17 Stops on an Interstate 5 Road Trip: Caves, Restaurants, Bridges & State Parks

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Interstate 5, also known as the I5, runs from Mexico to Canada and crosses California, Oregon and Washington. My dad and I drove from Portland to Los Angeles and took the time to stop at some of the best places along the drive. Here are 17 stops on the I5 if you are driving from Los Angeles to Sacramento, or even up to Portland. Let me know what I left off in the comments!
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Пікірлер: 120

@sarahp.4340 2 жыл бұрын

Having moved away from the Bay Area to Colorado a few years ago, videos like this remind me how much I took my home state for granted. I've only seen about 5 of these stops in person. Looks like my hubby and I have to make it back down there and do a Sacramento to Dusmuir trip!

@Califoreigners 2 жыл бұрын

We’re gonna be up and down the state this year. Can’t wait to add some of these to our drives! Big thank you as always Josh 👍

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

So glad I could help! I look forward to seeing what you explore!

@sgismundo 2 жыл бұрын

beautiful California, the golden state

@prowrestlingisart6742 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for showing that the 5 has plenty of things to stop and see and not just drive through it as fast as possible. The road trip is often more fun and memorable than the destination

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I agree, love stopping as much as possible on my road trips haha. There are long stretches of the 5 with nothing though haha

@cgamiga 2 жыл бұрын

Yup! One reason I love roadtripping w/ EVs; it takes about 15% longer due to charging, but instead of complaining about not able to cannonball through ... it actually gives you an excuse and reason to stop off for a bit and explore some spots, even if usually short just for potty or snack breaks... you can plan in longer stops to see things like this. These built-in 10-20min breaks every 100-200mi/2hrs helps make the driver feel a lot more rested! (that, and AutoPilot). Having big GPS map also helps a lot just seeing things around you, beside side of the road, and feel more reassured about taking spontaneous detour- can always find your way back!

@prowrestlingisart6742 2 жыл бұрын

@@cgamiga i like your thinking. I try to add in stops along the way to break up the monotony and to refresh myself. I love seeing things that not many people bother to stop at

@cgamiga 2 жыл бұрын

@@prowrestlingisart6742 Yup, it's a bit of mindset change, that EVs push on you a bit- but very refreshing and relaxing! Might as well enjoy the journey, on way to destination... and for those boring I5 and desert stretches with "nothing", well, again the satellite photo GPS map in car helps out there... even desert has cool colored sands and rocks (and even hidden volcanic cinder cones), do a bit of Google Maps -like surfing on the road! We discovered Calico Silver Mines ghosttown that way, near Yermo CA on way to Vegas- great little stop after supercharging!! (and less happily, we also saw all the forest clearcut scar spots outside Dunsmuir and east of Mt Shasta on way to waterfalls... ugly/sad... cleverly hidden from the highway, but, not from satellites)

@DavidMartinez-cq3hx 2 жыл бұрын

Since my family has been in California since 1870 I have family all over California especially Southern California. Our drive from San Jose to Los Angeles is usually 5 hours with at least one stop. Our families go to stop is also Bravo farms because it's such a cool place😎 I enjoy the country/western theme while my daughter loves that western themed playground😁 I will speak on behalf of my sisters family who are diehard Disney fans who visit Disneyland at least 3 times a year and there go to stop is the Harris Ranch because they love the steak there😋 On a side note I climbed Mt. Shasta back in June of 1996 and it was definitely the highlight of my climbing career.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Love Bravo Farms as well, I never pass it. That's awesome you did Shasta! It was a highlight for me as well, such a crazy hike

@mattasplund821 2 жыл бұрын

The Dragon’s name is Priscilla and there is also a cow further north named Moo-donna. She recently had a calf.

@toshibavoodoo 2 жыл бұрын

WAY JELOUS, you get to go adventuring with your DAD. As always great content!!

@OneTentInCalifornia 2 жыл бұрын

The views of Mt Shasta look amazing here. Can't wait for your full road trip video!

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I love Mt Shasta, it is so awe inspiring every time you see it

@YellowProductions 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for pointing out all the In-N-Out burgers along the way! We think alike Josh! :)

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

haha heck yes! What better road trip stop is there 😂

@paulul606 2 жыл бұрын

thank you, always takes me higher to watch your vids - greets from germany

@TravelSmallLiveBig 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! I’m impressed - we have driven up and down the 5 more times than I can count and have only stopped at a few of these. We basically suck as explorers. This was great - loved it!

@tammyhaynie-hill3046 2 жыл бұрын

Forgot about stopping in Williams, CA and going to Granzellas for the best deli sandwiches!! Also, so many fun delicious food and things to shop for, including the home decor shop across the street. It's a lot of fun!!

@eddieblanco2992 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent content. My wife and I enjoy your videos. We came across your channels in early 2020 while doing research for an upcoming trip and we’ve been fans ever since. This is awesome. Looking forward to the road trip video!

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for subscribing and watching the videos!

@mikeimushd1455 2 жыл бұрын

I’m from inland empire and I’ve lived in the puget sound area and Portland in the past so I’ve driven up and down the 5 over a dozen times and I feel like I’ve missed out on so much awesome stuff just for the sake of time. Thank you for making this video! I need to make some new stops next time.

@MaribelRubioT 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing vlog. Nice one.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@jugatsu23nichi 2 жыл бұрын

Old Sac is the best! You can easily do a half day there. The railroad museum there is also great!

@marycompogno5665 2 жыл бұрын

Nice places to visit! Loved going to old Sacramento when visiting family there. Good food and lots of historic things to see especially the state railroad museum. Fun shopping for gifts in the shops also. 😎

@NYGOGUIDE 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent info and great video as usual. Thank you so much!

@leeoconnor7218 2 жыл бұрын

Castle Crags State Park, south of Mt. Shasta, should be on the list. It has beautiful rock formations and incomparable views of Mt. Shasta. I think it's the most scenic thing on I-5 in California.

@cgamiga 2 жыл бұрын

Yup- and if you want to quickly do 2 birds w/ one stop but want to eat or see trains , the Railroad Park RV resort & dining car has a nice view of Castle Crags from parking lot!

@brendenkennedy4304 2 жыл бұрын

Great video as always and keep up the fantastic work good sir.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@MaylesTrails 2 жыл бұрын

Good list! I'd definitely add Castle Crags State Park

@the_bencredible 2 жыл бұрын

The fact that you jump from Harris Ranch to Sacramento is exactly why I take Hwy 99 when driving down to Southern California 😂 There’s absolutely nothing worth seeing on 5 going south until you get to Tejon where the 99 joins the 5.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

haha, the 99 does have more stuff to do on it, I will have to make a video on that route next

@the_bencredible 2 жыл бұрын

@Sixty_one _60 hahaha depends on the time. I always take the 99 just because there’s more opportunities to pull over for a snack or bathroom break or what have you.

@mynameisdub6232 2 жыл бұрын

The 99 is always under construction though lol

@the_bencredible 2 жыл бұрын

@@mynameisdub6232 oh it’s a nightmare through Atwater and Merced right now lol. I think they still have 99 all messed up on the south part of Elk Grove too.

@ceci2572 2 жыл бұрын

@@californiathroughmylens I drive in LA traffic often, so the 5 just offers that opportunity to decompress.

@bobbarker4166 2 жыл бұрын

Dunsmuir has a place with train cabooses you can stay in. They have a engine and a dinner car to eat in. They also have camping.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I did that a while back and made a video, such a fun spot!

@dalkurd1 2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos! Please upload more often. Fan from Stockholm, Sweden 🇸🇪

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! I try to upload once a week on both channels, that schedule is hard though haha!

@RandallGove 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this, I miss your road trips.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

More to come!

@harrynutz4550 2 жыл бұрын

We just got to Los Angles and live in Eureka,Ca we will see almost all of I5 on our trip home , we are posting our journey on my channel

@Zerotys_ADV 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff as usual! I have driven over the Grapevine countless times and about half of those I have said I need to stop at Ft. Tejon and Pyramid Lake to check them out.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I know what you mean, this last time was the first time I ever stopped at Pyramid Lake haha

@anniemchong 2 жыл бұрын

We’re heading to Oregon next week from the Bay Area. Definitely will try to check out Hedge Creek Falls this time.

@kellyjohnson3617 2 жыл бұрын

There are so many great vista points to just pull off the freeway to see Mt Shasta. Castle crags state park is a great park right off the freeway. I’m glad you included hedge creek falls. Well worth the stop to get out and stretch the legs. Thanks for all the suggestions cuz I do travel that route going up to WA yo visit my mom

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I should have included Castle Crags, that is a great one that I forgot about

@1958zed 2 жыл бұрын

I've driven over the Grapevine a number of times and always wondered about the Vista Del Lago Visitor Center and Fort Tejon State Historic Park. Now I know to check them out next time. I know it's a bit off I-5 and the timing would have to be perfect, but seeing ocean-going ships sailing up or down the San Joaquin River to/from Stockton through the flat, green delta land is pretty impressive. It's like WTF is that ship doing in the middle of a farm??? CA 12 gets you pretty close at one point west of I-5. Great suggestions for my next run up the state from San Diego.

@ronniematrix89 2 жыл бұрын

Great travel info, I will put it to good use when I visit the Golden State.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you enjoy your visit!

@csilt 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy your videos. Being from Sacramento but now living in the Mid-West in brings back fond memories of my beautiful home state. I do wish you you'd show more plant based or at least healthy options while eating but that's just like my opinion man ; )

@Twobarpsi 2 жыл бұрын

Great list!

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@Noblemarq12 2 жыл бұрын

Olive pit is a go to for us when we head south to visit California, Always stop there. I never knew about the caves, need to check those out next summer

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you love Olive Pit as well!

@norcalpinoy9618 2 жыл бұрын

I wanna visit that tule oak reserved. Thanks dear...

@rosevilleca38.75 2 жыл бұрын

You forgot to include Castle Crags State Park and the Castle Crags Wilderness Area, this huge granite mountain basically overlooks Interstate 5 in the Sacramento River Canyon.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Ya that is a great one that I totally should have included!

@laptopturbo 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. I hope to one day make this drive!

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you enjoy it if you do it!

@cgamiga 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff! Stopped at lots of these :) @5:35 Sundial bridge in Redding, look down carefully- you can see swallow bird nests made of mud attached under the glass, and even some babies if you time it right! Tesla does good planning re EV Supercharger stops, as most of these stops have chargers! Tejon Ranch, Harris Ranch, Corning, Shasta, Yreka... Redding is still waiting (urgently needed for Lassen NP- Red Bluff before it), etc.! You might want to note EV chargers as well as restaurants for roadtrips.. though cars do pretty well just planning themselves. PS Loved your trip advice for Lassen/Shasta, we followed almost all of it to great success, all the waterfalls! Barely made tasty Yaks burgers before closing.. busy! No time for caverns though, and Mt Shasta was already fully bare of snow by Memorial Day :( Folks definitely should check out that video!

@cgamiga 2 жыл бұрын

Two highlights to add, that you mention in detailed location videos, but worth detours: - Old Sacramento, especially if kids, check out the CA State Railroad Museum- worth a visit for history and lots of cool trains! Thanskgiving etc holidays, they often have a large Lego show too! They have scenic train rides along the Sacramento river, also, gives you a better view than I5 can. If families have more time, there is also CA Auto Museum closer to Hwy 80/I5 interchange. -Mt Shasta, worth a detour for Lake Siskiyou... beautiful almost like mini-Tahoe, and free Cable Beach has GREAT views of Mt Shasta thru trees over pretty Wagon Creek pedestrian bridge.

@SevenBears1 2 жыл бұрын

Like that you included Vista del Lago. Amazing to learn where the water comes from every time you turn on your faucet.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

It was really well done and interesting!

@SevenBears1 2 жыл бұрын

@@californiathroughmylens went dirt bike riding many times at hungry valley and used Vista del Lago as pit stop on the way home. Great air conditioning clean restroom and big parking lot for my truck and trailer.

@psychokittydave Жыл бұрын

Great stuff, loved it! I'm a trucker who's driven up and down I-5 so I've passed many of these spots and even stopped at a few. Have you checked out Granzella's in Williams? Similar to the Olive Pit. Quaint country stop off. Check it out if you get the chance.

@rafaeldiaz8129 2 жыл бұрын

Nice 👍 I love your videos have you ever stopped at miracle hot springs on highway 178 near lake Isabella

@caliscribe2120 2 жыл бұрын

I believe that Fort Tejon also had some camels sent to them by the US Army to try them out as pack animals. If my memory is correct, I learned this from Huell Howser tv show.

@judyvang5830 2 жыл бұрын

I would recommend stopping in Lodi. They have lots of wineries if you're into wine tasting! They are known for their zinfandels.

@ceci2572 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed this video very much. I have traveled Interstate 5 often on my way to Scappoose Or., and have stopped at a few of those places; however, as you suggested, I do stay in Redding, but I didn't know about the Sun Dial Bridge. That will be a place I plan to visit this Summer. Another interesting stop is the Shasta Railroad Park ( I like trains.) I love how the landscape changes several times on the 5. Looking forward to seeing your video of your trip to Portland with your dad. By the way, I did try Insomnia Coffee Company in Hillsboro that you recommended in a previous trip to the wine country in OR. It was worth the stop. The everything bagel and cup of coffee was such a treat to enjoy as I drove back home. I found another Coffee shop in Ashland called Noble to keep me going till I arrived in Redding. On a side note, on my way to Arizona this past winter, I took the grandkids to the Cabazon Dinosaurs parking lot. That was a fun stop as well. Thanks for the information on that too. Keep up the helpful and entertaining videos.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the comment and for letting me know that you have used a few of the recommendations, that is so cool to hear! I will have to look at that coffee shop in Ashland for sure. Archive is a good coffee shop in Salem if you find yourself in that area on your drive too

@1958zed 2 жыл бұрын

If you like trains, the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is an absolute must-see. It's probably THE best railroad museum in the country.

@harrynutz4550 2 жыл бұрын

The next time you stay in Redding,Ca stay at the Sheridan at Sun Dial Bridge, great location and the bridge is beautiful at night

@ceci2572 2 жыл бұрын

@@harrynutz4550 Thanks for the tip. I will. :)

@jpadicecoffee9812 2 жыл бұрын

I love olives and I my aunt lives in Corning so next time I go there on my next trip to Redwood SP. Did you do a video of the Jedediah Smith section of the Redwoods State Park ?

@tootsla1252 2 жыл бұрын

Yaks is fantastic. It’s a huge hit with starving Pacific Crest Trail hikers - and there’s a trailhead nearby.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I didn't know it was close to the trail but it would be an amazing meal after a long hike

@richardmortenson8525 2 жыл бұрын

And as everyone knows, Yreka Bakery spelled backwards is … Yreka Bakery. Thanks for this list; seen a few, must see the rest.

@Nagranddan 2 жыл бұрын

Don't go to Harris Ranch in the morning. I tried this after hyping up the place to someone who'se never been and the food wasn't great: very dry, well-done despite being told medium rare. Tasted line Denny's. Not sure if this was a one time thing, bad timing, or it's just breakfast schedule. You might be better off going toward lunch or dinner.

@LifeOfReillyTV 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea for a video!! And I always thought the I5 was only there to get from A ➡️ B!

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

haha, you should stop at a few fun road trip stops on this drive next time you visit!

@LifeOfReillyTV 2 жыл бұрын

@@californiathroughmylens We'll have to now!! I based it around my favourite fast food before!! 🤣 Thanks for the video!

@johnnydaniel7782 2 жыл бұрын

Dude I live in Redding and missed you! Redding/ Shasta county needs a video soon my guy

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I love the Redding / Shasta area and go any chance I get. So much great outdoor stuff up there

@mixeddrinks8100 2 жыл бұрын

hmm haven't been to the Pyramid thing, looks like a good stop. Might have to try this Yaks place too, most of the time we stopped at Weeds for lunch. Ghirardelli Chocolate Ice Cream Factory is also on a slight detour off the 580 but you can circle back to the 5, total about 10 miles I would say. Harris Ranch is why you need to keep the windows up and no circulation from outside, that smell will ruin your road trip. For that reason we stay at Hotel Mission De Oro instead, right off the 5 and beautiful building, you can't miss it. We also usually stay here for trip to SF too, a good place to cut across to the 101 to go to Santa Cruz, Gilroy etc before heading up to SF.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I will have to check out Hotel Mission De Oro next time, I have driven by but never stayed there!

@bugsbane 2 жыл бұрын

wish you had exit names and numbers.. but good info all around.

@nlpnt 9 ай бұрын

How far north (or east) of LA does the highway number drop its' "the"?

@violetbf3773 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve always thought that the 5 freeway, was the most boring freeway! And boy, was I wrong or what?! Thanks for all the awesome suggestions, Josh! 🙌🏼

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

haha some long stretches are still pretty boring haha 😂

@leeoconnor7218 2 жыл бұрын

It is pretty boring. Josh has just given us some oases along the route, although it gets much better north of Sacramento.

@stevenchien9656 2 жыл бұрын

In some sections u can see cows alongside the i5 and in the hot summer they smelled good too.

@violetbf3773 2 жыл бұрын

@@stevenchien9656 totally 🤣🤣🤣

@stanw909 2 жыл бұрын

Castle Crags State Park ?

@kimschaefer7855 2 жыл бұрын

I motorcycle ride from Illinois josh just about once a year and my wife and I can never pass the olive pit , my wife loads up and has it all shipped home.👍

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

It is a great spot, glad to know you like it too!

@gaby911ful Ай бұрын

How many days does that take in one road trip ?

@IMP3TIGO 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure about the appeal of staying at a hotel at a factory farming operation, but otherwise liked the stops you highlighted. Hope to see a second part featuring Portland to the Candian border someday!

@Roadtosomethingnew1 2 жыл бұрын

Man, I've been on I5 so many time but never heard about tule elk Preserve

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to show you something new! Don't get your hopes up, I have been a few times and never seen anything before this last trip

@JasmineApple 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I'm one of those people who speeds up or down the 5 to get to my destination asap. But I think I'll start taking it a little slower to see some of these stops. Thank you!

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you enjoy them if you stop at one!

@maricelagonzalez9396 2 жыл бұрын

Please link the video you did on other attractions in Sacramento. I couldn’t find the video on my own

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

Here is the video on Sacramento kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hpyZf8KQxqvMcqs.html

@alvaro209209 2 жыл бұрын

Any stops in Stockton lol

@leecacao6107 2 жыл бұрын

can you do 101

@JM-gz1ej 2 жыл бұрын

"Don't expect it to be healthy, expect it to be tasty?" that's my kind of food 😀

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

haha mine too 😂

@2011woodlands 2 жыл бұрын

Lassen Volcanic Park isn't too far from I-5.

@californiathroughmylens 2 жыл бұрын

That is true, that is a great option as well!

@alicecampos-ayala3290 2 жыл бұрын

How about the closest to the Freeway/Highway of the one you choose Of all the HOA CAMP GROUNDS/Thousand Trails/or any other campsite on or off grid So many RV parks are fully booked where it does not leave oneself with options if : 1. They never have been there so not knowing and pulling a trailer ., “NOONE WANTS TO ENTER INTO W/O KNOWING EGAT TO EXPECT. 2. And then the senior discount Plan in advance -(book) Verses Rest over night Or rest stops for dry camping No charges