Stop off between SF and Big Bear Lake

Question

I’m looking to break the journey up from SF to Big Bear Lake as I have 2 children at 9/10 and so wanted to stop somewhere for the night kind of half way. Everything I see is saying Bakersfield but I also see a lot of bad things said about it. Has anyone got any recommendations where would be good to stay for a night where we could combine it with seeing another place etc pls?

Answer

Driving from San Francisco to Big Bear Lake is a long trip, roughly 8–9 hours without stops, so breaking it up for a night is a wise idea, especially with children. While Bakersfield is the obvious midpoint geographically, it doesn’t offer much in terms of family-friendly attractions, and some travelers find the city less appealing for an overnight stop.

Instead, you might consider stopping somewhere that offers both a comfortable place to rest and a chance for a mini-adventure or sightseeing. Here are some alternative options roughly halfway or along a slightly adjusted route:

Fresno / Clovis: About 3.5–4 hours from SF, this area gives access to family-friendly attractions like the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Island Water Park (if open), or Forestiere Underground Gardens. Plenty of chain hotels make an overnight stay easy.
Visalia: Similar to Fresno, slightly south, it’s a small town with a charming downtown, parks, and hotel options. Great for stretching legs and a quieter overnight experience.
Sequoia/Kings Canyon area: If your kids enjoy nature, you could detour east toward the Giant Sequoias (Sequoia National Park or Three Rivers). You could book a night in a lodge or cabin nearby, giving a memorable stop in the forest instead of a typical city.
Tehachapi: A smaller town in the mountains, around 5 hours from SF, known for wind farms and a few quirky roadside attractions. Offers a peaceful overnight in a small-town environment.

Tips for planning your stop:

Book early for popular areas like Sequoia/Kings Canyon as accommodations fill up quickly in summer.
Look for hotels with pools or kid-friendly amenities to let the children burn off energy after a long day of driving.
Consider the route: taking CA-99 south through the Central Valley is fastest, but a slight detour toward the Sierra Nevada foothills can offer scenic stops and more interesting overnight options.

In summary, while Bakersfield is the conventional midpoint, areas like Fresno, Visalia, or even near Sequoia National Park provide a more enjoyable overnight experience for families with children, combining rest with a fun or scenic activity.

Stop off between SF and Big Bear Lake

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