Roadtrips

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.

Relocations you might like...

Los Angeles → Portland

Los Angeles to Portland Fuel Calculator

Los Angeles to Portland road trip scenery

Vehicle Type

Estimated Fuel Cost

$130

Based on average gasoline price $4 per gallon

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From the blog

29 May

How To Roadtrip USA's West Coast on a Budget

Explore the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles to Portland in 7 nights with Imoova's $1/day RV rental. Enjoy epic coastal views, food, redwoods, and top RV parks!

28 May

Miami to New York City Roadtrip Guide

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27 May

Brisbane to Townsville Roadtrip Itinerary

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27 May

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Weird Roadside Attractions: Canada Edition

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23 May

Weird Roadside Attractions in Japan

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21 May

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21 May

Roadtrips To Do In New Zealand

With compact geography and mind-blowing scenery around every bend, there’s no better way to explore Aotearoa than by a $1/day campervan from Imoova!

20 May

Sydney to Brisbane Roadtrip Guide

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Sydney to Cairns Roadtrip Guide

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16 May

Toronto to Vancouver Roadtrip Guide

Plan the ultimate 14-night RV road trip from Toronto to Vancouver with Imoova for just $1/day, including top stops, tips, and up to $750 fuel reimbursement.

16 May

Toronto to Calgary Roadtrip Guide

Explore Canada on a 14-night RV trip from Toronto to Calgary from $1/day with Imoova! This guide includes top attractions, campsites, and RV tips

16 May

Chicago to New York Roadtrip Guide

Plan a 9-night RV road trip from Chicago to New York for just $1/day with Imoova. Ditch buses & Amtrak and explore the USA on a budget!

16 May

Miami to Chicago Roadtrip Guide

Take a 9-night RV road trip from Miami to Chicago for just $1/day with Imoova. Explore top cities and scenic stops on a budget-friendly adventure.

28 Apr

Berlin to Frankfurt Road Trip Itinerary

The Berlin to Frankfurt drive is packed with culture, castles, forests, and fairy tale towns. Do it for just €1 per day with Imoova campervan relocations.

28 Apr

Nantes to Milan Roadtrip Guide

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28 Apr

Florence to Paris Roadtrip Itinerary

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21 Apr

Berlin to Brussels Roadtrip Itinerary

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21 Apr

Berlin to Lisbon Roadtrip Itinerary

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21 Apr

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21 Apr

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15 Apr

Things To Do On An Edinburgh - London Roadtrip

Whether you're hoping to do some castle spotting, cosy pubs, or scenic detours, here’s a fun-packed list of things to do along the way from Edinburgh to London.

15 Apr

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14 Apr

Tips For Driving in Australia

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14 Apr

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San Francisco to LA: The Pacific Coast Highway Guide

This iconic road trip down California’s Highway 1 is pure road trip magic — think seaside cliffs, charming beach towns, towering redwoods, and ocean views.

7 Apr

Things To Do On An Elkhart to Las Vegas Roadtrip

There's so much to see between Elkhart, Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada. You can do this roadtrip for $1/day by relocating an RV with Imoova.

7 Apr

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Imoova Magazine Issue 19 - Discover Europe

Planning to travel Europe on a budget? Relocate campervans across Europe for €1/day with Imoova and visit Spain, Italy, Germany & more without breaking the bank

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22 Jan

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16 Jan

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Imoova Magazine Issue 18 - Discover Sydney

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26 Nov, 24

How To Travel Canada on a Budget

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Imoova Magazine Issue 17 - Discover Berlin

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11 Nov, 24

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7 Nov, 24

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29 Oct, 24

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Imoova Magazine Issue 16 - Discover Cairns

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16 Oct, 24

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9 Oct, 24

Imoova Affiliate Program

Get rewarded for sharing the word about the ultimate travel hack - Imoova's budget campervan relocations! Earn $20 AUD for every referral, open worldwide.

9 Oct, 24

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9 Oct, 24

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29 Aug, 24

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See the Great Ocean Road & South Australia's coastline on a budget by relocating cars, campervans & motorhomes for $1 per day with Imoova.

26 Aug, 24

Things to do on a Las Vegas - Los Angeles Roadtrip

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23 Aug, 24

Magazine Issue 12 - Discover Tokyo

Explore Japan's unique blend of tradition and modernity, from temples to bustling cities. We share our tips for seeing the country by campervan!

21 Aug, 24

Magazine Issue 11 - Discover Darwin

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19 Aug, 24

Things To Do On a Gold Coast - Melbourne Roadtrip

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18 Aug, 24

Things To Do On a Christchurch - Auckland Roadtrip

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15 Aug, 24

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14 Aug, 24

Magazine Issue 13 - Discover Porto

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14 Aug, 24

Magazine Issue 14 - Discover Brisbane

Imoova is a Brisbane based business so the team have shared our top attraction, food, & drink recommendations!

13 Aug, 24

Things To Do on a Brisbane to Sydney Roadtrip

Explore top stops for a Brisbane to Sydney road trip in a campervan! Enjoy scenic routes, attractions, and hidden gems along the way.

13 Aug, 24

Things To Do on a Cairns to Brisbane Roadtrip

Embark on an unforgettable Cairns to Brisbane road trip in a campervan! Uncover must-see spots, local favourites, and tips for a journey along the East Coast

3 Aug, 24

Things To Do on a Darwin to Cairns Roadtrip

Explore top stops for a Darwin to Cairns road trip in a campervan! Enjoy scenic routes, attractions, and hidden gems along the way.

26 Jul, 24

Magazine Issue 7 - Discover Los Angeles

Uncover LA's glitz, glamour, and hidden gems in Imoova Magazine's Issue 7. Explore iconic landmarks, beaches, and the vibrant arts scene!

9 Jul, 24

Magazine Issue 10 - Discover Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a vibrant coastal region renowned for its golden beaches, surfing spots, and bustling nightlife.

4 Jul, 24

Change Requests

Are you looking to make a change to your current relocation with Imoova? This guide is designed to help you navigate the process of modifying your booking

13 Jun, 24

Magazine Issue 9 - Discover London

London, a timeless city where old meets new, offering unparalleled opportunities, cultural richness, and a bustling atmosphere.

6 Jun, 24

Magazine Issue 8 - Discover Auckland

Auckland offers an unparalleled blend of urban vibrancy, rich cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty.

30 May, 24

Magazine Issue 5 - Discover Seattle

Seattle's scenic beauty, diverse culture, and thriving tech scene make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure and innovation.

30 May, 24

Magazine Issue 6 - Discover San Diego

San Diego, with its perfect blend of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant neighbourhoods, and endless outdoor adventures, embodies California living.

26 May, 24

Magazine Issue 3 - Discover Lisbon

Lisbon's unique blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty promises an unforgettable visit.

15 May, 24

Magazine Issue 1 - Discover Toronto

Discover the city's diverse culture, iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and culinary delights. Your adventure starts here!

15 May, 24

Relocate Your Vehicle

Relocate your vehicle for the fraction of the cost of putting it on a truck! Join Imoova, the world's largest relocation marketplace.

30 Apr, 24

Magazine Issue 4 - Discover Western Australia

Western Australia offers vast landscapes, pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and rich biodiversity.

24 Jan, 24

Best Campsites & Caravan Parks in New South Wales

NSW is full of stunning campsites suitable for all budgets. Relocate campervans & motorhomes throughout NSW for $1/day with Imoova & see for yourself!

20 Nov, 23

Imoova Paid Driver Program

Join our paid driver program and get paid to relocate a vehicles. We have a range of vehicles that need to be relocated worldwide.

19 Nov, 23

Review Us And Win

Join our quarterly review competition and a win a A$100 Visa gift card! Every review counts as an entry.

19 Nov, 23

Can I Drive With An International License?

Confused about whether you can drive with an international license? In this article we explain the rules for driving in Australia, New Zealand, Canada & the US.

15 Oct, 23

Hiring A Relocation

Learn about how to hire a relocation vehicle. What considerations you should be aware of and what to expect.

15 Oct, 23

Relocation Inclusions

Get the best deals by booking relocations with inclusions. Travel with up to $750 in gas inclusions and ferry inclusions across waterways.

14 Oct, 23

Imoova Insurance Explained

Confused about how insurance works with vehicle relocations? We break it all down in this guide.

14 Oct, 23

Rental Periods Explained

Confused about the rental periods? Learn about the difference between days, nights and 24 hour periods.

13 Oct, 23

Join The Imoova Waitlist

Be the first to know about new relocations by signing up to the Imoova waitlist. You'll be notified by our team as soon as a listing matches your criteria.

13 Oct, 23

Relocation Costs Explained

We break down all the costs involved in relocating a vehicle with Imoova, from bond to booking fee.