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| Duration | 14 Days |
| Distance | 1,805 mi |
| Start / End | Austin, TX to Los Angeles, CA |
| States Crossed | Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas |
| Best Suited For | Families, History Buffs, Nature Lovers |
| Best Season | Spring and Fall |
Embarking on a 14-day RV adventure from Austin to Los Angeles is a quintessential American road trip that weaves through the heart of the country's rich history, diverse culture, and the unmatched allure of the open road. At 1,805 mi, this route offers the perfect distance for a two-week journey, allowing for a comfortable pace that embraces the philosophy of slow travel. An RV provides the ultimate flexibility to transition seamlessly from the vibrant music scene of Texas to the serene adobe architecture of New Mexico, the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Arizona, and finally, the coastal glamour of California. Traveling in a motorhome means your family has a front-row seat to the changing landscapes of the great American Southwest, all with the comforts of home.
To truly appreciate this monumental journey, we recommend breaking the drive into regional stages rather than rushing from point to point. Here is a look at the overall rhythm of the trip.
Your journey begins with a heavy dose of culture and history. Starting in the Live Music Capital of the World, you will soak in the vibrant neighborhoods and world-class BBQ of Austin before transitioning to San Antonio. Here, the rhythm is leisurely, allowing time for historical sites like the Alamo and family-friendly strolls along the picturesque River Walk.
Leaving central Texas, the landscape opens up as you push toward New Mexico. The pacing shifts to a steady highway cruise, eventually bringing you to the high-altitude beauty of Santa Fe. This stage is all about cultural immersion, blending Native American and Spanish influences amidst historic adobe buildings and a rich local art scene.
As you cross into Arizona, the route takes on a grand, natural scale. The drive is punctuated by dramatic elevation changes and surreal backdrops. You will want to slow down considerably here to hike the rim trails of the Grand Canyon, watch world-class sunsets, and explore the stunning, mystical red rock formations of Sedona.
The final leg of your journey crosses the remaining desert expanses before descending into the bustling, palm-lined streets of Southern California. The pacing here is about anticipation, transitioning from quiet desert nights to the glitz, glamour, and endless entertainment options of Los Angeles.
This 1,805 mi route offers an incredible density of diverse experiences. Based on the major stops, here are the themes you will encounter:
We highly recommend dedicating a full 14 days to this route. Covering 1,805 mi requires significant driving, and two weeks allows you to keep daily mileage manageable while leaving plenty of time to explore major stops like Santa Fe and the Grand Canyon.
Absolutely. This route is a masterclass in shifting landscapes. You get to experience the lush Texas hill country, the stark beauty of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, the majesty of the Grand Canyon, and the Pacific coast, all in a single journey.
This is a highly versatile, family-friendly road trip. It offers thrills and educational experiences for children (like zoos and science sites), deep cultural and historical roots for adult travelers, and endless outdoor activities for active adventurers.
Spring and Fall are the optimal seasons for this route. Summer in the desert regions of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona can be intensely hot, making outdoor activities and RV temperature management challenging. Shoulder seasons offer mild weather perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
When planning your budget for this 14-day adventure, there are several key categories to keep in mind. Because this is a point-to-point journey from Austin to Los Angeles, you will need to account for one-way rental fees, which cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin. Additionally, standard RV rentals often include a base mileage allowance, but a 1,805 mi trip may require purchasing supplemental mileage packages.
Beyond the rental itself, factor in fuel costs for a heavy vehicle crossing varied terrain, nightly campground fees (we suggest a mix of cost-effective state parks and premium private resorts), groceries, and entrance fees for major attractions like national parks and amusement centers. For specific campground recommendations, detailed route maps, and exact one-way pricing, search your dates on RV PLANET.
Ready to turn this Southwestern dream into a reality? Check availability, view fleet options, and finalize your itinerary by visiting the official route page here: Austin to Los Angeles RV Trip on RV PLANET.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Cruise America- 26-E (Austin) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $600–$800 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $650–$1,100 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$800 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $700–$1,000 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of state park and private RV resort stays, and shoulder-season travel. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Immerse yourself in vibrant local culture, famous BBQ, and foundational Texas history before hitting the open highway.
Settle into a steady driving rhythm as the landscape transitions into the high desert, offering a deep dive into Native American and Spanish cultural history.
Slow down your pace to explore dramatic elevation changes, monumental canyons, and surreal geological formations.
Cross the final desert expanses and descend into the vibrant, palm-lined coastal environment of Southern California.
Total cost for this 14-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,805 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Austin → Los Angeles pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Austin pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| CA-25 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 5 | 24.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-21 Compact Plus Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 4 | 21.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Ultra Compact C18 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class TC - Truck Camper | 2 | 19.5 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Austin → Los Angeles route.
Picking up in Austin but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: