All You Need to Know About I-5
I-5 runs along the entire Pacific Coast, connecting the Mexican and Canadian borders. Check out the highlights along the highway here.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- What is an interstate highway?
- What states does I-5 run through?
- Best places to eat along I-5
- What is there to do on I-5?
- Find affordable car insurance with Jerry
Load full table of contents
Interstate 5 covers almost 1,400 miles and runs along the West Coast, stretching across the U.S. from the Canadian to the Mexican border.
If you think cross-country travel is boring, you haven't driven on I-5 yet. The scenery and attractions along the Pacific Coast in
Washington
, Oregon
, and California are simply unmatched—there’s something for everyone. Heck, the roadside rest areas are even surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and forests.To help you plan your next great road trip, this guide covers a list of the highlights along Interstate 5!
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What is an interstate highway?
To give you a brief refresher from your driver’s ed textbook, let’s define an interstate highway. As the name hints, an interstate highway is a roadway that connects major cities across different states.
With thousands of miles’ worth of interstate highways spanning the United States, coming up with an orderly way to organize them was imperative. A numeric system was developed wherein odd numbers go north and south while even numbers go east and west.
Hence, I-5 extends from the border of Canada to the border of Mexico.
What states does I-5 run through?
Interstate 5 runs parallel to the Pacific Coast, usually maintaining about 50 to 150 miles’ worth of buffer room to the west. Here are the states you would pass through and how long you would be traveling in them if you were to drive the entire interstate:
- Washington: 277 miles
- Oregon: 308 miles
- California: 797 miles
Major interchanges on I-5
Nobody likes getting stuck in traffic, but sometimes it’s an easier pill to swallow if you know what to expect. Here are some interchanges that can be susceptible to backups along your way:
As you can see, most of the traffic will be around the major metro areas. But, large stretches of I-5 are incredibly scenic, especially in Northern California—and this isn’t exactly a secret. So, you may encounter intermittent congestion.
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Best places to eat along I-5
One of the best parts of traveling is trying new restaurants! Here are some popular places along Interstate 5:
Farmstrong Brewing + Taproom
(Mount Vernon, WA): This brewery is a proud staple of the Skagit Valley community. You’ll get friendly hospitality and high-quality beer brewed with local ingredients. Check out the Rooted Kitchen food truck for greasy favorites to pair with your pint!Luna Cafe + Mercantile
(Ashland, OR): Burgers, pizza, salad, and a kids’ menu—there’s not much more you need for a quick pit stop with the family. Don’t forget to grab the dessert of the day on your way out the door.Jasper’s Cafe
(Medford, OR): If you're stopping at Jasper’s, you have to try the Casper Dog! But if gourmet hot dogs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other tasty options, including burgers, sandwiches, shakes, and more!Nature's Kitchen
(Yreka, CA): This buzzing cafe has a ton of character and serves up all-natural organic dishes that keep locals coming back for more. But food isn’t the only thing they offer, they have a fantastic gift shop that sells fun trinkets and natural home goods.Hi-Lo Café
(Weed, CA): Since it opened its doors in 1951, the Hi-Lo Cafe has hardly seen a slow day. The menu serves up favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making Hi-Lo a great stop no matter when you’re passing through. You can even spend the night at the attached motel!Pro Tip Share entrées to sample more food and try more eateries along I-5!
What is there to do on I-5?
Aside from the area's natural beauty, there are some iconic, thrilling attractions along the coast.
Here are just a few examples of things to do along Interstate 5:
- Market Theater Gum Wallin Seattle, WA
- Museum of Glassin Tacoma, WA
- The Oregon Vortex/House of Mysteryin Gold Hill, OR
- Disneylandin Anaheim, CA
- Six Flags Magic Mountainin Valencia, CA
MORE: 8 pro tips for long car rides with kids
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The open road is full of surprises, especially when traveling on unfamiliar highways. Protect yourself, your family, and your car from whatever life throws your way by purchasing proper
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