This Southern California camping itinerary is a round trip from Los Angeles to San Diego and back, stopping off at some of the best places in between. Whether you stretch it out to 7 days or finish it off in a weekend, you’ll find plenty of entertainment along the way! So here we have what could be the itinerary for your next california camping RV trip.

California Camping RV Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Start off by picking up an RV in LA. Rent directly from RV owners with Mighway and enjoy some tips and stories from locals! Before you start your trip, walk down the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame and include a stop at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. If you’re more interested in artistic pursuits, take a tour of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Park up in a campground and enjoy the sunset with a nice drink before bed.

Day 2

For a hearty breakfast, check out The Griddle Café, before beginning the drive down the coast. Visit the world-famous Getty Center, to enjoy the amazing architecture as well as the many works of art inside. Continue south to visit Santa Monica beach and relax, or check out Santa Monica Pier for amusement park rides! The Venice Boardwalk is a particularly great spot for people-watching. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at Salt Air before retiring to an RV park.

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Day 3

Heading further south will take you to Long Beach. Stop here for a tour of retired ocean liner Queen Mary. Then it’s time to go beach hopping in North County, traveling through Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside, or carry on through to La Jolla Cove to enjoy some kayaking or snorkeling. Enjoy some of the best lobster tacos you’ll ever have at Puesto, and then it’s time for bed.

Day 4

From La Jolla it’s an easy drive into San Diego. We recommend a visit to Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo for the day. Check out Gaslamp Quarter for dinner, and delve into local craft beer at one of San Diego’s many breweries, like the giant Stone World Bistro & Gardens Liberty Station.

Day 5

Head back north towards San Clemente and visit the Trestles and San Onofre for great surfing. Competitions are often held here, so don’t be afraid to get out on the water, or simply watch from the beach. For the afternoon, visit Mission San Juan Capistrano – a 200- year-old landmark that now stands as a museum to California’s multicultural history. Take a tour, before finding somewhere to park up and sleep.

Day 6

If you’re interested in whale-watching, head to Dana Point Harbour. You can get out on the water, or visit the Ocean Institute for educational marine exhibits. If whales don’t strike your fancy, visit the famous Laguna Beach. A great stop for thrift shopping, Laguna Beach is also home to a free Public Art Collection on the beach. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, and tidepool tours with Laguna Outdoors, before grabbing dinner and heading to bed.

Day 7

On the way back to LA to drop off your RV, stop in Anaheim. You can visit Disneyland or other amusement parks if you missed them on the way south, or snap that classic picture with the Hollywood sign. From Anaheim, you can cruise back to LA for the end of your trip.

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