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What is the best route to San Diego from Los Angeles?

I’m headed to California in a few weeks to visit friends in San Diego. However, to save money, I booked flights into Los Angeles and am renting a car. What’s the best route from point A to point B?

avatar
Jacqulyn Graber · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Saving money is a top priority when it comes to travel—renting a car sounds like a great option! The quickest and best route between Los Angeles and San Diego is via I-5, the interstate that connects Canada to Mexico. Fortunately, your drive will be a relatively short one—it should take you less than two hours if traffic is light.
To avoid heavy traffic, leave LA after dinner so that you arrive in
San Diego
in the evening. This will ensure that you miss out on the after-work rush hour—and, since you’ll be traveling along well-lit highways, driving after sunset won’t matter much.
If you find yourself with a bit of extra time, you can take the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) for a more scenic route between Los Angeles and Laguna Beach. Then, get back on I-5 until you hit San Diego. You’ll get to enjoy a variety of coastal scenery, including Moro Canyon and Crystal Cove State Park.
Regardless of the route you take, make sure your
car insurance policy covers rentals
before you head out. If you’re shopping for a new car insurance policy, use
Jerry
! This super app will generate competitive quotes from top providers in less than a minute, saving you an average of over $800 a year!
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