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

🛣️ 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!)

🛣️ 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

🛣️ 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

🛣️ 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

🛣️ 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

🛣️ 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)

🛣️ 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

• 🗺️ 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.