Super Cruise and Super Stops: Your Ultimate EV Road Trip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe with GM and Yelp
As Cruising Electric summer travel heats up, more Americans are embracing the open road over crowded airports, trading boarding passes for playlists and scenic drives. What’s changing the game in 2025? A surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption—and with it, smarter, smoother, and more sustainable road trips. According to Yelp’s monthly Trend Tracker, searches for “EV charging near me” soared 60% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year. Supporting this shift, thousands of businesses across the Yelp platform now indicate EV charger availability, making it easier than ever to plan an electrified getaway.
To capitalize on this growing trend, General Motors has teamed up with Yelp to create the ultimate EV-friendly road trip guide. Designed with adventure, convenience, and cutting-edge technology in mind, this curated itinerary highlights top-rated Yelp destinations situated along Super Cruise-compatible routes—GM’s hands-free, eyes-on driving technology—where EV charging is accessible and pit stops are anything but boring.
From the Bay to the Sierra: A New Kind of Road Trip
We begin this road-tripping series with a 200-mile journey from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe—a route packed with breathtaking views, hidden culinary gems, outdoor escapades, and hassle-free charging spots. Whether you’re seeking a summer lakeside escape or a winter ski retreat, Tahoe is the go-to destination for Northern Californians in search of nature, adventure, and rejuvenation.
According to Yelp data, this is also a prime corridor for EV travelers. In fact, searches for EV charging stations in the San Francisco Bay Area climbed 8% year-over-year in May 2025—further proof that the future of road travel is electric.
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the ultimate Tahoe-bound road trip—with smart charging, Super Cruise hands-free driving, and must-see Yelp-approved stops all mapped out for you.
Day 1: From the Bay to the Base of the Sierras
Morning: A Sweet Start and a Full Charge
Begin your eastward journey on Interstate 80, a Super Cruise-enabled route. If your battery needs a boost, make an early stop at the GM Energy-branded charging station in Pinole. While your EV powers up, you can fuel yourself with a pastry pilgrimage.
- Butter Pecan Bakeshop (Pinole, CA)
Yelp reviewers can’t get enough of the cookies here—favorites include brown butter pecan, banana pudding, and sea salt walnut. Pair it with a strong coffee and you’ve got the perfect road trip breakfast. - Pedrick Produce (Dixon, CA)
Just off I-80, this roadside market is a farm-fresh gem. Stock up on dried fruits, artisanal cheeses, or their popular tamales—a great grab-and-go lunch for the drive ahead.
With snacks secured, activate Super Cruise and settle in as the Bay’s suburban sprawl gives way to rolling hills and distant mountain peaks.
Afternoon: Whitewater Thrills and Homestyle Meals
- Raft California (Coloma, CA)
Looking to add a splash of adventure? Raft California offers whitewater rafting trips for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Yelp reviewers praise its family-friendly guides and picturesque routes. It’s a memorable way to break up the drive with outdoor excitement. - Franny’s Farm Table (Placerville, CA)
Just a short drive from Coloma, this charming, women-owned restaurant is a hidden gem in Placerville. Known for its relaxed ambiance and wholesome food, Franny’s is perfect for an early dinner after a day on the river.
Evening: Settle in at South Lake Tahoe
- The Coachman Hotel (South Lake Tahoe, CA)
Once a classic motor lodge, the Coachman has been transformed into a stylish yet laid-back boutique hotel. Family-friendly perks include a heated pool, communal fire pits, and nightly s’mores. Best of all, EV chargers are available on-site, so your car can rest and recharge just like you.
Day 2: Exploring the High Sierra
Morning: Fuel Up with Flavor
- Maggie’s (South Lake Tahoe, CA)
Tucked inside the Desolation Hotel, Maggie’s offers elevated comfort food in a cozy, rustic setting. Crowd favorites include short rib eggs benedict and chicken fried pork belly. The eco-conscious ethos and “treehouse” ambiance add to the appeal.
Mid-Morning Hike: Echo Lake Trails
Drive just a few miles out to Echo Lake, where family-friendly trails lead to serene alpine views. With moderate terrain and shady paths, this hike is ideal for travelers of all ages. Don’t forget your camera—wildlife sightings are common, and the lake views are postcard-worthy.
Late Afternoon: Pedal-Powered Exploration
- Tahoe Bike & Ski Company
Rent bikes and cruise Tahoe’s lakeside trails with ease. Tahoe Bike & Ski Company is a Yelp favorite for summer rentals and guided tours. Using Yelp’s “Request a Quote” feature, you can book ahead and get personalized pricing based on your group’s needs.
Evening: Pizza, Music, and Mountain Air
- Base Camp Pizza Co.
Voted one of Yelp’s Top 100 Family-Friendly Restaurants, this local favorite dishes up inventive pies made from fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy live music, al fresco dining, and the joyful energy of downtown Tahoe in the summer. It’s a festive way to wrap up your mountain day.
Day 3: Return to the Bay with Scenic Stops
Morning: A Tahoe Classic for Breakfast
- The Red Hut Cafe
A local institution since 1959, The Red Hut serves up old-school breakfast favorites like fluffy waffles and hearty scrambles. It’s the perfect farewell meal before you hit the road back to San Francisco.
Rejoin U.S. Route 50 and enable Super Cruise for the relaxing drive westward. The journey isn’t over yet—there are still a couple of key stops worth making.
Afternoon Options for the Drive Home
- California State Railroad Museum (Sacramento, CA)
A standout attraction in Old Sacramento, this museum captivates kids and adults alike with its restored vintage locomotives, engaging exhibits, and charming gift shop. It’s a great way to break up the drive while soaking in a slice of California history. - Dutch Bros Coffee (Multiple Locations)
Prefer a quick coffee and recharge? Dutch Bros offers both. With drive-thru convenience and on-site EV charging at select locations, it’s a favorite among Yelp users for friendly service and energizing beverages—perfect for the final leg of your trip.
How We Curated This Itinerary
GM and Yelp joined forces to create this road trip guide using a blend of data and discovery. Each featured stop:
- Is located near a reliable EV charging station,
- Falls along a Super Cruise-compatible route, and
- Boasts high Yelp ratings for quality, service, and user satisfaction.
In building this collection, Yelp analyzed keyword frequency, business proximity to charging stations, and family-friendliness to craft a route that balances tech convenience with authentic local flavor.
The Future of Road Trips is Electric—and Effortless
As the number of EV drivers grows, so does the infrastructure—and now, the inspiration—for unforgettable electric journeys. With Super Cruise enabling hands-free driving and Yelp surfacing the best food, lodging, and activity options near every charge stop, this new era of travel blends adventure with sustainability and simplicity.
Whether you’re a longtime EV owner or planning your first electric road trip, the San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe route is proof that going electric doesn’t mean giving anything up. In fact, you just might gain more—more comfort, more flavor, more peace of mind, and more memories.
Stay tuned for more curated routes from GM and Yelp, including an EV getaway guide from New York City to the Hamptons. Until then, charge up, buckle in, and let Super Cruise take the wheel.
