After staying the night near San Francisco airport, we are planning to drive up to Lake Tahoe on Saturday 09/18 and I'm currently trying to decide on the best route. I've stuck the trip into Google maps and it gives two alternatives, both going up the I-80 to Sacramento and then either taking US-50 and approaching Lake Tahoe from the South, or carrying on up the interstate to Truckee then heading down the West side of the lake on CA-89, which would add around 45 minutes to our journey time. I was hoping someone on here would have an opinion on which of these would be the nicest route to drive in terms of scenery etc, or be able to suggest an alternative e.g. heading down the East side of the lake if this would be more scenic. Any recommendations for stops &/or things to see on the way would also be appreciated. We are also doing the route in reverse i.e. back to San Francisco a few days later so I thought maybe driving in one way and out the other would be a good idea and allow us to see as much of the area as possible - any thoughts?

Edited: 5:54 am, February 26, 2010 3 destinations mentioned in this post US 50 out of Sacramento is the most scenic route. Placerville is a nice stop. It is full of history. A good place to have a meal. Give Placerville some thought. And then you begin the long upward climb! Ca 89 on the west side of the lake is the most scenic, but I would recommend traveling north on it. You don't need to go all the way to Truckee. One warning: It better not be scenic for the driver!! Eyes straight ahead on the curves! This is the overview. Other posters will provide the details. One destination mentioned in this post I agree that the drive on 50 to South Lake Tahoe is better than driving on the freeway (80) all the way to Truckee. On 50 you’ll be driving right next to the American River after you pass Ice House turnoff – don’t turn off, just pass it. Also driving on 89 on the west side takes you around Emerald Bay. The west side is very pretty – but then it’s the most familiar for me so that’s my preference.

I do also think that there are parts of the east side where the lake is very pretty and that is mostly on the north east side between Incline Village and the merge of 28 with 50. That section has Sand Harbor and some other very pretty rock outcroppings that make the lake picturesque. Here's an alternative you might consider:best beginner cruiser motorcycle 2013 Out of SF take I-580 east, then I-205 east to I-5 north. motorcycle accessories in warwick riFrom I-5 take Hwy 4 over to Hwy 99 and then take Hwy 88. buying motorcycle helmet gta 5Stay on 88 until it meets Hwy 89 and take Hwy 89 to Hwy 50 and into South Lake Tahoe. atv for sale rockford il

We did this from Hwy 99 some years ago and thought it was absolutely beautiful. It is not as direct as going on Hwy 50, but if you have the time, it might be worth it. BeJerky, I've had a look at the maps and think I understand your route - do you mean basically travelling over to near Stockton then taking CA-4 via Angels Camp, Calaveras Big Tress SP etc? montana motorcycle helmet lawIf so, then that's something which has already been suggested in response to a post I made over in the Road Trip forum and is something we will definately consider as the scenery that way looks beautiful. ramones motorcycle jacketsAccording to Google it would add a couple of hours to the journey vs going on the I-80 up to Sacramento then US-50 across to Lake Tahoe but we will likely be up early that day with jet-lag so would probably have the time!

At the moment (I change my mind on this kind of thing daily though!) I think that we will take this route going over to Tahoe on the Saturday then travel back to SF the following Tuesday via US-50 with a stop at Placerville as StateRef suggested to break up the journey. Any specific recommendations of places to visit, eat etc there? Edited: 10:31 am, February 27, 2010 2 destinations mentioned in this post BeJerky was making the recommendation of using Hwy 88 not Hwy 4 (look at map). However, I was going to make the suggestion of Hwy 4 for scenic beauty to Lake Tahoe. It has become my favorite route to Lake Tahoe (summer) from where I live. From San Francisco it is certainly not the fastest route, but the scenic beauty makes up for it. Be advised that this road is narrow and steep, and has very little traffic. and Calaveras Big Trees. I like to stop at the Lake Alpine Lodge for lunch, or the deli in Markleville or at Sorensens in Hope Valley (hwy 88 portion) for their famous burgundy stew.

I have also found it faster if my destination at Lake Tahoe is the Stateline area to turn right at the 88/89 junction and take the Kingsbury Grade (Hwy 207)into the Lake Tahoe area. One of our favorites to eat in Placerville is Sweetie Pies---- all homemade food in an 100 year old converted house. Be aware that if anyone has a tendency toward getting car sick carefully consider your choice of roads. That particular route is quite lovely but 3 of us in our car had a rather difficult time. Buttercup Pantry Restaurant, 222 Main St Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 621-1320 serves excellent sandwiches at a reasonable price. I won't mention the bakery there. You had better be hungry and have a sweet tooth! Yes, my suggestion was to use Hwy 88 to go towards Tahoe. Although, looking at the map, I suppose Hwy 4 would be just as scenic. And, from what I can remember, those roads are somewhat curvy, which doesn't bother me, but may bother others. Had another look at the map and understand the Hwy 88 route now - I swear the road wasn't over there when I looked yesterday, or maybe I was just having a blonde moment!!

Neither of us has ever been car sick before, so hopefully we should be ok whichever way we go but thanks for the heads up. The suggestions for eats in Placerville both sound yummy - I think a stop there will definately have to be arranged now! Will you be starting from San Francisco or SFO? If you are starting in SF itself, I suggest taking the Golden Gate Bridge to Highway 101 north to Highway 37 east to I-80 east, then however you want to get to Lake Tahoe from there. Don't take the Bay Bridge direct, which is less scenic, more congested, and has a $4 toll on the Carquinez Bridge. If you are starting at SFO, you can take 380 west to 280 north to Highway 1 north to the Golden Gate Bridge and continue like above, or go the southern route. The southern route (from SFO) is 101 south to the San Mateo Bridge east to 880 north to 238 east (which becomes 580 east) to 205 east to 5 north, then however you want to go from there. If you would like to go the southern route from the City, take the Bay Bridge east to 580 east and continue like above.