San Francisco to Las Vegas Road Trip with Kids: Best Stops for Families
The 569-mile drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas takes about nine and a half hours across some of California's most varied terrain. You will start on I-580 and I-5 through the Central Valley, cut east through Bakersfield and Mojave on CA-58, then cross the desert on I-15 through Baker before dropping into the Las Vegas Valley. SmartStops plans four stops to break up the long desert sections where services are scarce and temperatures can be extreme.
Your First Stop: Los Banos, CA
2h 7m from San Francisco
Best Park
Dos Amigos Vista Point
Westside Freeway
Gas Station
Shell
24729 South Mercy Springs Rd
Family Restaurant
El Nuevo Palenque
13289 State Highway 33
other
Coffee
Starbucks
13104 SR-33
3 More Stops Along the Way
SmartStops finds every park, playground, gas station, and restaurant near each stop — and lets you pick the best option for your family.
Stop 2: Kettleman City, CA
3h 31m from previous stop
6 parks, 12 gas stations, 24 restaurants, 2 coffee shops nearby
Stop 3: Mojave, CA
5h 53m from previous stop
2 parks, 11 gas stations, 21 restaurants, 0 coffee shops nearby
Stop 4: Baker, CA
7h 55m from previous stop
2 parks, 11 gas stations, 19 restaurants, 2 coffee shops nearby
Get the full picture in SmartStops
- Choose between multiple city options at each stop
- See every park with playground details, restrooms, and shade
- Filter gas stations by brand and amenities
- Adjust stop frequency to match your family's needs
- Get directions straight to each park from the highway
Tips for This Route
Carry extra water through the desert
The stretch between Mojave and Baker crosses the Mojave Desert where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees. Carry at least a gallon of extra water per person and keep the car's coolant topped off.
Fill up at every stop
Gas stations between Mojave and Baker are few and far between. Mojave has 11 stations, but the next reliable cluster is Baker with 11 more. Do not risk running low through this 150-mile desert stretch.
Drive early to beat the heat
Leaving San Francisco by 5 AM puts you through the hottest desert sections before peak afternoon temperatures. This also gets you into Las Vegas before dark, which is easier for families checking into hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stop on a road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas with kids?
SmartStops recommends four stops: Los Banos (2 hours 7 minutes from SF) with the Dos Amigos Vista Point and Shell gas, Kettleman City with 6 parks and 24 restaurants, Mojave with 2 parks and 21 restaurants, and Baker with 2 parks and 19 restaurants near the I-15 desert corridor.
How long is the drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas with kids?
The drive is 569 miles and takes about 9 hours and 23 minutes nonstop. With four family stops, plan for 11 to 12 hours of total travel. Many families prefer to split this into a two-day trip with an overnight near Bakersfield or Barstow.
Are there playgrounds along the route between San Francisco and Las Vegas?
Parks are more limited in the desert sections. Los Banos has the Dos Amigos Vista Point, Kettleman City offers 6 parks, and both Mojave and Baker each have 2 parks. SmartStops helps you find the best options even in remote stretches.
This page shows one stop. The app plans your whole trip.
SmartStops finds parks with playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, gas stations, and coffee shops at every stop — then lets you pick the best options for your family.
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