How's the driving?

[kapeppy]

So, my first trip to DLR was seven years ago and we flew into SNA, rented a car and stayed in the DLR area. One week from today I'll be there again, only this time flying into LAX, renting a car and hoping to get to a beach and a ball game so my question is, what's the driving like? We will be arriving at LAX Sunday afternoon about 1:00 and will be driving straight to the Candy Cane Inn. DH just got a new GPS that he can't wait to try out and I'll definitely print some directions as a back up, but what's the traffic really like? Bad around the airport? We were thinking of visiting Newport Beach or Long Beach (maybe both?) so what's that like? We aren't chickens or anything but I was just wondering what to expect. TIA!

 

[stacymomof2]

Unfortunately, I can't answer your question!

However, we will be heading to DL in one week from today as well!

Just want to say that I hope your trip is GREAT!

 

[sunshinemummy]

We spent the last 2 weeks of April in DL, we flew in and out of SNA. I could not imagine not having a car, we rented one for the entire time. we also brought a GPS and it was the best! That thing was a lifesaver, truly it was.
The traffic was bad but not unbearable, it's usually a stop and go all along the freeways. We drove everwhere... Hollywood, Universal, Sea World, Huntington/Newport/Laguana/Long Beach, shopping centres, Beverly Hills, etc...without too much difficulty. We preferred Laguana Beach BTW. Have a great trip!

 

[Pucka1378]

LAX is always a drag right in that area to drive around. The GPS will help a lot. We just moved here in Oct. I can't imagine getting around with out my GPS

Sunday at 1pm once you get on the freeway won't be to bad. About an hour to get to DL.

I live about 8 miles from LAX.

 

[Monkey Monkey]

Traffic can be bad, but I think the most important thing to remember is that a lot of drivers in Southern California are VERY aggressive - so it's best to stay out of the fast (far left) lane unless you know where you are going and are going fast!

 

[kapeppy]

Wow, thanks for the quick responses! Doesn't sound like it's going to be too bad so we'll just go with the flow! Thanks again! I knew I could count on my fellow DISers!

Stacymomof2, hope you have a great trip, too!

 

[bulldoggrl]

Be patient, expect awful drivers, and don't be in a hurry. If you do those three you'll be fine.
LAX traffic always sucks, the 5 south shouldn't be too awful on a weekend, but beware Monday-Friday from 7am-9am and 3pm-7pm...thats when all us commuters are on the road, and we want to get home as fast as we can!! lol... Best of luck, and bring backups for surface streets, the GPS can sometimes get confused. Make sure you have an actual map of the area. Have fun!!!