This drive will take you from sunny San Diego to Los Angeles, up California’s rolling green hills to San Luis Obispo, then through San Jose to Lake Tahoe.
road trip? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the road from San Diego to Lake Tahoe.
You’ll start in San Diego, then take a short drive up to Los Angeles. From there, you’ll head to beautiful San Luis Obispo, then to San Jose—and finally to one of California’s gems, Lake Tahoe.
Make sure you’re ready for your road trip by getting emergency roadside assistance with the
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We hope you’re excited about your San Diego to Lake Tahoe road trip, and no need to stress over the details—we’ve gone ahead and planned the trip for you!
($$): This spot is located in downtown San Diego and specializes in fried chicken. Almost every entree has fried chicken, but there are various salad bowl options for health-conscious eaters. There’s also a great bar with a unique cocktail menu!
($): Tacos el Gordo is a hugely popular Mexican food joint, and can usually be found with a long line out the door—but it’s worth the wait! Be sure to get a few different types of tacos—we recommend carnitas (shredded pork) and asada (steak).
: Old Town is the perfect spot for travelers. Old Town is a state historic park that commemorates the first Spanish settlement in California. Old Town hosts various local vendors who all offer free samples from their shops—you can try some fresh-made tortillas, olive oil, or chocolate, to name a few!
The drive from San Diego to Los Angeles isn’t too far, and it will only take you a couple of hours (unless, of course, you hit some of that lovely LA traffic).
To make your way from San Diego to Los Angeles, take I-5 N for a direct route with unmissable ocean views.
($$): This churrascaria is a surprisingly affordable Brazilian steakhouse with a couple of locations in LA. Grab some sides from the hot bar buffet (trust us—they’re good) and then order your freshly seared meat to top off your plate.
($$$): Sugarfish is one of the most popular (and trendy) sushi spots in LA, and for good reason. Sugarfish will serve you simple, classic sushi rolls, and always with the highest quality seafood.
($): And when you need a caffeine kick, Coffee Commissary has a handful of locations around the LA area. (Plus, the Burbank location has a killer brunch menu!)
: Griffith Observatory is a go-to LA lookout spot, great for tourists and locals alike. Near the observatory is Griffith Park, a large and expansive park in the middle of LA. Unwind and throw around a frisbee in the lush greenery.
: We recommend checking out The Getty Villa, a museum right off coastal Highway 1 in Malibu, just outside of LA. The museum hosts mostly sculptures from various areas around the world, and it’s situated on a stunning seaside hill. You’ll get breathtaking views of the Pacific from the curated gardens.
Pro Tip: Check out Airbnb for affordable accommodations—LA has lots of Airbnb hosts with super cute places to stay!
Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo
189 miles, 3 hours 23 minutes
The drive from LA to San Luis Obispo takes about three hours by Highway 101—but, if you want to take the scenic route, take Highway 1 up the coast at the start of this drive. You’ll drive through Santa Barbara (stop off for a quick dunk in the ocean!) before continuing through rolling green hills to SLO, one of California’s quintessential college towns.
But don’t worry—it’s a college town, but it’s full of charm and fun activities!
($$$): Mistura is a contemporary Peruvian eatery in SLO, is a great spot for all foodies. The menu gives you a taste of Peru—with many of the organic ingredients coming from the restaurant’s own garden!
: Head down to Pismo Beach for a day at the water—whether you want to swim or surf or just hang out on the beach. It might get chilly, so make sure you bring some warm clothes!
: Outdoors lovers will enjoy hiking Bishop’s Peak, SLO’s most popular hiking trail. It’s difficult but totally rewarding, and it gives you great views of the area!
: This is a lovely little inn close to access to the SLO Creek and trails. Its refined country-style rooms will be sure to relax you after a day of driving. Cost per night: from $125
Next, you’ll continue up 101 for a little less than three hours into the heart of Silicon Valley. San Jose will offer you everything you want, from diverse cuisine to proximity to countless fun activities.
For this leg of the trip, you’re headed back onto US-101 N.
($$): Wanting a more sophisticated (but cozy) sit-down meal? Ludwig's Biergarten brings you some of the best German beers and food offerings—from soft pretzel starters to spaetzle to schnitzel. Make sure you get the beer cheese sauce with your pretzel!
: With family? Check out the Tech Museum downtown. It has entertainment (and education!) for children and adults alike. It also puts you in the center of downtown, amidst lots of other food and entertainment options. The Comedy Club in downtown SJ is a great place for adults to grab a few drinks and have some laughs.
: Want to get outside? Try hiking Mission Peak, San Jose’s prized hike that gives you stellar views of the city. The hike has zero shade, so you’re better off going early in the morning or on a cooler day.
: This branch of the Hilton Curio Collection is a superb place to stay in San Jose. Its modern suites and upscale Spanish colonial-style architecture will remind you of the city’s history. Cost per night: from $146
San Jose to Lake Tahoe
231 miles, 3 hours 41 minutes
Finally, you’ll drive about three and a half hours to your final destination: Lake Tahoe! Tahoe will give you the truest sense of what California has to offer in the way of natural beauty. There’s a reason this destination is sought after by so many!
For this final stretch of the trip, take I-680 N and I-80 E for Lake Tahoe.
Where to eat at Lake Tahoe
Although camping is probably the best way to experience Lake Tahoe (at least in the summers), the area is set up to accommodate all sorts of travelers—and with that, there’s lots of great dining.
: You can’t go to Lake Tahoe without enjoying the lake. Spend your days swimming in the chilly water in the summers—or ski and snowboard in the winters! Don’t worry, you can
: Not feeling like setting up camp after your trip? Stop by Hotel Azure for a night of rest. With an outdoor pool, landscaped gardens, and a rental bike program, you’ll be getting an authentic Tahoe experience without having to set up a tent. Cost per night: from $99
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