Coalinga, California is a great overnight stop! Why? Consider this… you’ve traveled all day, you’re tired, hungry, the kids are wired… you get the picture. What you really need right about then is that perfect overnight stop… an exit where you feel safe and comfortable… an exit with a good mix of accommodations and a variety of eating places… not just fast food. And, maybe a little shopping later before you get back to the motel. The next morning you can gas up nearby and head out. Everything you need conveniently located right off the exit! That’s what makes Coalingam California a great overnight stop!
About Coalinga, California…
Coalinga sits right where Interstate 5 meets CA‑198 in Fresno County, making this exit a convenient midpoint between Southern and Northern California. Born as “Coaling Station A” during the region’s oil and rail boom, it has a classic small‑town core along Highway 33, with mountain-and-ranchland horizons and big Central Valley sunsets. It’s close enough to hop back on the freeway quickly, yet far enough from the busiest hubs to feel relaxed.
For overnighters, this I-5 exit offers a cluster of lodging, fuel, and food options, headlined by the Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant—famous for its comfortable rooms, spacious pool, bakery and market, and iconic steakhouse. You’ll also find chain hotels and quick bites, easy trailer/RV access, and multiple EV fast‑charging options (including a large Tesla Supercharger site), so topping off—gas or electrons—is simple before an early start.
If you have a little time, you can detour a few miles into downtown for local Mexican eateries and the R.C. Baker Memorial Museum (check hours), or take a scenic drive toward the Coast Range along Coalinga Road for golden foothill views and seasonal wildflowers. The combination of convenience, good food, quiet lodging, and wide‑open skies makes Coalinga a low‑stress, high‑comfort place to stop for the night on I‑5.
Places to Stay in Coalinga…
While there’s not a huge selection of places to stay at this exit in Coalinga, the ones here should satisfy most lodging tastes. Best Western Big Country Inn, Harris Ranch Inn, and Motel 6 are located immediately off this exit.
Places to Eat in Coalinga…
More than a dozen places to eat are just off this Coalinga I-5 exit. Choices here include ampm, Baja Fresh, Carl’s Jr., Denny’s, Food Shop, Harris Ranch Express BBQ, Harris Ranch Restaurant, McDonald’s, Ranch Kitchen, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, and Tacos y Tortas Chalio Coalinga.
Places to Shop in Coalinga…
While this exit lacks any shopping options, approximately 10 miles west on CA198 is the city of Coalinga, with department store, supermarket and other places to pick up essentials.
Fuel Up and Head Out…
This exit is considered a major interstate refueling location, you’ll find 76, Arco, Chevron Extra Mile, Shell, and Valero fuel stops here at competitive prices.
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