Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe drive: 24 ranked stops, break in Mojave

Hollywood's oldest restaurant, open since 1919, a red-jacketed old-school grill famed for martinis and classic continental fare. Order: Flannel cakes.

Smooth, polished remnants of a 20,000-year-old lava flow just off US-395; short trail from the BLM site.

Tiny Lee Vining coffee-and-breakfast stop for the east gate, useful before Tioga Pass opens up into a full Yosemite day.

free terraced pools on an orange travertine ridge with Sierra views

a historic 1919 pool and soaking tub in the Owens Valley

La Brea hot dog stand slinging chili dogs since 1939, a celebrity-loved LA landmark with lines around the block. Order: Chili cheese dog.

A Peter Jacobsen and John Harbottle links along the Carson River beneath the Sierra near Lake Tahoe, in Nevada's oldest town. Wind, water, and mountains.

A Carson City launch meal for US-50 travelers who want something bright and spicy before the Nevada road opens up.

Eastern Sierra peaks, Mono Lake & ancient pines

a hot waterfall and creekside pools in the Eastern Sierra

Tiny family-run Glendale institution beloved for expertly grilled, generously salted kebabs cooked over charcoal. Order: Beef lula kebab.

a boardwalk to natural tubs on the Long Valley plateau

a historic bathhouse with private mineral tubs in the capital

Chefs Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu's celebrated spot serving authentic regional Mexican cooking and some of the best mole in town. Order: Mole poblano.

Simon Rodia’s 99-ft mosaic spires

A famous course on the shore of Lake Tahoe.

Afro-centric eatery near SoFi blending West African and California flavors. (Inglewood)

a stunning paved path above Tahoe’s turquoise east shore

A south-shore Tahoe meal with lakefront ease, useful when the loop needs a lighter lunch or brunch break.

a high-Sierra fall that throws rainbows over the San Joaquin