CA Spring Break Itinerary... worried about traffic

[TeresaBelle]

This is our itinerary (subject to change) for our upcoming trip. I'm nervous about driving in a new place and really worried about LA traffic... I've read it's really bad... can anyone help alleviate my fears??

California Spring Break 2011!!
April 25-30, 2011

Monday –

Leave IAD @ 6:10 am

Arrive LAX @ approx. 10:55 am

Pick up rental car, head out for sightseeing around LA (Pink’s, LaBrea Tarpits, ??)

Head to Anaheim/Disneyland to check into hotel around 3-4 pm

Dinner somewhere in Downtown Disney, maybe House of Blues

Tuesday –

Disneyland today!!

Wednesday –

Early morning trip to Hollywood Walk of Fame to search for our favorite “stars” and explore… maybe visit Griffith Observatory

Maybe head out to Malibu beach for the afternoon/evening

Thursday –

Disney California Adventure today!!

Friday –

Huntington Beach and PCH day

Saturday –

Visit Disney parks to see anything we missed

Leave LAX @ 11:55pm arrive home 10:34 Sunday morning

 

[blabbermouth]

Hi! I wouldn't worry too much. Arriving at 11 am is ok, just leave LA for Anaheim by 3 I would think. If you stay out of peak commuting hours you shouldn't have any major problems. It might be SLOW, but it's not difficult. I found everyone to be good drivers, they will let you in if you're changing lanes etc. Just be patient and relax Have fun!

 

[skiingfast]

Have you driver close to DC? You are prepared for LA.

If you are thinking to go to HoB I highly recommend going to Restuarant.com and getting thier gift certificate for the Anahiem HoB, great savings.

If you are doing Hollywood and Beach, go to Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier.

 

[TeresaBelle]

Thank you guys for responding!! I feel better!

We are so excited for our trip!!

 

[SweetNovBlue]

I definitely agree with blabbermouth... rush hour begins around 4ish and can last until 7ish or 8ish. At least you're not coming in on a Friday night because that's the worse.

If you have a smartphone, you can always use sigalert.com which will give you a sense of how bad the traffic is on the highways. It uses a green, yellow, red color system.

Have a great trip.

I was out in Washington D.C. over President's Weekend and had an amazing time.

 

[woody73]

I live in L.A. and have a DL annual passport. I try to avoid traffic and crowds whenever possible.

DL will be crowded during Spring Break, especially on weekends. I would move the second DL day to mid-week if possible.

Hollywood is not far from La Brea Tar Pits and Pinks. You could avoid the separate Wednesday drive to Hollywood if you combine it on Monday.

How far are you driving on PCH day? You could take PCH to Malibu that day.

You might consider:

* * *

California Spring Break 2011!!
April 25-30, 2011

Monday –

Leave IAD @ 6:10 am

Arrive LAX @ approx. 10:55 am

Pick up rental car, head out for sightseeing around LA (Pink’s, LaBrea Tarpits, ??) (ADD: Hollywood Walk of Fame)

Head to Anaheim/Disneyland to check into hotel around 5-6 pm

Dinner somewhere in Downtown Disney, maybe House of Blues

Tuesday –

Disneyland today!!

Wednesday –

Disney California Adventure today!!

Thursday –

Visit Disney parks to see anything we missed

Friday –

Huntington Beach and PCH day. (ADD: Maybe head out to Malibu beach for the evening)

Saturday –

(ADD: Sleep in, pack, visit places in L.A. on your way to the airport. Griffith Park Observatory? Getty Center?)

Leave LAX @ 11:55pm arrive home 10:34 Sunday morning

* * *

Hope this helps.

Woody

 

[woody73]

The "edit" button doesn't work.

I wanted to add to Monday:

Head to Anaheim/Disneyland to check into hotel around 5-6 pm (OR have dinner in Hollywood or L.A., and drive to DL after rush hour)

Woody

 

[TeresaBelle]

Thanks Woody.. I will definitely consider your advice!!