Throwback to an Unforgettable Adventure 🌍 Travel Series Part I of VI: Mono Lake

Recently, I was cleaning up the archives and stumbled upon some of my very first blog posts about our move from Northern California to Atlanta. Looking back at this amazing trip—filled with breathtaking views, new experiences, and memories that still make me smile, I couldn't quite bare to part with it. I ultimately decided to share the five part travel series again and hope you enjoy traveling alongside me. Some of you have been around since the very beginning days, but I still think this adventure is worth the repeat.

Road Tripping to Mono Lake: A High-Salt Adventure

Some of you may already know that we recently moved from Sacramento, California, to Atlanta, Georgia. As we started planning our move, we briefly considered flying… for about one minute. But then our National Parks Pass started crying at the thought of missing all those beautiful places along the way. Naturally, we mapped out a road trip—one I’ll be sharing with you over the coming weeks in a series of posts.

From a Town Outside Sacramento to Mono Lake

We moved from a town just outside Sacramento and our first stop on the road trip was 186 miles out. After a stunning three-hour-and-forty-two-minute drive, we arrived at the Mono Lake overlook. From here, you can take in panoramic views, read the informational signage, and prep yourself for the unique experience ahead at the lake itself.

Mono Lake: Hauntingly Beautiful in Every Season

No matter the season, Mono Lake has something special to offer. In winter, the lake is hauntingly beautiful when blanketed in snow, with opportunities for cross-country skiing in some areas. Summer brings kayaking among the islands and a chance to float in the buoyant waters—some even say the water has healing powers! Fall showcases a spectacular array of colors.

Photographers love Mono Lake, especially for sunrise and sunset shots. Bird watchers travel from far and wide, and guided tours and interpretive programs are offered at multiple locations. Truly, it’s a destination that appeals to adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Tips for Visiting South Tufa

Many visitors start at the Mono Lake State Natural Reserve Visitors Center, open December 1–March 31. We, however, were on a tight schedule and headed straight to the South Tufa Area, one of the lake’s most popular spots.

When you arrive at South Tufa, park and walk to the ranger station to pay the $3 fee, then return the receipt to your car dash. If you’re a National Park Pass holder, simply hang your pass in the car and skip the ranger station.

From there, a wide paved walkway stretches before you, lined with sagebrush (that bushy plant with yellow flowers) and framed by stunning mountain views. Shade is minimal, so be sure to slather on sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses before hitting the trail.

Exploring the Tufa Towers

As you walk toward Mono Lake and the Tufa Towers, you’ll encounter plenty of informative signs—take a moment to learn about the area. I found the history of the “water wars” particularly fascinating.

The paved path eventually turns into a boardwalk that leads you to the “beach.” Here, you can wander among the Tufa Towers, see salt lapping at the shore, wade into water two-and-a-half times saltier than the ocean, and hear the buzz of the alkali flies. It’s a unique, otherworldly landscape that feels unlike anywhere else.

Must-Eat Stop: Whoa Nellie Deli

Before or after your lake visit, you must stop at the Whoa Nellie Deli. On road trips, I consult countless review sites and blogs to find the best attractions and bites. This deli was consistently praised as a “must,” so we had to check it out.

But when I pulled up a photo of the exterior… I realized this famous spot is inside a gas station! Cue an internal struggle: fear of unsanitary conditions versus fear of missing something amazing. FOMO won.

And wow—best. gas. station. food. ever.  Portions are huge, so we split the fish tacos they’re known for. Other favorites include lobster taquitos, seafood stew, and mango margaritas. Bonus: there’s a picnic area, gas pumps to top up, snacks for your road trip cooler, postcards, and travel trinkets.

A Side Note and What’s Next

Many travelers pair Mono Lake with Yosemite National Park, since it’s just a few hours away. If Yosemite is your base camp, another nearby side trip worth checking out is the Gold Mining Ghost Town at Bodie State Historical Park. I wish we could have stayed longer—to kayak, swim, and camp—but the next natural wonder was calling, and we had a deadline.

Join me next time as we explore the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, another stunning stop on our road trip adventure!