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San Diego to San Francisco One-Way Campervan Rental

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

Cruise America C25 Standard

C25 Standard

Cruise America

Automatic
Cruise America C19 Compact

C19 Compact

Cruise America

Automatic
Cruise America C30 Large

C30 Large Motorhome

Cruise America

Automatic
El Monte RV AF33 Class A

AF33 Class A

El Monte RV

Automatic
El Monte RV C25 Class C

C25 Class C

El Monte RV

Automatic
El Monte RV C28 Class C

C28 Class C

El Monte RV

Automatic

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

San Diego to San Francisco One Way Itinerary

Part One: San Diego, California to Anaheim, California

Distance: Approximately 153 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours

Attractions:

  • San Diego Zoo
  • Balboa Park
  • USS Midway Museum

Part Two: Anaheim, California to Los Angeles, 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 Three: Los Angeles, California to Malibu, California

Distance: Approximately 48 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Getty Center

Part Four: Malibu, California to Santa Barbara, California

Distance: Approximately 121 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Malibu Beaches
  • The Getty Villa
  • Malibu Pier

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

Distance: Approximately 121 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Santa Barbara Mission
  • Lotusland
  • Stearns Wharf

Part Six: San Luis Obispo, California to San Simeon, 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 Simeon, California to Big Sur, 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 Eight: Big Sur, California to Monterey, 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 Nine: Monterey, California to Santa Cruz, California

Distance: Approximately 64 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

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

Part Ten: Santa Cruz, Californiato San Jose, 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 Eleven: San Jose, California to San Francisco, 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the campervan breaks down during my trip?

Most rental companies in the USA offer roadside assistance that is available 24/7 by ringing a local or free number. Mechanical breakdowns are covered by the rental company (for example, engine and electrical faults).

With many suppliers, repairs under $50 (US dollars) do not require authorisation and will be reimbursed upon return of the rental (with a receipt). However, it’s still recommended to ring roadside assistance for any troubles.

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.

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.

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.

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