Hello! My name is Bert, and I grew up in beautiful Southern California. I travel in a custom-built Ford Transit 250 van that I’ve dubbed “Ernie.” Like most van lifers, I grew weary of the 9–5 routine and wanted to travel to experience what the nation offers. From Canada to Baja, I’ve mostly traveled up and down the West Coast, experiencing amazing adventures and meeting some of the most incredible people. My experiences are shared on SoCalVanLife.com, where I assist other van lifers and travelers in finding the best excursions in Southern California and around our great nation.
Top Adventures
Bridge to Nowhere
Hiking to the Bridge to Nowhere is a fantastic option for van or RV nomads wishing to get out of the city and see a genuinely one-of-a-kind Los Angeles landmark
Vasquez Rocks
Vasquez Rocks is located in the high desert near Agua Dulce Springs and feature spectacular rock formations and a seasonal stream. The park is a popular hiking, picnicking, and
Avila Sea Caves
Avila Sea Caves is located south of Avril Beach and is a wonderful place to park your van and spend the day exploring Pirates Beach and the sea caves. The
Imperial Sand Dunes
The Imperial Sand Dunes, or Glamis, as the locals call it, is worth a visit for any van or RV nomad looking to explore one of SoCal’s greatest natural attractions.
Top Blogs
Best Beachfront Parking Between LA and San Diego
Every nomad who visits Southern California wants to go to a beach where they can park their van or RV and step out directly onto the sand. This is the
Sleeping in Your Vehicle in Southern California (Illegal or Not)
Many van and RV nomads want to visit sunny Southern California but cannot afford to spend an average of $70 a night to stay in a campground or RV resort.
Exploring the Adventurous Side of the Antelope Valley
The Antelope Valley is a wild desert oasis with fascinating wildlife, ancient artifacts, landscape, and aerospace history. It is the location where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier and where
Top 5 Beaches to Learn to Surf in Southern California for any Van or RV Nomad
There are many amazing beaches in Southern California, but not every beach is perfect for learning to surf. The top five beaches in Southern California for any van or RV