Bottle Shops between LAX and Three Rivers (Sequoia NP)

Sounds like a great trip. I personally prefer the drive up the 65 to Three Rivers from Bakersfield. Quieter and closer to the mountains. Take the cutoff just North of Lindsey at the funky gas station/shoe store.

I highly recommend Sierra Subs for a grab-and-go lunch to eat in the park up where it is cool. Excursions to Moro Rock and Congressional Grove (from Sherman Tree) are nice. Wuksachi Lodge has a nice bar if you want to grab a beverage, but the selection can be spotty. They also have a full restaurant.

If you like driving curvy roads, the cutoff from 155 over the Greenhorns, through Kernville and then out the 178 towards Death Valley is nice. There are straighter roads through Tehachapi but these are not the prettiest parts of California. Red House BBQ is a good option on the later route. Several Breweries in Bakersfield have food options. Imbibe and Bakersfield Beer Co both have great selections.

PM me if you have more questions, I live in Kernville and know these parts pretty well.

Enjoy!

 

I drove that road everyday to commute to work for 2 years. Curvy is an understatement. I replaced my tires at least 3 times. Great views coming up over the crest though.

What an undersell. @jeffreed61, you should stop into Kern. @KRBCEric is the owner and brewer.

 

Agreed, that's one of the curviest roads I've ever driven!

 

Certainly not a road you would find in Indiana...

 

California is really big

 

And there's lots. Of sans and santas