
Days 1-5 — Southern California to the Desert Southwest
~500–600 mi across this legTransition from the Pacific coast into the vast, arid landscapes of California and Arizona.
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| Total Time | 22 Days |
| Total Distance | 3,062 mi |
| Start / End | Los Angeles, California / Orlando, Florida |
| States Crossed | California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida |
| Best For | Families, history buffs, and slow-travel enthusiasts |
| Ideal Season | Spring or Autumn (to avoid extreme summer heat) |
Embarking on a cross-country motorhome journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic is a milestone travel experience. This 22-day itinerary takes you through the heart of the American Southwest and the deep Southeast, blending vast desert landscapes with rich coastal cultures. By choosing to travel in an RV, your family gains the ultimate flexibility to transition seamlessly from arid deserts to lush bayous without the friction of changing hotels or repacking luggage.
This route is uniquely suited for RV travel because it follows a relatively flat, southern trajectory that avoids high mountain passes, making for comfortable driving conditions even in a larger Class A or Class C vehicle. The 3,062 mi distance, when spread across three weeks, encourages a slow travel philosophy. You have the time to pull into scenic state parks, explore local heritage sites, and truly immerse yourself in the regional transitions that make a coast-to-coast journey so remarkable.
A successful cross-country road trip relies on a well-paced rhythm. Rather than rushing from point to point, this itinerary is designed in distinct stages to give you a taste of each unique region. For the comprehensive, day-by-day plan, be sure to unlock the full itinerary inside RV PLAN.
Leaving the bustling energy of Los Angeles, the first leg of your trip eases you into the vast, open spaces of the California and Arizona deserts. Expect long, scenic stretches of highway where the horizon stretches endlessly, offering a peaceful start to your slow-travel adventure.
As you cross into New Mexico and western Texas, the landscape shifts into dramatic mesas and wide-open skies. This stage involves some of the longest driving days, but the sweeping vistas and rich cultural heritage of the Southwest provide plenty of reasons to take your time and soak in the views.
Moving through the heart of Texas, the arid plains gradually give way to rolling hills and, eventually, the humid breezes of the Gulf Coast. The driving pace slows down here as you encounter more towns, historical sites, and opportunities to enjoy traditional regional cuisine.
Entering Louisiana and Alabama, the route becomes a coastal crawl through lush wetlands, bayous, and historic southern communities. The distances between key areas are shorter, allowing for leisurely mornings at the campground and unhurried afternoons exploring local industry and heritage.
The final stretch brings you into Florida, where the focus shifts to beaches, botanical gardens, and family activities. The drive toward Orlando is vibrant and engaging, culminating in a region famous for its world-class attractions and warm hospitality.
While the specific stops are detailed within the RV PLANET platform, this 3,062 mi journey is packed with diverse attractions that cater to every type of traveler.
We recommend dedicating a full 22 days to this journey. Covering 3,062 mi requires a steady pace, and a three-week timeline ensures you are driving comfortable distances while leaving ample room for exploration, rest, and unexpected discoveries.
Absolutely. A coast-to-coast trip is the pinnacle of RV travel. The sheer variety of landscapes—from Pacific beaches to Southwestern deserts, Texas plains, Louisiana bayous, and Florida sunshine—makes this an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime educational and bonding experience for families.
This itinerary is ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone who embraces the slow-travel mindset. Because the route avoids intense mountain driving, it is also highly recommended for first-time RV renters or those driving larger motorhomes.
Spring and Autumn are the optimal seasons for this southern route. Traveling during these shoulder seasons helps you avoid the extreme summer heat of the desert and the intense humidity of the Deep South, ensuring comfortable campground stays and pleasant outdoor activities.
Proper planning is essential for a 3,062 mi cross-country relocation. When organizing your motorhome rental, there are several logistical factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey.
For exact figures on rentals, one-way fees, and mileage packages, refer to the live pricing tools provided below.
A coast-to-coast journey from Los Angeles to Orlando is more than just a road trip; it is an epic exploration of America's southern landscapes and cultures. When you are ready to turn this dream into a reality, check out the full itinerary and secure your motorhome rental on RV PLANET. Safe travels and happy exploring!
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) | $950–$1,200 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $1,050–$1,680 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $600–$1,000 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $500–$700 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg for a Class C RV, $3.50/gallon average fuel price, and a mix of public and private campgrounds during shoulder seasons. 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 the Pacific coast into the vast, arid landscapes of California and Arizona.

Cruise through the cultural heart of New Mexico and the expansive horizons of Texas.

Experience the shift from rugged ranch lands to the humid, vibrant coastlines of the Lone Star State.

Navigate the rich history, local industries, and lush wetlands of Louisiana and Alabama.

Arrive in Florida for beaches, family activities, and the final stretch toward Orlando.
Total cost for this 22-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 3,062 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Orlando 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 → Orlando route.
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