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Escaper Campervans

San Francisco to San Diego One-Way Campervan Rental

Planning a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego? Explore the West Coast in a one-way RV hire.

Use our comparison tool above to check prices and availability from local RV hire companies.

Popular Campervans

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.

Britz 4-Berth Class C non-slide

4-Berth Class C non-slide

Britz

Automatic
El Monte RV C25 Class C

C25 Class C

El Monte RV

Automatic
Escape 2-4 Berth Mavericks

2-4 Berth Mavericks

Escape

Automatic
Road Bear 28-30ft Class C

28-30ft Class C

Road Bear

Automatic
Travellers Auto Barn HiTop

HiTop

Travellers Auto Barn

Automatic

Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.

San Francisco to San Diego One Way Itinerary

Part Three: Santa Cruz, California to Monterey, California

Distance: Approximately 64 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Cannery Row
  • 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach

Part Four: Monterey, California to Big Sur, California

Distance: Approximately 30 miles

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Bixby Creek Bridge
  • McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Part Five: Big Sur, California to San Simeon, California

Distance: Approximately 145 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Hearst Castle in San Simeon
  • Elephant Seal Rookery
  • Piedras Blancas Light Station

Part Six: San Simeon, California to San Luis Obispo, California

Distance: Approximately 72.4 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
  • Bubblegum Alley
  • San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

Part Seven: San Luis Obispo, California to Santa Barbara, California

Distance: Approximately 121 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Santa Barbara Mission
  • Lotusland
  • Stearns Wharf

Part Eight: Santa Barbara, California to Malibu, California

Distance: Approximately 121 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Malibu Beaches
  • The Getty Villa
  • Malibu Pier

Part Nine: Malibu, California to Los Angeles, California

Distance: Approximately 48 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Getty Center

Part Ten: Los Angeles, California to Anaheim, California

Distance: Approximately 40 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes to 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Disneyland Resort in Anaheim
  • Disney California Adventure Park
  • Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Part One: San Francisco, California to San Jose, California

Distance: Approximately 80 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • The Tech Interactive in San Jose
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Santana Row Shopping District

Part Two: San Jose, California to Santa Cruz, California

Distance: Approximately 48 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Natural Bridges State Beach
  • Roaring Camp Railroads

Part Eleven: Anaheim, California to San Diego, California

Distance: Approximately 153 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours

Attractions:

  • San Diego Zoo
  • Balboa Park
  • USS Midway Museum

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to stay at a campsite or caravan park?

A stay at a motorhome park will usually cost around $25–80 (USD) per night.

The cost of campsites has risen in recent years due to the popularity of motorhome holidays in the USA.

Does my motorhome come with unlimited mileage?

The majority of campervan hire suppliers in the US do not include unlimited miles as a standard hire inclusion.

In most cases, miles are charged per mile or via prepaid mileage packs (for example, 100-mile packs), and additional fees will be incurred if you exceed what you’ve purchased/allowed. Refund rules vary by supplier—some refund unused estimated mileage deposits, while others do not refund unused prepaid miles. Some suppliers do include unlimited miles as standard.

Check our comparison tool for details.

Is free camping allowed in California?

As in the rest of America, free camping is only allowed in designated areas, which can include national parks, state parks, truck stops or service areas as well as certain car parks with permission from the shop manager.

California is home to numerous RV parks and campgrounds, ranging from $35–60 (USD) per night. These are suitable for all vehicle types, from travel trailers to larger recreational vehicles.

What licence do you need to drive a campervan in the USA?

All drivers must have a current and full driving licence to hire a vehicle. Foreign licences are generally acceptable if they are in English or accompanied by an accredited English translation, otherwise, an International Driving Permit is required.

In addition to your driving licence, you will often be required to show your passport at the time of pick-up.

Some companies may require an IDP or official English translation depending on the language of your licence. For example, Road Bear requires an international driving licence translation if the original licence doesn't have an English translation, and Britz recommends an international driving licence for translation purposes.

Can I travel from the US to Mexico in my rental campervan?

Generally, no. Most motorhome suppliers restrict travel into Mexico for motorhomes hired in the US. El Monte is an exception to this, however, additional insurance is required.

Are one-way rentals possible in California?

Yes, many suppliers have depots in multiple locations throughout California and the US, making one-way rentals a great way to see more during your road trip.

San Francisco is a great starting location for those wanting to explore Northern California, with many attractions in the surrounding areas, including the famous Yosemite National Park.

For those heading through Southern California, Los Angeles is a good starting point. From there, you can head down the west coast to San Diego and throughout the surrounding area.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.