How To Roadtrip USA's West Coast on a Budget

How To Travel USA's West Coast on a Budget | Los Angeles to Portland Roadtrip Guide

With Imoova’s RV relocation deals from $1/day, this iconic West Coast route becomes as affordable as it is unforgettable. Say goodbye to pricey RV rentals and relocate them for rental companies instead! Imoova works with some of the biggest rental companies in the USA to relocate their fleet, giving you access to quality RV's for a nominal fee. Imoova lists relocations all over the USA (and the World!). If you're looking to specifically travel the West Coast, you can drive to Portland from Los Angeles, Seattle, or San Francisco. The Los Angeles to Portland drive is one of the most scenic in the world — think clifftop highways, surf towns, redwood forests, and craft coffee scenes. Whether you're booking a campervan or RV relocation, this road trip delivers the best of California and Oregon.

📍 Night 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

🛣️ Distance: 155 km / 96 mi | 🚐 Drive Time: 2 hrs

Things to Do:

• 🏖️ Walk along the palm-lined waterfront

• 🍷 Visit local wineries or Funk Zone tasting rooms

• 🚲 Rent bikes along the beachfront

Food Spot:

• 🥙 The Lark (farm-to-table vibes)

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

• 🏕️ Carpinteria State Beach Campground (beachfront!)

📍 Night 2: Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo (via Pismo Beach)

🛣️ Distance: 160 km / 100 mi | 🚐 Drive Time: 2.5 hrs

Things to Do:

• 🐚 Stroll along Pismo Pier

• 🛁 Soak in the Sycamore Mineral Springs

• 🌄 Catch sunset at Dinosaur Caves Park

Food Spot:

• 🐟 Splash Café (clam chowder heaven!)

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

• 🏕️ El Chorro Regional Park Campground

📍 Night 3: San Luis Obispo to Monterey (via Big Sur)

🛣️ Distance: 230 km / 143 mi | 🚐 Drive Time: 4.5 hrs (scenic, take your time!)

Highlights:

• Drive the iconic Big Sur coast 🌊

• Photo op at Bixby Bridge

• Stop at McWay Falls & Pfeiffer Beach

Food Spot: 🍔 Nepenthe – epic ocean views & great burgers

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ Veterans Memorial Park (Monterey)

• 🏕️ Laguna Seca Recreation Area

📍 Night 4: Monterey to Santa Cruz

🛣️ Distance: 70 km / 43 mi | 🚐 Drive Time: 1 hr

Highlights:

• Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium 🐠

• Ride the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 🎡

• Watch surfers at Steamer Lane 🌊

Food Spot: 🍨The Penny Ice Creamery – artisanal scoops

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ Santa Cruz / Monterey KOA

• 🏕️ New Brighton State Beach Campground

📍 Night 5: Santa Cruz to Mendocino (via San Francisco & Muir Woods)

🛣️ Distance: 280 km / 175 mi | 🚐 Drive Time: 4.5 hrs

Highlights:

• Quick photo stop at Golden Gate Bridge 🌁

• Short hike in Muir Woods (Redwoods)

• Sunset on the Mendocino cliffs 🌅

Food Spot: 🍽️ Cafe Beaujolais – coastal fine dining

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ Van Damme State Park

• 🏕️ Caspar Beach RV Park

📍 Night 6: Mendocino to Arcata (via Avenue of the Giants)

🛣️ Distance: 230 km / 143 mi | 🚐 Drive Time: 3.5 hrs

Highlights:

• Cruise the Avenue of the Giants 🌲

• Short hikes among old-growth redwoods

• Explore Arcata Plaza – cool small-town vibe

Food Spot: 🌱 Wildflower Café – vegetarian comfort food

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ Mad River Rapids RV Park (Arcata)

• 🏕️ Patrick’s Point State Park (a bit north, worth it)

📍 Night 7: Arcata to Portland (via Redwood & Rogue River stops)

🛣️ Distance: 400 km / 250 mi | 🚐 Drive Time: ~5 hrs (final push)

Highlights:

• Early start for a scenic drive through Southern Oregon

• Optional pit stop at Oregon Caves or Rogue River

• Arrive in Portland for dinner, craft beer, and city strolls 🍺🌇

Food Stops: 🍪 Pok Pok (Thai) or Pine State Biscuits

Campgrounds (near Portland):

• 🏕️ Columbia River RV Park

• 🏕️ Jantzen Beach RV Park

🧭 Bonus Travel Tips

• 🗺️ Use iOverlander or Campendium for real-time campground reviews

• 🧼 Pack quarters — many RV parks have laundry

• ☕ Oregon coffee is amazing — try Stumptown or Heart in Portland

• 🧯 Check fire safety restrictions (especially in Northern California)

• 📸 Always have your camera ready — Highway 1 is full of magic moments

Explore the Pacific coast in comfort and style with an unbeatable $1/day RV rental from Imoova. From SoCal beaches to NorCal forests and Oregon charm — this road trip is all about unforgettable landscapes and laid-back stops.