Top Vegan Vanlife Destinations in the US

Would you like a list of the best vegan vanlife destinations in the US that have excellent food, outdoor adventures, and van-friendly amenities?

Vanlife is all about freedom, adventure, and living on your own terms.

But when you’re vegan, finding the right places to park, eat, and explore can be a challenge.

Some cities and regions are way ahead of the curve when it comes to plant-based travel and eco-conscious living, making them perfect for vanlifers looking to stay true to their values on the road.

Save and Share these top vegan vanlife destinations

Portland, Oregon neon sign on top of an old brick building. Portland is one of the best vegan vanlife destinations in the US.
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1. Portland, Oregon

Vanlife Perks

Portland is a vegan-friendly vanlife paradise, packed with plant-based restaurants from casual food carts to upscale dining.

The city also has a strong eco-friendly culture, making it easy to find sustainable living options.

  • Plenty of overnight parking options, including rest areas and free vanlife camping USA spots on the outskirts.
  • Many grocery stores and farmers’ markets with organic and plant-based travel essentials.

Must-Try

The Bye and Bye, a vegan bar with legendary comfort food.

Outdoor Bonus

Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood offer incredible hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives just outside the city.

Asheville is a beautiful town in the mountains that is a great destination for vanlifers.
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2. Asheville, North Carolina

Vanlife Perks

This artsy mountain town is perfect for vanlifers who love nature and a tight-knit community feel. Asheville’s eco-conscious atmosphere makes it easy to find sustainable options.

  • Plenty of free camping spots in nearby national forests, allowing for long-term stays.
  • Lots of health food stores and co-ops stocked with vegan road trip essentials.

Must-Try

Plant, a fully vegan fine-dining experience.

Outdoor Bonus

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers breathtaking scenic drives and endless hiking trails.

Red Rocks in a distance in Sedona, AZ. A beautiful spot to visit if you are a vegan vanlifer like us. It's one of the top vegan vanlife destinations.
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3. Sedona, Arizona

Vanlife Perks

Sedona isn’t just breathtaking—it’s also a haven for vegan-friendly vanlife travelers.

  • Numerous free vanlife boondocking spots with incredible red rock views.
  • Many holistic and organic grocery options in town.

Must-Try

ChocolaTree, an organic, vegan café with a peaceful garden.

Outdoor Bonus

Endless hiking trails, plus energy vortex spots for a spiritual recharge.

Austin, TX downtown in a distance with river and river walk in the forefront. Another great place as vegan vanlife destinations.
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4. Austin, Texas

Vanlife Perks

Austin is a hotspot for plant-based travel, offering everything from vegan BBQ to Mexican-inspired dishes.

  • Several vanlife camping USA friendly overnight parking spots, plus a warm climate year-round.
  • Thriving farmers’ markets make it easy to stock up on fresh produce.

Must-Try

Arlo’s, a famous food truck serving some of the best vegan burgers.

Outdoor Bonus

Barton Springs and nearby Hill Country offer amazing swimming, hiking, and biking opportunities.

Sunsetting in Boulder, CO showing the mountains behind the town. It's a unique town to visit as a vegan vanlifer.
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5. Boulder, Colorado

Vanlife Perks

Boulder is a dream destination for eco-conscious travelers who love the outdoors.

  • Plenty of free and low-cost camping options in surrounding areas.
  • Many plant-based grocery stores and co-ops to stock up on vegan road trip essentials.

Must-Try

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant, a cozy spot with creative vegan dishes.

Outdoor Bonus

Rocky Mountain National Park is just an hour away, perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and stunning views.

Santa Cruz has so much natural beauty to visit, including ths natural arch bridge on the beach. It's one of the top vegan vanlife destinations in the US.
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6. Santa Cruz, California

Vanlife Perks

This laid-back beach town is perfect for vanlife for vegans who love the ocean and sustainable living.

  • Lots of parking near the coast and access to fresh, locally grown produce.
  • Strong zero-waste movement, making it easy to find package-free essentials.

Must-Try

Veg On The Edge, inside a food hall, is your chance to try a vegan West African dish if you’ve never. Obe Egusi is a must-try!

Outdoor Bonus

Big Sur and the Redwood forests are within a short drive, offering some of the most scenic vegan vanlife destinations for camping.

Even in the big city's hustle and bustle, San Diego is a great place for vegan vanlifers since their laws have changed in 2024!
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7. San Diego, California

Vanlife Perks

San Diego has recently legalized boondocking in 2024, making it a great stop for vanlifers.

  • Plenty of beachside overnight parking options.
  • A thriving vegan food scene with lots of diverse plant-based restaurants.

Must-Try

Kindred, a punk-rock vegan bar with incredible cocktails and food.

Outdoor Bonus

Torrey Pines State Reserve and Sunset Cliffs offer stunning coastal hikes and ocean views.

Bonus Tip: Finding Vegan Vanlife Destinations Essentials

No matter where you are, apps like HappyCow and iOverlander can help you locate vegan-friendly restaurants and overnight parking spots.

Stocking up on shelf-stable plant-based staples like canned beans, nuts, and grains also makes vanlife camping USA easier.

For a list of must-have Vanlife Essentials, check out my detailed guide.

And if you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal on the road, try this delicious vegan Cuban Picadillo recipe.

Q&A Section

What’s the best way to find vegan food at these vegan vanlife destinations?

Using apps like HappyCow and checking local farmers’ markets are great ways to find fresh, plant-based options no matter where you travel.

Are these destinations good for long-term van stays?

Yes! Most of these places have a mix of vanlife boondocking spots and van-friendly amenities, making them great for short visits or extended stays.

What’s a must-have staple for vegan vanlifers?

Stock up on dried grains, beans, nuts, and fresh produce. Many of these locations also have great local options for plant-based travel essentials.

Final Thoughts

Living a vegan-friendly vanlife while traveling full-time in a van is not just possible—it’s an amazing experience! Whether you’re looking for a thriving plant-based city or a remote vanlife boondocking spot with access to fresh, local food, these destinations make vanlife even better.

Where’s your favorite vegan vanlife destination? Drop a comment below and share your top spots! And don’t forget to subscribe for more vegan road trip tips and travel guides!

Photo credit:
  1. “Welcome to Portland- iPhone” by Jim_Nix is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 ↩︎
  2. “City of Asheville, North Carolina” by @CarShowShooter is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 ↩︎
  3. “Comescu House – 503 Chapel Hill Road – Sedona” by Al_HikesAZ is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ↩︎
  4. “Town Lake Boardwalk, Austin TX” by sbmeaper1 is licensed under CC CC0 1.0 ↩︎
  5. Deepak Adhikari on Unsplash ↩︎
  6. “Family Photo time, Santa Cruz, CA” by Gordon-Shukwit is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ↩︎
  7. “San Diego Skyline 2” by >WouteR< is licensed under CC BY 2.0 ↩︎

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