California US 395 Road Trip Itinerary
This California US 395 Road Trip takes you from San Diego to Reno and is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of the great American West. Starting in San Diego, you'll journey through San Bernardino and Mammoth Lakes, with a total distance of 998km. It's recommended that you take four days to complete the road trip, with the best time to drive being in the warmer months. You'll be treated to some spectacular views along the way, with excellent road conditions throughout. Please note that seasonal road closures due to weather can occur, so always check your route before you set off.
This road trip is perfect for anyone looking to experience the great outdoors and make some wonderful memories. It's suitable for drivers of all levels, and can be done on a moderate budget. So, if you're looking for an amazing adventure, this California US 395 Road Trip is the one for you!
4
number of days
998 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
San Diego
Distance 998 km
Driving time 18.0 h
Pace: modest
259.5 kWh
Airports
SAN
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San Diego, located in the sunny state of California, is the perfect starting point for your road trip along the California US 395 Road Trip. This city offers many attractions that are worth exploring. Visit the renowned San Diego Zoo, take a stroll through Balboa Park, or take in the breathtaking views from the top of Mt. Soledad. For those interested in history, the USS Midway Museum, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and Cabrillo National Monument are all great places to explore.
For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN) with many car rentals available. San Diego is the perfect place to kick off your California US 395 Road Trip, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Get ready to start your journey and explore the great sights and attractions that San Diego has to offer.
1
San Diego
- San Bernardino
Distance 216 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: fast
64.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from San Diego to San Bernardino and experience the best of Southern California! This 134-mile drive, taking less than 4 hours, will take you through some of the most stunning scenery, from the deep blue Pacific to the rolling hills of the Inland Empire.
Start your journey in San Diego, the birthplace of California, and explore the city's attractions, such as the world-famous San Diego Zoo and the USS Midway Museum. As you leave the city, take the time to admire the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from the coastal roads.
Continue your journey to the inland city of San Bernardino, the gateway to the San Bernardino Mountains. Here, you can explore the historic San Bernardino Valley, including the Santa Ana River Trail and the San Bernardino National Forest.
Along the way, be sure to take advantage of the many scenic roads, such as the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, the Santa Ana River Trail, and the San Bernardino National Forest.
At the end of your journey, you will arrive in San Bernardino, the largest city in the Inland Empire. Here, you can explore the city's attractions, such as the San Manuel Amphitheater, the San Bernardino County Museum, and the San Bernardino Zoo.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
San Bernardino - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
San Bernardino
- Ridgecrest
Distance 191 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
57.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the San Bernardino - Ridgecrest road trip stage! This 119 mi route will take you less than 3 hours to complete and it's part of a larger tour.
Start your journey in San Bernardino and visit the San Bernardino National Forest. Here you can find a variety of activities like camping, hiking, and fishing.
Continue your journey and make a stop at the Mojave National Preserve. Here you can explore the desert landscape, take pictures of the wildflowers, and watch the wildlife.
Your next stop is the Trona Pinnacles. This is a great spot to take pictures and take in the beautiful views of the desert.
Finally, you'll arrive in Ridgecrest. Here you can visit the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station and see the incredible aircraft. You can also explore the Indian Wells Canyon, where you can find a variety of hiking trails.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Ridgecrest - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Ridgecrest
- Mammoth Lakes
Distance 310 km
Driving time 9.3 h
Pace: slow
71.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Ridgecrest to Mammoth Lakes, a journey of 193 miles that will take you less than 10 hours. Enjoy picturesque landscapes, scenic roads, and the breathtaking views along the way. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and there will be some steep ramps. You'll be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the area, including the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, the Owens Valley, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Don't forget to take a break and admire the beauty of Mono Lake and its tufa formations. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the ride!
Mammoth Lakes - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Mammoth Lakes - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wallpaperflare
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4
Mammoth Lakes
- Carson City
Distance 221 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
66.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Mammoth Lakes to Carson City! The 137 mile journey will take you fewer than three hours, and along the way you will be treated to some of the most stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Be sure to keep an eye out for steep ramps and sections of the route that may be closed seasonally. Enjoy the scenic road and make sure to take plenty of photos of the majestic landscape! Once you reach Carson City, you will be able to explore the many attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. For more information regarding the attractions and places to stay along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” section of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get going!
Carson City - United States - North America - Road Trip - Vikipedija
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5
Carson City
- Reno
Distance 60 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
17.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a road trip from Carson City to Reno? This 37mi journey will take you fewer than 1 hours and you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in these two cities.
Start your journey in Carson City, the capital of Nevada. Here you can visit the Nevada State Capitol, the Nevada State Museum, and the Nevada Governor's Mansion. Don't forget to take a stroll around the beautiful Nevada State Railroad Museum and the Nevada State Library and Archives.
Next, head to Reno, the largest city in Nevada. Here you can explore the National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Discovery Museum, and the Nevada State Museum. Don't forget to visit the Reno Arch, the historic Truckee River, and the Wilbur D. May Center.
This is just a taste of what you can experience on this amazing road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Carson City to Reno!
Reno - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Reno
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Reno, Nevada is the perfect end point for the California US 395 Road Trip. This bustling city offers something for everyone and is a great way to wrap up an amazing journey.
Within Reno, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see. If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, the Truckee River Whitewater Park is a great spot for kayaking, rafting, and tubing. If you’re looking for something a bit more laid back, the Wilbur D. May Museum is a great spot to explore. This museum showcases the history and culture of Reno and the surrounding area.
If you’re looking to explore a bit more of Nevada, you can take a drive to Lake Tahoe during your stay in Reno. This picturesque lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and sailing. If you’re looking for some more urban areas, Virginia City and Carson City are both within a short drive of Reno.
For those traveling via air, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the closest international airport and is located just a few miles from the city center.
Reno is a great way to end the California US 395 Road Trip. With plenty of outdoor activities, museums, and nearby cities, Reno has something for everyone to enjoy.
Reno - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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California US 395 Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
San Diego
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End:
Reno
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Distance:
998 km
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Stay:
4 days
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Getting there:
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Hopefully, the presented itinerary idea has become an ideal inspiration for your future travels.
Our tour can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original highlights of your choice.
If you are planning on travelling by car in California, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a number of elements to remember to ensure pleasant experiences.
The following road rules will surely become useful for all drivers considering renting a car or hiring a camper.
When sightseeing around California, you should obey the local traffic regulations.
Alcohol is best to be avoided at any cost while moving in a car around California.
Holidaymakers should remember that the allowed level of alcohol in blood is rather low and is only 0.5‰.
When it comes to driving in build-up areas, it is best to never exceed 40km/h.
In undeveloped areas, there is a possibility to travel at the maximum allowed speed of 72km/h.
When travelling on motorways, you can travel at the speed limit of 129km/h.
In order to stay safe, we recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip.
Well, depending on your needs, the cost may differ.
A wide range of budget possibilities is presented below.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 998km while travelling around California may equal as much as 138 EUR.
Holidaymakers will have to pay the average of up to 319 EUR for economy overnight stays.
If this option is your target, you will spend more or less 288 EUR on restaurants and food.
Travellers will have to pay about 180 EUR if they opt for the budget hire car offer as well.
Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to approximately 745 EUR without car rental and 925 EUR with vehicle rental.
When it comes to the standard offer, the gasoline for 6 stages around California can amount to 175 EUR.
If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs may amount up to more or less 473 EUR.
Holidaymakers can expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost about 432 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car should expect a cost of around 216 EUR.
Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 1,296 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend roughly 1,080 EUR.
Holidaymakers who would like to benefit from the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 1,966 EUR for holidayers who are considering car hire and 1,080 EUR for those who do not want to rent.
Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium rental car can expect a cost of about 360 EUR.
In the top standard option of the itinerary, you will pay more or less 238 EUR for gasoline.
Drivers who opt for top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay about 576 EUR for food and restaurants and more or less 792 EUR for accommodation options.
Our road trip will also be excellent for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their needs.
If you choose this mode of transport, the expenses are approximately 900 EUR.
You have to spend the maximum of 275 EUR to cover the planned mileage of the trip in a camper.
Drivers who would like to go for camper rental should expect to pay about 220 EUR for accommodation and around 288 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the above-mentioned expenses in detail.
The period between April and October is great to explore the part of California presented in our California US 395 Road Trip.
There are plenty of beautiful road adventures that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip opportunities.
Hopefully, the great variety of road trips will surely meet the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.