Las Vegas to Los Angeles Road Trip with Kids: Best Stops for Families
The 271-mile drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles on I-15 takes about four and a half hours through the Mojave Desert and over the Cajon Pass into the Inland Empire. SmartStops recommends one stop at Newberry Springs, California, roughly two hours from Vegas. Norman Smith Park provides a place to stretch legs, Shell gas is right off the highway, and Cali Burger serves up a quick meal before the final push through San Bernardino and the LA freeways.
Your First Stop: Newberry Springs, CA
2h 11m from Las Vegas
Best Park
Norman Smith Park
West Yermo Road
Gas Station
Shell
40873 Sunrise Canyon Rd
Family Restaurant
Cali Burger
40865 Sunrise Canyon Rd
Burgers
Coffee
Peet’s Coffee
36107 Calico Road
Tips for This Route
Avoid Sunday afternoon returns
I-15 southbound from Las Vegas to LA is notorious for bumper-to-bumper traffic on Sunday afternoons as weekend visitors head home. Leaving Vegas before 9 AM or after 7 PM on Sundays avoids the worst of it near Primm and Baker.
Watch desert temperatures
Summer temperatures between Las Vegas and Barstow regularly exceed 110 degrees. Run your AC and carry extra water. If your car starts to overheat on the long climb toward the Cajon Pass, pull over and let the engine cool before continuing.
Grab coffee at Newberry Springs
Peet's Coffee on Calico Road near Newberry Springs is a good caffeine stop about halfway through the drive. From here, you still have roughly two hours of driving through Barstow, the Cajon Pass, and the Inland Empire into LA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stop on a road trip from Las Vegas to LA with kids?
SmartStops recommends one stop at Newberry Springs, CA, about 2 hours and 11 minutes from Las Vegas on I-15. Norman Smith Park is available for a stretch break, Shell gas is at 40873 Sunrise Canyon Rd, and Cali Burger is right next door for a quick meal.
How long is the drive from Las Vegas to LA with kids?
The drive is 271 miles and takes about 4 hours and 22 minutes without stops. With one family break at Newberry Springs, plan for about 5 to 5.5 hours total, or longer if you hit Sunday afternoon traffic on I-15.
Are there playgrounds along I-15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles?
Norman Smith Park at Newberry Springs is the best option along this desert route. The stretch between Vegas and LA is sparsely populated, so SmartStops identifies the most practical parks even in remote areas like the Mojave corridor.
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