Where to stop

Best places to stop between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe

The I-80 and US-50 drive runs about 190 miles and 3.5 hours. These are the towns worth pulling off for, in the order you reach them, with how far into the drive each one sits.

1. Mile 73 of 190

   1. Sacramento, CA

   A good first break, about 1.3 hours out of San Francisco. Stretch, refuel and grab real food.

   Hotels in SacramentoWhere to stay in Sacramento

2. Mile 111 of 190

   2. Placerville, CA

   This is the halfway mark and the best overnight on the route, with 79 miles left to South Lake Tahoe.

   Hotels in PlacervilleWhere to stay in Placerville

3. Mile 162 of 190

   3. Truckee, CA

   The last big stop before South Lake Tahoe, 28 miles to go. Top off the tank here.

   Hotels in TruckeeWhere to stay in Truckee

Sights worth the detour

• Old Sacramento waterfront
• Apple Hill orchards near Placerville
• Emerald Bay overlook

Gas, food and rest areas by mile

Open the route in XCRSN to see every gas station, EV charger, rest area and restaurant listed by mile, with live fuel prices.

More on this drive

• Full drive guide
• Can you drive it in one day?
• Halfway point
• Gas cost