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

Do you want to go on a road trip that mixes adventure, sight-seeing, food, and culture? Then come along and take a drive from California to Utah. This journey will take you approximately ten hours, but you can break it down into manageable parts, visiting surprising and exciting places along the way.

The route starts in Bakersfield, California and goes through Fresno, Stockton, and Sacramento before reaching Reno, Nevada. It then passes through Elko before entering Utah, which includes Salt Lake City and Provo. The scenery varies from hot deserts to mountain ranges, adding to the charm of this trip.

The highlight of this trip is to end in Utah, which has the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Zion National Park are all must-see destinations. Besides, this drive is not just about the destinations but also the unexpected stops along the way.

Halfway Point: 1700 NV-159, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA

Las Vegas is on the border between California and Nevada and is the perfect break for anyone driving from California to Utah. It is, without doubt, an exciting and impressive city. This vibrant, fast-moving city has enough entertainment for everyone from clubbing, gambling, shopping, and more. If you're not a fan of any of that, head to the Strip to see the amazing architecture, including the Eiffel Tower, the Bellagio fountains, or the Giant Observation wheel.

If you're going to Vegas, you're going to have to eat at one of the many buffets, which will offer you great value for the money. The Carnival World Buffet at the Rio is one of the best. You'll find everything from eggs benedict to sushi, tacos, and prime rib. You won't be disappointed.

1. Tonopah, Nevada

This is a charming small town that you should consider exploring for a few hours. The town has an interesting history. You can visit the old railway station which is now a museum. Tonopah also has a beautiful, historic cemetery worth visiting. There's even a creepy story about a clown that haunts the cemetery.

The Nugget, one of the oldest casinos in the USA, is located in Tonopah. Although much smaller than others in Vegas, it's still worth your time. The food here is excellent. Try the steak and the smoked salmon plates at their restaurant.

2. Ely, Nevada

When planning your route, you might overlook Ely, but it's a hidden gem that is worth exploring. The town has a long history and several museums. One of the most popular is the Garnet Hill Mining District. It's fascinating to learn about the history of mining in Nevada and how it shaped the area.

Ely is known for its excellent Basque food. The best place to try it is at the Hotel Nevada, which was built in 1929. Here you can try classic Basque dishes like the lamb shank, paella, and tongue sandwiches.

3. Fillmore, Utah

Fillmore may feel like a blink-and-you-might-miss-it town, but it's well worth a stop. The city is known to have the oldest standing courthouse in the United States. It now serves as a museum and is symbolic of the area's rich heritage.

On a hot day, you should stop at the Gibson's Treats, a small ice cream truck located in downtown Fillmore that serves some of the best homemade ice creams in Utah. Don't leave without trying the s'mores and marionberry flavors.

4. Springdale, Utah

If the national parks Utah has to offer aren't enough, make a stop in Springdale. Springdale is a small town located at the entrance of Zion National Park. The town is picturesque and is home to several art galleries, trendy boutiques, and delicious eateries.

With the many options to choose from, one place to grab a bite in Springdale is Oscar's Cafe. They offer a wide variety of dishes, but their burger is the star. Freshly baked brioche buns with a beef patty prepared to perfection are topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, melted cheese, and bacon.

5. Fruitland, Utah

Fruitland may not be on the top of your list of places to visit, but it is worth visiting the family-run, JRs Family Farm Market. The market farms produce such as peaches, apricots, cherries, and pears, which customers can purchase.

At the JRs Family Farm Market, you can try their delicious homemade fruit jellies, which are the perfect souvenir. They have a wide variety of flavors to choose from, but the Cherry Habanero Pepper Jelly is immensely popular.

Journey's End

In conclusion, these five unexpected stops can add depth and variety to your California to Utah road trip. There's no time like now to pack your bags, a sense of adventure, and begin your road trip. These stops are worth the extra time and effort, and each of them is unique, adding to the overall experience of your vacation. Don't miss out on the adventure. Plan your trip today.