An easy way through L.A.???

[Kawidude]

I'm from the Northern California Bay Area and a few years ago my wife and I drove through L.A. to La Jolla. We took the 5 South but got off on another route that noted San Diego. The traffic we hit was absolutely unbelievable. It took us longer to get through L.A. than it did just to get TO L.A. I don't remember the route we got off on, but I'm wondering what the best way through L.A. would be.

We're taking the kids down to San Diego on Wednesday and we're thinking we'll hit the L.A. area sometime between noon and 2pm. Should we just stay on 5 all the way through or is there another route that might save us some time? I know traffic is funky in L.A. at most hours of the day. Just wondering if anyone has any tips that might help us out. Thanks in advance!

 

[thumbs]

Should we just stay on 5 all the way through

That's your best bet.

 

[RVL]

I always try to go through LA in the middle of the night...

 

[a454elk]

That time of day should be fine, I'll try and clear a path for you around that time when you hit Orange County. ;) Take the 5 all the way.

 

[Tree]

So, how long you staying in my area of town and what's on your agenda? Bringing the bike? Anytime for riding?

 

[YZ165]

After reviewing several maps, I believe the easiest and best way for you to get from San Fran to San Diego would involve a short stop in Vegas, a couple days at Glamis, then on to the final destination. You should avoid traffic trouble if you go that route. Hope that helps, YZ165

 

[Kx Steve H]

stay on hwy 5 it's hit or miss on the traffic, coming down on wednesday is a good idea, friday will be nuts.
the weather in san diego right now is awesome, ocean water is still a little cool, well cold and if la jolla is overcast and you want a little sun, try misson bay

 

[JPIVEY]

You can take the 210 east ( San Fernando Fwy ) once you come down the hill, you'll bypass LA but the tracffic is slightly better, but once you are out of Pasadena it's a good run, you then take the 210 to the 15 south and take all the way to SD

If you try to take the 5 though LA, then OC and then though North County, San Diego could be called Northern Mexico by then and the fish at Sea World will be a all you can eat plater at Long John Silvers

 

[Kawidude]

That time of day should be fine, I'll try and clear a path for you around that time when you hit Orange County. ;) Take the 5 all the way.

Sounds good Elk. I'll look for the flashing lights as we get close to Disneyland!

 

[Kawidude]

So, how long you staying in my area of town and what's on your agenda? Bringing the bike? Anytime for riding?

We should be arriving Wednesday evening and we're leaving Sunday morning. We'll probably do the Wild Animal Park, Sea World and maybe the zoo. Although I have a feeling the zoo will be pretty similar to the animal park. You've seen one tiger, you've seen 'em all. I've heard Legoland was cool but $50 a pop is a bit crazy. I'll get my kids a $5 Lego set at Target and call it a day.

I'm not bringing the bike down and most likely won't have any time to ride. I'll have to try and come back down for some riding time someday. I remember when vacations were actually relaxing!

 

[Kawidude]

After reviewing several maps, I believe the easiest and best way for you to get from San Fran to San Diego would involve a short stop in Vegas, a couple days at Glamis, then on to the final destination. You should avoid traffic trouble if you go that route. Hope that helps, YZ165

Hey, sounds good to me! Actually that would be bad. I'd end up penniles and in a drunken stupor while my wife took care of the kids. Then I'd show up back at the room with a strange girl. "Kids, this is Aunt Tiffany. She does fancy tricks on a pole for a living!"

 

[Kawidude]

Thanks for all the tips guys. Looks like I'll try staying on 5 for a while. If it gets bad I'll jump over to the 210/15 route. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[gospeedracer]

We'll probably do the Wild Animal Park, Sea World and maybe the zoo. Although I have a feeling the zoo will be pretty similar to the animal park. You've seen one tiger, you've seen 'em all!

The wild animal park is WAY better than the zoo, I wouldn't say they are similar at all.

Sounds like a fun trip. My Mom took us on that same trip when we were kids. :)

easy way through LA, that's funny. :laugh:

 

[Ol'89r]

easy way through LA, that's funny.

:yikes: Now, that's some funny stuff right there. :rotfl:

The easiest way through LA is to avoid it entirely. I gotta agree with JP. Take THE ;) 210 through Pasadena down to THE 15. The 15 takes you all the way down to the turn off for the wild animal park. From there you go South to THE 8 and go West. This will take you right into San Diego. You have to make the decision to take the 210 BEFORE you get to LA. If you do it in the middle of the day, you should be ok. During peak traffic times it won't matter which way you go. :bang:

Like Steve said, check out Mission Bay and LaJolla,(very cool little town.) Old Town SD is pretty cool too. For something completely different check out Tijuana. Stay off the back streets though.

BTW. Don't fall for Elk's police escort through OC. Could result in you and all of the male members of your party getting strip searched. :ohmy:

Have fun and wave when you go through Corona.

Ol'89r

 

[Kawidude]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the traffic tips. We took the 210/15/8 route on the way down there and it was much better than 5 was the last time we made the trip. We hit some pockets of traffic but the vast majority was smooth sailing. Did Sea World, the Wild Animal Park, dinner in LaJolla, the USS Midway tour and managed to find some time in the hotel pool as well. We left early Sunday morning, took the 5 North and surprised the kids with a day at Disneyland. Got out of there at around 6:30 and managed to hit zero traffic all the way home. Now I know how to get through/around L.A.! Thanks again!

 

[KX2fitty]

Sounds like you hit the 405 or san Diego freeway. Avoid it. Stay on the I-5.

 

[rickyd]

Hey, sounds good to me! Actually that would be bad. I'd end up penniles and in a drunken stupor while my wife took care of the kids. Then I'd show up back at the room with a strange girl. "Kids, this is Aunt Tiffany. She does fancy tricks on a pole for a living!"

:rotfl: :rotfl: