I tried van lifing in Cali a year ago when I started and I had the same feelings you guys are having. I didn't stay more than a few days. But now I'm back after being on the road for a year and it's a completely different experience. I haven't struggled at all to find spots. I think a year on the road has hardened me a bit. Although I can tell the locals are really fed up with van campers. I've had several people drive by honking their horns and flashing their lights. Definitely not the friendliest place.
Please don’t let the folks you have interacted with leave you thinking - oof! Southern California gal here, who moved to the East Coast years back. Think about the %s, there are just way more people there than Maine to compare to. I’m temped to offer up my parent’s driveway if you stop in Huntington Beach. ❤
We can’t thank you enough, it came out SO good! It’s truly our favorite one yet! We are traveling Route 66 from Santa Monica to Flagstaff, AZ and we’re challenging ourselves to take 66 Polaroids! We are 15 in and this one is the best one yet! We are going to include them in our video that we were filming which we will post in a couple weeks! Thank you so much for checking out our channel! -Cody
Alabama Hills in Ca, has free camping access, Northern California (Jenner) has a few great campgrounds, but they are paid. I have stayed right on the ocean but it was $40. I lived in Santa Cruz for two years and van lifers parked there regularly.
We're excited to get back to California at some point, especially northern Cali! We got just a small taste of the PCH when we were going to our campground(Leo Carrillo) in Malibu and now it's pretty high on the list to do that road trip! Thanks for watching and leaving us this helpful comment, we appreciate the support! -Cody
Hahahahaha this comment had me in tears I was laughing so hard! He got some exercise later in the day but he was definitely boycotting getting back in! Thanks for watching! -Cody
p.s. Yep, despite the nice weather, CA is in decline. It isn't so much that CA has cracked down on normal vanlifers; it's that we are completely overrun with homeless from all around the country and the world, and many of them are not just nice people down on their luck--all too often, they are drug addicts and unmedicated mentally ill people who can be violent and dangerous. Lot of gang members, too. We have a shantytown camp in our small city that is actually really frightening. They are running human and drug trafficking aggressively out of there, fires, overdoses and shootings are frequent, and the accumulated garbage and filth is unbelievable. Other people have ruined it for you. And people keep supporting it with their votes. Our government is totally corrupt. It's really heartbreaking. Anyway....sigh. Two notes: CA does have lots of state forest and BLM land where you CAN camp for free. Go check that out! And just a note--the flower bushes by that first host guy's house aren't roses. They're camellias!
I don't know where you park but I have no problem parking everywhere here in southern California and I just moved here. I am surprised there are lots of available parking everywhere here in Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Santa Monica anywhere here on the Pacific coast. I am from northern California I can easily park anywhere there too.
We didn’t try any boondocking just based on local iOverlander reviews while we were in SoCal, just wasn’t worth the worrying while trying to sleep somewhere we shouldn’t be! Especially since we look like an RV on the outside but I’m sure it can be done! We’re excited to get back out to the PCH and see Northern California(crossing our fingers it’s easier traveling than southern)! -Cody
We know it can be done and you can push the limits but I’d have it in the back of my head the whole night while trying to sleep and that personally just isn’t worth it to me. Thanks for watching and leaving us a comment! -Cody
I'm born and raised in Norcal. I've been stealth camping in my 22 foot shuttle bus for about a year mostly in CA, OR, WA, AZ, UT and so far no issues/tickets/or knocks at night. Just have to know where to park. I usually park in areas with apartments, and industrial areas,. CA is transient state, people move here from all over the US and there are many immigrants from all over the world so sometimes cultures clash or neighbors just don't make the effort to get to know their neighbors. Everyone is friendly but they can be cautious of strangers.
@@CodyandJillian I live in Michigan, and I've been thinking about doing this part time. The west coast of Michigan is beautiful from Ludington north to the tip of the Leelanau peninsula. The water is crystal clear.
Thank you so much for watching!! It was definitely not what we expected for Cali but we made some amazing memories! Thanks again for watching and leaving us a comment, as well as offering us the driveway! -Cody
@@CodyandJillian It's a beautiful place, glad you got to visit despite the van ordinances. They are all very recent as an outcome of the 2020 overload.
Feel free to contact me if you make your way to Sac. You can park at my house. I'm not on HH, but a part-time vanlifer, soon to be full-time vanlifer who knows the downside to California's strict rules. Northern California is a little easier, and nicer....lol.
Thank you so much for watching and for offering us a place to park! We ended up heading to Santa Monica and starting our Route 66 road trip back to AZ! Next we think we’re heading back to Cali because we got a little taste of the PCH and really want to take that to see Northern California, just crossing our fingers that it’s easier than SoCal! -Cody
@@CodyandJillian northern California coast is amazing! Make sure you check out Fern Canyon! They filmed parts of Jurassic park there. It’s a very special place and you definitely feel energy there.
That is the plan! We got a small taste of the Pacific Coast Highway when we stayed at a state park in Malibu and now we’re can’t stop thinking about it! We can’t wait to explore more! -Cody
Tomorrow we will be crossing back into Arizona! It has been way easier now that we’re away from the coast, definitely frees up a lot of mental space when there are at least some options. Thanks for watching!! -Cody
You know we love your adventurous spirits, but did you find it at all uncomfortable staying in someone's driveway? I'm thinking from a privacy standpoint. Another great video. Thank you for sharing
Dang!! We have already rolled out of that area but we will keep that in mind if we end up back in town! Thank you so much for watching, leaving us a comment, and for that offer! -Cody
We love the balance of city life and then going out remote! We always find ourselves missing being around people and the conveniences they offer. Thanks for watching! -Cody
We still had a blast while we were in Cali, just took a toll on our budget compared to all the free overnights we had got used to! We are doing Route 66 back into AZ but we are excited to do a Pacific Coast Highway roadtrip a little later on this year! Hopefully it’s a little easier as we head north! Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave us a comment! -Cody
We did have a blast in California, it’s just not set up for van life at all(sleeping, gas prices, etc). I’d be lying if I said it that we truly enjoyed our time there, it felt so good to be next to the ocean! We’re excited to check out Northern California and the rest of the coastal states! -Cody
You guys need to travel to the LA County area Orange County San Diego County to conservative. The further north you come and more friendly it becomes. Orange County and San Diego County sucks!!! So don't judge the beautiful euphonious mellifluous Southern California based on San Diego.
We got just a small touch of the PCH in Malibu and now we can’t wait to head north and check out more of California! We absolutely loved the state and being next to the ocean but it was just hard to find free places to sleep! More videos of Cali are coming for sure, thanks for watching and leaving us a comment! -Cody
I just have to say that I am saddened that you guys are going to judge a state over four and a half times the size of your precious Maine, by your experience in San Diego. And the nice gentleman host may have sounded unfriendly, yet he let you stay on his property and enabled you to sleep securely for a couple nights. Meanwhile, you guys might have sounded friendly yet you bad mouthed him on your channel. I think you guys are better than that. I’m hoping this state bashing, based on your extremely limited experience is an anomaly. I’m hoping you guys have the experience of your lives. That’s going to take some kindness to people who are different from what you are accustomed.
The thing to remember about these vlogs is that we’re filming them live, we don’t pre-record our answers or anything so me saying “he seems friendly” was a gut reaction and laughing based on other conversations we had off camera that day. Does that mean that I’m bashing him or didn’t treat him with kindness? Absolutely not! We had a great time at his place and spent most nights together hanging in his garage. Do we still think that the southern California’s have a different way of carrying a conversation that we are used to? Yes we do, that’s totally fine but this vlog we want to share our experience, and that’s our experience! We can’t wait to get back to Cali and travel up the PCH to explore the rest of the state! Appreciate you tuning in and sharing your thoughts! -Cody
I stumbled across your channel, and I’m hooked on your sincerity and warmth. Love your dog too. Stay safe. 🤎🇬🇧🥰
We’re so glad you’re here!! Thank you so much for watching and leaving us this comment, we truly appreciate your support! -Cody
I tried van lifing in Cali a year ago when I started and I had the same feelings you guys are having. I didn't stay more than a few days. But now I'm back after being on the road for a year and it's a completely different experience. I haven't struggled at all to find spots. I think a year on the road has hardened me a bit. Although I can tell the locals are really fed up with van campers. I've had several people drive by honking their horns and flashing their lights. Definitely not the friendliest place.
Please don’t let the folks you have interacted with leave you thinking - oof!
Southern California gal here, who moved to the East Coast years back. Think about the %s, there are just way more people there than Maine to compare to. I’m temped to offer up my parent’s driveway if you stop in Huntington Beach. ❤
Wow, California looks pretty much challenging. Have a safe trip and try to enjoy as much as possible! Kisses to Cliff! XX
Great to see y’all today. 👍. Cali is rough these days. Thanks for the photos. How did the Polaroid turn out?
We can’t thank you enough, it came out SO good! It’s truly our favorite one yet! We are traveling Route 66 from Santa Monica to Flagstaff, AZ and we’re challenging ourselves to take 66 Polaroids! We are 15 in and this one is the best one yet! We are going to include them in our video that we were filming which we will post in a couple weeks! Thank you so much for checking out our channel! -Cody
Alabama Hills in Ca, has free camping access, Northern California (Jenner) has a few great campgrounds, but they are paid. I have stayed right on the ocean but it was $40. I lived in Santa Cruz for two years and van lifers parked there regularly.
We're excited to get back to California at some point, especially northern Cali! We got just a small taste of the PCH when we were going to our campground(Leo Carrillo) in Malibu and now it's pretty high on the list to do that road trip! Thanks for watching and leaving us this helpful comment, we appreciate the support! -Cody
The dog is like wtf that was 30 second outside I’ve hardly worked up a dump
Hahahahaha this comment had me in tears I was laughing so hard! He got some exercise later in the day but he was definitely boycotting getting back in! Thanks for watching! -Cody
p.s. Yep, despite the nice weather, CA is in decline. It isn't so much that CA has cracked down on normal vanlifers; it's that we are completely overrun with homeless from all around the country and the world, and many of them are not just nice people down on their luck--all too often, they are drug addicts and unmedicated mentally ill people who can be violent and dangerous. Lot of gang members, too. We have a shantytown camp in our small city that is actually really frightening. They are running human and drug trafficking aggressively out of there, fires, overdoses and shootings are frequent, and the accumulated garbage and filth is unbelievable. Other people have ruined it for you. And people keep supporting it with their votes. Our government is totally corrupt. It's really heartbreaking.
Anyway....sigh. Two notes: CA does have lots of state forest and BLM land where you CAN camp for free. Go check that out! And just a note--the flower bushes by that first host guy's house aren't roses. They're camellias!
Where is all this BLM land you speak of? The only BLM land I know of in California is in the desert areas.
I don't know where you park but I have no problem parking everywhere here in southern California and I just moved here. I am surprised there are lots of available parking everywhere here in Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Santa Monica anywhere here on the Pacific coast. I am from northern California I can easily park anywhere there too.
We didn’t try any boondocking just based on local iOverlander reviews while we were in SoCal, just wasn’t worth the worrying while trying to sleep somewhere we shouldn’t be! Especially since we look like an RV on the outside but I’m sure it can be done! We’re excited to get back out to the PCH and see Northern California(crossing our fingers it’s easier traveling than southern)! -Cody
You have to know where to find the good spots.I've seen a guy camping in a grocery parking lot for almost two weeks now.
And it's about a 30 foot RV.
We know it can be done and you can push the limits but I’d have it in the back of my head the whole night while trying to sleep and that personally just isn’t worth it to me. Thanks for watching and leaving us a comment! -Cody
I'm born and raised in Norcal. I've been stealth camping in my 22 foot shuttle bus for about a year mostly in CA, OR, WA, AZ, UT and so far no issues/tickets/or knocks at night. Just have to know where to park. I usually park in areas with apartments, and industrial areas,. CA is transient state, people move here from all over the US and there are many immigrants from all over the world so sometimes cultures clash or neighbors just don't make the effort to get to know their neighbors. Everyone is friendly but they can be cautious of strangers.
What if you park you RV and sleep on the sidewalk?
Now that’s some creative thinking lol! Thanks for watching!! -Cody
@@CodyandJillian I live in Michigan, and I've been thinking about doing this part time. The west coast of Michigan is beautiful from Ludington north to the tip of the Leelanau peninsula. The water is crystal clear.
california spent $24 billion and doesn't know where it went but they worry about people living in a van.... LOL$24 billion!!!!
That is insane!! We really couldn’t believe that they enforced it but we still had a blast in Cali regardless! Thanks for watching!! -Cody
lol with all of the folks watching your videos, you should be able to stay with them in every state. Yep, You can stay in my driveway Md for free!.
Thank you so much for watching!! It was definitely not what we expected for Cali but we made some amazing memories! Thanks again for watching and leaving us a comment, as well as offering us the driveway! -Cody
You are in Encinitas not Ensenada...you were correct that first time. That's Swami's Beach
Hahahaha I could not wrap my head around how to say that! Thanks for watching! -Cody
@@CodyandJillian It's a beautiful place, glad you got to visit despite the van ordinances. They are all very recent as an outcome of the 2020 overload.
Feel free to contact me if you make your way to Sac. You can park at my house. I'm not on HH, but a part-time vanlifer, soon to be full-time vanlifer who knows the downside to California's strict rules. Northern California is a little easier, and nicer....lol.
Thank you so much for watching and for offering us a place to park! We ended up heading to Santa Monica and starting our Route 66 road trip back to AZ! Next we think we’re heading back to Cali because we got a little taste of the PCH and really want to take that to see Northern California, just crossing our fingers that it’s easier than SoCal! -Cody
@@CodyandJillian northern California coast is amazing! Make sure you check out Fern Canyon! They filmed parts of Jurassic park there. It’s a very special place and you definitely feel energy there.
Hey! Would love to connect with you two to get you a pair of our newly launched travel shoes.
Let’s do it! Send me some details on IG @Codycvideo!
Oh no! Don’t let Southern California turn you off the rest of the state. Work your way north!
That is the plan! We got a small taste of the Pacific Coast Highway when we stayed at a state park in Malibu and now we’re can’t stop thinking about it! We can’t wait to explore more! -Cody
I say time to leave California. Less stress on you all!
Tomorrow we will be crossing back into Arizona! It has been way easier now that we’re away from the coast, definitely frees up a lot of mental space when there are at least some options. Thanks for watching!! -Cody
You know we love your adventurous spirits, but did you find it at all uncomfortable staying in someone's driveway? I'm thinking from a privacy standpoint. Another great video. Thank you for sharing
Can you bring me home a palm tree🌴 lol ❤❤❤❤
lol I’m not sure if that would fit in the van… they grow them pretty big out here hahaha! Love ya! -Cody
@CodyandJillian lol... well Jill could keep alive a baby one for me.. hehe
only thing i liked in CA is Lone Pine.
Good to know that cali is not van life friendly, if you guys are ever in Michigan , you can totally stay in our property
You could park in front of my airbnb in Leucadia for a cheap charge.
Dang!! We have already rolled out of that area but we will keep that in mind if we end up back in town! Thank you so much for watching, leaving us a comment, and for that offer! -Cody
Is this offer still up?
Van life is not supposed to be for city living.
We love the balance of city life and then going out remote! We always find ourselves missing being around people and the conveniences they offer. Thanks for watching! -Cody
ORDER FOR GILL 🐠
Omg I laughed so hard! I think I said that for the rest of the day! Hahahaha
California isn't what it use to be... Sorry guys. Head north.
We still had a blast while we were in Cali, just took a toll on our budget compared to all the free overnights we had got used to! We are doing Route 66 back into AZ but we are excited to do a Pacific Coast Highway roadtrip a little later on this year! Hopefully it’s a little easier as we head north! Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave us a comment! -Cody
Right now Cali sucks for everything.
We did have a blast in California, it’s just not set up for van life at all(sleeping, gas prices, etc). I’d be lying if I said it that we truly enjoyed our time there, it felt so good to be next to the ocean! We’re excited to check out Northern California and the rest of the coastal states! -Cody
You guys need to travel to the LA County area Orange County San Diego County to conservative. The further north you come and more friendly it becomes. Orange County and San Diego County sucks!!! So don't judge the beautiful euphonious mellifluous Southern California based on San Diego.
We got just a small touch of the PCH in Malibu and now we can’t wait to head north and check out more of California! We absolutely loved the state and being next to the ocean but it was just hard to find free places to sleep! More videos of Cali are coming for sure, thanks for watching and leaving us a comment! -Cody
I just have to say that I am saddened that you guys are going to judge a state over four and a half times the size of your precious Maine, by your experience in San Diego.
And the nice gentleman host may have sounded unfriendly, yet he let you stay on his property and enabled you to sleep securely for a couple nights.
Meanwhile, you guys might have sounded friendly yet you bad mouthed him on your channel.
I think you guys are better than that. I’m hoping this state bashing, based on your extremely limited experience is an anomaly. I’m hoping you guys have the experience of your lives. That’s going to take some kindness to people who are different from what you are accustomed.
The thing to remember about these vlogs is that we’re filming them live, we don’t pre-record our answers or anything so me saying “he seems friendly” was a gut reaction and laughing based on other conversations we had off camera that day. Does that mean that I’m bashing him or didn’t treat him with kindness? Absolutely not! We had a great time at his place and spent most nights together hanging in his garage. Do we still think that the southern California’s have a different way of carrying a conversation that we are used to? Yes we do, that’s totally fine but this vlog we want to share our experience, and that’s our experience! We can’t wait to get back to Cali and travel up the PCH to explore the rest of the state! Appreciate you tuning in and sharing your thoughts! -Cody
You guys are so brave!! Hopefully you can at least find some good vegan tacos in California!