Best San Jose to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary – Scenic Stops

In this blog, read details on driving from San Jose to Las Vegas with exciting & unique stopovers. On the San Jose to Las Vegas road trip, you will experience California’s diverse landscapes, from the lush greenery of California to the serene desertscapes. Explore unique destinations, scenic viewpoints, and charming small towns before reaching the entertainment and fun city of Las Vegas.

👉🏼LA To Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary – Best 8 Routes, Scenic Stopovers & Stays

• Total Distance from San Jose to Las Vegas without stopping anywhere: ~525 miles
• Estimated Drive Time: ~8-9 hours (without extended stops)
• Recommended Routes: I-5 South and CA-58 E have several beautiful stops.

San Jose to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary – San Jose to Vegas Drive

Here’s a day-by-day itinerary for your San Jose to Las Vegas road trip. This itinerary helps you to plan for each scenic stop without feeling rushed, with lots of sightseeing, scenic detours, and rest.

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Why is a San Jose to Vegas road trip worth doing?

This San Jose to Las Vegas road trip is a journey of contrasts, from the rolling hills of California’s wine country to vast desert landscapes. You can explore California’s unique towns, natural landmarks, and scenic viewpoints, with each stop offering something different. And the final stop of Las Vegas after this adventure-filled drive makes the destination all the more rewarding.

Day 1: San Jose to Bakersfield

Distance: ~150 miles

Estimated Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (without stops)

• Depart from San Jose and head south on US-101 to Gilroy.
• Stop in Gilroy (30 miles / 35 minutes): Enjoy a coffee or breakfast at a local café, and if you have time, visit Garlic World or Gilroy Gardens (if traveling with kids).
• Continue on US-101 S for about 15 minutes to Casa de Fruta.
• Stop at Casa de Fruta: Walk around the fruit market, sample fresh fruits, and try local wines. Take a break and enjoy the quirky attractions, such as the mini train ride.
• Take a scenic detour to Pinnacles National Park (about 40 minutes from Casa de Fruta).
• Explore Pinnacles National Park: Spend a few hours hiking or bird-watching, with options for shorter trails like the Bear Gulch or Balconies Caves trail.
• Continue south on US-101 S, then east on CA-58 E, arriving in Bakersfield by evening.

Overnight in Bakersfield: Check into Hotel Rosedale or Best Western Plus Hill House, offering comfortable accommodations at mid-budget prices.

Day 2: Bakersfield to Mojave National Preserve

Distance: ~145 miles

Estimated Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (without stops)

 

• Head east on CA-58 E toward Tehachapi (about 45 minutes from Bakersfield).
• Tehachapi Loop: Stop to watch this fascinating railroad where trains loop over themselves, a unique sight for railway enthusiasts. Nearby, see the Tehachapi Wind Farm for a striking view of the wind turbines dotting the landscape.
• Continue east to Red Rock Canyon State Park (about an hour from Tehachapi).
• Explore Red Rock Canyon: Enjoy the colorful cliffs and rock formations. Take a short hike along one of the trails for close-up views and photos. Plan around 1-2 hours here for exploration. 
• Continue southeast toward the Mojave National Preserve (about 1.5 hours from Red Rock Canyon).
• Arrive at Mojave National Preserve: This expansive desert area is perfect for an afternoon of hiking or a picnic with scenic views. Explore places like Kelso Dunes or Hole-in-the-Wall.

Overnight near Mojave National Preserve: There are limited lodging options nearby. Therefore, you can choose nearby locations like Barstow (45 minutes from Mojave Preserve) and Hampton Inn & Suites Barstow for a convenient and budget-friendly choice.

Day 3: Mojave National Preserve to Las Vegas

Distance: ~90 miles

Estimated Drive Time: ~1.5 hours

• Continue exploring Mojave National Preserve with a morning stop at Kelso Depot or Cinder Cone Lava Beds. Enjoy the unique landscapes before hitting the road to Las Vegas.
• Head northeast on I-15 N toward Las Vegas (1.5 hours from Mojave National Preserve). 

Arrive in Las Vegas: Reach Las Vegas by midday and check into your hotel, like Excalibur Hotel & Casino or The LINQ Hotel + Experience, for a budget-friendly stay on the Strip.

Explore Las Vegas: Start by strolling down the Strip to get a feel for the city. Then, visit iconic hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues.

Experience the Las Vegas Strip: Visit Las Vegas attractions, including casino games and live shows, or enjoy free spectacles like the Bellagio Fountains and the Fremont Street Experience.

Scenic Stops/Places to Visit – Drive from San Jose to Las Vegas

Gilroy – The Garlic Capital of the World

Gilroy is known for its garlic, making it an ideal first stop for a delicious bite. Gilroy Gardens, a family theme park, is a popular attraction for travelers with kids.

Distance from San Jose: 30 miles (~35 minutes)

Things to Do:

• Visit Garlic World: Sample and buy local garlic products.
• Explore Gilroy Gardens: Spend time in this family-friendly theme park with botanical wonders.

Casa de Fruta

This famous roadside attraction is a delightful stop featuring a fruit stand, wine shop, and even a small train ride. It’s excellent for fresh snacks and a scenic break.

Distance from Gilroy: 15 miles (~20 minutes)

Things to Do:

• Fruit Market & Wine Tasting: Taste fresh fruits and try local wines.
• Family Activities: Ride the Casa de Choo Choo train and the Casa de Carousel.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park offers dramatic rock formations, caves, and a chance to see California condors. It’s an excellent spot for short hikes or a scenic drive through its unique landscape.

Distance from Casa de Fruta: 32 miles (~40 minutes detour)

Things to Do:

• Hiking: Try a short hike on the Bear Gulch Trail or High Peaks Trail for stunning views.
• Bird Watching: Keep an eye out for the rare California condor.

Bakersfield – Heart of Central Valley

Bakersfield offers a chance to refuel and explore California’s agricultural hub. It’s known for its rich Basque cuisine and cultural sites.

Distance from Pinnacles National Park: 140 miles (~2 hours 30 minutes)

Things to Do:

• Kern County Museum: Learn about California’s history and view historic buildings.
• Dine at Noriega’s Restaurant: Enjoy traditional Basque cuisine, a Bakersfield staple.

Tehachapi Loop and Tehachapi Wind Farm

The Tehachapi Loop is an engineering marvel where trains loop over themselves. Nearby, the Tehachapi Wind Farm offers stunning views of hundreds of wind turbines.

Distance from Bakersfield: 45 miles (~45 minutes)

Things to Do:

• Tehachapi Loop: Stop at the viewpoint to watch trains complete the iconic loop.
• Wind Farm Viewing: The Tehachapi Pass Wind Farm is one of the oldest wind farms in the U.S., offering a unique sight along the road.

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Red Rock Canyon is a must-see for nature lovers. With its colorful rock formations and canyons, the desert landscape offers a perfect backdrop for photos.

Distance from Tehachapi: 60 miles (~1 hour)

Things to Do:

• Scenic Drive: Drive through the park to enjoy the impressive rock formations.
• Hiking: Explore short trails to get close to unique rock formations and desert views.

Mojave National Preserve

This expansive desert preserve has Joshua trees, volcanic rock formations, and dunes. It’s a fascinating spot for a picnic or a desert hike.

Distance from Red Rock Canyon: 90 miles (~1.5 hours)

Things to Do:

• Kelso Dunes: Walk along these vast dunes that stretch across the Mojave.
• Joshua Trees and Volcanic Formations: Drive through scenic areas with Joshua trees and explore the volcanic cinder cones.

Las Vegas – Final Destination

Distance from Mojave National Preserve: 80 miles (~1.5 hours)

Las Vegas needs no introduction with its dazzling entertainment, famous Strip, and vibrant nightlife.

Things to Do:

• The Strip: Stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard to experience casinos, shows, and iconic hotels.
• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: If you still have energy for nature, take a scenic drive or hike! 

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Useful Tips – San Jose to Las Vegas Drive

 

1. Plan Fuel Stops: Some areas have limited fuel stations, especially between Tehachapi and Mojave. Plan fuel stops, especially before entering the Mojave desert.
2. Stay Hydrated and Pack Snacks: The desert climate can be dry and hot, so bring plenty of water, especially for the Mojave and Red Rock Canyon areas.
3. Weather Check: Summer temperatures can soar in desert regions, so dress accordingly and consider early morning or late evening stops for cooler weather.
4. Sun Protection: The sun can be intense, especially on open stretches. Bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.
5. National Park Pass: If you plan to stop at multiple national parks or preserves, consider getting an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass to save on entrance fees.
6. Book Accommodations in Advance: For mid-budget options, booking in advance, especially in Las Vegas, can save money and ensure you have a place to stay.

This 3-day itinerary for a drive from San Jose to Las Vegas combines a leisurely drive with scenic stopovers, desert landscapes, and cultural sights, and, therefore, a unique road trip.

The drive from San Jose to Las Vegas is like an adventure through California’s diverse landscapes, from fertile valleys to rocky canyons, quirky small towns, and expansive deserts. Taking the scenic route with these stopovers is to enjoy both states to the fullest.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

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