Los Angeles To Lake Tahoe Road Trip: The Beautiful Route

Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 500 miles of Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe drive takes around 8 hours without stops.

This article includes 12 tips that turn your Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe, take your coffee and keep reading!

4 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Los Angeles To Lake Tahoe

On the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top four hotels on the Los Angeles – Lake Tahoe route!

1. Oxford Suites Lancaster

If you want to stay near Lancaster, California; Oxford Suites Lancaster could be a suitable option for you on the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip. Driving from Los Angeles to Oxford Suites Lancaster might take around 1 hour.

During our recent road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe, we had the pleasure of staying at the Oxford Suites Lancaster in Lancaster, California. This hotel is an ideal spot to stop and recharge during the long drive. The hotel exceeded our expectations with its affordable price and excellent amenities. The staff was professional, friendly, and accommodating, making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The complimentary breakfast was fantastic, and the fitness center and hot tub were a bonus. The room was small but clean and comfortable, and we appreciated the useful amenities such as the coffee maker and flatscreen TV. Lancaster itself has much to offer, from picturesque views to local arts, shopping, dining, and entertainment. With 172 non-smoking suites, the Oxford Suites Lancaster is your home away from home in the heart of the Antelope Valley, California’s high desert. We highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay during their Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe drive.

Check the Oxford Suites Lancaster, one of the best hotels in Lancaster, California, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Creekside Inn

If you’re looking for a hotel near Bishop, California; Creekside Inn might be the perfect choice for you to stay on the road trip to Lake Tahoe from Los Angeles is Creekside Inn. Creekside Inn is 392 miles away from Los Angeles, and it would take 6 hours to drive.

Creekside Inn in Bishop, California, is a charming and comfortable hotel that’s perfect for a stop on your Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip. The staff was welcoming and accommodating, and our room with a private balcony overlooking the creek was immaculate and cozy. We loved the convenient location in downtown Bishop, with easy access to local attractions, restaurants, and shops. The complimentary breakfast had a great selection of items to choose from, and we enjoyed the warm, freshly baked cookies offered by the front desk. The outdoor fireplace and fire pit down by the creek provided a relaxing ambiance to unwind after a day of hiking or skiing. Overall, we had a fantastic stay at Creekside Inn and would recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable and picturesque place to stay on their road trip.

If you want to learn more about the Creekside Inn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.

3. Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City

Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City could be a great pick for you if you’re looking for a hotel near Carson City, Nevada. Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City is 502 miles away from Los Angeles. You can arrive there in 8 hours and 11 mins of non-stop driving.

Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City is a fantastic spot to stay during a road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. The hotel is conveniently located near the Nevada State Capitol and only a short drive away from the stunning Lake Tahoe. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need for a pleasant stay. The beds are especially comfortable and perfect for a good night’s sleep after a long day of driving. The breakfast included in the stay was delicious with plenty of options to choose from, including waffles, sausages, and cereals. The staff at the hotel are friendly and accommodating, and they go above and beyond to ensure guests have an enjoyable stay. Additionally, the hotel has ample free parking, making it an excellent pit stop during a long drive. Overall, Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City is an excellent choice for those looking for a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located hotel during their road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City, for more information.

4. Stardust Lodge

If you want to stay near Lake Tahoe, California; Stardust Lodge could be a suitable option for you. Stardust Lodge is 488 miles from Los Angeles, and it would take 7 hours and 58 mins to drive.

Stardust Lodge in Lake Tahoe is a wonderful place to stay during your road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. The staff is very friendly and welcoming, making sure that every guest feels right at home. The hotel also boasts a great outdoor table tennis area, perfect for a fun activity with family and friends. The rooms are tastefully decorated, spacious, and incredibly clean, making for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The furnishings are cozy, giving the rooms a warm and welcoming feel. If you’re looking for a good place to stay on your drive from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe, Stardust Lodge is worth considering.

If you need more info about the price and availability of Stardust Lodge, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

In this part, we explained four hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Los Angeles to the Lake Tahoe route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. We have four restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

4 Best Restaurants On The Los Angeles To Lake Tahoe Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip. This section lists four restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip with Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster. Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster is located in Lancaster, California, and is 71.4 miles from Los Angeles. It would take 1 hour and 11 mins of driving.

Crazy Otto’s Diner in Lancaster, California is a must-stop spot for anyone driving from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. The diner is a fun and welcoming place that will transport you back to the 1950s with its retro decor and classic American comfort food. The portions are huge, and the food is delicious, making it a great value for the price. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Crazy Otto’s has got you covered with a wide range of options that will satisfy any craving. The staff is friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to try their good coffee before you hit the road again. This diner is a great place to fill up and get some leftovers for the drive, and you won’t be disappointed with your meal. If you’re driving through Lancaster, be sure to stop at Crazy Otto’s Diner for a memorable meal.

For more information about Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster.

2. Back Alley Bowl and Grill

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Lake Tahoe from Los Angeles is Back Alley Bowl and Grill. Located in Bishop, California, Back Alley Bowl and Grill is 267 miles from Los Angeles and would take 4 hours of driving.

Back Alley Bowl and Grill is a hidden gem in Bishop, California that should not be missed during your road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. The service is top-notch, and the locals seem to love it, which is always a good sign. I ordered a New York strip steak, and it was cooked to perfection – juicy and flavorful. The restaurant has a great selection of seafood, pub fare, and American classics. Unlike other restaurants in Bishop, it’s tucked away and not easily visible from the main street, but it’s worth seeking out. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. In addition to the great food, Back Alley Bowl and Grill also offers ample parking and is wheelchair accessible. Whether you’re looking for a lunch break or a dinner spot, this grill is a must-visit destination on your Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe drive.

If you want to learn more about Back Alley Bowl and Grill, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

3. Olé Olé Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Carson City

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Olé Olé Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Carson City. It will take 8 hours of car drive to take 500 miles from Los Angeles to Olé Olé Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Carson City, Carson City, Nevada.

Olé Olé Mexican Restaurant & Cantina in Carson City, Nevada is a great stop for a delicious meal on your Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip. The friendly staff and inviting atmosphere make you feel right at home. We had the pleasure of trying the Taquitos and Fajitas and they did not disappoint. The food was expertly prepared, authentic, and very flavorful. The wait staff was attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed. The chips and salsa were served immediately and were a perfect start to the meal. The portions were generous and well-balanced, with black beans, rice, and flour tortillas all being perfectly cooked. The sizzling shrimp fajita meal was particularly scrumptious. Whether you are looking for vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan options, this restaurant has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this gem of a Mexican restaurant in Carson City, it’s a great place to refuel on your road trip.

You can check Olé Olé Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Carson City, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Flatstick Pub, Lake Tahoe

Flatstick Pub, Lake Tahoe deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Lake Tahoe, California.

Flatstick Pub in Lake Tahoe, California is a must-stop destination on your Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip. This pub boasts an impressive selection of food and beverages, with a focus on local beers. The interior is decorated with a fun and unique vibe, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a game of mini-golf with friends in their designated area. The menu has something for everyone, from tasty appetizers to hearty entrees, and even vegetarian options. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, with excellent service from the staff. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat, Flatstick Pub is a great choice for anyone traveling through Lake Tahoe. So take a break from your drive and stop by this fun and exciting pub for a memorable experience.

Flatstick Pub, Lake Tahoe is 488 miles from Los Angeles, and it would take 7 hours and 58 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Flatstick Pub, Lake Tahoe, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our four restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 500 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Lake Tahoe road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. Keep reading.

4 Places To Visit On The Los Angeles To Lake Tahoe Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Lake Tahoe. However, there are also some unique destinations like Lancaster, California on your road trip. We want to explain the top four destinations we recommend on the Lake Tahoe route.

1. Museum of Art & History, Lancaster

Museum of Art & History, Lancaster will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip. Located in Lancaster, California, the Museum of Art & History, Lancaster is 70.7 miles from Los Angeles, and it would take 1 hour and 14 mins to drive.

The Museum of Art & History in Lancaster, California is a must-visit destination on your road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. This hidden gem boasts a rotating collection of art exhibits that are sure to captivate any art enthusiast. The staff at MOAH is outstanding, always available to help, and never intrusive. They have done an excellent job explaining the exhibits, so you won’t have to spend too much time trying to understand what you’re looking at. Even if you’re not an art aficionado, the gift shop is worth checking out. They have a fantastic selection of interesting and clever items that you won’t find anywhere else. Additionally, MOAH has teamed up with a unique little museum to create a large educational display that explains the flora and fauna of the high desert woodland preserve in which it is located. Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and educational stop on your drive to Lake Tahoe, the Museum of Art & History in Lancaster is the perfect place to visit.

If you want to learn more about the Museum of Art & History, Lancaster, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

2. Laws Railroad Museum

Laws Railroad Museum, Bishop, California is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe route. It’s 271 miles from Los Angeles, and it’ll take about 4 hours and 15 mins of driving.

Laws Railroad Museum in Bishop, California is a must-visit on your road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the railroad era of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Admission is by donation, and the extensive collection of appliances, medical devices, clothes, trains, and more are displayed in beautifully restored old buildings on the site. The exhibits are well-organized and showcase artifacts from the Death Valley Railroad motor car to train tracks and historic buildings. The gift shop is also worth checking out with a variety of unique items to take home as souvenirs. The museum is located on the site of the Laws Railroad station and rail yard, and the last train was donated to Inyo County and the City of Bishop by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1960. It’s a great place to stop and stretch your legs while learning about the rich history of the area.

If you want to learn more about Laws Railroad Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.

3. Nevada State Museum

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe is Carson City, Nevada. And if you visit Carson City, Nevada, we suggest you visit Nevada State Museum. You can arrive at Nevada State Museum after 8 hours and 11 mins of driving.

The Nevada State Museum in Carson City, Nevada is a must-visit attraction on the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip. This expansive museum covers the rich natural and cultural heritage of the “Silver State” and offers a fascinating glimpse into Nevada’s past. With exhibits ranging from antiquity to the great mining era, visitors can learn about local wildlife, and pre-historic creatures found in the area, and even see Nevada’s state fossil, the Ichthyosaur Shonisaurus popularis. The museum is well-organized and engaging for all ages, making it an ideal family or individual experience. The Nevada State Museum aims to engage diverse audiences in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s heritage, and it certainly delivers. It presents heritage through unique and authentic educational experiences, enhanced by an environment of comfort, interaction, and inspiration. If you’re looking for an informative and enjoyable stop on your Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe drive, the Nevada State Museum should be at the top of your list.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of the Nevada State Museum for more information.

4. The Gondola at Heavenly

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit The Gondola at Heavenly, Lake Tahoe, California on the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip. The Gondola at Heavenly is 487 miles from Los Angeles, and you can arrive there after the 7 hours and 58 mins of drive.

The Gondola at Heavenly in Lake Tahoe, California is a must-visit attraction for anyone taking the road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. The 2.4-mile journey up the mountain is a unique experience that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning Lake Tahoe. Once you reach the top, you’ll be amazed by the views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Gondola is a perfect way to take a break from your drive and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this is an experience that everyone will enjoy. So, don’t forget to add The Gondola at Heavenly to your itinerary for a memorable experience on your road trip to Lake Tahoe.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of The Gondola at Heavenly before going there.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Los Angeles To Lake Tahoe?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip takes approximately 8 hours to drive. The driving distance between Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe is 500 miles.
• If you want to make the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be 2 days and 4 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Los Angeles-Lake Tahoe route, then you will have to walk for 6 days and 3 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Los Angeles To Lake Tahoe?

There are many beautiful pits stops along the way to Lake Tahoe. You can visit Lancaster, California; Bishop, California; Carson City, Nevada; Lake Tahoe, California; on the road. Here we list four places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe journey, you can check the 4 Best Places To Visit On The Los Angeles To Lake Tahoe Road Trip.

1. Museum of Art & History, Lancaster: 70.7 miles / 1 hour and 14 mins to drive from Los Angeles | 474 miles / 7 hours and 30 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.
2. Laws Railroad Museum: 271 miles / 4 hours and 15 mins to drive from Los Angeles | 256 miles / 4 hours and 31 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.
3. Nevada State Museum: 501 miles / 8 hours and 11 mins to drive from Los Angeles | 25.5 miles / 39 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.
4. The Gondola at Heavenly: 487 miles / 7 hours and 58 mins to drive from Los Angeles | 8.0 miles / 19 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Los Angeles To Lake Tahoe?

There are many excellent hotels from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe during your road trip. We have selected four hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 4 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Lake Tahoe From Los Angeles section.

• Oxford Suites Lancaster: 68.6 miles / 1 hour to drive from Los Angeles | 475 miles / 7 hours and 29 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.
• Creekside Inn: 392 miles / 6 hours to drive from Los Angeles | 232 miles / 3 hours and 54 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City: 502 miles / 8 hours and 11 mins to drive from Los Angeles | 30.1 miles / 42 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.
• Stardust Lodge: 488 miles / 7 hours and 58 mins to drive from Los Angeles | 7.4 miles / 16 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.

Where To Eat Between Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe drive, you can consider the four restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 4 Best Restaurants On The Los Angeles To Lake Tahoe Road Trip.

1. Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster: 71.4 miles / 1 hour and 11 mins to drive from Los Angeles | 473 miles / 7 hours and 28 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.
2. Back Alley Bowl and Grill: 267 miles / 4 hours to drive from Los Angeles | 261 miles / 4 hours and 37 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.
3. Olé Olé Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Carson City: 500 miles / 8 hours to drive from Los Angeles | 27.4 miles / 39 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.
4. Flatstick Pub, Lake Tahoe: 488 miles / 7 hours and 58 mins to drive from Los Angeles | 7.4 miles / 16 mins of driving to Lake Tahoe.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. We have listed four hotels, four restaurants, and four places to visit on the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.