LAX to San Diego
Jan 30th, 2009, 02:11 PM
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LAX to San Diego
We are taking a short trip to San Diego, arriving at LAX and driving to San Diego. Original plan was to drive on the main highway for the two hour journey. Now thinking of taking the coastal road, Highway 1, for part of the journey, if it doesn't add too much time. Is it worthwhile and if so could you recommend the best route? Meaning should we drive all of the Coastal highway or just parts of it?
Also,we are returning to LAX on a Monday,flight at 3pm, what kind of traffic should be expect from San Diego? Would two hours be enough? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Also,we are returning to LAX on a Monday,flight at 3pm, what kind of traffic should be expect from San Diego? Would two hours be enough? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Jan 30th, 2009, 08:07 PM
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I recommend a combination of the 405 and the 1 (Pacific Coast Hwy).
From LAX, take 405 south, until you reach Long Beach, then you can pick up the PCH going south. This is a more direct route out of the city and gets you to the more enjoyable PCH drive.
A good stretch of the PCH is two lanes, so it's not going to be a necessarily fast ride.
At Dana Point you can take the PCH to the 5 South. Or, if you stay on the Coast Highway after this point, it will end up taking you through residential areas of San Clemente where you can still get the 5 - but by then you're way off the coast.
As far as going back on a Monday, two hours is cutting it too close. You know how when you leave early everything goes right, but as soon as you leave late EVERYthing goes wrong? I'd leave before noon just to be on the safe side, and if you have to relax at the Starbucks in LAX for a few minutes, so what! Have fun.
From LAX, take 405 south, until you reach Long Beach, then you can pick up the PCH going south. This is a more direct route out of the city and gets you to the more enjoyable PCH drive.
A good stretch of the PCH is two lanes, so it's not going to be a necessarily fast ride.
At Dana Point you can take the PCH to the 5 South. Or, if you stay on the Coast Highway after this point, it will end up taking you through residential areas of San Clemente where you can still get the 5 - but by then you're way off the coast.
As far as going back on a Monday, two hours is cutting it too close. You know how when you leave early everything goes right, but as soon as you leave late EVERYthing goes wrong? I'd leave before noon just to be on the safe side, and if you have to relax at the Starbucks in LAX for a few minutes, so what! Have fun.
Jan 31st, 2009, 08:38 AM
#5
I would say leave San Diego by 10am at the latest. Not only do you have to get to LAX in time to check in, go through security, etc. but you have to return a rental car.
Driving south along the coast is great, except you can only cross Camp Pendleton on Interstate 5.
Driving south along the coast is great, except you can only cross Camp Pendleton on Interstate 5.
Jan 31st, 2009, 09:20 AM
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Thank you all for the suggestions. After looking at the map, we think we will exit Hwy 405 at Seal Beach Bld to PCH and then exit PCH at Capistrano Beach junction.
And yes, we will leave San Diego between 9am and 10am, thanks for all the help.
And yes, we will leave San Diego between 9am and 10am, thanks for all the help.
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