Points of Interest between California to Nevada

picture of California

Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from California and Nevada

Driving from California to Nevada or vice versa might seem like a boring road trip, but there are actually many hidden gems on the way. The journey from San Francisco to Las Vegas takes approximately 9 hours, depending on the route you take and the traffic. While driving for long hours may not be everyone's ideal way to travel, stopping in unique places along the way can make the trip much more enjoyable. In this article, we will cover five unexpected places to stop on a drive from California and Nevada.

Halfway Point: Benton Crossing Rd, Bishop, CA 93514, USA

First and foremost, we must mention the halfway point between California and Nevada, which is located in Bishop, California. This small, picturesque town is located in the heart of the Eastern Sierra and offers beautiful scenery and a comfortable place to take a break from the road. When stopping in Bishop, make sure to check out the town's downtown area, which offers unique shops, restaurants, and a range of outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking.

  1. Alabama Hills (Lone Pine, CA): Located in Lone Pine, California, Alabama Hills is a must-see natural landmark that stretches across a 30,000-acre area. This beautiful location is known for its stunning rock formations and unique desert landscape, and it has been featured in many Hollywood movies, including Gladiator, Django Unchained, and Iron Man. This place is ideal for those who enjoy photography and rock climbing. When visiting Alabama Hills, be sure to try the local Lone Pine Donuts, which are rumored to be the best in the region.

  2. Ghost Town of Rhyolite (Rhyolite, NV): Built-in the early 1900s, Rhyolite is a ghost town located in Nevada, just a few miles away from the California border. What makes Rhyolite unique is that it's one of the few ghost towns that have managed to keep some of its original structures intact over the years, mainly the Cook Bank Building and the graveyard. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the town's history and explore the remaining buildings. A must-try food in Rhyolite is the famous Alien Burger from the Alien Research Center, a local diner known for its extraterrestrial-themed dishes.

  3. Lake Tahoe (South Lake Tahoe, CA): The beautiful and serene Lake Tahoe is located in South Lake Tahoe, California, and is the perfect stop for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. This freshwater lake spans across more than 20 miles and offers plenty of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. Visitors can also explore the nearby trails and admire the lake from a different perspective. A local food to try in Lake Tahoe is the mac and cheese from The Getaway Cafe, a small restaurant located just a few miles away from the lake.

  4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (Las Vegas, NV): Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a natural oasis located just a few miles away from the lively Strip. The area is known for its stunning rock formations and unique wildlife, including wild horses and burros. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the area or drive the scenic loop to admire the beauty of the canyon. A must-try food in Red Rock Canyon is the famous Hamburger at Bonnie Springs Ranch, a western-themed eatery located just a few miles from the canyon.

  5. Mono Lake (Mono County, CA): Mono Lake is a hidden gem located in Mono County, California, just a few miles away from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. This high saline lake is known for its unique ecosystem and otherworldly rock formations, making it a perfect stop for nature and photography enthusiasts. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the lake's history and ecosystem or simply admire the beauty of the lake. A must-try food in Mono Lake is the fish and chips at the Whoa Nellie Deli, a small restaurant located near the lake.

In conclusion, driving from California to Nevada or vice versa might seem like a boring road trip, but there are many hidden gems along the way. In this article, we covered five unexpected places to stop on a drive from California and Nevada: Alabama Hills, Ghost Town of Rhyolite, Lake Tahoe, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and Mono Lake. Each location offers unique experiences and must-try local foods. We encourage you to take a break from the road and explore these hidden treasures the next time you embark on this journey.