Overview
Coalinga is a city in Fresno County in California's San Joaquin Valley. Most visitors to the area are travelers on Interstate 5 who make a stop at Harris Ranch, a business area that actually lies 13 miles northeast of the town.
1 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Feb–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 101°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FAT Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno — 52 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SBP San Luis County Regional Airport, San Luis Obispo — 68 mi away. Directions
Interstate 5 bypasses Coalinga. State Routes 33 and 198 meet here and are merged for about 9 miles to the north. It is roughly halfway between Los Angeles and Sacramento/San Francisco, about 200 miles from all three cities.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $46–$46 a night (typical $75), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$90, mid-range ~$150, comfortable ~$210.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Climate
Get in
By car
Interstate 5 bypasses Coalinga. State Routes 33 and 198 meet here and are merged for about 9 miles to the north. It is roughly halfway between Los Angeles and Sacramento/San Francisco, about 200 miles from all three cities.
By plane
Harris Ranch Airport is an airstrip for brave pilots - the strip is only 30 feet wide, with crosswinds. Another general aviation airport in the area is the New Coalinga Municipal Airport.
Eat
Eat Harris Ranch
Just off Interstate 5 is the Harris Ranch steakhouse. A worthwhile stop on the drive between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, the steaks are exceptional.
Sleep
Go next
- King City - King city is located 58 miles west of Coalinga along Highway 198. While the town might just be a place to spend the night while driving along Highway 101 for most travelers, those who visit in early May can attend the Salinas Valley Fair, an event which offers a rodeo, livestock competitions, and a chance to experience the agricultural character of the area. The town is also home to the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum, which offers a history of the area's agricultural development and the opportunity to tour a historic school house and rail depot.
Nearby
Kettleman City
City / town · 3 listings · 22 mi away
Lemoore
City / town · 3 listings · 29 mi away
San Miguel
City / town · 3 listings · 37 mi away
Hanford
City / town · 5 listings · 37 mi away
Paso Robles
City / town · 33 listings · 43 mi away
Selma
City / town · 2 listings · 46 mi away
King City
City / town · 14 listings · 47 mi away
Kingsburg
City / town · 6 listings · 47 mi away
My experience
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