Three Days, Two Campsites, One Epic altCamp® Adventure
By: Allie Anthony
When it comes to spontaneous getaways that deliver both freedom and luxury, a weekend in an altCamp® camper van checks every box. With sleek interiors, built-in kitchenettes and all the comforts of home on wheels, these premium vans redefine the road trip experience. All we had to do was pack our bags and buy some groceries, and we were off on our adventure. We kicked off our weekend by picking up our Rincon van from altCamp® at their flagship location in Westminster. We were eager for a birthday celebration that blended coastal charm, countryside stops and campfire sunsets.
Night One: Malibu Magic at Surf Outpost
Our first stop was Surf Outpost (surfoutpost.co), Malibu’s top-rated campground perched right along the Pacific. We pulled into a prime oceanfront spot just in time to watch the sun dip below the waves—a postcard-perfect backdrop to kick off the birthday festivities. That evening, we swapped our cozy van setup for a night out at Lucky’s Malibu, an upscale American steakhouse known for its prime cuts and fresh seafood. With polished wood interiors and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Lucky’s was the perfect blend of classic sophistication and coastal ease. Safe to say, we were likely the only guests who rolled in from a camper van that night—adding a fun twist to an otherwise elegant dinner.
Day Two: Danish Pastries & Coastal Exploration
After waking up to the sound of crashing waves, we brewed coffee and made breakfast right in the van’s kitchenette, enjoying the breeze and morning views from our private slice of coastline. Other AltCamp amenities made the experience even more comfortable—an outdoor shower for rinsing off sandy feet, an awning for shade, and camp chairs perfect for taking in the outdoors. For those planning a coastal trip, we highly recommend bringing boogie boards, surfboards, or other water and beach toys, along with plenty of beach towels to fully enjoy the ocean.
Hitting the road again, we headed north to Solvang, the storybook Danish town tucked into California’s Santa Ynez Valley. With its charming shops, windmills and pastries galore, it made for a perfect midday stop. We wandered, sampled fresh-baked aebleskivers, and picked up a few souvenirs.
From there, we made another stop in Santa Barbara for a bit of shopping and sightseeing. With its Mediterranean-style architecture, palm-lined streets and laid-back charm, Santa Barbara offered the perfect blend of coastal elegance and casual fun.
Night Two: Wild Beauty at Jalama Beach
Next up: Jalama Beach (countyofsb.org/638/Jalama-Beach). Tucked away down a winding road past ranch land and rolling hills, this secluded spot is known for its rugged coastline and breathtaking sunsets. The moment we arrived, we understood the hype. With its panoramic views and peaceful vibes, it felt like we had discovered a well-kept secret. We set up camp, grilled dinner under the stars, and fell asleep to the sound of the waves just steps away.
AltCamp gave us the best of all worlds: spontaneous travel, cozy creature comforts, and the ability to chase adventure without sacrificing style. From upscale Malibu dining to starry nights on the sand, this was a birthday trip to remember—and a reminder that sometimes the best way to celebrate is to simply hit the road.
Insider Tip: If there's a campground you'd like to visit but it's currently sold out, set up an alert using CampScanner (campscanner.com). As soon as a site opens up, you'll be notified and can snag it before it's gone. Don’t give up hope if you’re not finding availability right away—many campsites reopen 24 hours before check-in when people cancel to receive a refund.
