Pack up the car and head up the western side of Lake Tahoe for an unforgettable drive filled with breathtaking views. Lake Tahoe, one of the nation’s most beautiful destinations, basks in nearly 300 days of annual sunshine. Essentially nature’s playground for adventure enthusiasts, visitors can enjoy just about any recreational activity while breathing in the fresh Sierra Nevada Mountain air or wading through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Located near the California-Nevada border, this iconic destination provides something for everyone – so buckle up, drop the top and get your “Sierra” on. Show
Best Car for this Road Trip: Convertible Drive around Lake Tahoe’s shoreline in a car perfect for your road trip by renting at one of our many neighborhood locations. Flying in? No problem! Get going as soon as possible and pick up your rental car at the airport. View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps, Bing Maps, or MapQuest. More trip calculationsDriving time from Los Angeles, CA to Lake TahoeHow long is the drive from Los Angeles, CA to Lake Tahoe? The total driving time is 7 hours, 30 minutes. Your trip begins in Los Angeles, California. It ends in Lake Tahoe, California. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Los Angeles, CA to Lake Tahoe. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Los Angeles, CA to Lake Tahoe based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage. If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between Los Angeles, CA and Lake Tahoe. Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Los Angeles, CA to Lake Tahoe. Driving time calculatorTravelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map. You’ve seen the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and ticked off every attraction that you wanted to visit, but now it’s time to plan out your San Francisco to Lake Tahoe road trip. Whether it’s your first time driving to Lake Tahoe from the city or not, we’ve got you covered. This SF to Lake Tahoe itinerary has everything you need to know for your trip, including the best stops, things to see and do, and the best food and drinks that you need to try. In this Post Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links meaning if you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. For more info see our Disclosure Policy How long is the drive from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe?The drive from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe would take 3 to 4 hours, which is around 190 to 200 miles, depending on which route you’ll take. If you’re driving there during the holidays, peak season, or weekends, expect more traffic than usual. The ski season is especially busy as a lot of people flock to Tahoe’s amazing ski resorts. Winter storms are also a big factor as they often cause road closures and cause traffic congestion. Driving to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco: Route OptionsDriving to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco is pretty straightforward. But once you get to Sacramento, you’ll have two different route options to choose from, depending on which part of the lake you plan to visit. ▶️ If you’re heading to North Lake Tahoe, you will want to take I-80. For those heading to South Lake Tahoe, you can start on Highway 80 and then connect with Highway 50. Taking I-80 or Highway 80 the whole way is the quickest and most straightforward route to Lake Tahoe as it has higher speed limits. The road is also wider, and there are many more pit stop options along the way.  San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Road Trip ItineraryNow that you are done exploring San Francisco, it’s time to head to Lake Tahoe. To help you make the most out of your trip, we created a list of some of the best places to stop between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. Before choosing between Highway 80 and Highway 50, we suggest stopping by Vacaville, Davis, and Sacramento first. You can make these quick stops, but it’s still up to you to decide how long you’ll spend at each place.
❤️ Looking for a relaxing place to stay in San Francisco? Check out these SF hotels with a jacuzzi in the room! Best Stops between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe
Vacaville
📌 VACAVILLE. The first place we suggest you should stop by is Vacaville, a bustling commuter town that is conveniently located between San Francisco and Sacramento. You can find museums, shops, outdoor spaces like parks, and a plethora of options for a quick fill-up of quick service and fast food. It’s just a few minutes from the Napa and Sonoma wine countries and is a popular stop for people heading to the wine country. Things To See and Do in VacavilleJelly Belly FactoryThis stop is definitely one of the most unique stops on our list. The Jelly Belly Factory is a bit more of a commitment than a quick detour, but if you love Jelly Beans or you are traveling with kids, this is a great stop that won’t take up too much of your time. The self-guided tour is only 40 minutes long, and you’ll be able to have an up-close-and-personal look at how the famous Jelly Beans are made. Food and Drinks in VacavilleFenton’s CreameryFenton’s Creamery is not just any other ice cream parlor. It is a landmark institution that was founded in Oakland in 1894 and since then has served its famous handcrafted ice creams for generations. If you decide to stop by, make sure to try their most famous flavors: Rocky Road, Swiss Milk Chocolate, and Toasted Almond. Davis
📌 DAVIS. Before heading to Sacramento, we recommend stopping by Davis, a vibrant university town where you’ll find interesting museums, art galleries, local restaurants, and the University of California Davis. If you want to explore unique local stores and family-owned businesses, Davis has plenty of them. It’s also a great place to stop by for some delicious food or a quick cup of coffee. If you are a foodie and you love the outdoors, this pit stop is perfect for you, so make sure not to miss this stop. Things To See and Do in DavisDowntown DavisFrom thrift shops and antiques to lively bars and first-rate restaurants, Downtown Davis has them all. Located just 20 minutes from Sacramento, this quaint but lively downtown area is a great place to explore, shop, and eat. This town also has a bike-centric culture, so if you love to bike, this is the best place to do it. UC Davis ArboretumThis 100-plus acre arboretum is located inside the UC Davis campus and is home to 17 demonstration gardens and scientific collections that are open to the public 24/7. It’s a great place to visit, whether you just want to take in nature’s beauty or educate yourself about the natural world and sustainable horticulture. Food and Drinks in DavisIkeda’sThis restaurant is famous for its sweet fruit pies, savory chicken, and beef pot pies. They also have freshly steamed tamales that are mouthwatering. This is a great place to stock up on snacks for the road, including their own trail mixes and dried fruits. If this is the only stop you want to make in Davis, Ikeda’s is located right off the freeway, so it’ll be a quick detour. Davis CreameryIf you’re craving sweets, the Davis Creamery is a great family-owned local ice cream shop. Their ice cream is handmade, and they offer fun and unique flavors like Cardamom Rose and Avocado Coconut. You can order one of their specialties or build your own milkshake. Adults and kids alike would definitely love this fun and sweet stopover. Woodstock’s PizzaCheck out this pizza shop that is well-loved by UC Davis students, which serves up cheap beer and pizza by the slice. They offer 24 beers on draft and serve huge pizza by the slice every day, which makes it a great and fast option if you’re passing through Davis during lunchtime. Sacramento
📌 SACRAMENTO. From farm-to-table restaurants to a large selection of homegrown breweries, Sacramento has a lot to offer. You can explore the city’s Gold Rush attractions, take in the colorful street art, or even hit a farmers market to stock up for your time in Lake Tahoe. Sacramento has you covered with everything you need for a stop with large attractions and easy stops where you can get a cup of award-winning coffee. Things To See and Do in SacramentoOld SacramentoThis unique area is the perfect stop for history buffs, where you can find restored buildings, museums, and novelty shops that pay homage to the Gold Rush of 1849. They have everything from wooden sidewalks and horse-drawn carriages to living historical characters. If you decide to stop by, you can park in the public parking area by the train museum and walk around while you peruse the many shops. California State Railroad MuseumIf you’re interested in the history of the transcontinental railroad and the heyday of rail travel, make sure to drop by this museum. The admission fee is $12 for adults, $6 for ages 6-17, and free for ages five and under. There are a lot of interactive exhibits inside, and you can also book a 30-minute guided tour or group tour. California State CapitolThis is another historical tour that’s well worth a stop. The Capitol building is both a museum and California’s working seat of government. The tours are free and approximately 1.5 hours long. There’s a maximum of 25 guests per tour, and there’s metered street parking around the park, although it may be hard to find a spot depending on the day and time. Crocker Art MuseumThe Crocker Art Museum is a feast for the eyes. This museum is famed for its collection of California Impressionist art, German drawings, and other art pieces ranging from contemporary to antiquity. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday, and admission prices for adults are $15. Parking is also available within walking distance of the museum. Food and Drinks in SacramentoTemple CoffeeThis celebrated coffee roaster has produced some of the highest scores every year from coffeereview.com. Known for their lightly roasted and highly nuanced coffee, all the drinks they serve are amazing, but their simple black coffee is their specialty. They have other branches in Sacramento, but the one on S and 29th is the easiest one for parking. ☕ Are you a big coffee fan? Check out the best coffee shops in Sacramento. Broderick’s RoadhouseThis restaurant offers up a simple concept that just works. They put together the combination of ice-cold craft beer and thick and juicy burgers that come with a myriad of different toppings and choices of meat. The must-try of their menu is their Johnny Cash burger with zesty BBQ sauce, crispy onions, and applewood smoked bacon. Corti Brother’sCorti Brother’s is a Sacramento institution known for its impeccably sourced products by one of the world’s leading food and wine experts. Darrel Corti and his team are purveyors of fine wine, rare craft beers, gourmet groceries, and sandwiches that are as delicious as they are huge. Stop by for a Corti Special sandwich and stock up on provisions for your trip. Gunther’s Ice CreamThis historic ice cream shop is the perfect stop for a quick pick-me-up before leaving Sacramento. Found in 1940, this ice cream shop has become a must-stop for those who want a one-of-a-kind California experience. Make sure to grab a scoop or two of their delicious ice cream at their historic landmark location at 2801 Franklin Blvd. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Road Trip via Hwy 50After stopping in Sacramento, Highway 50 is the best route to get to South Lake Tahoe, and it will take 2 hours and 20 minutes to get there without stopping. The next stop after Sacramento is Placerville, which is a 55-minute drive from Sacramento. If you’re heading to North Lake Tahoe, jump here. 🚘 This route is going to be winding, and if you get car sick, do yourself a favor and take this motion sickness pill with you. Placerville
📌 PLACERVILLE. Formerly known as Old Hangtown, this old Gold Rush town is filled with lots of history and attractions that make it well worth your time. The historic main street is still fairly intact, with many of the original store fronts housing great shops like public houses, cheese shops, art galleries, and gift shops. Make sure to explore Downtown Placerville and visit Placerville Hardware, the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi River at over 150 years old. Things To See and Do in PlacervilleHistoric Downtown PlacervilleDowntown Placerville is located ten miles from the first gold discovery site at Sutters Mill where the Gold Rush started. It became an important supply center for the surrounding mining camps. You can still admire the legacy of this historic site through the beautiful 19th-century architecture of the downtown district. Apple HillFamous for apple picking, warm apple cider, and stunningly good freshly fried apple donuts, Apple Hill is a must-visit for anyone who adores apples. The apples on this farm are really good, and grocery store apples can’t hold a candle to them. This is a fun activity with your family, but the orchards are only open from October to mid-November. 🍎 Read More: Things to do at Apple Hill Placerville WineriesPlacerville is also known for its vineyards and production of fine wines. With over 2,000 acres of vines and 70+ award-winning wineries, wine lovers should stop by and try the best that Placerville Wineries can offer. There are several tasting rooms and wineries that you can visit, but the standout wineries are definitely Chateau Davell, Bumgarner, Boeger, and Madroña. Food and Drinks in PlacervilleTimmy’s Brown BagIf you haven’t had your lunch yet, Timmy’s Brown Bag is a must-stop that you shouldn’t miss. This quirky sandwich shop serves some of the wildest combinations of unusual twists on classic and brand-new sandwiches. Even though nothing on the menu is basic or traditional, the sandwiches are still delicious, so make sure to try them. Pachamama CoffeePachamama Coffee is a small coffee roaster that is based out of Sacramento, and this is their Placerville branch. The farmer-owned co-op roasts fresh, hand-selected organic beans at their roastery in Sacramento. If you need a pick-me-up for the latter half of your trip to Lake Tahoe, they have amazing coffee that is worth a stop in Placerville. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Road Trip via Hwy 80After stopping in Sacramento, Highway 80 is the best route to take if you’re heading to North Lake Tahoe, and it will take 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there without stopping. The next stop after Sacramento is Auburn, which is a 40-minute drive from Sacramento, and Truckee, which is 1.5 hours away from Auburn. Auburn
📌 AUBURN. Auburn is another early gold mining town that is very close to the gold discovery site at Sutters Mill, where the Gold Rush began. This small town used to be an outpost for antiques, but it has become a vibrant city that has been slowly transformed by the creative and outdoorsy younger generation. Antique stores are now accompanied by modern boutiques, award-winning breweries, wineries, and restaurants. There’s always something fun to do in Auburn, whether you love the outdoors or not. Things To See and Do in AuburnHistoric Old TownAuburn has captured the hearts of many visitors with its unique blend of historic allure and unique shops and restaurants. It’s the location for special events year-round, and you can explore many amazing breweries and restaurants here. Don’t forget to visit their unique specialty shops and grab a cup of coffee before you leave. Food and Drinks in AuburnIkeda’sWe can’t recommend this place enough. Ikeda’s Auburn store is the original, and it is larger than the one in Davis. This branch also has a take-out restaurant attached that is famous for its giant burgers, which are highly raved about by anyone who has ever tried them. Remember to take one of their famous frozen pies and bake it when you arrive in Tahoe, and make sure to store it inside an ice chest. The Pour ChoiceA great place to unwind before exploring Old Auburn, this is a hip coffee shop that has a small but thoughtful food menu and a carefully curated draft beer list. For coffee lovers who want a one-of-a-kind California experience, this coffee shop is California’s first and only craft coffee bar and tap room, so this is worth a try. Knee Deep Brewing CompanyBeer fanatics will love this next stop. Knee Deep Brewing Company is a very highly rated brewery that is well-known in the region for excellent IPAs and Imperial IPAs. It’s a family-owned microbrewery that has been brewing for eleven years. If you have a penchant for outstanding quality craft beers, don’t hesitate to drop by their tasting room and pick up some bottles to take with you to Lake Tahoe. Truckee
📌TRUCKEE. This is the last stop on our San Francisco to Lake Tahoe road trip. Truckee is the perfect getaway for nature lovers and outdoorsy people as it’s only a few minutes away from Tahoe National Forest, Donner Memorial State Park, and the stunning Lake Tahoe. Native Americans, the Donner Party, and early settlers once called this scenic town their home. Truckee’s healthy forests, meadows, and streams now provide a fantastic natural habitat for trees, wild animals, plants, and native fish. Things To See and Do in TruckeeDonner Pass ViewpointOne of the best things about taking Highway 80 is the Donner Pass Viewpoint. From here, you’ll be able to see the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Range and the beautiful blue waters of Donner Lake. This viewpoint is a must-stop for anyone driving through Highway 80. Historic Summit TunnelIf you’re looking to hike somewhere unique and historical, this 1,659-foot abandoned railroad tunnel is a great option. It’s near the Donner Pass Bridge, so you can go here after you enjoy the stunning scenery at the viewpoint. It might be a bit creepy if you’re hiking alone, so make sure to bring a friend with you. Historic Downtown TruckeeThis downtown district has a lot of interesting local shops and restaurants that you can explore. It still has an old-west mountain charm which gives it a very enchanting ambiance. Before you head into Lake Tahoe, make time to take a little stroll in this historic area and grab a bite at one of its famous restaurants. Food and Drinks in TruckeeJax at the TracksIf you want a blast of the past while dining, make sure to drop by Jax at the Tracks. This restaurant serves milkshakes, burgers, meatloaf, and other American classics served in an old-school diner setting. Their food is amazing so it can get crowded at times, but it’s worth visiting. Dark Horse Coffee RoastersThis coffee shop has a very nice and cozy ambiance. They sell expertly roasted coffee and other drinks like beer, soda, and tea. There are books available for you to read while you sip your coffee, and they all showcase local artists. This local gem has amazing coffee and bites, so make sure to drop by if you can. Alibi AleworksIf you want a fun and unique experience, make sure to check out this brewery. They give you the option of designing your own wood-fired pizza, and they even have a self-serve beer wall. They’ll give you glasses and wristbands that activate their taps, so you can taste as many small pours as you want. 🍺 Do you like craft beer? Check out our list of the best breweries in Lake Tahoe. How difficult is the drive to Lake Tahoe?Both routes leading to Lake Tahoe, Highway 50 and 80, are both well-maintained and very safe. However, if you’re an inexperienced driver and you’ve never driven on winding, narrow uphill roads, it’s best to avoid Highway 50. Some sections of 50 are very windy and require the driver to be highly focused on their speed and oncoming traffic. If you’re used to driving winding uphill roads, the drive to Lake Tahoe won’t be difficult for you, and it can be quite a pleasurable route. ❄️ If you are planning to take either route during the wintertime, it is highly recommended that you carry snow chains that you are comfortable installing. Weather conditions can change fast, and both highways can get covered with snow. They plow the roads rapidly, but they often require that you use chains or have a four-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires. It’s also a good idea to bring some blankets and some food as both highways are subject to closures during large storms and if there is an avalanche.
San Francisco to Tahoe Road Trip Information
Time of the YearWeekends, holidays, and summertime are the busiest times of the year in Lake Tahoe, so make sure to plan accordingly. Tahoe is also very busy during weekends in the winter as many people flock to the lake’s popular ski resorts. If you’re visiting during wintertime, the drive time can get much longer if the roads are snowy, as cars with chains have to keep their speed to 25 miles per hour. Plan on adding an extra hour on snowy days or after a big storm. State Park FeesIf you want to visit the state parks in Tahoe, consider getting a California Golden Poppy Pass. It’ll give you access to more than 100 California state parks and these Tahoe state parks: D. L. Bliss, Donner Memorial, Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point, Emerald Bay, and Kings Beach. Admission to Van Sickle Bi-State Park is free, while admission to Sand Harbor, Spooner Lake, and Cave Rock costs $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for everyone else. TrafficThe drive to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco will take about four hours, but it could take even longer if you get stuck in rush hour traffic. The best time to leave is just before 10:00 a.m. so you miss the worst of the Bay Area traffic but get through Sacramento before the afternoon rush hour starts. This will give you plenty of time for several stops and still get you to Lake Tahoe before dark. Lake Tahoe Quick FactsBest Time to Visit: Spring and Fall is the best time to go if you want to avoid the crowds. Winter is best for those into snowsports, while Summer is best for great weather, but it is also the most crowded. Where to Stay: For the most conveniently located hotel in South Lake Tahoe, stay at the Basecamp Hotel and the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa in North Lake Tahoe. Getting there: The closest airport to Lake Tahoe is Reno-Tahoe International which is 35 miles away. For the best flight deals, use Skyscanner to browse various airlines and prices. Getting Around: The best way to get around Lake Tahoe is by car. Use Rentalcars.com to score the best deals on rental cars. Best Self-Guided Tour: This audio tour from GyPSy Guide provides engaging commentary to make your trip more fun and interesting at such an incredible price! Local Tip: Don’t forget to pack a roadside emergency kit, an insulated water bottle to stay hydrated, and a reliable power bank to keep your gadgets charged.
FAQsHow far is Lake Tahoe from San Francisco?The distance between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe is 188 miles via Highway 50, while the distance to North Lake Tahoe is 200 miles via Highway 80. Depending on road and weather conditions, the travel time of both routes would range between three to four hours. Is the drive to Lake Tahoe scary?Taking the Highway 50 route might be a little scary because the road is narrow and windy, with some sections not having guard rails. If you’ve driven uphill or in the mountains before, it’s not that scary. If you are an inexperienced driver, it is best to avoid driving this route during wintertime when it is common that the road will be covered in ice and snow. Wrap-Up: Lake Tahoe from San Francisco Road TripNow that you know the best stops to take, the fun things to see or do, and the best food and drinks to try, you can leave your worries behind and go on the San Francisco to Lake Tahoe road trip that you’ve always dreamed of. Make sure to stay safe and have fun! What is the best time of year to visit Lake Tahoe?The best times to visit Lake Tahoe are from March to May and from September to November, but the area welcomes visitors throughout the year thanks to the wide variety of attractions and activities.
Is Driving to Lake Tahoe hard?The Drive is Easy and Scenic. Regardless of where you're driving from it's easy to find a route on a major highway to Lake Tahoe and the last hour(s) of the journey are incredibly scenic mountain vistas.
Is the drive around Lake Tahoe worth it?Driving around Lake Tahoe is a must-do activity while you're here. We recommend carpooling, and going on non-weekends during non-peak times to avoid congestion, and we recommend spending as much time as you see fit in each of these places. The 72 mile drive around the lake is stunning at all turns.
Is Lake Tahoe worth visiting?Lake Tahoe is a popular summer destination thanks to its beaches and a popular winter vacation spot thanks to its slopes. Lake Tahoe is a popular summer destination thanks to its beaches and a popular winter vacation spot thanks to its slopes.
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How long to drive to Lake Tahoe
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