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Beach camping, great hiking, delicious food, and beautiful views–this road trip has it all! So without further ado, we’ll start our Los Angeles to Big Sur itinerary in sunny Southern California at our Los Angeles Camper Van Rental Site and drive north. Gear up in one of our four sizes of campervans and see the beautiful west coast scenery.
Directions Tips:
Distance: 300 (482 km)
Time: 2-4 days
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
First of all, this is possibly the closest camping near LAX and the Los Angeles Escape Depot. It may not be our favorite beach camping spot in California but it’ll do in a pinch and the ocean is right there.
Directions: Where the Imperial Highway (State Route 90) and Playa Del Rey meet Leo Carillo State Beach. We like this campground. With 135 shaded campsites, this is a great place to stop of on Day 1 or 2 as you head north on Highway 1. Book in advance, especially on weekends, as this is a favorite vacation spot for the locals. Make sure you stop by Neptune’s Net just up the street when you stay there and grab some fried seafood and a cold one.
Book online: reserveamerica.com
Address: 12001 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Phone: (800) 950-7275 or (310) 322-4951
This well-known campground/hangout is a favorite of the Southern California crowd because it’s the only beach you can actually DRIVE ON in California. Do NOT attempt this in an Escape Campervan but, we gotta admit, it’s pretty cool.
Address: 555 Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA 93445
Phone: (805) 473-7220
Finally, this is a favorite of Escape Camper Vans. It’s what you have in mind when you think of camping on the beach in California.
Address: 10 Refugio Beach Road, Goleta, CA
Phone: (805) 968-1033
From the moment Highway 10 dead ends into the Pacific Ocean until Highway 1 banks sharply away from the coast a couple of hundred miles later, you’re given a literal buffet of beaches and attractions to choose from. We’ll leave it to Surfer magazine and Condé Nast to parse the finer points of what to do along this otherworldly route and stick with the nuts and bolts of this leg of the trip.
Next, spot by this college town before driving into Big Sur. Known as “Slo” to locals, this aptly-named community is something everyone should drive-through at least once. It’s a great place to walk around, check out the River Walk, grab a slice of pizza, then get some petrol and head out of town.
Morro Bay is a beachside artist’s community–formerly a small fishing town that now boasts high-end restaurants, nice boats, and a cool vibe. Check out the artist shops and wander the waterfront. Then, grab a bite to eat before you head north and enter Big Sur.
Giovanni’s Fish Market. Expensive but worth it. Get the chowder.
Big Sur is both a place and a state of mind. The famous Highway 1 takes a turn for the spectacular once you head south from Monterey Bay. As such, make sure you carve out several days to spend here or you’ll miss a lot of what Big Sur has to offer. Bordered to the east by the Santa Lucia Mountains and to the west by the Pacific Ocean, California’s central coast provides numerous state parks for hiking, camping, and beachcombing.
You must camp in designated campgrounds in Big Sur when traveling in your Los Angeles camper car rental. Camping alongside both Highway 1 and Nacimiento-Ferguson Road is illegal. Campfires and BBQs allowed only in designated campgrounds. You can learn more about camping requirements here, and view campground options here.
Veterans Memorial Park & Campground
We have some friends here who have promised that they will do everything in their power to make sure each and every one of our camper vans has a spot at their campground on busy nights when everywhere is sold out. So if you’re in a bind, this is the place to go! They are a couple of miles off of Hwy 1 above the heart of Monterey. They don’t have hookups but they do have a pump-out, fresh potable water and hot showers (showers included with the campsite or $2 for non-campers). Rates are $35 per site with one extra vehicle for an additional $9. They are 2 miles from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 1 mile from Fisherman’s Wharf, and close to the start of the beautiful 17-mile drive which leads people south towards Big Sur. They also have a 2-mile hiking trail (Huckleberry Hill) that gives hikers a decent view of the ocean and Monterey Bay. Book here.
Kirk Creek Campground
A few miles north of Plaskett Creek are a couple of first-come-first-serve campsites that are tailor-made for Escape Camper Vans. Kirk Creek is the ONLY campground along this stretch situated on the western side of the highway. Bring your own water as there are no amenities, but it’s a fantastic place to watch the sunset over a roaring, legal campfire and fall asleep listening to the waves crash below you for $20. If you’d prefer not to pay the $20, cross Highway 1 and head directly up Nacimiento Fergusson Drive. It’s paved, liberally dotted with car pullouts and free. Even if you’re just driving through, head up this road anyway – the views are spectacular. Alternatively, Lime Kiln is located in a steep ravine just south of there and, if you’re lucky, you can snag one of the few campsites located right by the ocean.
Plaskett Creek Campground
This campground has some of the friendliest campers you’ll encounter on your entire trip. It’s right across the road from the often-missed Sand Dollar Beach, perfect for an afternoon walk. Access to the parking area at Sand Dollar will run you $5 but you can park on the road and walk in for free. (There’s free camping up along Plaskett Ridge Road. But remember, you are not covered by insurance on any unimproved roads, trails, and tracks, excluding county and state maintained roads).
Fernwood Campground
Last, but not least! Nestled among the redwoods with the Big Sur river running through the middle, this is an idyllic place to take a breather from the road for a couple of days. There is a great little hike just behind the stage that takes you into a large stand of redwood trees to the north. It’ll be tourist-free and a nice breather from driving the crowded roads of Highway 1.
Directions: West side of the road 1 mile (2 km) north of Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground. It’s just south the Fernwood General Store and Cabins. Tell Andrew we said to take care of you.
Ewoldsen Trail
> Read our blog on the best places to see wildlife in Big Sur.
Looking for the best surf spots on Highway 1? Check out this Highway 1 Road Trip itinerary in an Escape camper van rental from our friends at LushPalm!
Big Sur is one of California’s most cherished treasures, renowned for its rugged coastlines and breathtaking natural beauty. If you’re a traveler looking for an unforgettable journey, a big sur road trip from Los Angeles to Big Sur via Highway 1 is a must-experience adventure. This legendary route is one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever encounter, weaving comfortably between the majestic cliffs on one side and the expansive Pacific Ocean on the other.
The journey is more than just a means to reach an end destination; it’s a thrilling adventure with surprises and unparalleled views around every curve. As you travel, numerous stops and overlooks bait you to halt and breathe in the raw beauty of the coast. Capture amazement at spots like the McWay Falls, perched perfectly to tumble directly into the ocean glistening in the Californian sunlight, or experience the serenity of the towering Redwood trees in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park—environments that feel worlds away yet are part of just one journey.
Among the iconic landmarks along Highway 1 is the Bixby Bridge, an architectural marvel that stretches across a deep canyon with elegance. It offers an unmissable view that frames the magnificence of Big Sur’s rugged landscape, including notable attractions like McWay Falls. A stop here is essential; the bridge is not just a passage, but a gateway into an immersive experience in Big Sur’s legendary allure. Capture awe-inspiring panoramic views both up and down the rugged coast, a perfect memory to encapsulate your expedition.
Make sure to travel well-prepared, kicking off your trip fully tanked and stocked, as supply points along the journey can become scarce and pricey. Even though the roads get convoluted and challenging, especially around Big Sur, traversing them promises numerous memorable adventures, making this drive exceptionally worthwhile.
Embarking on a road trip through Big Sur is a must for any traveler yearning for a journey steeped in natural grandeur and breathtaking landscapes. But how long should you plan to bask in this majestic region? The ideal trip duration depends on the depth of your exploration desires, but we have some recommendations to ensure you get the most out of this incredible area.
To truly immerse yourself in the lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and serene beaches of Big Sur attractions, a stay of at least three to four days is recommended. This gives you plenty of time to explore iconic locations such as Pfeiffer Beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and the enchanted hiking trails of the Ventana Wilderness, where you can experience diverse wildlife and the natural beauty of the coastline.
For those with limited time, a day trip can still offer a taste of Big Sur’s beauty. Focus on key highlights like Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls. However, an extended stay allows you to slow down and embrace the region’s tranquility fully, with opportunities for leisure hikes, stargazing, and discovering hidden coves.
A quick stop at Pfeiffer Beach will let you experience its famed purple sands. Sand Dollar Beach, a hidden gem with majestic views, is another must-visit spot along Highway 1. For a splash of adventure, explore the coastal trails at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which offer a glimpse of both land and marine wildlife.
In summary, while a couple of nights in Big Sur maximizes your chances for exploration and relaxation, even a short trip can provide a mesmerizing snapshot of its allure. Plan according to your timeline, but make sure to soak in as much of this wondrous area as possible.
Planning your visit to Big Sur involves more than just packing your bags; timing can greatly influence your adventure. Nestled along California’s Central Coast, Big Sur is a scenic and desirable location. The best time to visit is often during the spring months of April to June. During this period, the weather conditions are typically perfect for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers that paint the landscape in vibrant hues.
Spring provides an ideal window with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more personal experience with nature. The charm of wine-tasting tours in nearby regions like Paso Robles and Solvang adds to the allure of a spring visit. The weather is conducive for hiking, with clear trails and an abundance of wildlife sightings. Visits during this time will reward travelers with stunning views without the bustle of peak tourist season.
Summer welcomes the majority of tourists, which can mean packed trails and higher costs. However, the promise of warm, sunny days often outweighs these factors. Road tripping during autumn, particularly in September and October, is also appealing due to consistent weather and significantly reduced crowds. Winter, while quieter, presents challenges as rain and unpredictable weather can lead to road closures, impacting travel plans.
Each season brings its own unique allure. The Elephant Seal Vista Point is a must-visit location in San Simeon, known for its free entry and parking. Spring and fall host several local events and festivals that showcase the region’s culture. Whenever you choose to embark on your serene escapade to Big Sur, your timing will open the door to different experiences and awe-inspiring views, making it a destination worth revisiting throughout the year.
Big Sur is renowned around the world, and for good reason! Starting from San Francisco, travelers can embark on a journey to this stunning area of the California coastline, filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty that simply captures the imagination of every travel enthusiast who ventures on its paths. The breathtaking stretch of coastline is where the Santa Lucia Mountains dramatically plunge into the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, creating a rugged landscape that feels both untouched and boundless.
One of the key factors contributing to Big Sur’s fame is its unparalleled natural attractions. Carmel by the Sea, a charming coastal village with picturesque views, offers a delightful stop with dining options and unique shopping experiences. From the otherworldly vistas at Point Lobos State Reserve to the iconic McWay Falls cascading into the ocean, each location offers something unique and mesmerizing. The Redwood forests add to the allure, serving as serene sanctuaries that boast some of the tallest trees on earth. Every turn of Highway 1 reveals panoramic views, elevating the driving experience to an unforgettable journey.
Aside from its natural wonders, Big Sur has played a pivotal role in American literature and culture. San Luis Obispo, a key stop with a lively atmosphere and historic sites, adds to the overall experience of visiting the Pacific Coast Highway. It was immortalized by authors like Jack Kerouac and depicted as a haven for countercultural movements. The area became a refuge for artists and intellectuals seeking inspiration amidst its rolling landscapes. This combination of natural splendor and artistic endeavor has etched Big Sur into the cultural consciousness, cementing its status as a place of reflection and creativity.
Whether it’s the towering expanse of the Bixby Bridge or the sunlit scenery at Pfeiffer Beach featuring its famed purple sands, Big Sur offers a myriad of experiences that contribute to its legendary status. As you drive along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur, you’ll encounter breathtaking views, hiking opportunities, and unique coastal features that make it a must-see for travelers planning a road trip in California. The charm of Nepenthe Restaurant, perched high above the coastline, presents a culinary experience with views as tantalizing as the menu itself. Big Sur embodies the promise of exploration, romance, and adventure.
With Escape Camper Vans, you can discover the unparalleled beauty of Big Sur at your own pace. Set off on a spontaneous adventure, or meticulously plan your itinerary; either way, our camper vans offer a comfortable and flexible travel solution that enhances every moment of your Big Sur experience. Don’t let the opportunity pass by—book your Escape Camper Van today and embark on a journey with over 90,000 satisfied travelers who have explored North America with style and freedom.
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