The Ultimate Southern California Van Glamping Guide
Written by Rachel Konforti, CoFounder + Marketing Manager of The Glamper Camper
Your Ultimate Guide to Glamping in Southern California: Everything You Need to Know
Southern California is one of the best places in America for experiencing the camper van life – you'll be ready to hit the road when you're done reading this.
WFH doesn't have to be from your typical office space. Shake things up a bit and rent a camper van with a fully functional work space so that you can still make it look like you're working hard in those Zoom meetings. The Glamper Camper was built with remote working professionals in mind. We wanted to provide our WFH glampers with a home on wheels that allows you to still be efficient 9 to 5 with the perk of going for a hike during your lunch break & having an unreal sunset view.
#1: How to find a WFH on wheels
With van travel being at an all time high, the possibilities these days are truly endless to find your perfect home on wheels. We wanted to provide you with a comprehensive list of options. We're personally biased and recommend finding us on Outdoorsy or Boho.life. Fun fact: Boho is the company that built out The Glamper Camper. Boho was featured on Shark Tank & acquired Barbara Corcoran as their partner.
First time renter on Outdoorsy? DM @theglampercamper before creating an account on Outdoorsy & we'll send you a link to book with an added discount!
#2: Where to fly into?
You'll want to fly in to San Diego International Airport (SAN). San Diego is about a 15 minute Uber or Lyft to pick up The Glamper Camper which is located in La Jolla. We also offer drop off services if renting through Outdoorsy. Can't find a good flight in to SAN? You can also check out Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) or John Wayne Airport (SNA). You'll even get an incredible view of the harbor as you leave the airport.
Pro tip: If flying in at a busy time and noticing Uber or Lyft surcharges, ask a taxi for a ride! The taxi ride to The Glamper Camper is about $40.
#3: Where to glamp?
Southern California has some of the best camping in America. With San Diego being so close to multiple different terrains, you can't possible get bored experiencing van life in Southern California or trekking north. Here are a few of our favorites:
San Elijo State Beach
San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Joshua Tree National Park - a short 2 hour drive from San Diego
Mount Laguna - great for hiking & camping
Idyllwyld - located within Mount San Jacinto State Park & has gorgeous hikes
Big Bear Mountain & Lake
Rincon Beach in Ventura County - a surfer's paradise. Home to an incredible right point break. If you're lucky enough to snag a campsite at Faria Beach Park you'll have an oceanfront site.
Big Sur. Enough said.
Monterey
Morro Bay - make sure you stop in Paso Robles if wine is your thing.
Santa Barbara - we recommend checking out El Capitan State Beach as a potential place to camp.
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon
Yosemite National Park - 7 hour drive from San Diego but worth it! We took The Glamper Camper up to Yosemite in December on a cold weekend when it was in the 20s. The van is well insulated so we were happy to have a cozy retreat, especially at night. The van has really made camping more feasible in the cold months of Northern California.
#4: Food. Enough said.
If staying in San Diego, we have quite the list of "must try" food spots for you foodies out there. Some may say I like to taste my way through new cities. Let's just say I have done plenty of "research" to bring your this list of food recommendations in San Diego.
Oscar's Mexican Seafood: OK, this is a MUST TRY. I personally recommend the mixed ceviche, smoked fish taco, battered fish taco, and flour quesadilla. You may be thinking "why would I order just a cheese dilla?" Well, it will hands down be the best dilla you'll ever eat. http://www.oscarsmexicanseafood.com/
Taco Stand: This is a classic. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! https://letstaco.com/
Mr. Motos Pizza: My absolute favorite pizza in all of America. I once was even banned from their establishment. That's a story for another day. Let's just say I met Mr. Moto in person and now I welcomed back with open arms. https://mrmotopizza.com/
La Jolla Farmer's Market on a Sunday: Vendors from all over come together every Sunday & whip up incredible food! This is a great chance to get yourself a souvenir from a local artisan as well.
Pacific Beach Fish Shop: Haven't personally had the chance to go here but I hear it is bomb! https://thefishshops.com/
Caroline's Seaside Cafe: If you're looking for breakfast or lunch with an unbeatable view, this is your spot. https://carolinesseasidecafe.com/
This list should get you started! Just writing about all these places made my stomach growl. Seems like you're ready to hit the road. Stay tuned for more blogs about local things to do, favorite hikes to hit in San Diego, and tips for glamping! We'd love to help you plan your next California adventure, shoot us a DM if you have any questions! @theglampercamper
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