Highway 1 down the California coast is one of the world's great drives, and a campervan is the ideal way to do it — you park where the view is best and sleep to the sound of the Pacific.
The route
From San Diego north through Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Monterey to San Francisco — around 500 miles of coast, cliffs and beach towns.
Best stops
- La Jolla & the San Diego beaches — an easy, sunny start.
- Santa Barbara — the "American Riviera," wine country just inland.
- Big Sur — the highlight: mountains dropping straight into the sea.
- Monterey & Carmel — aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, cypress coast.
Where to rent
Pick up in San Diego or Los Angeles and drop in San Francisco if a one-way fee suits you, or do a there-and-back loop from one city. All three are major, well-priced hubs.
Plan your trip
Roam Wired
Roam Wired turns campervan research into practical plans. We publish transparent guidance, a free electrical design tool and marketplace resources for UK and US van builders.
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