Ok, so Interstate 5 may not be the most majestic stretch of highway in California. Unlike the PCH, you're not hugging rugged mountains on one side with miles of placid ocean on the other, or driving through tranquil lakes, Joshua trees or famous national parks. But it doesn't mean you can't be entertained on your next voyage to San Francisco, or even further.
Here are 5 things you'll notice on your drive...
1. Camo. You'll know you're not in LA when you decide to pull over to use the restroom, walk into the gas station, look around and think you've somehow just decided to sign up for the army. Well, it's not that hardcore, but you can bet there are far less skinny jeans being worn by the patrons in the Bakersfield 76 station than in Echo Park. Instead, you're greeted by Levi's, camo hats, camo jackets, camo jeans and let's just go out on a limb and say camo boxers.
2. The Grapevine. Not just a song made famous by Marvin Gaye, but an actual stretch of road you'll endure on your way into or out of LA. After a long ride from up north, the Grapevine will test you as it winds to an elevation of 4,183 feet. Bring some gum to counteract the ear popping and don't look down if you're prone to motion sickness.
3. Six Flags. If you're not in a hurry, pull over in Santa Clarita and take a ride on Full Throttle or BATMAN The Ride...assuming the Grapevine wasn't a roller coaster enough.
4. Signs for Weed. No, not like the signs you see in Venice Beach but signs for the actual the town of Weed. According to Wikipedia, Weed has a population of approximately 6,300 and is mentioned at the beginning Of Mice and Men as the town from which George and Lennie are fleeing from. It's also a sign as you approach Oregon on I-5, and you can't help but equate the smell with the name.
5. Trucks, cows, fast food and McFarland, USA. So pretty much everything you'd expect on a major freeway that stretches along the entire west coast...with the exception of the actual town of this now famous Kevin Costner movie. Besides the recent fame of McFarland, along with a major theme park, a funny town name and a few other unique traits, California's I-5 is still a freeway and eventually you can't wait to make your final exit into lovely LA — where you'll go from cruising at 80 mph to trudging along in bumper-to-bumper traffic thinking 'home sweet home.'