Discover the best stops along I-5 California, a key route stretching from Mexico through California, Oregon, and Washington, all the way to the Canadian border.
With nearly 800 of its 1381 miles in California, this highway is packed with must-see destinations.
Today, we’ll guide you through the top 14 attractions from the southern tip of the state upwards.
Stay tuned as we also reveal the finest dining spots along I-5, perfect for food enthusiasts eager to explore the entire journey!
1. Balboa Park
We’re starting our trip in America’s finest city, San Diego.
If you want to move a little bit before sitting in the car, visit the gorgeous Balboa Park. There is so much to do: 17 museums, the world famous San Diego Zoo, concerts, plays, and musicals, lush gardens to walk in, and much more.
After about 20 minutes of driving, you’ll arrive in…
2. La Jolla
We know, if we continue driving stretches this long, we’ll never arrive at the border to Oregon. But we’ll spend time in the car soon enough.
La Jolla beach is one of the most picturesque, famous and popular ones in the country. The town itself is a small beach side area with lots of cool cafes, shops, and restaurants. B
e sure to go kayaking: You’ll experience sea caves, and maybe even see leopard sharks and garibaldi fish.
3. San Clemente Beach
About an hour north, this is not only one of the best stops along I-5 California, but also one of the best surf spots in the US.
With waves up to 15 feet, this beach is always worth visiting. Even if you don’t surf yourself, watching some of the best surfers is fun too!
San Clemente is also one of the most charming beach towns in the Golden State: Breathtaking mountain and ocean views, Spanish colonial-style architecture, and lots of history and culture.
Another 10 miles north:
4. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Known as the “Jewel of the California Missions”, Mission San Juan Capistrano is the birthplace of Orange County.
Built in 1776, it welcomes over 300.000 visitors yearly. You can see the state’s oldest building still in use, the iconic bell wall, and throughout the year, you can attend family-friendly cultural festivals.
After another 30 miles of driving, you’ll arrive at:
5. Disneyland
Especially for children, the “happiest place on Earth” is one of the country’s major attractions.
Known for its charming characters, classic and exciting rides, and large range of culinary experiences, Disneyland would be better for a longer stay.
After about an hour driving through LA, you’ll find…
6. Griffith Observatory
…overlooking the city. It’s best to visit at night, when the views over LA are especially breathtaking.
This planetarium has had several movies like La La Land and The Terminator filmed there. Be sure to check out our list featuring the best LA movie locations!
The Observatory is open from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Its grounds, terraces, and sidewalks welcome visitors daily.
If you are not in a rush and want to explore more of LA, read our LA bucket list featuring 104 things to do!
A little more than 70 miles farther north, you’ll find:
7. Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Located in the Grapevine Canyon, this former US Army outpost was established in the mid-19th century.
Its purpose was to control and protect Native Americans, as well as to safeguard settlers from Native American tribes and Californios.
Today, the park features display cases of uniforms, some restored rooms, the original barracks, and more.
Let’s get back in the car. After another 45 minutes, you’ll reach…
8. Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
This natural reserve is perfect for a quick stop to stretch your feet a little.
It protects a small herd of tule elk, which were once in danger of extinction.
The best time for a visit is the 4th Saturday of the month except December, when an auto safari is offered. Bring binoculars for better viewing!
Another 60 miles north:
9. Bravo Farms
Located in Kettleman City, this roadside attraction is wild west themed.
It features a restaurant, ghost town, and farm store.
Especially with children, you could spend a few hours here: There’s also an ice cream shop and a fun play area for kids!
It’s a good thing that there’s so much to do at Bravo Farms; the distance to our next stop is the longest during this trip.
211 miles away:
10. Old Sacramento
Located along the Sacramento River, this historic district is home to more than 125 shops, restaurants, event locations, museums, and other attractions.
Stroll around and discover wooden sidewalks, buildings from the Gold Rush era, and more!
One of the best stops along I-5 California, especially for history-lovers. Check out our list of things to do in Sacramento if you wanna explore more of California’s capital!
Back in the car, you’ll arrive at our next stop after about 90 minutes:
11. Olive Pit
The Olive Pit in Corning features a colossal selection of olives.
There are hundreds of different kinds of filled green olives, olive oil, craft beer, wine, and much more.
This is a must stop, not just for olive lovers.
Another almost 50 mile away:
12. Turtle Bay Exploration Park
This 300 acre park in Redding features a museum, a nursery, a restaurant, a botanical garden, and the famous sundial bridge.
The park has lots of wildlife to see, including foxes, bobcats, turtles, and more. This is another place that’s especially fun for kids.
If you have children and want more tips for a vacation in California, check out our list featuring the best things to do in the Golden State with your little ones!
About 20 miles north:
13. Lake Shasta Caverns
This network of caves is dated at least 200 million years and is made completely of limestone.
You’ll experience stalactites and stalagmites, flowstone, columns, and more.
The caves were first discovered in 1878; today, more than 2.5 million people have visited this place.
Our last stop before reaching the border to Oregon is another 40 miles north:
14. Mossbrae Falls
This lush green waterfall is considered one of the most scenic ones in California.
You’ll see a moss-draped cliff where the springs coursing down the canyon wall create an effect of many waterfall streams.
While the hike there is not long, only 1.5 miles, it is not without risk. Part of the hike is along an active railroad, so keeping an ear and eye out for trains is very important.
Please note: Trekking to the falls constitutes trespassing and may result in fines up to $300. Should you decide to undertake this hike, you are doing so at your own risk. It is crucial to proceed with caution and stay aware of your surroundings.
If you love waterfalls as much as we do, be sure to check out our blog post about California’s most beautiful waterfalls!
With Bravo Farms, you’ve already heard about one food stop along i-5. Here are some other suggestions, again from south to north.
- Beach Break Cafe, Oceanside
- Pho Lotus, San Juan Capistrano
- Cream Pan, Tustin
- Guisados, Los Angeles
- Porto’s Bakery and Cafe, Burbank
- Casa De Pizza, Granada Hills
- The Red Dot Vegetarian Kitchen, Frazier Park
- La Sierra Mexican Restaurant, Frazier Park
- Willow Ranch, Buttonwillow
- Tita’s Pupuseria Lonchera, Buttonwillow
- Harris Ranch, Coalinga
- Wayback Burgers, Firebaugh
- Wool Growers, Los Banos
- Andersen’s Pea Soup, Santa Nella
- Wolfsen’s Meat and Sausage, Gustine
- Granzella’s, Williams
- Nancy’s Airport Cafe, Willows
- Damburger, Redding
- Yaks on the 5, Dunsmuir
- Bistro 107, Mt. Shasta
- Hi-Lo Cafe, Weed
- Nature’s Kitchen, Yreka.
So there should be something for every taste, right?
If you have time to take a different, more scenic route to cross California, read our blog post about Pacific Coast Highway!
Also, if you enjoyed reading this list of the best stops along I-5 California, you’ll LOVE watching it in video-format:
