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California Dreaming – Journey SoCal’s Coast

California Dreaming – Journey SoCal’s Coast

San Diego Anaheim Los Angeles Santa Barbara Santa Ynez Valley
Trip length11-14 days
Route distance278 mi
Stops5
Customize this tripFree account · edit dates, stops & pace

Trip overview

Imagine iconic beaches, amusement parks, Pacific Coast Highway, movie stars, and wine country all in your RV. Experience the best of Southern California as you’ve always dreamed. This RV journey starts in San Diego with its rich history, famous zoo and aquariums, golden sand beaches, and vibrant night life. Head north to Anaheim to experience the myriad amusement parks such as Disney Land, Disney California Adventure, and Knott’s Berry Farm. Continue your RV journey to the metropolis of Los Angeles with its world class museums, zoo, hiking trails, people watching, surfing beaches, professional sports, and Hollywood stars. Travel along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara, a vibrant small town on the Pacific teeming with history, whales, bike baths, and natural beauty. And for those who love wine, the Santa Ynez Valley is a relaxing and unpretentious final stop to enjoy the temperate climate, enjoy locally grown produce, and learn from some of America’s best wine makers. This RV trip will not disappoint.

Who will love this trip
Everyone -this trip can be geared to all ages (wineries excluded). It’s best to have or rent a car for exploring some of these car-centric towns. This trip also requires a fair amount of walking as well to see many of these iconic California attractions.

Trip tips

  • Views on the Coronado Bridge in San Diego: Easy travel with the hop-on-off trolley/bus tour. We’ve found it’s recommended to sit on the right side for the best views coming and going from the island!

  • Parking at Torrey Pines Gliderport in San Diego: This hidden gem has been said to have plenty of parking in the dirt lot, but be careful when parking due to the uneven ground.

  • Exploring the farmers market in Anaheim: Do not rely on the GPS and use the address “435 W. Center Promenade, Anaheim CA” to find the farmers market instead. All vendors accept debit and credit cards.

  • Transporting in Los Angeles: It is hard to get from place to place with an RV due to traffic and lack of spacious parking. LA is a place where you will need a vehicle to get around, so consider renting a car!

  • Avoiding the crowds: The best time to visit to avoid the biggest crowds and summer heat is in the spring or the late fall. Many people also come to LA around the time of Coachella in April, so keep this in mind when planning!

  • Taking in the History in Santa Barbara: If looking to see some historical cities, plan to go on the historical tours in Santa Barbara. Plan to see the beautiful Sistine chapel as well!

  • Escaping the city at Cold Spring Tavern: This highly recommended destination is a great change of scenery from the city. It has a bar, food, music, and a beautiful indoor and outdoor location by creeks and trees!

Your route

Route map: California Dreaming – Journey SoCal’s Coast
1San Diego2Anaheim3Los Angeles4Santa Barbara5Santa Ynez Valley
1
Stop 1 2-3 day stay

San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA

San Diego boasts old and new California history, amazing wildlife experiences, beaches galore, and charming areas to eat, stroll, and be entertained. The vibe is laid back but there are plenty of things to see and do to keep you active, engaged, and energized. San Diego is quite spread out, so a car is highly recommended. Let AdventureGenie help you plan a trip to San Diego!

Top things to do

There is so much to see and do here that it’s hard to pick! When planning your RV trip, don’t miss:

1
San Diego ZooThis world-famous zoo is located inside Balboa Park with 15 museums, a miniature railroad, and carousel. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this famous zoo and park.
2
Coronado IslandThis easily accessible island features a quaint town (Coronado) with its iconic Victorian style landmark, the Hotel Del Coronado. Stroll or bike the streets and beaches and grab some ice cream in one of the many quaint shops and eateries.
3
USS Midway MuseumThis historic aircraft carrier turned museum was used in the Pacific Region during and for decades after World War II. See what life was like aboard this military museum and learn about the famous Battle of Midway. Kids and adults will enjoy this.
4
La JollaStop at La Jolla, a charming seaside resort town (north of downtown San Diego) with its thoughtfully designed Birch Aquarium, the Children’s Pool with swarms of harbor seals and sea lions, and nearby Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve with lovely hiking trails.
5
Torrey Pines Golf CourseNear La Jolla, check out the nation’s premier municipal golf course, home to a major PGA golf tournament each year and the host of two U.S. Opens.
6
Cruise the CoastTake a sunset cruise of San Diego Harbor to see the shoreline and a Pacific sunset.
7
BeachesNo visit to San Diego would be complete without a trip to one of its many beaches where you can walk, swim, surf, bike and play. Because of the cool Pacific ocean, visitors are always surprised by how cool beach areas are – even in the summer.

San Diego, CA activities

BeachesSwimmingBoatingPaddlingSurfingWalkingHorseback RidingClimbingHikingFishingBikingGolf

RV campgrounds near San Diego, CA

Public and private campgrounds are located throughout San Diego. Staying midway between northern La Jolla and southern Coronado will reduce your driving times. Use AdventureGenie to help you find a great campground to explore San Diego.

Next stop: Anaheim
2
Stop 2 2 day stay

Anaheim, CA

Anaheim, CA

When you hear “Anaheim,” think world class amusement and theme parks like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disney California Adventure Park. These iconic parks speak for themselves. While Disneyland has many rides, it is more about seeing and experiencing than an adrenaline rush, while Disney California Adventure appeals more to thrill-seekers. Knott’s Berry Farm is both smaller and geared more toward younger kids – it is very manageable in a few hours and is less expensive. No trip to Southern California would be complete without visiting at least one of these parks – and an RV is the perfect way to see it all. Let AdventureGenie help you plan a great trip to Anaheim!

Top things to do

Check out any of the three main amusement parks in Anaheim:

1
Disneyland ResortDon't miss the adrenaline rush of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, meeting the gleaming Disney Characters throughout the park, and the charming It’s a Small World ride.
2
Disney California Adventure ParkDon’t miss the adrenaline-packed Guardians of the Galaxy, Radiator Spring Races in Carl’s Land, Grizzly River Run, and the dramatic nighttime World of Color water and light show.
3
Downtown DisneyThis dining, shopping, and entertainment venue has no admission fee and is a fun way to spend an evening after touring the parks.
4
Knott's Berry FarmDon't miss the Old West Ghost Town and the beloved Camp Snoopy. Great for younger folks and less expensive than the Disney parks.
5
Knott's Soak City WaterparkThis waterpark is adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm and is open mid-May through mid-September each year.

Anaheim, CA activities

Amusement/Theme ParksBaseball GamesAnaheim Ducks (NHL)BikingHikingWalkingGolf

RV campgrounds near Anaheim, CA

While there are no RV campgrounds inside the Disney resort, there are many private RV parks in the areas in and around Anaheim. Use AdventureGenie to help you find a great campground to explore Anaheim!

Next stop: Los Angeles
3
Stop 3 3 day stay

Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, CA

How to describe a city of 12 million people that has an incredibly broad range of things to do – from the windswept beaches of Malibu, to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, to iconic Beverly Hills, to the stars of Hollywood, to the funky scene at Venice Beach, and to world class art, cultural, and history museums? Well, it’s just LA! This massive area appeals to urban and outdoor enthusiasts alike as well as families. Let AdventureGenie help you plan the perfect visit to "LaLa Land"!

Top things to do

There is so much to see and do in LA that you need to plan ahead. And since the distances are great in this spread-out city, we recommend you focus each day on one area of the city. A car or small RV is a must for getting around LA.

1
BeachesAlong the coast and the Westside, don’t miss the beaches of Malibu, Santa Monica, and Manhattan Beach. Stop at the charming amusement park, restaurants, and shops at the Santa Monica Pier. Take a breathtaking drive along PCH (Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 1) to Malibu with its surfers, beaches, and oceanfront homes. Point Dume State Beach is a stunning beach with cliffs, surf spots, sand, and great views of Santa Monica Bay. Stop at the Malibu Country Mart for shopping, food, and, hopefully, a star sighting. Stop in at the smaller Getty Villa Museum on PCH (in nearby Pacific Palisades) with its elegant grounds and art. Inland is the world-renowned and much larger Getty Museum with jaw-dropping views of LA and the Pacific Ocean, stunning sculpture gardens, and one of the largest art collections in the world (only a small fraction of which is ever on display). Know that the weather on the Westside near the ocean is noticeably more temperate – bring a sweater to be safe.
2
Midtown and DowntownThis part of LA is filled with art and culture. For those interested in spotting celebrities and window shopping (and seeing how Rich and Famous live), stop in Beverly Hills and its iconic Rodeo Drive and maybe spot some Hollywood stars. Stop at LACMA (LA County Museum of Art) in Midtown as you make your way east. Check out the many yummy and inexpensive restaurants (and karaoke bars) in Koreatown. The La Brea Tar Pits is an active paleontological site with prehistoric animal fossils on display and is a favorite with kids.
3
DowntownThe reinvigorated downtown area boasts architecturally interesting Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center (including the LA Opera, Ahmanson Theater, and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion), Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the Grammy Museum, the Japanese American National Museum, The Broad Museum, historic Union Station, the entertainment and dining-focused LA Live, and the food-filled Grand Central Market. Also, ride the historic and short funicular railroad, Angels Flight, made famous in the movie La La Land.
4
North of Downtown and HollywoodBe sure to check out historic Dodger Stadium, the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame (where you can find your favorite star’s star). Catch a live performance of the LA Philharmonic at the iconic Hollywood Bowl outdoor amphitheater during the summer months. For those looking for another amusement park, check out Universal Studios Hollywood with movie-themed rides and real movie set tours.

Los Angeles, CA activities

SurfingBeachesSwimmingHikingBoatingFishingPaddlingBikingCelebrity ToursGolfFishingHorseback RidingAmusement ParksMuseumsPerforming ArtsLA Lakers (NBA)LA Rams (NFL)LA Dodgers (MLB)LA Galaxy and LA FC (MLS)

RV campgrounds near Los Angeles, CA

LA is quite spread out (and can have a lot of traffic). We recommend setting your itinerary and picking a campground that is the most centrally located for your plans. Expect to drive a lot each day. Use AdventureGenie to help you find a great campground in the LA area!

Next stop: Santa Barbara
4
Stop 4 2 day stay

Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara, CA

The noticeably cooler weather in Santa Barbara is great for exploring this small city on the Pacific Coast, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles.  Santa Barbara boasts a rich history, wonderful small museums, great dining and shopping, and an array of outdoor activities from surfing, whale-watching tours, hiking, biking, rock climbing, boating, and fishing. Santa Barbara is a wonderful stop on your RV trip.

Top things to do

For such a small city, Santa Barbara has a surplus of fun things to see and do. Don’t miss:

1
State Street PromenadeWalk along this lively downtown street with its charming shops, restaurants, and galleries.
2
WaterfrontHead to the waterfront for the quaint Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Stearns Wharf’s many eateries. You can book a whale-watching or fishing trip here. Catch some rays or a wave at family-friendly and fun East Beach. Rent a bike and ride along the coast on the bike path.
3
Santa Barbara ZooThe small but high-quality Santa Barbara Zoo is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
4
Santa Barbara Museum of ArtStop at this downtown museum with its collection of art and photographs from American, European, and Asian artists spanning 4,000 years.
5
Santa Barbara Botanic GardenThis 78-acre garden showcases more than 1,000 species of native California plants in a natural environment.
6
HikingThe hills and mountains around the town have hiking trails of all levels and many provide wonderful views of the coastline.

Santa Barbara, CA activities

HikingBikingSurfingBeachesHorseback RidingWalkingFishingBoatingWhale WatchingGolf

RV campgrounds near Santa Barbara, CA

There are a few private campgrounds in the city, and several public and private campgrounds north of town. Distances are not large here. Use AdventureGenie to help you find a great campground to explore Santa Barbara.

Next stop: Santa Ynez Valley
5
Stop 5 2 day stay

Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Santa Ynez Valley, CA

The Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County is a destination unto Itself for those interested in learning about grape growing and wine making (and tasting wines, of course!). Nearly 9.5 million gallons of wine are produced here annually by more than 300 wineries. The temperate climate is a wine maker's dream. It is a wonderfully unpretentious area where you are likely to get a tour by the winery owner or vintner. This area was made famous in the 2004 comedic movie Sideways. Think charming wineries, quaint shops, and farmers markets. There are six towns in the valley each with their own vibe. Solvang – the “Danish Capital of America” – is a quaint town with old world architecture and related Danish shops that kids will love. There are plenty of private wine tours that will pick you up at your campground and help ensure safe driving. For those with an interest in wine, this stop on your RV trip will not disappoint! Let AdventureGenie help you plan a great trip to the Santa Ynez Valley!

Top things to do

Wine is king here in Santa Ynez Valley but there are many other fun activities. The six small towns of Santa Ynez Valley are: Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, and Ballard. All of them have wonderful shops and restaurants. Don’t miss:

1
Wine ToursTake a wine tour (there are even Sideways tours). Biking and horseback tours are also available.
2
SolvangVisit Dutch-themed Solvang for a taste of Danish culture.
3
Food TourTake a food tour to enjoy the wonderful farm-to-table delicacies in the area.
4
Wine Country ShuttleTake the Santa Ynez Wine Country Shuttle (with pickups in Santa Ynez or Santa Barbara) so you can enjoy all the wine tastings and not worry about driving!
5
HikeGo hiking in the gentle mountains around Santa Ynez Valley.

Santa Ynez Valley, CA activities

HikingWalkingBikingWine and Food ToursGolfHorseback Riding

RV campgrounds near Santa Ynez Valley, CA

There are several private and public land campgrounds in the Santa Ynez Valley. If you prefer, you could stay at one of the many RV parks near Santa Ynez, Solvang, or Santa Barbara. Use AdventureGenie to help you find a great campground near the Santa Ynez Valley.

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