From LA to Fresno
Hello,
next june during my trip, I'll spend one day from LA to Fresno. Are there any place on the road that worth to visit?
Thanks
Driving from Los Angeles to Fresno in June gives you a few interesting stops along the way, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring versus just driving. The route via CA-99 N or I-5 N is the most common, and both have some points of interest.
If you take the CA-99 route:
- Bakersfield – A good spot to stop for food or a stretch. You can visit the Kern County Museum to see local history or check out Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace for a bit of country music history.
- Visalia – If you want a slight detour, Visalia has a charming downtown area with cafes and local shops, a nice place to stretch your legs.
- Sequoia National Forest entrance (via a side trip from Visalia) – If you have a few hours, this is one of the closest major redwood/sequoia areas to the LA-Fresno corridor. Even a short hike to see giant trees can be memorable.
If you take the I-5 route (faster, more direct):
- Grapevine / Tejon Pass – Offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys as you transition from Southern to Central California. There are a few vista points to take quick photos.
- Los Banos – Not a major tourist spot, but there are some local parks and lakes if you want a brief stop to stretch or picnic.
Other considerations:
- If you have time and enjoy wine, the Paso Robles region is slightly west of the main route but worth a stop for a tasting or lunch.
- Plan your drive early in the morning to avoid LA traffic. The full drive without stops is around 3.5–4 hours via CA-99 or I-5, but with detours it can take 5–6 hours.
In summary, Bakersfield and Visalia along CA-99 are your main practical stops, with Sequoia National Forest as a highlight if you can spare the time. The I-5 route is faster but less scenic, mainly offering mountain views at Tejon Pass.
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