The Ultimate 3-Day SoCal VW Bus Road Trip (Costa Mesa to San Diego)

Hop in your vintage VW bus and roll south for three unforgettable days of beach towns, taco joints, coastal cliffs, and sunny SoCal magic. June is perfect for cruising with the windows down and the good vibes up!

🗓 Day 1: Costa Mesa → Laguna Beach → San Clemente

Morning:

  • Start your journey with a local breakfast at Plums Cafe in Costa Mesa.

  • Head south on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Laguna Beach.

  • Walk through Heisler Park and browse art galleries in the village.

Afternoon:

  • Continue cruising to San Clemente, stopping at Trestles Beach or San Onofre State Beach.

  • Grab lunch at Nick's San Clemente or a beachside burrito.

Evening:

  • Camp overnight at San Mateo Campground or San Onofre Bluffs Campground.

  • Watch the sunset from the cliffs, then cook up dinner in your VW camper.

🗓 Day 2: San Clemente → Oceanside → Carlsbad → Encinitas

Morning:

  • Head to Oceanside Pier for a sunrise stroll.

  • Grab breakfast at Stratford at the Harbor.

Afternoon:

  • Stop in Carlsbad to wander the Carlsbad Village and cool off at Tamarack Beach.

  • Cruise on to Encinitas and visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Gardens.

Evening:

  • Camp at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground—clifftop views and ocean sounds included.

  • Sunset yoga or chill time with tunes and tacos.

🗓 Day 3: Encinitas → La Jolla → San Diego

Morning:

  • Enjoy coffee at Lofty Coffee in Encinitas, then roll out to La Jolla.

  • Visit La Jolla Cove to see sea lions and explore tide pools.

Afternoon:

  • Head into San Diego and hit up Balboa Park or Liberty Public Market for lunch.

  • Optional detour: drive through Coronado Island for views of the skyline and Hotel del Coronado.

Evening:

  • Wrap up your trip with a beach picnic at Ocean Beach or sunset at Sunset Cliffs.

  • Option to camp at Campland on the Bay or head home with a heart full of memories.

🔍 Resources

Campsite Reservations:

VW Camper Packing Checklist:

  • Light layers for breezy coastal nights

  • Beachwear & sunscreen

  • Hiking shoes or sandals

  • Reusable water bottles

  • Travel games & journal

  • Bluetooth speaker for good tunes

Three days. One vintage VW. Endless coastal memories. Let the sunshine lead the way!