Stop Point Between LA and SF Driving the 5
 

I'm driving the 5 freeway from Los Angeles to San Francisco (well, technically Mill Valley) and need a good place to spend the night on the way. I considered Fresno, but thought that might be an unnecessary detour. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good stopping point about midway through not to far off the freeway? I just need a good spot to spend the night and get some rest before finishing my drive. I'm hoping to just stay in a clean, safe motel, but will be traveling solo, so would hate to just pick a random small town without knowing what to expect. Thanks!

Harris Ranch at Hwy 198 and I-5 is a good mid point stop. Food is very good as you might suspect of the Harris Ranch Beef people.

Are you leaving LA late and that's why you are spending the night? It's certainly a drive that can be done in one day. If you have to spend the night, Harris Ranch is also my suggestion. Most towns along the way are not right on I5.

...very strange...

....maybe my link was too long...

previous post (by me) shows up only when I click "post a reply"

I'll try without the link.


How long will you stay on 5 before crossing over to the 101? We’ve found Santa Nella convenient for driving up to Tahoe and the East Bay. It’s more than halfway for you. Its sole purpose seems to be a stopping point on the 5.

I also wonder why you'd need to stop anywhere?? It is not an all day drive (nor all night for that matter). I'd never extend my time on I-5 by sleeping there unless it was some sort of emergency.

If one had to leave so late that they'd need to stop enroute -- I'd suggest staying in LA and getting a really early start the next morning.

For instance when I drive from Sacramento to LA if I have to leave after about 4p.m. I just sleep in my own bed and leave about 4 in the morning.

I also don't know why you feel the need to stop for the night. It is a pretty easy (but very dull) drive.

A question about stopping at Harris Ranch-- can you smell the stench of the cattle from the restaurant and inn? I just can't drive through that area fast enough because of the smell. I can't imagine stopping there.

Harris Ranch (accomodations) is not near the "poop" factory.

No - you can't smell the feed lots -- but why the need to stop over enroute??

I'll just concur that there's no reason to stop over (depending on where you are in LA, the drive should only be about 6 hours, maybe a little more becuase you're going to Mill Valley).

And the food at Harris Ranch is great! (we've been driving this route for 30+ years, and only stopped for the first time last year).

I agree with the others.

Depending on your start point in Los Angeles, you could easily do this in one day, 7-9 hours.

10 hours would allow you to stop off at Harris Ranch and try their beef. Or if you arrive in San Francisco at traffic time, stop for dinner and then cross the GG Bridge to Mill Valley.