Check out the Joshua Tree National Park and Channel Islands National Park to get more ideas for your Southern California 1 week itinerary!
*Last updated July 27, 2024
Southern California 1 Week Itinerary
Table of Contents (activities by day)
Day 1 – fly and drive
We flex into LAX. Also, we rented a class C RV from Cruise America. Lastly, we drove to Indian Waters RV Resort in Indio (near Coachella).
Day 2 – Palm Springs
We had some friends that were in the area, so we met up with them for dinner in Palm Springs. Afterwards, we swam at the campground pool.
Day 3 – Joshua Tree
We went to Joshua Tree National Park. Additionally, we started from the south entrance and drove north. Hike Skull Rock (1.7 miles), Cholla Cactus Garden (0.25 miles), Key’s View (0.25 miles), Indian Cove (0.6 miles) and Oasis of Mara (0.5 miles).
Day 4 – Aquarium of the Pacific
We visited Aquarium of the Pacific at Long Beach. Also, we stopped at Venice Beach and Santa Monica, and then drove to Malibu Beach RV Park.
Day 5 – Channel Islands National Park
We did a day trip, driving up to Ventura to take the ferry to Channel Islands National Park. Additionally, we visited Scorpion Island before return back to Malibu. However, there are other islands you can visit as well.
Day 6 – Malibu Beach
We spent the day at the Corral State Beach (across from the campground). Also, the sunset was magnificent! Unfortunately, my oldest daughter ran her face into a picnic table at dinner (Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market).
Day 7 – drive to Anaheim
We drove to Anaheim RV Park (with a stop at the emergency room to get an x-ray for our daughter’s eye to make sure there was no fracture). Additionally, we had time to swim at the campground.
Day 8 – Disneyland
We spent the day at Disneyland. Unfortunately, my daughter had the black eye in all the pictures from the aforementioned picnic table incident. Captain Hook even noticed and pointed at her eye.
Day 9 – Fly Home
On the final day, we dropped off the RV and flew home to Cincinnati.
Nearby
If you have additional time, be sure to check out other ideas in the Western Region. Also, you could also consider going to Death Valley National Park, Hearst Castle and San Francisco to the north, San Diego to the south. Additionally, there is also Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Pinnacles National Parks.