Southern California Highlights by Motorhome

Itinerary

• Days One to Three – The Garland – North Hollywood/Universal Studios Hollywood

  Fly into Los Angeles where you’ll spend the first three nights. Your urban oasis nestles in seven lush acres yet just minutes from LA’s excitement and thrills; and leads to an open fireplace, artisanal cocktails, fresh farm eats, and a thoughtful aesthetic of a bygone era. Hop on a complimentary trolley ride to Universal Studios and City Walk; stroll down to Ventura Boulevard to sample sushi, tapas, and The Valley’s version of Sunset Boulevard; explore Tujunga Village’s unique boutiques; or enjoy a show at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s. This hotel does not have a resort fee or other mandatory fees – last updated 1 October 2025.

• Day Four – Los Angeles → Santa Barbara

  Pick up your motorhome from Cruise America in Los Angeles. Just under four hours’ drive on main Route 101 will bring you to the KOA where you’ll spend your first night. They call the area around Santa Barbara “America’s Riviera” so the beaches and restaurants might make it a natural break along the way.

• Day Five – Santa Barbara → San Simeon

  Back-haul on 101 just 11 miles, turning towards the Pacific Ocean and on to California’s spectacular Route 1 at San Luis Obispo. After about an hour, you’ll see the signs for Hearst Castle; and you can check into your campground and then spend time at the folly built by newspaper billionaire William Randolph Hearst or enjoy the San Simeon beaches.

• Days Six to Seven – San Simeon → San Francisco

  Head north on Route 1 and one of the world’s most scenic drives. You’ll want to stop at Carmel and at Monterey and you’ll not want to miss the famous 17 mile drive which hugs the Pacific coastline. You’re headed for San Francisco; your campsite is located just 15 miles from the city, and you can take the bus and BART from near the campground into the city to explore.

• Days Eight to Nine – San Francisco → Yosemite National Park

  Head east now toward Yosemite. It’s one of the most famous of all National Parks and no visit to California is complete without experiencing Yosemite’s magnificent scenery. It’s not a long drive, around three hours on the Interstate, and we’re recommending Yosemite Pines RV as your destination for the night.

• Day Ten – Yosemite National Park → Kings Canyon, Death Valley, and Sequoia

  Return to Yosemite and this time drive right through Yosemite to join the very scenic Route 395 headed south on the other side. Having just left Yosemite; you’ll now pass between no less than three more National Parks: Kings Canyon, Death Valley, and Sequoia.

• Day Eleven – Kings Canyon, Death Valley, and Sequoia → Barstow

  Continue south on 395 through the Sierra Nevada and then to the flatter lands of the Mojave Desert. It’s a gentle three-hour drive. Overnight is in the town of Barstow - where you can explore the 1880s Calico Ghost Town, the historic Barstow Harvey House, and the Western America Railroad Museum; shop at Outlets of Barstow, or even hike through the colourful Rainbow Basin.

• Days Twelve to Thirteen – Barstow → San Diego

  Today’s road trip takes you to Campland on the Bay - San Diego’s premiere campground. Take time to dig your toes in the sand on the private beach and catch some sun and fun on a sailboat from the marina. Enjoy one of dozens of activities and amenities for kids and adults that make Campland everyone’s favourite.

• Days Fourteen – San Diego → Newport Beach

  Today you’re heading for another great campground beach resort, located in Newport Beach. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina is a 110-acre resort at the entrance to the Back Bay Nature Preserve, its home to the premier RV Park and Marina in Southern California. Maybe fit in a ferry ride to Balboa Island, go on a whale watching cruise, or shop and dine at Lido Marina Village.

• Day Fifteen – Newport Beach → Airport → UK

  Drive 30 miles back to the depot in Los Angeles today to drop off your motorhome; leaving plenty of time to catch your flight back to the UK – hopefully with many memories to look back on of your Southern California Highlights by Motorhome adventure!