LA Traffic Patterns

[PatsGirl]

Hi Everyone. We'll be staying at the Candy Cane Inn while we visit DL but want to do a Universal day trip and a short trip to Santa Monica as well. If I avoid the rush hour traffic 6-9 am and 3-7 pm, will the trips be about 45 minutes? I was considering switching hotels for at least one night but if I can I'd like to stay situated in one place.

I was thinking of going to Santa Monica one mid-afternoon, most likely about 2 pm and head back after 7 pm, giving us 3-4 hours there. On the ride to Universal, we could leave at 10, get there at 11 and stay again until 7 pm when I would then head to San Diego.

Can you see any problems with this plan? Are the times other than rush hour fairly light on the freeway? Will I have any problem driving from LA to SAN later at night? Thank you.

 

[hollieplus2]

i would like to know also. Thinking of doing a trip but we would love to see the sights also.

 

[pjhorton21]

Traffic is rarely 'light' anytime of the day, save early mornings on weekends, but you will be OK if you avoid the rush hours you mentioned. Going to Universal, I-5 is the best bet, but I would avoid I-5 between the 91 and the 605, as this is commonly jammed even on 'off' times (there's construction and it narrows to 3 lanes). Taking the 91 west to the 605 north back to the 5 will save you up to 30 minutes (do the reverse on the way back). Other than that, just go with the flow and enjoy the drive. Santa Monica should be OK after 10 as well.

 

[tink2dw]

Universal is a whole day to do both sections. I think it would be difficult to then drive to San Diego. It is further than you think!!

 

[skiingfast]

Universal is a whole day to do both sections. I think it would be difficult to then drive to San Diego. It is further than you think!!

I somewhat agree with this. You might want to leave earlier for Universal. However unless you leave way earlier it's kind of a catch. Leave an hour earlier and get there only half hour ealier.


Also for SD you will get there late. I'd suggest planning on stopping to eat dinner somewhere along the way. If you do this is will be bed time once you get to your room.