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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

All Types

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 One: San Francisco, California to San Jose, California

Distance: Approximately 80 kilometers

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 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour

Attractions:

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

Part Three: Santa Cruz, California to Monterey, California

Distance: Approximately 64 kilometers

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 48 kilometers

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 kilometers

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 kilometers

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 kilometers

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 kilometers

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 kilometers

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 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes to 1 hour

Attractions:

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

Part Eleven: Anaheim, California to San Diego, California

Distance: Approximately 153 kilometers

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 USA.

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 (kilometres) 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 America, 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, 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 driver’s 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 (IDP) is required.

In addition to your driver’s licence, you will often be required to show your passport at the time of pickup.

Some companies, e.g. Road Bear, Best Time and Britz, require an IDP regardless of the language of your licence.

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

Generally, no. Most campervan rental suppliers restrict travel into Mexico for campervans rented in the US. El Monte is the only exception; 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.