How much does it cost to rent an RV for this trip?

Prices depend on the season, the RV class and how long you rent. Enter your travel dates in the search above for a live quote across our suppliers.

How many days do I need for the Washington DC–Los Angeles (LAX area) route?

We suggest about 22 days to cover 3,206 miles at a comfortable pace. That works out to roughly 146 miles a day, with the longest single day around 242 miles.

Where does this road trip go?

The route runs one-way from Washington DC to Los Angeles (LAX area), passing through Arizona, Arkansas, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia.

What type of RV is best for this route?

Any RV class can drive this route. Compact campervans are easier to handle on mountain and canyon roads and to park in towns, while larger motorhomes give families more living and sleeping space. Compare classes in the search to find the right fit.

Can I rent one-way or start from a different city?

Yes — this is a one-way trip, picking up in Washington DC and dropping off in Los Angeles (LAX area). One-way fees vary by supplier, and several nearby cities also work as starting points (see the route overview above).

Washington DC to Los Angeles

Starting in Washington DC, the journey will take you across the country to Los Angeles over a period of three weeks. Along the way, you'll experience stunning natural beauty, fascinating history and culture, and exciting family-friendly attractions.

The trip will take you through the scenic Shenandoah National Park, where you can hike to Mary's Rock or explore Luray Caverns. You'll also visit the charming town of Abingdon and sample local wines at Abingdon Vineyards. The adventure continues with a stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and a picnic at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains.

As you travel through the South, you'll visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, enjoy the Nashville Farmers' Market, and stay at the Buffalo River Resort. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the birthplace of rock and roll at Graceland and take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River.

Further west, you can hike the Cedar Falls Trail in Petit Jean State Park and enjoy water attractions at Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City. In Oklahoma City, you can learn about the Wild West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and explore the beautiful Myriad Botanical Gardens.

In New Mexico, you'll explore the unique landscape of Petroglyph National Monument, learn about Native American history at the Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum, and visit the New Mexico Mining Museum. You'll also witness the impact of a meteor strike at the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark and take on the thrilling Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course.

No trip to the Southwest would be complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon, where you can learn about the history of the area at the Trail of Time exhibit and watch the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater. You'll also marvel at the engineering feat of the Hoover Dam before making your way to Las Vegas to enjoy the North Premium Outlets and the Las Vegas Strip.

Finally, your road trip will end at the happiest place on earth - Disneyland Park in Los Angeles.

Throughout your journey, be sure to take plenty of breaks, stay hydrated, and pack plenty of snacks and games for the kids. Don't forget to take lots of photos and create memories that will last a lifetime.