Super Cruise, Scenic Stops, and EV Charging: The Ultimate Electric Road Trip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe with GM and Yelp
As the summer season beckons, many Americans are ditching airport lines and boarding passes in favor of something more nostalgic and liberating: the road trip. But this year, road warriors aren’t just packing up the family SUV—they’re driving electric, cruising hands-free, and recharging at scenic pit stops. Thanks to the rise in EV infrastructure and tech-savvy collaborations, electric road trips have never been easier—or more enjoyable.
One major boost to the EV travel experience is the growing visibility of charging station availability. On Yelp, thousands of businesses now indicate whether they offer EV charging. Consumer interest is rising fast, too—searches for “EV charging near me” surged by 60% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to Yelp’s monthly Trend Tracker. That demand is being met with innovative partnerships.
Enter General Motors and Yelp, who have joined forces to create a curated electric road trip experience for EV drivers using Super Cruise, GM’s advanced hands-free driving technology. Their mission? Help drivers enjoy scenic drives with less range anxiety and more memorable pit stops. From the best banana toffee cookies in the Bay Area to riverside rafting and rustic cafés in Tahoe, the San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe journey offers a perfect blend of leisure, adventure, and sustainability—all powered by electricity.
This roughly 200-mile route connects the bustling urban energy of San Francisco with the laid-back serenity of South Lake Tahoe. It’s a well-loved retreat for Northern Californians, popular year-round for both summer lake lounging and winter skiing. The trip is now even more appealing to EV travelers: Yelp data shows that searches for charging stations in San Francisco rose 8% year-over-year in May 2025, underscoring the increased demand for electric-friendly travel options.
Here’s how to turn this EV getaway into a smooth, scenic, and satisfying summer journey.
Day 1: From Bay Area Buzz to Mountain Cal
Morning: Start Sweet with a Charge and a Cookie
Begin your journey heading east on Interstate 80, and activate Super Cruise to enjoy a hands-free experience where supported. If your EV needs a boost early on, make a quick stop at the GM Energy charging station in Pinole.
While your car recharges, fuel yourself at the nearby Butter Pecan Bakeshop, a small gem that’s earned rave Yelp reviews. Known for its ultra-soft cookies—like sea salt walnut and banana pudding—they’re the kind of road snacks that make traffic bearable. Pair your treat with a quality cup of coffee and you’re ready to hit the road.
Midday: Market Haul and Highway Hands-Free
Next stop: Pedrick Produce in Dixon, a roadside market perfect for travelers. Browse fresh produce, sample artisan cheeses, or grab tamales for lunch. The variety and quality here make it more than just a snack stop—it’s a destination. Once you’re back on the highway, re-engage Super Cruise and enjoy the drive as you snack your way into the Sierra foothills.
Afternoon: Whitewater Rafting Fun
Want to get your adrenaline flowing? Head toward Raft California, where the scenic American River becomes your adventure playground. The rafting experiences here are family-friendly and suitable for both newbies and seasoned paddlers. According to Yelp reviews, it’s “great for kids” and offers a scenic way to cool down and stretch your legs after a few hours on the road.
Early Evening: Comfort Food Done Right
Post-raft, make your way to Franny’s Farm Table in Placerville. This charming, women-owned eatery is lauded for its hearty, home-style fare and welcoming atmosphere. Think fresh-baked pies, country-style chicken, and warm hospitality that makes even travelers feel like locals. It’s the ideal stop to refuel before the final stretch of your drive.
Night: Arrive and Unwind at The Coachman Hotel
When the sun begins to set, check in at The Coachman Hotel in South Lake Tahoe. This retro-chic property blends mid-century motor lodge aesthetics with modern comforts—heated pools, s’mores-ready fire pits, and in-demand EV charging stations. Families will appreciate the laid-back vibe, while couples can cozy up around the communal bonfires.
Day 2: Local Flavor, Alpine Air, and Two-Wheel Adventures
Morning: Treehouse Vibes and Elevated Eats
Start your second day with a nourishing breakfast at Maggie’s, a Tahoe favorite known for both its eco-conscious ethos and inventive menu. Yelp reviewers highlight standout dishes like short rib eggs Benedict and chicken fried pork belly, all served in a “rustic treehouse” ambiance.
Midday: Trail Time at Echo Lake
Work off breakfast with a refreshing hike along the Echo Lake trails. These family-friendly paths offer moderate terrain, ample shade, and rewarding views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Wildlife sightings are common, so keep your camera handy. The clean alpine air and quiet trails provide a relaxing contrast to city noise and highway hum.
Afternoon: Explore Tahoe by Bike
To truly immerse yourself in Tahoe’s natural beauty, stop by Tahoe Bike & Ski Company. During summer months, they offer rentals and guided tours ideal for families and casual riders. The scenic trails near the lake provide a safe and breathtaking backdrop for a breezy two-wheeled adventure. Yelp’s “Request a Quote” feature lets you get pricing and availability ahead of time.
Evening: Pizza, Music, and Memories
Cap off your day with dinner at Base Camp Pizza, recently ranked in Yelp’s Top 100 Family-Friendly Restaurants. Known for their creative takes on classic pizzas, live music, and welcoming outdoor dining area, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and soak in the Tahoe summer atmosphere. Try the pear and gorgonzola pizza or their spicy Thai chicken pie—both local favorites.
Day 3: A Cozy Farewell and a Scenic Return
Morning: Diner Delights at a Tahoe Classic
Fuel up before the drive home with a visit to the Red Hut Cafe, a beloved institution that’s been serving hearty breakfasts since 1959. Their crispy waffles, sizzling bacon, and old-school diner coffee make for a delicious sendoff. It’s a spot where generations of Tahoe travelers have started or ended their vacations.
Once you hit the road, hop onto U.S. 50 and re-engage Super Cruise for a stress-free return journey through mountain passes and back into the valley.
Afternoon: Culture Break or Coffee Fix
Midway home, stop in Old Sacramento for a visit to the California State Railroad Museum. With vintage locomotives, educational exhibits, and train-themed gift shops, it’s a fun and educational pause—especially for families with kids who need a break from the car.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quicker stop to charge your EV and recharge yourself, swing by Dutch Bros Coffee. This drive-thru chain consistently earns high praise for its enthusiastic service, specialty lattes, and location convenience. Many locations are paired with EV charging stations, making it easy to juice up while you sip.
How We Chose These Stops
This itinerary is based on real-time Yelp data, including top-rated businesses along routes compatible with GM’s Super Cruise technology and within close range of EV chargers. Yelp analyzed user reviews to identify hotspots with exceptional food, family-friendly activities, and traveler amenities. Yelp’s internal trends and search analysis also guided which stops are most searched for by EV travelers—helping to align the destinations with real-world demand.
Your Road Trip, Reimagined
With Super Cruise enabling hands-free driving, and Yelp offering smart recommendations tailored to EV travelers, road tripping is no longer just a summer tradition—it’s a modern, sustainable experience. This San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe route proves that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort, adventure, or convenience when traveling electric. Whether you’re in it for the cookies, the rafting, or just the views, this curated EV road trip lets you enjoy the ride, every mile of the way.
