The Must-Do Road Trip from San Diego to Lake Tahoe
Take the iconic Pacific Coast Highway through spots like Malibu, Paso Robles, and Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks on your San Diego to Lake Tahoe road trip.
Take the iconic Pacific Coast Highway through must-see spots like Malibu, Paso Robles, and Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks on your way to beautiful Lake Tahoe.
drives are an iconic part of American car culture, and a road trip from San Diego to Lake Tahoe hits tons of famous spots. From gorgeous beaches to arid deserts, you’ll find lots of popular sites (and some hidden gems!) as you make your way north.
To help you make the most of your journey, car insurance comparison and broker app Jerry has put together an eight-day itinerary that includes not-to-miss activities, restaurants, and views.
But don’t hit the road without roadside assistance and
has you covered. Jerry’s roadside assistance program starts at just $6.99 for one vehicle and will give you peace of mind so that you can enjoy every second of your San Diego to Lake Tahoe road trip.
Key trip details
Distance: 928 miles
Driving time: 18 hours and 48 minutes
Suggested length of trip: 3 to 5 days
This is definitely a trip that requires some stops along the way, so why not take advantage of the drive and get the most out of every stop? And feel free to add time to any city on the way there or back!
Itinerary
San Diego, CA—1 to 2 days
Santa Monica, CA—Half a day
Santa Barbara, CA—1 to 2 days
Solvang, CA—Half a day
Paso Robles, CA—Half a day
Sequoia National Forest—1 day
Yosemite National Park—Half a day
Lake Tahoe—1 to 2 days
Start in San Diego
Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Monica
134 miles, 2.5 hours
There’s lots to do and see on the drive from San Diego to Santa Monica. And while it might take about two hours without stops, where’s the fun in that?
Taking the PCH rather than the 405 might add some travel time to your day, but it’s well worth it for the gorgeous views along the coast. Stop in some of the many beach communities you’ll pass along the way for good eats—and maybe to take a dip in the ocean!
: Bed in for the night at Shore Hotel Santa Monica, a trendy place across from the beach. Opting for a room with an ocean view makes for the perfect night of relaxation. Cost per night: from $349.
(Newport, $$): Try lunch at this spot located along the PCH between Laguna and Newport Beach. Be sure to grab a burger combo and an oreo wintermint shake!
(Santa Monica, $$): There are loads of good restaurants in Santa Monica, but Caribbean-style Cha-Cha Chicken is a good one for casual, tasty fare all in a comfortable, colorful atmosphere.
: When you arrive in Santa Monica, take an evening stroll along the pier. With an amusement park, concession stands, and oceanside views, it’s a sight to see all lit up at night!
Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Pacific Coast Highway with stops in Malibu and Carpinteria
112 miles, 2 hours
The stretch from LA to Santa Barbara isn’t a long trip, but it’s one of the most scenic in the state. The route passes through the iconic seaside town of Malibu, the surf city of Ventura, beautiful Ojai, and the laid-back town of Carpinteria, so there’s lots to do and see as you go.
Unless you hit the road really early or really late, you’ll likely hit some traffic. Crank the tunes, sit back, and enjoy the scenery as you drive (no matter how slowly). You can worry about traffic another day.
: If you want a unique experience, check out this glamping spot just outside the city. Guests can stay in cabins, yurts, or safari tents under the scenic Santa Ynez mountains.
: Walk along these beaches in Malibu and keep an eye out for possible dolphins and sea lions in the ocean.
Explore Carpinteria’s beaches: Make sure to check out these beaches only a few miles south of Santa Barbara! Grab your swimming gear and paddle out to the platforms in the surf—a great spot to soak in some rays.
California’s central coast is home to some incredible wineries, but the small village of Solvang offers something different: Danish-style architecture and atmosphere. On your way up to Paso Robles, it’s a unique stop that will leave you wondering whether you’re still in California!
: One of the best accommodations that Paso Robles has to offer. Pro tip: The boutique spot off the main square serves complimentary s’mores every evening! Cost per night: from $370.
(Solvang, $$): Grab breakfast from this spot in the Scandinavian enclave of Solvang. You can’t go wrong with any of their cookies, pastries, or sweet treats!
Swim at Avila Beach: Drive back out to the coast and check out these beautiful beaches! It’ll be busy on weekends, but it’s one of the finest beach towns along the central coast.
Get outdoors among some of the world’s largest trees
157 miles, 3 hours
Strap in for a dramatic change in scenery, from rolling vineyards to pine forests. Sequoia National Park is home to some of the biggest trees in the world—not to mention huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, and more.
: As the only proper hotel in the park, Wuksachi Lodge is the best option if you don’t have camping gear. Their suites are cozy, affordable places to spend the night. Cost per night: from $179.
Where to eat from Paso Robles to Sequoia National Park
($): Break up your big journey with lunch at this food truck just off highway 198 outside Sequoia National Park. They offer "Dilla of the Day" specials alongside "Build Your Own Quesadilla" where customers get to choose their protein, cheese, two fillings and two sides.
: There’s loads to do among the tallest trees in the world. A good introduction to the park is Giant Forest. It’s home to General Sherman Tree, the largest living organism in the world at over 275 feet tall!
Buckle up for a riveting drive! You’ll bend through the Sierra Nevada and settle into green, rolling Mariposa County before climbing back up into beautiful Yosemite National Park. The drive there is almost as stunning as the park itself.
: If you’re up for glamping, Yosemite is rife with choices. Yosemite Pines is home to some spacious and quirky lodgings, including yurts. Cost per night: from $30.
: If you’re looking for a more classy stay, Wawona Hotel presents a rustic, classic mountain feel at a good rate. It's authentic Victorian architecture and comfy rooms make this the perfect stop to catch some zzz’s. Cost per night: from $153.
($$-$$$): Once you’re inside the park, this restaurant located in the heart of Yosemite Valley is your best bet for dining! Sitting out on their porch and enjoying their food and drinks makes for the perfect summer night.
: Located in the southern section of Yosemite, this is the largest sequoia grove in the park. Strolling through here makes for an impressive, beautiful journey!
: If you want to head out on a longer walk, check out the eight-mile loop at Chilnualna Falls to be rewarded with 3 cascades and secluded mountain scenery.
Yosemite National Park
Epic waterfalls, majestic cliffs, and serene lakes and meadows
Spend a day exploring one of America’s most dramatic settings. Sure, this might be a road trip, but there’s very little driving needed today!
You could spend a lifetime exploring the nooks and crannies of Yosemite National Park—but if you only have a day, a hike is a great way to make the most of your time there.
: If you’re already deep into Yosemite Valley then check out this luxurious mountain lodge with cozy rooms and warm decor. Holiday cottages are available, though they tend to go fast during the summer. Cost per night: from $829.
($$): If there’s one place you can’t miss while in Yosemite, it’s Degnan’s Kitchen—a pilgrimage for Yosemite hikers. Sit on the deck and enjoy a hearty sandwich or yummy pizza.
: Time to stretch your legs! Eager hikers can start early and do all 11.4 miles of this gorgeous hike. Starting in lush forests before climbing among granite peaks, it’s an ideal exploration of Yosemite’s range of topography.
: If you’re looking for something a little gentler, check out the walk up to Columbia Rock on the Yosemite Falls trail. At two miles round trip, this heavily used trail is perfect for amateur hikers.
After a long day exploring the beauty of Yosemite National Park, sit back and enjoy the last leg of your drive to Tahoe. Thankfully, it’s far from a boring commute. The scenic route takes you towards the California-Nevada border through some beautiful stretches of desert.
: For quaint comfort in Tahoe, it’s hard to beat the Deerfield Lodge at Heavenly. It’s an award-winning hidden gem on the south shores of the lake. Cost per night: from $132.
($$): : You’re spoiled for food choices in Tahoe, but if you're up for something flashy, try Cafe Fiore near the southern shore. Try out their signature eggplant crepes while you’re there!
: Break up the long drive with a stop at Mono Lake, a peaceful state reserve just outside of Yosemite National Park. It’s salty water makes for a memorable, delightfully buoyant swim.
: This resting point is located right along the California-Nevada border, and offers excellent shore fishing.
Lake Tahoe
A day in the Sierra Nevada
On the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s renowned for its beaches and ski resorts, making it an ideal year-round destination for adventure-seekers and relaxation-seekers alike.
: A Tahoe classic, featuring 19 waterfront boutique rooms with alpine decor. The highly-rated restaurant is also a great spot for breakfast! Cost per night: from $140.
: Cruise around Tahoe and stop at Vikingsholm, a 38-room Nordic-style mansion and historic site. The outstanding architecture and scenic location makes for the perfect photo opportunities.
Why you need roadside assistance for your big trip
Road trips are fun… until the car breaks down. And if you don’t have a stellar roadside assistance package, your vacay might be over. Whether it’s the California heat or running out of gas, make sure you’re prepared to handle any bumps on the road (literally and figuratively!).
is comprehensive and will keep you protected during your road trip and beyond.
It features up to 10 miles of towing plus jump starts, tire changes, fuel deliveries, and more. It also comes with some exclusive benefits, including car advice, key replacement, and Uber credits. Even better, it’s just $6.99 for one car!
The fast route back
After eight days of the best California has to offer, you might not want to leave—we get it. But you’ll have to drive home at some point.
The most direct route is a 10-hour drive straight down through the California and Nevada deserts. It’s far from a boring journey, with dramatic views of the San Bernardino mountains as you cut down into the Los Angeles basin.
If you want to take a little more time to get home, head back to the coast. Cut west and travel down I-5 before making a beeline towards the coastal city of Monterey.
Hang out in the cool beach town and see the Monterey Bay Aquarium with its famous otter habitat. Stay the night before sauntering back down the Pacific Coast Highway the following morning.
Finding cheap car insurance
Whether you’re driving around town or logging thousands of miles on a 10-day road trip, having the right car insurance is paramount—and car insurance comparison and broker app
It’s this simple: download the Jerry app and answer a few easy questions. In less than 45 seconds you’ll have competitive quotes from more than 40 insurance companies. Simply make your pick and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and canceling your old one.
The average Jerry user saves $879 per year on car insurance!
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