The Ultimate 3-Day SoCal VW Bus Road Trip (Costa Mesa to Santa Barbara)

Cruise into a sun-soaked SoCal adventure this June in your vintage VW bus. With ocean views, funky towns, and peaceful campgrounds, this trip is the perfect blend of retro vibes and real California beauty.

🗓 Day 1: Costa Mesa → Venice Beach → Malibu → Ventura

Morning:

  • Start your journey in Costa Mesa with a hearty breakfast at Sidecar Doughnuts or The Broken Yolk Cafe.

  • Hop on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) heading north, embracing ocean breezes and open-road freedom.

Midday:

  • Roll into Venice Beach. Stretch your legs, snap pics at the boardwalk, and grab lunch at The Butcher's Daughter.

  • Cruise up to Malibu for a beach break at Zuma Beach or a walk along El Matador Beach.

Evening:

  • Continue to Ventura and set up camp at Emma Wood State Beach.

  • Cook dinner in your camper, light a beach bonfire, and soak in the sunset.

🗓 Day 2: Ventura → Ojai → Santa Barbara

Morning:

  • Start with coffee and breakfast in downtown Ventura.

  • Drive inland to the artsy, serene town of Ojai. Visit Bart's Books, grab local goods at Ojai Farmers Market, and take in the mountain views.

Afternoon:

  • Head toward Santa Barbara, taking the scenic Highway 150 back to the coast.

  • Explore State Street, visit the Funk Zone for wine tasting, or lounge at East Beach.

Evening:

  • Camp overnight at El Capitán State Beach, a quiet coastal campground with cliffside views and eucalyptus groves.

  • Relax with dinner under the stars.

🗓 Day 3: Santa Barbara → Solvang → Point Mugu → Costa Mesa

Morning:

  • Breakfast by the sea, then head north to Solvang.

  • Explore this Danish-style village: grab pastries at Olsen's Danish Village Bakery and stroll among windmills and wine shops.

Afternoon:

  • Begin the drive south, stopping at Point Mugu State Park for a beach walk or cliffside photo op.

  • Optional scenic detour: cruise through Topanga Canyon on your way back to the coast.

Evening:

🎵 Road Trip Playlist Must-Haves:

  • “California Dreamin’” – The Mamas & The Papas

  • “Going to California” – Led Zeppelin

  • “Ventura Highway” – America

  • “Ride” – Lana Del Rey

  • “On the Road Again” – Willie Nelson

🌤 Typical Weather in June:

  • Daytime highs: 70–75°F (21–24°C)

  • Evening lows: 55–60°F (13–16°C)

  • Conditions: Mostly sunny with occasional coastal fog in the mornings

đź‘• What to Pack:

  • Light layers (e.g., T-shirts, long sleeves, hoodies)

  • A warm jacket for evenings

  • Comfortable sandals or shoes for beach walks

  • Swimsuit and sunhat

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

🌼 Final Tips:

  • Book campsites in advance—June weekends fill up fast!

  • Bring a camera—the VW bus + coast = Instagram gold.

Your vintage adventure starts here. Let the good vibes roll!