
Days 1-6 — The Southwestern Deserts
~500–700 mi across this legTransition from coastal cities into the vast southwestern desert, taking time to explore unique roadside attractions and ranch life at a relaxed pace.
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| Duration | 23 Days |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 3,590 mi |
| Start / End | Los Angeles, CA to Miami, FL |
| States Crossed | California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida |
| Best For | Families, long-haul adventurers, cultural explorers |
| Pace | Relaxed, slow travel |
Driving from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic shoreline is a classic American adventure, but undertaking it in a motorhome elevates the experience entirely. This 23-day, 3,590 mi journey from Los Angeles to Miami offers the ultimate freedom to explore the southern tier of the United States. Traveling by RV means you have your accommodations, kitchen, and living room with you as you transition from arid western deserts to lush coastal plains.
The route’s expansive timeline allows for true slow travel, ensuring you are not just rushing from one state line to the next. By taking over three weeks, you have the flexibility to linger at natural springs, dive into local markets, and park your home-on-wheels right next to the beach. It is a highly diverse itinerary that perfectly balances natural wonders with rich cultural stops, giving you the autonomy to prepare meals in your camper while surrounded by some of the country's most dramatic landscapes.
We believe in slow travel, breaking down this massive 3,590 mi expedition into manageable, thematic stages. For the full, day-by-day routing, exact mileage, and campground details, check the interactive plan available exclusively on rvplan.net.
Leaving Los Angeles, the landscape quickly shifts from urban sprawl to the striking silhouettes of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. This opening leg across California, Nevada, and Arizona is characterized by quirky roadside art, vast open skies, and unique agricultural stops. You will spend your driving hours marveling at the arid beauty, keeping the daily mileage reasonable to allow for spontaneous exploration of local points of interest and science sites.
As you cross New Mexico and enter the expansive territory of Texas, the sheer scale of the landscape takes over. This stage is all about hidden natural treasures and subterranean wonders. The driving stretches can feel longer here, but the rewards include stunning underground cave systems and unexpected desert oases perfect for swimming. It’s a spectacular region for family activities, hiking, and nature photography.
Transitioning from Texas into Louisiana, the environment transforms, becoming greener and deeply influenced by the Gulf Coast. The rhythm shifts from nature-focused exploration to cultural immersion. Expect to spend your days wandering through historic districts, browsing traditional markets, and discovering local industry. The pace naturally slows down as the distances between major cultural hubs decrease, allowing you ample time to soak in the local atmosphere.
The final leg carries you through Mississippi and down the length of Florida. Coastal driving brings abundant opportunities for wildlife watching, guided day tours, and relaxing on pristine sands. The journey culminates with a triumphant arrival in Miami, wrapping up 23 days of unforgettable cross-country memories along the southern shorelines.
This route is packed with diverse attractions spanning eight different states. While the specific daily schedule is available inside RV PLAN, here is a taste of the magnificent activities that await you:
To comfortably cover the 3,590 mi distance without feeling rushed, 23 days is the ideal timeframe. This allows you to drive manageable distances most days, leaving plenty of time for horseback riding, canoe trips, museum visits, and relaxing at your campsite.
Absolutely. If you want to experience the sheer diversity of the southern United States—from the arid deserts of Arizona and New Mexico to the lush bayous of Louisiana and the tropical beaches of Florida—this is the ultimate itinerary. It offers a perfect mix of historical sites, natural features, and family activities.
This route is exceptionally well-suited for families, couples, and long-term travelers looking for a comprehensive cross-country experience. With attractions ranging from amusement parks and aquariums to botanical gardens and fine dining, there is something to satisfy every travel style.
Spring and fall are generally the best times to tackle this southern route. During these seasons, you avoid the extreme summer heat of the western deserts and the peak humidity of the Gulf Coast, making outdoor activities and traditional visits much more enjoyable.
Planning a 23-day, one-way journey requires careful consideration of your rental vehicle. Because you are picking up in Los Angeles and dropping off in Miami, you will need to account for one-way drop fees, which vary by supplier. Additionally, with 3,590 mi of driving on the itinerary, ensure you understand the mileage allowances included in your rental package to avoid unexpected per-mile charges.
Your main expenses will fall into fuel, campground fees, food, and attraction tickets. By utilizing your motorhome's kitchen for meals and mixing stays between state parks and private RV resorts, you can manage your daily costs effectively. For exact, real-time pricing, one-way availability, and mileage packages tailored to your travel dates, use the RV PLANET search tools below.
A cross-country voyage from the Pacific to the Atlantic is a monumental travel achievement. Gather your family, prepare your itinerary, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime across eight incredible states. To view the complete day-by-day itinerary, interactive maps, and to secure your ideal motorhome, head over to the Los Angeles to Miami route on rvplan.net.
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 | Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Travellers Autobarn USA-26 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Native Campervans-24 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), El Monte-2026-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $1,100–$1,400 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $900–$1,400 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $700–$1,200 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $1,200–$1,600 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg for a Class C motorhome, $3.50/gallon average gas price, and a mix of public and private campgrounds during shoulder season. 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.

Transition from coastal cities into the vast southwestern desert, taking time to explore unique roadside attractions and ranch life at a relaxed pace.

Navigate the sweeping landscapes of the Southwest, cooling off in natural springs and diving deep into spectacular underground cave systems.

Trade desert horizons for vibrant southern cities, focusing on local markets, historical sites, and the rich cultural tapestry of the Gulf Coast.

Follow the coastline through the Deep South into the Sunshine State, enjoying dolphin cruises, historic beaches, and a relaxing pace toward your final destination.
Total cost for this 23-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 3,590 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Miami 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 Los Angeles 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| R 29-31 Road Bear RV-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Los Angeles → Miami route.
Picking up in Los Angeles but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: