La - Sf - La Road Trip Oct 2025

Question

Hi everyone,

Wanting to do a road trip beginning in LA, driving the PCH up to SF, cutting across to Lake Tahoe, and then stopping by Yosemite, Sequoia, and maybe death valley, on the way back to LA.

Does it make sense to attempt this in two weeks? It will be three 24yo guys in a van. Also, what would be some cool/fun towns to stop in along the way? Where should we plan our overnights? Does it make sense to sleep in the van or are there cheap accommodations that would make sense?

We like hiking, pubs, great food, live music, meeting friendly people and generally finding adventures.

Answer

Your plan for an LA → SF → Lake Tahoe → Yosemite → Sequoia → Death Valley → LA loop in October 2025 is absolutely doable in two weeks, especially for three 24-year-olds who enjoy adventure, hiking, pubs, and a bit of spontaneity. October is also an excellent month: cooler inland temps, less fog on the PCH, and generally quieter national parks.

The key is choosing smart overnight stops and realistic driving segments. Below is a detailed breakdown, pacing advice, and suggestions for cool towns, camping vs. cheap stays, and route considerations.

First, the great news: October weather is ideal for PCH, Yosemite, Sequoia, and Death Valley. Crowds lighten, and van travel is comfortable. The only potential issue is early snow around Lake Tahoe, but that’s usually a November concern.

Here is a smart way to structure your 14-day trip and the best overnight towns for your interests.

LA → Santa Barbara or Ventura (food, beaches, breweries, nightlife)
Santa Barbara → San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach (cool college town, bars, live music)
SLO → Big Sur → Monterey / Santa Cruz (scenery + lively towns)
Monterey / Santa Cruz → San Francisco (urban fun + rest day)
SF → Lake Tahoe (2 nights for hiking, pubs, lake views)
Tahoe → Yosemite (camp in Yosemite Valley or stay in gateway towns)
Yosemite → Sequoia NP (camping or stay in Three Rivers)
Sequoia → Death Valley (overnight in Furnace Creek)
Death Valley → LA (easy final drive)

Here’s deeper detail on cool towns to stop in for hikes, pubs, and people.

Ventura – laid-back surf town, great breweries.
Santa Barbara – fun nightlife, wine tasting, scenic beaches.
San Luis Obispo – a university town with live music and energetic pubs.
Cambria – cozy and artsy; good if you want something calm.
Morro Bay – seaside, relaxed, great seafood.
Santa Cruz – young crowd, surf culture, bars, boardwalk.
South Lake Tahoe – tons of pubs, nightlife, lake views.
Bishop – if you cut across the Eastern Sierra, outdoorsy + breweries.
Three Rivers – the go-to for Sequoia NP access.

You asked whether sleeping in the van makes sense. The answer is: yes, but only in designated campgrounds and not in cities.

Where van-sleeping works great: Big Sur campgrounds, Yosemite campgrounds, Sequoia campgrounds, Tahoe campgrounds, Death Valley campgrounds, Pismo Beach campgrounds.
Where van-sleeping does NOT work well: San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Monterey (strict parking laws + tickets).
Cheap alternatives: Hostels in SF and LA; motels in SLO, Ventura, Tahoe, and Bishop; camping in national parks.

Here’s a suggested 14-day sample itinerary with comfortable pacing and overnights.

Day 1–2: LA → Santa Barbara/Ventura (1 night)

Day 2–3: Santa Barbara → San Luis Obispo (1 night)

Day 3–5: SLO → Big Sur → Monterey or Santa Cruz (2 nights)

Day 5–7: Monterey → San Francisco (2 nights)

Day 7–9: SF → Lake Tahoe (2 nights)

Day 9–12: Tahoe → Yosemite (3 nights)

Day 12–13: Yosemite → Sequoia NP (1 night in Three Rivers or camp)

Day 13–14: Sequoia → Death Valley (1 night at Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells)

Day 14: Death Valley → LA

And now the bottom line: this trip is totally doable, not too rushed, and actually perfect for your age group and interests. The mix of ocean, mountains, forests, and desert in one loop makes for an iconic California experience.

You’ll get amazing hikes, friendly towns, good food, active nightlife options, and plenty of road-trip freedom — especially with a van.