Going Back to Cali: A Road Trip from Vancouver to Los Angeles

Thinking about taking a road trip from Vancouver to Los Angeles?

You’re in for one of the most unforgettable drives on the West Coast — from rain-soaked mountains to dry desert valleys, and surf towns to bustling metropolises.

But is it better to blast through in a single day, or cruise down the coast with a few iconic stops?

Let’s map out a road trip from Vancouver to LA that checks every box.

🛣️ Why Should I Take a Road Trip to Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a city that feels more like a collection of stories than a single destination. One minute you’re on a sunny beach, the next you’re chasing street art through an alley in the Arts District.

The city has a vibe that’s hard to pin down. It’s bold, sun-soaked, layered with history, and full of contradictions—Hollywood glamour beside punk rock grit, taco trucks in Beverly Hills.

There’s a reason it keeps pulling people in.

People who visit love it for:
✅ That golden-hour light that makes everything feel cinematic.
✅ The endless mix of cultures and flavours, all buzzing on the same block.
✅ Creative energy, from murals to music to movies being made around the corner.
✅ The nostalgia, especially if you’ve grown up watching LA in films.
✅ A strange sense of freedom, like anything could happen—and probably will.

This Los Angeles trip is perfect for dreamers, film buffs, beach lovers, and anyone chasing sunshine and stories.

If there’s one small catch, it’s the sprawl—it’s huge. It’s 1.6 times the size of NYC, with just under half the population. To make things worse, the transit is ridiculously limited for a city of its size.

If it’s any consolation, tourist destinations like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills are reasonably close together. So, for the most part, you can avoid the suburban sprawl.

🧳 Looking for options closer to home? Check out our list of the 15 best day trips from Vancouver.

🔎 What to See While You’re in Los Angeles

• Griffith Observatory: Sweeping views of LA and the Hollywood Sign—day or night.
• Disneyland: A nostalgia-packed, all-ages thrill just outside the city.
• Santa Monica Pier: Old-school fun with ocean breezes and neon lights.
• Hollywood Boulevard: Walk of Fame, weird museums, and celebrity energy.
• The Getty Center: Art, gardens, and architecture high above the city.
• Venice Beach Boardwalk: Muscle Beach, murals, skateparks, and wild characters.
• The Broad: Contemporary art in a bold downtown space.
• Runyon Canyon: Sweaty hikes with star sightings and skyline views.
• LACMA: Iconic light posts and an eclectic mix of art.
• El Matador Beach: Rugged cliffs, caves, and quiet ocean beauty in Malibu.

🎟️ Los Angeles Go City Explorer Pass

Looking to save some cash on your visit? Getting the LA Go City Explorer Pass for my recent trip was a game-changer! The pass offers savings of up to 50% on your choice of up to seven top attractions from a list of 30.

The convenience of having one pass for everything was fantastic, and skipping lines saved so much time. It gave me the flexibility to explore at my own pace, and having access to a selection of the city’s best experiences.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t include Disneyland, but I got access to the Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios, the La Brea Tar Pits, and Celebrity Homes Tours—with the option for much more. To learn more, click the button below

💯 Los Angeles: The Must-Sees

Disneyland

Walt Disney opened this park in 1955, and it’s still one of the most visited in the world. If you’re visiting with kids, you’ll never get away with skipping it.

Last time I went, it was like every childhood memory got amplified. I’m not even a huge Disney adult, but there’s something about churros and Space Mountain that just hits. Kids will love it, obviously—but so do grown-ups reliving the magic.

It may very well be the happiest place on earth, at least if you’re not the one paying!

✨ Don’t leave without: Watching the fireworks explode over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Total goosebumps.

Griffith Observatory

Built in 1935, it’s free to visit and offers views that stretch from downtown to the Pacific.

Most people go for the views, but you can also visit the Planetarium Theatre and enjoy a curated journey through space and time on a Griffith Observatory insider tour.

I hiked up from the base of Griffith Park and ended up catching sunset from the balcony. Felt like I was in La La Land, minus the dance number. If you’re into stars—both celestial and celebrity—this is your spot.

✨ Don’t leave without: Peeking through the telescope. Even on cloudy days, it feels iconic.

Hollywood Boulevard

It’s messy, chaotic, and over-the-top—but that’s kind of the charm.

I’ve done this stretch a few times, and every time there’s something new. Costumed weirdos, Marilyn Monroe impersonators, and tourists geeking out over handprints. It’s loud, kinda cheesy, but you have to walk it once.

If you’re so inclined, you can hit up a celebrity home tour, check out a filming, or walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame

✨ Don’t leave without: Finding your favourite celeb’s star on the Walk of Fame. It’s weirdly satisfying.

Santa Monica Pier

Opened in 1909, this iconic wooden pier has been featured in everything from Forrest Gump to GTA V.

The day I went, street performers were singing soul covers while kids lined up for funnel cake. I rode the Ferris wheel just to see the beach from above. Perfect spot to chill or people-watch for hours.

Afterwards, ditch the crowds and just relax on the beach. After all, you’re on vacation!

✨ Don’t leave without: Grabbing a corndog and catching the view from Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel.

The Getty Center

LA isn’t all sun, sand, glamour, and amusement parks. There is plenty of culture to be found if you look hard enough.

The Getty Centre, funded by billionaire J. Paul Getty’s oil fortune, opened in 1997 and looks more like a sci-fi fortress than an art museum. You’ll find works from Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and more.

The tram ride up alone is worth it. Inside, I wandered for hours—marble floors, manicured gardens, and light pouring in from every angle. If you like Monet and manicured lawns, this is your dream afternoon.

✨ Don’t leave without: Sitting in the Central Garden with a snack. It’s peaceful and weirdly calming.

🚗 Why Drive from Vancouver to Los Angeles?

Flying gets you there faster, sure.

But you won’t get salty beach breezes, winding coastal highways, or redwoods towering over your car from 30,000 feet up.

Here’s why I say hit the road:

🚿 You can stop for ocean views, roadside fruit stands, or quick hikes anytime
🌾 Oregon dunes, quirky beach towns, and California redwoods all in one go
🎧 Good with friends, family, solo, or even with your dog and a good playlist
✈️ Cheaper (most of the time) than flying, especially with multiple people

No matter how many times I’ve done it, the views always surprise me.

🚗 Need a rental car? I use rentalcars.com  to compare prices easily. Click on the widget below to price out your vehicle:

⏳ How Much Time Do You Need for a Vancouver to Los Angeles Road Trip?

Driving straight through? It’ll take about 20 to 24 hours, depending on the route and border delays.

But if you want to eat well, sleep well, and explore along the way, plan for at least 5–7 days.

🛑 More time = more freedom to stop and play
📸 The best memories always happen when you aren’t rushing
🧘‍♂️ Stretching it out helps you actually enjoy the ride, not just survive it

🧳 Looking for travel alternatives? Check out our list of the best road trips from Vancouver.

📍 How Far is Los Angeles from Vancouver?

Here’s what the full drive from Vancouver to LA looks like:

📍 Distance: Approx. 2,000 km / 1,250 miles
🕒 Drive Time: Around 20 hours non-stop via I-5, 24-26 hours along the coast
🌞 Best Time to Go: May through October for good weather and clearer mountain passes
🛋️ Ideal Trip Length: 7-10 days to see the good stuff without rushing
🚗 Direct Route: BC-99 → I-5 into Los Angeles
🚜 Recommended Route: BC-99 → I-5 into Oregon → Hwy 101 to San Fran → Hwy 1 into LA

The direct route isn’t terribly exciting. But you’ll still get stunning views of Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, and Mount Shasta.

But the coastal route? It’s the stuff dreams are made of. The Oregon Coast, Hwy 101, and the Pacific Coastal Highway are simply postcard-perfect. In this case, the journey may even be better than the destination.

Road Trip Itinerary: Vancouver → Los Angeles

You’ll want a flexible map for this trip.

The main I-5 is fast and easy, but it skips the magic.

A mix of Hwy 1 and 101 gets you those epic Pacific views. And if you’ve got the time, make the detours. Trust me.

Here are my top picks for where to pull over and make the most of it 👇

🛑 Suggested Vancouver to Los Angeles Road Trip Stops

🌊 Cannon Beach, OR

First on the route, Cannon Beach stuns with its iconic sea stacks and rhythmic waves that crash along the rugged shoreline.

Not only is the setting photogenic, but its quaint downtown and relaxed atmosphere also make it feel like a real-life painting.

Especially during the late afternoon, when the tide recedes to reveal colourful tide pools and the sky glows in hues of orange and pink, this stop becomes pure magic.

🌲 Redwoods National and State Parks, CA

Crossing into California, you’ll be greeted by some of the tallest trees on Earth. Here, walking beneath ancient redwoods feels transcendent — the kind of silence that makes you pause.

Driving through the areas with those incredibly tall, ancient redwood trees is quite something – it gives you a real sense of the scale and age of nature.

The chance to see these giant trees up close provides a different kind of beauty compared to the ocean scenery, and it definitely adds a memorable dimension to any California coastal road trip.

More info: nps.gov/redw

🚗 San Francisco, CA

As you make a short detour into San Francisco, you’re rewarded with unforgettable sights and experiences. You can’t come all this way without spending a night or two.

From snapping a photo at the Golden Gate Bridge to exploring Alcatraz to visiting character-rich neighbourhoods, this city has it all.

You might ride a classic cable car, nibble on freshly baked sourdough, or lose yourself in one of the many quirky museums.

🌺 Carmel by the Sea, CA

Finally, just before reaching LA, make time for Carmel — a dreamy coastal town with Mediterranean vibes.

Its white stucco buildings, red tile roofs, and vibrant bougainvillea set the tone for a relaxing break between the chaos of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Stunning white-sand Carmel Beach is a perfect spot for a relaxing walk, sunset viewing, or even spotting playful seals and otters.

🛌 Where to Stay Between Vancouver and Los Angeles

Redwood Forest Area
🛻 Campsite: Elk Prairie Campground
🏡 Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Klamath

Napa Valley, CA
💸 Budget: Goodspring Motel
💰 Mid-range: Glen Ellen Inn
🌟 Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley

San Francisco, CA
💸 Budget: Herbert Hotel
💰 Mid-range: San Fran Marriott Marquis
🌟 Luxury: The Ritz Carlton SF

Carmel/Monterey, CA
💸 Budget: Seaside Inn Monterey
💰 Mid-range: Hyatt Regency Monterey
🌟 Luxury: La Playa Carmel

Los Angeles, CA
💸 Budget: Economy Inn Hollywood
💰 Mid-range: Intercontinental LA Downtown
🌟 Luxury: L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

Best Campsites Between Vancouver and Los Angeles

Camping down the coast? Total win.

• 🏋️ Cape Lookout State Park: Beachside, quiet, and shaded sites
• 🏕️ Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: A peaceful spot nestled in the redwoods
• 🏕️ Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Perfect for RVS and tents

📲 Reserve ahead, especially July–Sept.

🙋 Is a Road Trip to Los Angeles from Vancouver Worth It? My Experience

Honestly, yeah—it’s worth every mile.

What stood out the most was how different LA feels from block to block. One hour I was eating dumplings in Monterey Park, the next I was biking down Venice Beach. I thought LA would be a little fake, all filters and facades, but it’s surprisingly real underneath all that polish.

A personal highlight? Taking sunset photos at Griffith after a sweaty hike. LA’s skyline looked like it had been Photoshopped by the sun.

One small tip: don’t try to “do it all.” The sprawl is real, and traffic will wear you down fast. Pick a few neighbourhoods and really enjoy them.

And the drive? The stretch between San Francisco and LA along the Pacific Coast Highway is simply sublime. Tranquil stops like Carmel, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara perfectly contrast LA’s chaotic energy.

🧐 Things to Know Before Your Vancouver to Los Angeles Road Trip

Here are a few things I always prep for:

⛽ Fill up before southern Oregon — gas stations are few and far between
🗌 Offline maps help in redwood zones with zero bars
🧵 Pack light layers — you’ll go from fog to heat to wind in a day
📜 Book ahead — especially beach towns in peak months
💵 Bring small bills for fruit stands and random roadside treats

Vancouver to Los Angeles Road Trip Essentials

What I always keep handy:

🚗 Full tank, topped-up washer fluid
📡 Phone charger and portable battery
🥤 Snacks, water, gum
👓 Sunglasses, jacket, SPF
🔦 Flashlight, jumper cables, wipes
🎵 Downloaded music/podcasts
📶 Don’t count on Spotify working in the Redwoods

Tips for a Smooth Drive

Driving’s the easy part if you prep right:

🌅 Early starts = empty roads, soft light
🔀 Rotate drivers on tricky sections
🫠 Stretch every 2–3 hours, even just for coffee
🤍 Weird roadside signs = often amazing stops
📷 Keep your camera close. It all happens fast.

Road Trip from Vancouver to Los Angeles FAQ

How long does the road trip from Vancouver to Los Angeles take?

About 20–24 hours non-stop, depending on border wait times, traffic, and route.

Can I do the road trip from Vancouver to Los Angeles in one day?

Technically, yes. But you’ll miss so much. Even just one night on the way makes a difference. If you have time, you’ll want to tack on an additional 3-4 days to visit spots like the Oregon Coast, the Napa Valley, San Francisco, and Carmel along the way.

How many days should I spend in Los Angeles?
Three to five days is a good start. It gives you time to explore a few neighbourhoods without rushing.

Is Los Angeles walkable?
Some neighbourhoods like Downtown LA, Venice, and Santa Monica are walkable. But in general, LA is spread out and built for cars.

What’s the best time of year to visit?
Late spring and early fall. The weather’s great and the crowds are thinner.