How Scary is it Really to Drive in LA?

[bamagirl@hrt]

Next summer we are planning a SoCal vacation. This will include time at Disneyland and will end in San Diego, where my husband will attend a national conference. We want to spend some time in Hollywood/LA. I'm trying to decide if we should drive and plan our own touring or take a day tour from Anaheim. We don't drive in big cities regularly, but have driven in San Francisco, DC, and Atlanta. What do you recommend?

 

[usnuzuloose]

Not that scary, freeways get congested in the early morning and afternoons. You can use a GPS for directions. You will be fine.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Thanks! That's exactly what I was hoping to hear. I think we'd prefer to have the freedom to do our own thing over being tied down to a tour itinerary. However, I am very intrigued by the Adventures by Disney one day tour.

 

[StageTek]

We don't drive in big cities regularly, but have driven in San Francisco, DC, and Atlanta.

No difference really than those three cities. More spread out, more freeways, but about the same.

 

[PHXscuba]

I've never driven in Atlanta, but I'd rank LA as easier than DC or San Francisco. Just give yourself plenty of time and use a GPS with a map as backup. The amount of freeways is large, but it's like a grid -- if you miss a turn you can probably take an acceptable alternate route.

PHXscuba

 

[marvel]

LA is better that Melbourne for driving

 

[ludari]

Next summer we are planning a SoCal vacation. This will include time at Disneyland and will end in San Diego, where my husband will attend a national conference. We want to spend some time in Hollywood/LA. I'm trying to decide if we should drive and plan our own touring or take a day tour from Anaheim. We don't drive in big cities regularly, but have driven in San Francisco, DC, and Atlanta. What do you recommend?

I drive in it everyday and you'll be fine.

 

[Riniel]

I sure hope you're all right! This Dec trip will be my first attempt at driving in LA, and it's the thing I'm most stressed out over!

 

[ILUVALASKA]

I have been driving LA freeways for almost 40 years. Yes, there is congestion around LA and Hollywood everyday. The freeways are convenient. However, you have to drive defensively. Watch for speeders and chronic lane changers. People use the carpool lane as a passing lane. People signal and come in your space immediately without warning. People wait until the last minute to merge or exit. I hate knowing my son drives the freeways as a new driver. It can be nuts out here.

 

[danaesacto]

What is frustrating is how long it takes to go short distances. Just know that traffic can be heavy all day, everday. Signage is good and freeways crisscross everywhere so it isnt hard, just busy...

 

[SnowWhite12]

Driving in Memphis, Tn is way worse! We didn't think driving LA area was bad at all

 

[bakerudall]

What is frustrating is how long it takes to go short distances. Just know that traffic can be heavy all day, everday. Signage is good and freeways crisscross everywhere so it isnt hard, just busy...

Is it less congested on the weekends, or is it slow to get around town all the time?

 

[danaesacto]

Is it less congested on the weekends, or is it slow to get around town all the time?

I don't live there- so I am sure locals must know some areas that are lighter on weekends- but as a tourist we found the whole general LA area to be a 7 day a week go, go, go town- it is busier down there later into the evening than it is up here, weekends are almost as busy as weekdays- by the time the weekend rolls around it seems everyone wants to be somewhere else- and they all have to drive to get there- when it is nice the freeways leading to the beaches back up for example...

 

[FlyingBelle]

Growing up in Chicago - I don't find driving in LA that different - with one MAJOR exception - motorcycles are allowed to drive inbetween lanes of traffic! That really freaked me out the first time. I wasn't used to looking for them flying past between me and the next lane of traffic, especially when traffic was slow.

Be safe!

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Growing up in Chicago - I don't find driving in LA that different - with one MAJOR exception - motorcycles are allowed to drive inbetween lanes of traffic! That really freaked me out the first time. I wasn't used to looking for them flying past between me and the next lane of traffic, especially when traffic was slow.

Be safe!

I've seen that several times lately on the Dan Ryan, at really crazy speeds, too. (Though not on other Chicago expressways, oddly--maybe south siders are just less risk averse!)

 

[KCmike]

The only problem with LA traffic is that it can get very very congested and the travel times take way too long to get from one point to another. We got stuck in Hollywood one afternoon and didn't make it back to Disneyland for several hours. Just know not to get out during the main rush hours. I would say 3pm is the latest you should head back and that might be too late.

 

[Danibelle]

Driving in Memphis, Tn is way worse! We didn't think driving LA area was bad at all

That is surprising! I drive in Memphis every year and although I have been in the rush hour, I didn't think it compared to LA traffic. You were lucky if you didn't run into some severe gridlock.

 

[Huff]

Problem I have driving LA freeways is the lack of courtesy from other drivers. Need to change lanes so you turn on your blinker? That seems to tell the driver behind and in lane next to you to speed up and close the gap blocking you from changing lanes. Its just that sort of me first, out of my way that gets to me. Many big cities are like that so its not just LA.

We've gotten used to it and adjust so do just fine. Congestion is the bigger issue. Rush hour in LA can be horribly slow. Its not just rush hour though. I've driven I-5 from SD to LA on a Sunday at 2am and its bumper to bumper the whole way. Hard to predict traffic at times but generally things are fine outside of rush hour.

 

[mdsd8700]

Growing up in Chicago - I don't find driving in LA that different -

I would agree with that. Some times the congestion is what is insane, but no different than I have experienced here in Chicago.

 

[GenGen22]

Does the carpool lane help any during the morning? Trying to figure how early to leave from Anaheim to Hollywood for our WB studio tour at noon in July haven't decided if weekday or a Sunday any suggestions?