Whether you want to spend some time on the water, enjoy a hike or treat yourself to a cold craft beer, this San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip has an array of options.
Known for its eclectic architecture and numerous attractions, San Francisco is must-see. We have selected a variety of sights and towns for you to stop at on your drive to Las Vegas. These range from lush lakes to small and charming cities, so you will never be bored during your drive. The summer is a great time for kayaking, hiking and mountain biking, while winter provides an opportunity to enjoy the route’s scenery while visiting a museum or two.
Stops
1. San Francisco
2. Mono Lake
3. Convict Lake
4. Bishop, CA
5. Beatty, NV
6. Las Vegas
Info at a glance
- 1 Week
- Type of route: Nature
- 6 stops along the route
- 234 miles of driving
Highlights
- Walk across the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
- Explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Convict Lake.
- Visit the charming historic city of Bishop.
- Get lost in the cozy town of Beatty.
- Experience the unforgettable nightlife of Las Vegas.
Getting to the start
This road trip starts in San Francisco, and if you’re coming from a different part of the US, you can always fly into San Francisco International Airport and pick up a rental car. If you have your own vehicle for the San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip, you can drive into San Francisco on US-101, I-80 or California Highway 1, among others.
When to Visit
While a San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip is fun no matter what time of year it is, this specific route is often best between the months of May and November, as you won’t have to worry about roads being closed due to rain or snow. Make sure to pack plenty of layers, as it can be chilly in San Francisco and quite warm in Las Vegas. You will also want to pack a bathing suit, towel and sunscreen for when you’re at the lake, as well as sturdy shoes and outdoor gear in case you would like to go hiking.
Driving tips
You will be driving in California and Nevada, both of which have similar speed limits. Generally, you can drive 65 miles per hour on the interstate and 555 mph on highways. Parts of this San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip go through mountainous areas, so you will want to be cautious and plan to drive slower. While you may encounter toll roads or bridges in parts of California, toll roads do not exist in the state of Nevada.
What to know about the route
This San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip spans approximately 590 miles, which is around 10.5 hours of driving time in total. Along this route, you will have the opportunity to pass through some of the West Coast’s most scenic areas and charming towns. You will start in San Francisco, before taking CA Highway 120 E through Yosemite and to Mono Lake. Next, you will hop on US Highway 395 S to go down to Convict Lake. After this stop, your next destination will be the city of Bishop, which can also be reached via US-395 S. From here, you will head to the town of Beatty by taking CA Highway168 E, NV Highway 266 E and US Highway 95 S before getting to Las Vegas. Whether you’re seeing a live show, going to a casino or enjoying a hike, this city has something for every type of traveler. Depending on what you have planned, the time of year and how many passengers you have, a spacious SUV or a comfortable compact car are both suitable for the journey.
San Francisco
Famous for its cool summers, unique architecture, steep roads and diverse landmarks, San Francisco has something for every visitor. You’ll want to dedicate a few days to explore this vibrant town, as there is so much to see and do here. The city can become quite busy, so try to visit the attractions that you would like to see the earliest in the day.
Points of interest
A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without walking or biking across the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Many visitors also enjoy going to Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay, where you can tour the former prison. You can also spend some time exploring the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which is home to over 30,000 pieces.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
San Francisco is popular for its seafood and sourdough bread, so make sure to try these during your stay. Both Fog Harbor Fish House and Swan Oyster Depot are good for sampling the local fare. The city has many chic cocktail bars as well, like the Alchemist Bar & Lounge and Casements Bar. For lodging, there are a variety of charming hotels that you can choose from, including The Marker.
Sixt Insider Tip
Muir Woods National Monument is just a short drive north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge and is a great place to visit, as you can get up close and personal with giant redwood trees.
Distance to next stop in miles: 235 miles (4.5 hours)
To reach your next stop of Mono Lake, you will get on CA-120 E, which will take you through Yosemite National Park. Make sure to stop here if you would like to see the area’s ancient sequoia trees and granite cliffs. You can also take a detour to the scenic June Lake, which is a short distance from Mono Lake and known as a good spot for fishing.
Mono Lake
Formed over 750,000 years ago, Mono Lake is a saline lake that is famous for having high levels of salt in its water. One of the oldest lakes in the United States, this body of water is great for kayaking, bird watching and hiking.
Points of interest
To learn more about the lake’s unique ecosystems, spend some time at South Tufa, which is home to one of the largest tufa groves in the area. If you would like to do some kayaking or canoeing, you will want to go to Navy Beach, which is also a great area to swim. Avid hikers will want to spend some time at Panum Crater, which has two trails.
Sixt Insider Tip
If you would like to have beautiful views of the lake itself, head to Old Marina, a vantage point that looks out onto Mono Lake’s islands. The best way to get here is either by hiking or biking.
Distance to next stop in miles: 33 miles (35 minutes)
To get to your next destination of Convict Lake, get on US-395 S. This highway will bring you through Inyo National Forest, a scenic area that is known for its recreational opportunities, such as biking, fishing, hiking and rafting. During the winter months, you can also go sledding, skiing and snowboarding.
Convict Lake
Located in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Convict Lake is filled with clear water and a large trout population. It was originally carved out by glaciers and is now known for being one of the deepest lakes in the region. Like Mono Lake, it’s also a great place to do some hiking.
Points of interest
If you want to spend some time on the water, you can always choose to rent a boat from the Convict Lake Resort Marina. At the marina, visitors can also rent stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. To do some fishing, you can always head to the bridge that is over Convict Creek. Just make sure you have the proper permit to do so.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
It’s possible to find dining options directly at the lake, with the Restaurant at Convict Lake and the Aspen Grill being two of the most popular eateries. There are a few different lodging choices as well, including the Convict Lake Campground, as well as the charming Convict Lake Resort.
Sixt Insider Tip
Fall is known for being a particularly beautiful season at the lake, as this is when the area’s trees will change colors, allowing you to see a variety of red, orange and yellow leaves.
Distance to next stop in miles: 37 miles (40 minutes)
To go to your next destination, the town of Bishop, you will continue on US-395 S. Things to see along the way include Red Mountain, as well as Wheeler Crest. If you want to do some hiking or just would like to have beautiful views of the area, these are great options.
Bishop, CA
With interesting museums and local restaurants, Bishop is a good place to stop for a day or two. The town offers recreational activities, including fishing and hiking, as well as a rich Native American heritage and large mule population.
Points of interest
Bishop City Park is a great place to stop for a picnic, go on a walk, or just spend some time outdoors with the family. To learn more about the town’s unique history, you can always go to the Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site, which has a museum that gives visitors a glimpse of life back in the early 20th century.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Bishop has restaurants offering many types of cuisines, including classic American food and Mexican restaurants. Both the Bishop Creek Lodge and Astorga’s Mexican Grill can be found near the city center. The city also has several charming lodging options, with the Bishop Inn being a cozy choice.
Sixt Insider Tip
Bishop has quite a few annual events and festivals for visitors to enjoy, such as the Mule Days Celebration that takes place every year in May.
Distance to next stop in miles: 150 miles (2.5 hours)
The next stop on this road trip is Beatty, Nevada, which can be reached by taking CA-168 E, NV-266 E and US-95 S. If you would like to stop somewhere to grab a bite to eat or stretch your legs, you can always do so in Lida, a charming town that is about halfway between Bishop and Beatty.
Beatty, NV
A rural town surrounded by the Mojave Desert, Beatty is the perfect place to stop before finishing the road trip in Las Vegas. Just a short driving distance from Death Valley National Park and Rhyolite ghost town, you will have no shortage of interesting things to see and explore.
Points of interest
If you enjoy art, make sure to go to the Goldwell Open Air Museum that is home to a quirky collection of outdoor sculptures. There is also the Beatty Museum & Historical Society, where you can learn more about the town’s rich history. If you’re interested in the Gold Rush, make sure that you stop in Rhyolite, a ghost town that has also been a popular movie set.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Stop in Beatty for traditional American cuisine at Death Valley Coffee Time, Gema’s Café or Mel’s Diner.There are also a few charming lodging options, such as the Atomic Inn and the Death Valley Getaway Cabins.
Sixt Insider Tip
Geocaching has become a popular pastime in Beatty, with there now being more than 130 geocache points within 30 miles of the city. For a unique way to discover the area, consider participating in some treasure hunting.
Distance to next stop in miles: 118 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)
To head to Las Vegas, you will take US-95 S. Along the way, you will pass by Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is a great area for hiking, mountain climbing or just taking a scenic drive. During the winter months, you can always stop at Charleston Peak for skiing.
Las Vegas
Known for its casinos and world-class entertainment, Las Vegas is filled with a variety of attractions for you to see and visit. Whether you’re spending a night on the Las Vegas Strip, enjoying a gondola ride through the Venetian, or seeing the Fountains of Bellagio, you’re sure to have a great time.
Points of interest
To get great views of the surrounding region, head to the STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod, which has an observation tower that overlooks the city. For a unique experience, you can always go to the Neon Museum, which is home to a variety of vintage signs from old casinos and other businesses in the area.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
There are numerous types of food available in Las Vegas, including traditional American cuisine, Chinese and seafood. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include Alder and Birch and 8 East. The town is also known for its cocktail bars, including Alexxa’s Bar and Beauty and Essex. There are numerous hotels to choose from, with the Flamingo and the Wynn being quite popular.
Sixt Insider Tip
Make sure to check what shows are going on at each hotel and casino, as Las Vegas is known for its concerts, dance performances, stand-up comedians and some of the finest outdoor attractions.
