El Monte
Apollo
TB Outdoor Rentals
Cruise America
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 rental.

Use our comparison tool above to check prices and availability from local RV rental 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
Automatic
Road Bear 28-30ft Class C
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 40 miles

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 90 miles

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 45 miles

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 75 miles

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Santa Barbara Mission
  • Lotusland
  • Stearns Wharf

Part Eight: Santa Barbara, California to Malibu, California

Distance: Approximately 75 miles

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 30 miles

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Getty Center

Part Ten: Los Angeles, California to Anaheim, California

Distance: Approximately 25 miles

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 50 miles

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 30 miles

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 95 miles

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 campground or RV park?

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

The cost of campgrounds has risen in recent years due to the popularity of RV vacations in the US.

Does my motorhome come with unlimited mileage?

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

In most cases, miles are capped at a daily rate and additional fees will be incurred if you exceed the limit. Additional miles can usually also be prepurchased in packages ranging from 100 miles up to unlimited, however, any remaining miles will not be refunded when the vehicle is returned.

Check our comparison tool for details.

Is free camping allowed in California?

As in the rest of the US, free camping is only allowed in designated areas, which can include national parks, state parks, truck stops, or rest stops as well as certain parking lots with permission from the store manager.

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

What license do I need to rent an RV in the USA?

All drivers must have a current and full driver’s license to rent a vehicle. Foreign licenses 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 driver’s license, you will often be required to show your passport at the time of pick up.

The following companies require an IDP regardless of the language of your license, Road Bear, Best Time and Britz.

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

Generally, no. Most RV suppliers restrict travel into Mexico for RVs rented in the US. El Monte is the only exception to this, however, additional insurance is required.

Are one-way rentals possible in California?

Yes, many companies have rental centers 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 point 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.