art galleries, and secluded hiking trails appeal to couples and solo adventurers. It is ideal for those who appreciate slow travel and environmental stewardship.

What is the best season to travel?

The dynamic and diverse climates along this loop dictate the best time to travel. We highly recommend the spectacular, temperate shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. The coastal marine layer keeps places like Monterey and San Francisco mild year-round, but venturing into the Central Valley during peak summer brings intense, dry heat. Conversely, the wet winter season can bring heavy snow and road closures to the high elevations of the Sierra Nevadas.

Booking Your Motorhome and Estimating Costs

When booking your RV for this

Los Angeles Roundtrip

When budgeting, factor in fuel costs for the varying terrains—mountain climbs will reduce your fuel efficiency compared to flat valley driving. Campground fees will vary widely; coastal and mountain RV parks tend to book up months in advance and command premium rates, while state parks offer fantastic value but require early reservations. For specific campground availability, vehicle sizes, and live rental pricing, utilize the search tools on rvplan.net.

Ready to Hit the Road?

A journey through California’s coastlines, towering redwoods, and majestic waterfalls is a travel milestone. By planning carefully and respecting the diverse environments you traverse, you are guaranteed an unforgettable motorhome holiday. For live pricing, vehicle options, and the complete day-by-day itinerary, visit RV PLANET to finalize your route planning.

Interactive route map

Official RV PLAN route map

Route rhythm at a glance

A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.

Days 1-3 — The Pacific Coast Ascent

~300–400 mi across this leg

Leave the city behind and embrace a slow coastal drive, focusing on marine wildlife and seaside relaxation.

Days 4-6 — Bay Area and the Ancient Trees

~250–350 mi across this leg

Navigate the misty coastal marine layers into the awe-inspiring quiet of ancient redwood groves.

Days 7-9 — The High Sierras and Waterfalls

~300–400 mi across this leg

Ascend into the majestic granite cliffs of the Sierra Nevadas to witness thundering alpine waterfalls.

Days 10-13 — The Central Valley Return

~300–400 mi across this leg

Descend through California's agricultural heartland, taking time for historical sites before returning to Los Angeles.

Verified RV logistics for this route

• Average daily drive: roughly 112 mi/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
• Fuel stops: expect at least 4 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
• Dump stations: plan 4 dump stops, roughly every 3 days.
• Campground booking lead time: 3–6 months ahead for state/national park sites; 2–4 weeks is usually fine for private RV resorts.
• Season check: confirm on RV PLAN that every overnight stop is open for your dates — several close out of season.

Live availability and pricing

Total cost for this 13-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,456 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Los Angeles pickup window on Rent Motorhome.

Motorhomes available in Los Angeles for this route

These are real vehicles in our Los Angeles pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.

Check availability and book this route

Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Los Angeles → Los Angeles route.

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