Interstate 5, also called I-5, is the main highway of America's West Coast, running parallel to the Pacific Ocean and U.S. Route 99, from Mexico to Canada. The major states I-5 goes through include: California, Oregon and Washington. The major cities it passes through are Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It's the only continuous Interstate highway to touch the borders of both Canada and Mexico. These are a few of the best stops along I-5.
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Since I-5 is the only border-to-border highway that actually touches both Mexico and Canada, if you're feeling really adventurous, you can start at Tijuana in Mexico.
You could literally spend days exploring San Diego, and in particular everything in Balboa Park. The natural history museum, air and space museum, the zoo, the science center, and multiple art museums can be found set among the gardens here...and that's just naming a few attractions you an check out. It's worth at least visiting their legendary zoo or the Automotive Museum!
Surfing, fishing, and camping, as well as beach access for day user visitors make South Carlsbad State Beach a great place to spend some time. If you can, stay to watch the sun set over the water, there's nothing quite like it.
Next visit Mission San Juan Capistrano. The history of Spanish missionaries coming to California is important, and also sobering, there are 2,000 inhabitants of this 18th-century mission buried in unmarked graves, mostly Native Americans. The ruins of the old stone building are also quite fascinating to see.
Since you're driving right by, why not stop at Disneyland in Anaheim! A trip here won't be cheap, but it is the "Happiest Place on Earth." Plan out the things you really, really want to see, do and eat and familiarize yourself with the park beforehand to make the most of a day here!
Skeletons in the Closet is one of the quirkiest and most morbid attractions in LA! What started out as a joke among staffers making fun of the morbid souvenirs sold at places dedicated to the part of LA's history when murder rates were at an all-time high spun off into a fully-fledged shop selling toe-tag keychains, skull-shaped business card holders and other dark takes on kitsch. Just let the guys at the front desk know that you're there to do some shopping!
via Interstate 5 N
If Disney isn't really your scene, then you might be more into Six Flags Magic Mountain! Here, it's all about the intense roller coasters. In fact, it has the most coasters of any theme park in the country. In addition, there are also thrill rides for those of all ages, and some water rides too.
Between late winter and early spring, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve explodes with brightly-hued flowers, mostly poppies. Seven miles of trail make for awesome wildflower viewing, or for a good place to stretch your legs after long hours in the car.
If you're into James Dean, history, pop culture, or offbeat roadside attractions, the Last Place James Dean Stopped in Lost Hills fits the bill quite nicely. James Dean died at the young age of 24 in a car crash while driving in his famed "Little Bastard" Porsche Spyder not far from this gas station. There's a 50's themed diner and general store, all bedecked with the legendarily handsome actor's likeness.
New Idria Ghost Town, built around a former mercury mine, was only abandoned in the 1970's so there are still nearly 100 buildings left, although they've been vandalized quite a bit. It's not as rustic as some ghost towns, but it's a cool place to stop and take some gritty pictures.
O'Neill Forebay Wildlife Area in Gustline, CA is perfect for camping, or if you pick up some food, for a nice afternoon picnic. If you have time, you can also enjoy the swimming and boating here and at the other nearby reservoirs!
Another great place to picnic is Bogle Vineyards and Winery, except Bogle also gives you complimentary wine tastings in a serene vineyard setting. Their wines are known for being delicious and reasonably priced, so pick up a few bottles as a souvenir.
Whether you're a Johnny Cash fan or not, you're sure to find the Folsom Prison Museum interesting. You can see inside an old cell, and look at handmade weapons crafted by the inmates at one of California's most notorious lockups.
Dive Bar in Sacramento is a kitschy bar featuring specialty drinks, beer, pub grub, and real, live mermaids! Okay, maybe they're not "real" mermaids, but the performers in full mermaid garb who put on shows in the massive tank make this place totally worth a visit.
via County Road 99W
Located in a super-cool indie toy store, the Yo-Yo Museum boasts the world's largest yo-yo, 80 years of yo-yo artifacts, and hosts the National Yo-Yo Championship each year. It's a super cute way to kill an hour!
via Flournoy Ave
The town of Shasta, which was active during the mid-19th century, is mostly abandoned today. However, the old buildings have been preserved at Shasta State Historic Park. Step back in time at the jail, the store, the church, the museum, the post office, and the school.
The stunning Lake Shasta Caverns, which must be reached via a boat, are one of the coolest attractions in the area. As you traverse the system of caverns, you'll learn about their fascinating history and see all kinds of wild rock formations. It's a bit of a trek, with about 600 stairs total, but it's well worth the effort.
Once you reach Gold Hill, OR pull over at the Oregon Vortex/House of Mystery, a 1930s-era attraction that's a roadside classic. Whether or not you believe in the scientific analysis of the "vortex" that causes the laws of physics to seem irrelevant (as I suspected in high school science class), it's still a fun stop. Plus, they have a cute curio shop with offbeat oddities.
Next, bask in some breathtaking natural beauty at Umpqua National Forest. This massive woodland preserve is packed with shaded trails, fields of wildflowers, misty waterfalls, and cozy cabins. Even taking a quick detour to drive through this beautiful forest is a must!
Blairally Vintage Arcade is part dive bar, part hands-on museum dedicated to the most beloved arcade games of the past, and 100% retro fun. Cheap beers and free pinball make this place the perfect place to spend a few hours, which might turn into the whole night.
The best time to road trip down I-5: In the summer there's a significant amount of fog along the northern part of the route. The best weather is generally from September through early October, as well as late April and May. Plus, the summers are high tourist season, and road conditions in winter can be slightly precarious, especially up north.
Anna Hider
Just a Civil War beard enthusiast, writer at Roadtrippers, and aspiring astronaut reaching for the stars.