The Ultimate Coastal Road Trip Starting in San Diego
By the time the morning sun hits the San Diego coast, surfers are already waxing boards and checking the break. There’s a salty breeze, the hiss of waves, and that restless urge that every ocean lover knows — the call of the open road. In Southern California, surf and camp culture have always gone hand in hand. And if you want to chase waves from San Diego up the coast, a van rental for adventure gives you the ultimate freedom to do just that.
Whether you’re looking for mellow longboard waves, secluded beaches, or oceanfront campgrounds, this region is tailor-made for a camper van trip with friends. You can surf all day, cook dinner with sand still on your feet, and fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing outside your van door.
Here’s your insider’s guide to the best spots to surf and camp up the Southern California coast — starting right where the adventure begins: San Diego.
Why a Camper Van is the Best Way to Explore SoCal’s Surf Scene
Surfing Southern California is as much about the drive as the destination. There’s something about hopping between surf breaks with your board strapped on top, your buddies piled in, and no rigid plan beyond the next tide change.
With a San Diego camper van rental, you skip the hassle of booking hotels or finding parking near crowded beach towns. Your van becomes your mobile surf shack — kitchen, lounge, and crash pad in one. Want to catch first light at San Onofre or sleep just steps from the lineup in Ventura? Easy. Just park, sleep, and surf.
Modern adventure vans are built for the coastal lifestyle — complete with off-grid power, mini-fridges for post-surf beers, and cozy interiors for sunset hangouts. A van rental for adventure gives you that sweet spot of comfort and spontaneity: freedom to roam, without leaving the essentials behind.
Stop #1: San Elijo State Beach – Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Distance from San Diego: ~25 miles north
Vibe: Classic surf-camping culture, family-friendly, and easygoing.
Wave Type: Beach + reef break, best for all levels.
Few places capture the essence of SoCal surf life like San Elijo State Beach. Tucked just off Highway 101 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, this spot is a local favorite where the waves, tacos, and sunset views are all world-class.
You can literally park your San Diego camper van rental right next to the sand, unzip your wetsuit, and be grilling fish tacos within minutes of your last wave. The campground sits directly above the surf, giving you ocean views from nearly every site. Kids play in tide pools while groms learn to surf in gentle breakers near Pipes, and more advanced surfers can paddle out to nearby Cardiff Reef or Swami’s for punchier rides.
Why it’s perfect for van lifers:
• Electric hookups and showers available.
• Walkable to Seaside Market and VG Donuts.
• Beachfront camping spots (book early — they fill up fast).
Stop #2: San Onofre State Beach – Old Man’s & Trails
Distance from San Diego: ~60 miles north
Vibe: Laid-back, nostalgic, and perfect for a camper van trip with friends.
Wave Type: Longboard-friendly, mellow peelers.
If you’re chasing that timeless California surf vibe — think 1960s longboards, old VW vans, and endless good vibes — San Onofre is your mecca. Often called “Old Man’s,” this iconic surf break is a living museum of SoCal surf history. It’s mellow, friendly, and pure joy for any surfer.
The campground here, San Mateo, is a short drive or bike ride to the beach. You’ll find flat spots for vans, fire pits, and enough room to set up your surfboard rack and beach chairs. Evenings are made for campfires, grilled burgers, and retelling the day’s best waves with your crew.
Why it’s perfect for van adventurers:
• Hot showers and fire rings.
• Pet-friendly.
• Easy surf access via a short trail.
• A great first overnight stop on your northbound route.
Stop #3: Doheny State Beach – Dana Point
Distance from San Diego: ~70 miles north
Vibe: Family-friendly, mellow, beach-town charm.
Wave Type: Fun longboard waves, perfect for beginners.
Doheny State Beach is the birthplace of California surf culture — the spot where early surf pioneers like Hobie Alter and Phil Edwards shaped boards and rode the waves that started it all. Today, it’s still one of the best beginner-friendly surf spots on the coast.
You can camp just steps from the water, walk to restaurants and coffee shops in Dana Point Harbor, and still find enough space to chill in your van between surf sessions. For a camper van trip with friends, Doheny is unbeatable: easy to access, relaxed, and packed with coastal charm.
Why it’s perfect for van life:
• Campsites right by the sand.
• Walkable surf rentals and cafes.
• Safe, calm waters for kids and beginners.
Stop #4: San Clemente State Beach
Distance from San Diego: ~65 miles north
Vibe: Rugged bluffs, classic Southern California beauty.
Wave Type: Point break with consistent sets.
Perched on scenic cliffs, San Clemente State Beach is one of the most picturesque camping spots in SoCal. Surf down below offers great consistency, and the town of San Clemente — home to iconic surf brands like Lost and Rip Curl — has a deep surf soul.
The campground is ideal for vans, with both ocean-view and inland sites. There’s nothing like waking up, brewing coffee, and watching early surfers paddle out below. After a day in the water, walk into town for a burger at Nomads Canteen or grab tacos from Pedro’s before heading back to your van for a sunset beer.
Why it’s perfect for van travelers:
• Electric hookups and showers.
• Beautiful cliffside views.
• Access to world-class surf spots like T-Street and Trestles nearby.
Stop #5: Leo Carrillo State Park – Malibu
Distance from San Diego: ~150 miles north
Vibe: Wild coastal escape meets classic Malibu surf.
Wave Type: Right-hand point break, reef, and beach options.
By the time you reach Malibu, you’ll have covered some of SoCal’s most iconic coastline — but Leo Carrillo makes the long drive worth every mile. It’s one of the few remaining places where you can both camp and surf in Malibu, offering rugged coves, tide pools, and a perfect combination of wilderness and wave access.
The campground is tucked just across the road from the beach, surrounded by shady sycamores. Surf here is best at mid-tide, and nearby spots like Zuma, County Line, and Point Dume offer plenty of variety.
Why it’s perfect for van lifers:
• Spacious campsites for vans and small RVs.
• Access to hiking, surfing, and tide-pooling.
• Less crowded than central Malibu.
• Close to Pacific Coast Highway for easy onward travel.
Stop #6: Rincon Parkway – Ventura
Distance from San Diego: ~200 miles north
Vibe: Surf-by-day, sleep-by-the-sea.
Wave Type: Point break, long right-handers.
Just past Malibu, Rincon Parkway is one of California’s most unique camping experiences. Here, you literally park your van on the ocean’s edge. The Pacific laps a few feet from your wheels, and you can paddle out right from your site.
Rincon itself is legendary — a long, perfectly peeling right-hand point break that’s a bucket-list wave for many surfers. Even if you’re not surfing the main break, there are plenty of nearby spots with smaller, friendlier surf.
Evenings bring a golden glow that turns the water molten, and the line of parked camper vans feels like a nomadic surf tribe stretching along the highway. It’s a must-stop for anyone doing a camper van trip with friends — equal parts surf haven and social gathering.
Why it’s perfect for van adventurers:
• Oceanfront parking right off Highway 1.
• No frills — but unbeatable views.
• Great spot for sunsets and surf watching.
Tips for the Ultimate Surf + Camp Experience
1. Book Early:
California’s coastal campgrounds fill up fast, especially in summer. Many allow reservations up to six months in advance.
2. Check Surf Reports:
Use apps like Surfline or Magicseaweed to time your surf sessions with the best tides and swells.
3. Embrace Van Simplicity:
Bring only what you need — surf gear, cooking basics, and a few good playlists. The magic of a van rental for adventure is living light and free.
4. Respect Local Etiquette:
Be courteous in the lineup, pick up trash, and keep noise levels low in campgrounds.
5. Sunset Rituals:
There’s something special about watching the sun melt into the Pacific with your friends, surfboards silhouetted against the glow. Don’t rush it. This is the soul of van life.
Why San Diego is the Perfect Starting Point
San Diego isn’t just a launchpad — it’s a surf destination in itself. With beaches like Tourmaline, La Jolla Shores, and Ocean Beach Pier, you could easily spend your first few days just exploring local breaks before hitting the road.
Most San Diego camper van rental companies cater to surf travelers — offering roof racks, wetsuit storage, outdoor showers, and off-grid power setups. Whether you’re a couple chasing waves or a crew planning the ultimate camper van trip with friends, starting here gives you the flexibility and comfort to explore at your own pace.
You’ll roll north with the sunrise, boards on top, friends laughing in the back, and the Pacific glimmering beside you. Every stop brings a new lineup, a new view, and another story waiting to be written.
Final Thoughts: Ride. Rest. Repeat.
Southern California is a rare stretch of coastline where you can chase world-class waves by day and fall asleep under the stars by night — all without ever leaving the beach. A van rental for adventure turns the coast into your backyard and your surf trip into something timeless.
So gather your friends, rent your van in San Diego, and set your sights north. Because out here, every wave, every sunrise, and every campfire becomes part of the same beautiful rhythm — the rhythm of surf and camp life, the heartbeat of California’s coast.
Check out the following Blog posts for some additional inspiration:
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Check out our Pricing Below:
The Best San Diego, California Adventure Van Rental Pricing
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