Overview
The Grapevine is a corridor along Interstate 5 in Kern County in California that descends from the Tehachapi Mountains through Grapevine Canyon. Traditionally the Grapevine has included the route from the town of Lebec down to the town of Grapevine, although for organizational purposes this article also includes the nearby towns of Gorman, Frazier Park, Fort Tejon and Wheeler Ridge.
1 sights · 3 places to eat · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about The Grapevine
Fort Tejon
Historic fort first constructed in the 1850s. Barracks and officer quarters have been restored.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Feb–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 98°F; winter lows dip to about 40°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Bakersfield)
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.
- BFL Meadows Field, Bakersfield — 37 mi away. Directions
- BUR Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport, Burbank — 58 mi away (major hub). Directions
Travelers on I-5 arrive from Los Angeles in the south or Buttonwillow to the north. Highway 99 branches off of the interstate heading north towards Bakersfield. During the winter the top of the route is frequently closed by snow, creating long delays (the main alternative routes are Highway 101 to the west and Highway 58 to the east).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $60–$60 a night (typical $80), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$230.
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
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The Grapevine is a route that leads through Grapevine Canyon, descending at a six percent grade from the summit of Tejon Pass to the valley below. It has been a strategic travel corridor since the days of wagon roads, necessitating the construction of Fort Tejon to guard it. The original steep and winding route was famous for its accidents until it was widened and straightened during 1933-34.
Get in
Travelers on I-5 arrive from Los Angeles in the south or Buttonwillow to the north. Highway 99 branches off of the interstate heading north towards Bakersfield. During the winter the top of the route is frequently closed by snow, creating long delays (the main alternative routes are Highway 101 to the west and Highway 58 to the east).
See
Buy
Eat
Eat Mauricio's Grill and Cantina
Mexican.
Sleep
Go next
- Maricopa - Located west of The Grapevine on Highway 166, this oil & agriculture town was the site of one of the largest oil spills in history when the Lakeview Gusher unleashed nine million barrels of oil onto the surrounding countryside.
- Bakersfield - Nicknamed "the country music capital of the West Coast", Bakersfield is the largest city in the southern San Joaquin Valley and is thus the best option for those seeking lodging, transportation, or other services.
Nearby
Maricopa
City / town · 6 listings · 29 mi away
Keene
City / town · 2 listings · 30 mi away
Bakersfield
City / town · 39 listings · 32 mi away
Tehachapi
City / town · 9 listings · 32 mi away
Taft
City / town · 12 listings · 32 mi away
Castaic
City / town · 3 listings · 34 mi away
Fillmore
City / town · 1 listings · 35 mi away
Ojai
City / town · 11 listings · 36 mi away
My experience
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