Best route from San Diego to Oakhurst

Question

I will be in San Diego for a conference the week of June 8-12. On the 13th I plan on driving up to Oakhurst where I will be staying for a few days. I have received directions from Google Maps, but it is taking me through Los Angeles. I drove (very slowly) in LA about 18 years ago and don't see how this could be the best route. I was hoping that someone here could provide a better route. I can get up as early as needed on the 13th to avoid some traffic as I know Friday isn't optimal. Thanks in advance!!

Answer

Driving from San Diego to Oakhurst on a Friday in mid-June can be challenging due to potential heavy traffic through Los Angeles and surrounding areas. While Google Maps often defaults to the fastest route based on distance and typical traffic patterns, there are alternate options to avoid the most congested areas.

Primary Considerations:

Friday is a high-traffic day, especially leaving San Diego in the morning and passing through LA.
Starting very early can significantly reduce time in traffic, particularly before 6 a.m.
Some scenic alternatives avoid the densest parts of LA but may add time to the overall drive.

Recommended Route Options:

Option 1 – Traditional Route (Interstate 5 to 99): Take I-5 North from San Diego toward Los Angeles, then transition to CA-99 North toward Fresno, and finally CA-41 North to Oakhurst. This route is more straightforward, primarily freeway driving, and familiar to most drivers. Early departure is crucial to avoid LA congestion.
Option 2 – Coastal Avoidance / Scenic Route: Take I-15 North from San Diego toward Barstow, then CA-58 West toward Bakersfield, and CA-99 North to Fresno, finishing on CA-41 North to Oakhurst. This avoids central LA entirely but adds some distance. It offers a mix of desert and Central Valley scenery and can be less stressful in terms of stop-and-go traffic.
Option 3 – Partial Mountain / Scenic Detour: From San Diego, take I-15 North toward Riverside, then CA-210 East to I-210 toward San Bernardino, and merge onto CA-395 North at Hesperia, traveling through the Eastern Sierra. Then connect to CA-120 West into Yosemite via Big Oak Flat Road to reach Oakhurst. This route is highly scenic but longer, and some mountain passes may still have restrictions depending on weather (though by June they are generally open).

Timing Tips:

Depart San Diego very early, ideally around 4:30–5:00 a.m., to pass LA before peak traffic.
Pack snacks and fuel stops in advance; early start may limit options for restaurants along the way.
Check real-time traffic apps on the morning of travel for any incidents or delays.

Summary: For a balance of time efficiency and stress reduction, the I-5 / CA-99 / CA-41 route with an early start is usually the best option for a Friday drive. If you prefer avoiding LA entirely, the I-15 / CA-58 / CA-99 route is a good alternative and can be more relaxed, with the added benefit of interesting scenery along the way.

Best route from San Diego to Oakhurst

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