If you’re craving an epic road trip packed with stunning coastal views, great surfing and remote camping spots, then this San Diego to Big Sur van camping adventure is for you! Get ready to explore rugged landscapes, hike through redwoods, and camp under the stars— all while keeping your journey as wild and off-grid as possible.

Day 1: San Diego – Los Padres National Forest (Near Santa Barbara) – 1st Night

Wax your surfboards and grab your SUP paddleboard because it’s time to hit the road for a coastal adventure up the wild and free Central Coast of California. Your first stop will be Los Padres National Forest, where you can enjoy dispersed camping spots like Figueroa Mountain or East Camino Cielo ridge. Catch the sunset at Lizard’s Mouth or hike Gaviota Peak for incredible panoramic views of the coastline. Visit Cold Spring Tavern, a historic stagecoach stop hidden in the forest, and make sure to check out the surrounding hiking trails. For Figueroa Mountain access, head to Los Olivos and head east on Figueroa Mountain Road and continue about 13.3 miles.

For those who love surfing, the Rincon Point surf break is legendary. Catch some long right hand point break waves or just enjoy watching the surfers ride them in. If you’re more into exploring than surfing, make sure to take a detour through El Capitan State Beach, which offers beautiful views and coastal cliffs perfect for photography or a peaceful walk. There is a great campground here as well. To round off the day, grab dinner at one of the laid-back seaside eateries along the way, or if you’re feeling adventurous, cook a meal over an open fire under the stars.

Day 2: Montaña de Oro State Park + Morro Bay – Rugged Coastline & Trails

If you’re a surfer, you’ll be thrilled with what Montaña de Oro has to offer. It’s home to one of the best waves in California, but beware—this wave isn’t for beginners and should only be surfed at the right tide. Bring your thickest wetsuit, as the waters can be chilly, and booties are essential! For a more relaxed day, you can hike the Bluff Trail, which leads you through dramatic coastal cliffs, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and access to tide pools full of marine life.

The Morro Bay Estuary is another great place to spend some time. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the tranquil waters and enjoy views of Morro Rock, a historic volcanic formation. If you’re into photography, the soft lighting around sunset makes this area perfect for capturing the beauty of nature. Afterward, consider grabbing dinner at a local spot, such as Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant for fresh seafood with an ocean view. They have the best BBQ oysters loaded with garlic and slathered in butter! The Islay Creek Campground, within Montaña De Oro, offers 47 primitive campsites for tent camping and recreational vehicles. Morro Bay State Campground is another option in the area. And for a more mountain experience, Cerro Alto Campground has a great reputation.

Day 3: San Simeon Creek – Incredible Surfing, Coastal Forest & Wildlife

Explore the charming Central Coast towns of Cambria and Cayucos, located just south of San Simeon. These towns are perfect for a relaxing day with plenty of opportunities to wander through their quaint streets. Be sure to stop at The Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos, known for serving the best breakfast tacos you’ll ever taste—trust me, you won’t regret it.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are great hikes along the stretch of coast north of Cayucos. The Harmony Headlands State Park offers peaceful, scenic trails with breathtaking ocean views, and if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve for more incredible coastal hikes. If you’re into spotting wildlife, take a short drive to Hearst Castle for a fascinating tour and keep your eyes peeled for the famous zebras that roam the property’s grounds! San Simeon Creek Campground and Washburn Campground are great options. Washburn is more primitive while the Creek Campground is a typical campground.

Day 4: Big Sur – Prewitt Ridge or Nacimiento-Fergusson Road – Dramatic Cliffs & Coastline

Warning: There is a longstanding road closure near Lucia due to a large landslide, so make sure to check road conditions before you head out.

As you head north from San Simeon, make a stop to see the elephant seals near Piedras Blancas, where you can often witness these magnificent creatures lounging on the beach. Afterward, stretch your legs with a scenic beach walk at San Carpoforo Creek Trailhead, a beautiful, peaceful spot to take in the rugged coastline. Not for the inexperienced surfer, Willow Creek is a rocky stretch of coastline facing powerful waves, which break in multiple peaks up and down the shore off of a steep turnoff from Highway 1.

Once deeper into Big Sur, stop by Salmon Creek Trailhead for a breathtaking hike with a waterfall. There is an epic backpacking campground called Estrella Campground about 3 miles up the trail. There are a number of other backpack in campgrounds off Highway 1 in this area. For van camping, you have two stellar options: Prewitt Ridge and Nacimiento-Fergusson Road. Both offer dispersed camping with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Prewitt Ridge is particularly famous for its epic vistas, especially at sunset. The nearby Plaskett Ridge Road also has awesome dispersed camping options, giving you plenty of solitude and panoramic ocean views. For a more challenging hike, consider tackling the steep trail down to Ragged Point, a stunning cliffside overlook with a hidden gem of a hotel offering unbeatable views of the coastline.

Day 5: Big Sur – Homeward Bound

This road trip from San Diego to Big Sur is the ultimate blend of oceanfront camping, rugged hikes, and peaceful solitude. Whether you’re exploring hidden beaches, or simply enjoying the freedom of the open road, this adventure is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.

So, pack up the van, grab your gear, and hit the road—Big Sur is calling!

Condensed 5-day version

Day 1: San Diego → Los Padres National Forest in SB (1st Night – 4 hour drive)

• Catch the sunset at Lizard’s Mouth or hike Gaviota Peak

• Dispersed camping at Figueroa Mountain

Day 2: Los Padres National Forest in SB → Morro Bay (2 hour Drive North)

• Surfing in and around Montaña de Oro

• Kayak or SUP paddle Morro Bay Estuary

• Camp at Islay Creek Campground or Morro Bay State Campground or Cerro Alto Campground

Day 3: Morro Bay→ San Simeon Creek (30 Minutes Drive North)

• Explore the charming Central Coast towns of Cambria and Cayucos

• Hike the Harmony Headlands State Park

• Drive to Hearst Castle for a fascinating tour

• Camp at San Simeon Creek Campground or Washburn Campground

Day 4: San Simeon Creek → Big Sur (1 hour Drive North to Road Closure)

• Last night camping under the stars

• Check out the elephant seals near Piedras Blancas

• Stop by Salmon Creek Trailhead for a breathtaking hike with a waterfall

• Hike the scenic beach walk at San Carpoforo Creek

• Surf Willow Creek

Day 5: Big Sur → San Diego (7 hour Drive South, 366 miles)