Driving from SF to LA on Highway 5 - Any good places to stop, rest & grab a quick bite?
May 23rd, 2008, 08:30 AM
#1
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Driving from SF to LA on Highway 5 - Any good places to stop, rest & grab a quick bite?
My husband & I will be traveling to CA in September. We are going to drive on a SATURDAY from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Highway 5 (our destination is really Carson - the Office Depot Center for an LA Galaxy game). We realize it's about a 6-7 hour drive. We plan to leave SF around 9 or 10 a.m., giving us enough time to get to Carson by 5 or 6pm (the game is at 7:30).
Any good places to stop, rest & grab a quick bite along Hwy 5 on our way to Carson? We would rather make 2-3 quick stops along the way, to break up the long drive.
Please know that this will be our 1st time in California, so we are not familiar with Highway 5, or if there are rest areas (like in Florida) along the highway with restaurants & bathrooms. Any information would be a great help!
By the way, we'll do the scenic drive back to SF on Sunday (part highway, part coast --- we realize it will be a LONG drive, but I'm sure it's worth it).
Many thanks...
Any good places to stop, rest & grab a quick bite along Hwy 5 on our way to Carson? We would rather make 2-3 quick stops along the way, to break up the long drive.
Please know that this will be our 1st time in California, so we are not familiar with Highway 5, or if there are rest areas (like in Florida) along the highway with restaurants & bathrooms. Any information would be a great help!
By the way, we'll do the scenic drive back to SF on Sunday (part highway, part coast --- we realize it will be a LONG drive, but I'm sure it's worth it).
Many thanks...
May 23rd, 2008, 08:35 AM
#2
I-5 is not a 2 or 3-stop route. You want to get it over with. There is nothing scenic. The best break/food stop will be Harris Ranch near Coalinga. Other than that just keep movini' on . . . . .
May 23rd, 2008, 08:45 AM
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Ditto. We've lived in California 35 years and first ate a meal at Harris Ranch two years ago, despite numerous trips south on I-5. The food is very good!. I-5 though is just a big ugly multi-lane interstate, getting you from here to there in the fastest possible time.
May 23rd, 2008, 09:05 AM
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Ditto to Harris Ranch. Also, you will have no problem finding a rest area or gas station/fast food place if you need to make a pit stop during your trip. There are plenty of truck stop type places along the way.
On another note, being from LA myself, I would try to leave as early as possible. You never know what traffic will be like in LA, even on a Sat., and Sat. afternoon traffic is pretty bad these days. It may take you 2 hours to get from the I 5/405 interchange down to Carson. You wouldn't want to miss the game after all of that driving.
On another note, being from LA myself, I would try to leave as early as possible. You never know what traffic will be like in LA, even on a Sat., and Sat. afternoon traffic is pretty bad these days. It may take you 2 hours to get from the I 5/405 interchange down to Carson. You wouldn't want to miss the game after all of that driving.
May 23rd, 2008, 09:13 AM
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If you're trying to make a 7:30pm game, I'd suggest starting out earlier than 9am. Starting out at 7am would be good, starting out at 6am would be better. You want to avoid the heat of the desert, so the earlier you start out the better.
About three hours later you will reach Harris Ranch, at the junction of I-5 and Highway 33. That's a good stop, but think about 45 min - an hour stop.
The stretch between Harris Ranch and your next stop is where you want to avoid the heat. It's boring and mostly desert. You don't want to hit this in the heat of the afternoon.
Your second stop could be at Buttonwillow, junction of I-5 and Highway 58 (do NOT get off at the "Buttonwillow" sign exit, you need to drive further on to the Highway 58 junction). Good place to gas up and go to the restroom with plenty of gas stations and restaurants.
Buttonwillow is also a great place to give your car a rest. Your car will need the rest before going over the Tehachapi Mountains, where you should not have your air-conditioning turned on. Another good reason to hit this stretch before the full heat of the day hits.
Once over the Tehachapi Mountains you'll be in the greater LA metro area but it'll be at least another two hours drive to Carson - BUT, you can turn on your A/C at this stage.
Have a great trip! And enjoy the game!
About three hours later you will reach Harris Ranch, at the junction of I-5 and Highway 33. That's a good stop, but think about 45 min - an hour stop.
The stretch between Harris Ranch and your next stop is where you want to avoid the heat. It's boring and mostly desert. You don't want to hit this in the heat of the afternoon.
Your second stop could be at Buttonwillow, junction of I-5 and Highway 58 (do NOT get off at the "Buttonwillow" sign exit, you need to drive further on to the Highway 58 junction). Good place to gas up and go to the restroom with plenty of gas stations and restaurants.
Buttonwillow is also a great place to give your car a rest. Your car will need the rest before going over the Tehachapi Mountains, where you should not have your air-conditioning turned on. Another good reason to hit this stretch before the full heat of the day hits.
Once over the Tehachapi Mountains you'll be in the greater LA metro area but it'll be at least another two hours drive to Carson - BUT, you can turn on your A/C at this stage.
Have a great trip! And enjoy the game!
May 23rd, 2008, 11:03 AM
#9
I think easytraveler's recommendation for leaving that early is extreme and unneccessary.
The MOST it will take you is 8 hours with traffic. Even if you allow an hour for lunch and another hour leeway, that's 10 hours.
So leaving at 9:30 am for a 7:30 pm game is just fine.
The MOST it will take you is 8 hours with traffic. Even if you allow an hour for lunch and another hour leeway, that's 10 hours.
So leaving at 9:30 am for a 7:30 pm game is just fine.
May 23rd, 2008, 12:01 PM
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I agree that you're looking at probably a 7-1/2 hour drive (not including stops) (I've been to Home Depot Center (and will be there again in June for the US Men's game against Barbados). We've left super-early on a Saturday (when we went down for the MLS final a couple of years ago), and reached Hollywood in 5:15. The drive from Hollywood to Carson can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
May 23rd, 2008, 12:49 PM
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mlgb: I'm suggesting that they leave early, not because of the length of the drive, but to avoid the hottest time of the day.
psy_dr: if you don't mind the heat, by all means, travel later in the day.
It was just a suggestion!
psy_dr: if you don't mind the heat, by all means, travel later in the day.
It was just a suggestion!
May 23rd, 2008, 01:44 PM
#12
It is in Sept and we ain't talking about Death Valley here . . . .
I don't see any reason to leave at dawn. Sure the southern Valley can be hot but it is most likely to only be in the mid-90's. Not that bad. If it was me - I'd check the weather reports the day before (not the SF forecast but for Bakersfield) and if it is a nasty heat wave, leave earlier. But if it is 80's to high 90's - hitting the road at 9 -9:30 AM-ish will be fine.
I don't see any reason to leave at dawn. Sure the southern Valley can be hot but it is most likely to only be in the mid-90's. Not that bad. If it was me - I'd check the weather reports the day before (not the SF forecast but for Bakersfield) and if it is a nasty heat wave, leave earlier. But if it is 80's to high 90's - hitting the road at 9 -9:30 AM-ish will be fine.
May 23rd, 2008, 03:23 PM
#13
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I realize it better to be safe than sorry, so we will probably leave around 8:30a. I will definitely check the weather report for Bakersfield before heading out. Since most of our time will be spent in SF & wine country (the soccer game is a surprise father's day present for my husband) I didn't think that the weather would change so drastically from SF to LA.
easytraveler: I'm Just curious, why can't/shouldn't I use my a/c when traveling through the Tehachapi Mountains? I'm from Miami, Florida and we use our a/c all the time --- it's so humid & hot here. I'm a bit perplexed. Also, I was under the impression this was a highway but your email sounds as if my rental car might be put through the ringer. Please explain... Thanks!
easytraveler: I'm Just curious, why can't/shouldn't I use my a/c when traveling through the Tehachapi Mountains? I'm from Miami, Florida and we use our a/c all the time --- it's so humid & hot here. I'm a bit perplexed. Also, I was under the impression this was a highway but your email sounds as if my rental car might be put through the ringer. Please explain... Thanks!
May 23rd, 2008, 03:35 PM
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What kind of old timey car can't make it up the grapevine and through the ridge route with the air on in Sept? We never turn ours off and don't have any problems. The car may loose some power but it won't over heat.
I always dread that drive then I used 99 for a bunch of years (not coming frm the bay area) when I switched back to 5 I thought it really isn't all that bad and ugly. It was spring and very green and I thought there were some areas with great views. We've stopped at Harris Ranch and it was good. You'll know you're close when you can smell the feed lots.
I always dread that drive then I used 99 for a bunch of years (not coming frm the bay area) when I switched back to 5 I thought it really isn't all that bad and ugly. It was spring and very green and I thought there were some areas with great views. We've stopped at Harris Ranch and it was good. You'll know you're close when you can smell the feed lots.
May 23rd, 2008, 03:38 PM
#15
The weather differences between SF, Wine country and LA can be huge. Sept is about the best time of year in SF - clear and warm-ish. Napa can be nice -- or REALLY hot. Same w/ LA - it can be really smoggy and humid (by CA standards - definitely NOT "Florida-humid") or there can be drying Santa Ana winds the make things crystal clear and bone dry.
I'm not quite sure what et meant by turning off the a/c. If it is 105º+ - then yes you might have to turn off the a/c for a while in the mountains between Bakersfield and LA -- not because of the heat but because of the steep-ish grades on I-5. The a/c can make a car overheat on the uphill grades. But then, you don't have many uphills/downhilsl in FL - do you
I'm not quite sure what et meant by turning off the a/c. If it is 105º+ - then yes you might have to turn off the a/c for a while in the mountains between Bakersfield and LA -- not because of the heat but because of the steep-ish grades on I-5. The a/c can make a car overheat on the uphill grades. But then, you don't have many uphills/downhilsl in FL - do you
May 23rd, 2008, 06:10 PM
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Hi, Psy_dr!
Yes, janis has it right - the grade is quite steep as you climb initially into the Tehachapi Mountains. Right before the climb you will see a sign that cautions you to turn the A/C off. The hotter the weather, the greater the likelihood that your engine will overheat if you have the A/C on as well.
Here's how I'd time your trip:
San Francisco - Harris Ranch 3 to 3 1/2 hours
Just in time for lunch, if you start out at 8:30am. About an hour for lunch stop.
Harris Ranch to Buttonwillow 1 1/2 hours
20 minutes: gas- up and restroom stop
Buttonwillow to base of Tehachapis: 45 minutes
Crossing the Tehachapis: 45-60 minutes
Santa Clarita to Carson: 2 hours in good traffic.
Once you cross the Tehachapis, look for the signs for Interstate 405, the "San Diego Freeway", which should take you to Carson.
I used to drive from the Greater San Jose area to San Diego - but mostly at night - and the best time would be about 8-9 hours.
Your budget of 6-7 hours SF to LA is very aggressive and means you'll have to drive over the speed limit with practically no stops. Don't speed, getting a ticket is not worth it. The speed limit is 70 MPH and you should be able to spare the additional 1/2 to 1 hour extra travel time. If you don't need to drive hell-bent for LA, you could also make your journey a lot more pleasant by stopping off at the Harris Ranch.
Have a fine trip!
Yes, janis has it right - the grade is quite steep as you climb initially into the Tehachapi Mountains. Right before the climb you will see a sign that cautions you to turn the A/C off. The hotter the weather, the greater the likelihood that your engine will overheat if you have the A/C on as well.
Here's how I'd time your trip:
San Francisco - Harris Ranch 3 to 3 1/2 hours
Just in time for lunch, if you start out at 8:30am. About an hour for lunch stop.
Harris Ranch to Buttonwillow 1 1/2 hours
20 minutes: gas- up and restroom stop
Buttonwillow to base of Tehachapis: 45 minutes
Crossing the Tehachapis: 45-60 minutes
Santa Clarita to Carson: 2 hours in good traffic.
Once you cross the Tehachapis, look for the signs for Interstate 405, the "San Diego Freeway", which should take you to Carson.
I used to drive from the Greater San Jose area to San Diego - but mostly at night - and the best time would be about 8-9 hours.
Your budget of 6-7 hours SF to LA is very aggressive and means you'll have to drive over the speed limit with practically no stops. Don't speed, getting a ticket is not worth it. The speed limit is 70 MPH and you should be able to spare the additional 1/2 to 1 hour extra travel time. If you don't need to drive hell-bent for LA, you could also make your journey a lot more pleasant by stopping off at the Harris Ranch.
Have a fine trip!
May 23rd, 2008, 06:20 PM
#17
If you drive at 70 mph you'll get run over.
Carson to San Diego is a two-hour drive in good conditions. So 7 hrs to Carson isn't aggressive, and we're talking Saturday here.
I used to drive Long Beach (just a hair past Carson) to Marin County and 7 to 8 hours was standard, to do it in less time risks a ticket.
I've never had a problem going up the Grapevine where I needed to turn off the A/C in a passenger car, and even in a fully loaded minivan.
Carson to San Diego is a two-hour drive in good conditions. So 7 hrs to Carson isn't aggressive, and we're talking Saturday here.
I used to drive Long Beach (just a hair past Carson) to Marin County and 7 to 8 hours was standard, to do it in less time risks a ticket.
I've never had a problem going up the Grapevine where I needed to turn off the A/C in a passenger car, and even in a fully loaded minivan.
May 23rd, 2008, 06:32 PM
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I agree about driving 70 and getting run over. My rule of thumb is go with the flow of traffic but don't be the fastest one. And I always keep an eye out for the Highway Patrol.
I think ET's itinerary for stops, etc is a good one. If you want to have a longer lunch then Harris Ranch is the best place to stop otherwise they are plenty of places along the Interstate. I'm with janisj, I never want to stop but just get there. The joke in my family is that when Mom's driving, you have about 2 minutes to use the restroom and we're on our way!
I don't think there is any reason to worry about turning off your a/c going through the pass into LA. I am assuming you will have a rental car which should be a very new model and it will have no problem.
I would give myself a little extra time as others have suggested just because you never know LA traffic and also because you are not familiar with the area. Carson is easy to get to but I would rather arrive a little early then be worrying about missing the game after driving all that way.
I think ET's itinerary for stops, etc is a good one. If you want to have a longer lunch then Harris Ranch is the best place to stop otherwise they are plenty of places along the Interstate. I'm with janisj, I never want to stop but just get there. The joke in my family is that when Mom's driving, you have about 2 minutes to use the restroom and we're on our way!
I don't think there is any reason to worry about turning off your a/c going through the pass into LA. I am assuming you will have a rental car which should be a very new model and it will have no problem.
I would give myself a little extra time as others have suggested just because you never know LA traffic and also because you are not familiar with the area. Carson is easy to get to but I would rather arrive a little early then be worrying about missing the game after driving all that way.
May 23rd, 2008, 08:15 PM
#19
Janisj, Janisj ... beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Golden hills, the patchwork of farms in the valley, the vast Central Valley. California is the #1 agricultural state in the US.
Take care,
MY
Take care,
MY
May 23rd, 2008, 08:57 PM
#20
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You can stretch the trip into two stops if you stop at Kettleman City (almost exactly half way)--Mike's Roadhouse is a great diner--been stopping there for 15 years. We can make it from the East Bay to Palos Verdes (not that far from Carson) in 6 1/2 - 7 hours (one ticket in 15 year--and yes, we were the lead car in the 80mph pack!). Safe travels
