Southern California has a lot to offer RVers. Here are five free things to do when you’re visiting beautiful SoCal.
I’ll also toss in (at no extra charge 😉 ) three RV campgrounds where you can stay during your visit. Let’s get started!
Paramount Ranch
This iconic movie-set town sits in the Santa Monica Mountains near Agoura Hills. Wander among the old Western-town facades or stroll through chaparral and oak woodlands on easy trails.
Paramount Studios was one of the predominant motion picture studios from the mid-1920s into the 1940s. A total of 162 movies were filmed at Paramount Ranch between 1927 and 1943. It’s a fun place to visit!
Note: Before you go, check current access details or alerts.
Point Dume State Beach
Point Dume State Beach is a dramatic point on the Malibu coast where rugged cliffs meet the Pacific. Hike to the bluff overlook for panoramic ocean views. Scan the water for seasonal whale migrations and explore sandy coves and tidepools at low tide. Plan to arrive early on weekends.
Getty Center
The Getty Center in Brentwood, CA, offers free museum admission to world-class collections of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The collections are displayed in remarkable buildings. Stroll the Central Garden and terraces with views over LA.
Note: You’ll need to pay for parking.
Southern California Railway Museum
Located in Perris, this sprawling railway museum offers free admission and parking. The site offers visitors the chance to see an enormous collection of historic locomotives, streetcars, and railcars. On weekends, you can purchase inexpensive tickets for train or trolley rides through the yard. In addition, there are docent-guided exhibits and interactive displays that bring rail history to life.
Griffith Observatory
For RVers who love sweeping city panoramas and space geeks alike, the Griffith Observatory is a must-see. The Observatory offers free admission to its exhibits, telescopes, and outdoor terraces high above the city. Perched on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory lets you explore interactive astronomy displays, walk its scenic grounds, and peer through public telescopes when weather permits.
Don’t miss the rooftop public telescope viewing at night and great photo angles of the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Note: Planetarium shows have a small ticket cost, but most of what you’ll want to see is free.
Three centrally located RV parks
Where can you park your rig and still be relatively close to these five free sites? Consider these well-reviewed parks.
• Surf Outpost. This is a scenic coastal RV park right along the Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu’s beaches. RV sites overlook the ocean and put you close to Point Dume and scenic Pacific Coast Highway drives. Amenities include laundry, showers, and good cellular coverage. They are expensive, but the views are worth it. Spaces can fill up in peak season, so reservations are recommended.
• Hollywood RV Park. This highly regarded RV park is within Los Angeles proper. Its location provides easy access to the Getty Center, city sights, and a shorter overall drive to Malibu or Irvine than many out-of-town campgrounds. Reviewers praise the friendly staff and convenient location.
• Meadowbrook RV Park 55+. Located near Perris, this larger RV park offers full hookups and amenities. It’s ideal for visiting the Southern California Railway Museum and taking day trips to Orange County or LA. It’s a good choice if you want a comfortable midpoint between coastal stops and inland attractions.
Tips for RVers
Traffic in the LA metro can be heavy midday or during rush hours. Plan your drives early or later in the day. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks for outings like Point Dume or Paramount Ranch, where amenities are limited.
Can you recommend additional free attractions in SoCal? Share your favorites in the comments below.
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- Camp with the ghosts at this famous California ghost town
- Exploring California’s Highway 49 historic Gold Rush towns
- Visit Bodie, California, perhaps America’s best ghost town
RVT1246
Point Dume- when we used to ditch school and hitchhike to Zuma, we’d climb over those rocks to look at the “nudies” on the other side.
when we visit our son in Riverside, CA, we stay at Rancho Jurupa County Park in Riverside. It is very nice and has lots of pull throughs and reasonable rates.
Remember Rebel Without A Cause.