Major Highways & Driving Tips in Long Beach, California, United States
1. Interstate 405 (I-405), San Diego Freeway
A major north-south freeway in Long Beach, connecting to Los Angeles. Known for heavy traffic and construction projects.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Anticipate heavy traffic during peak hours (6-9 AM and 4-7 PM)
- Construction Zones: Always check for current construction zones before traveling on I-405
- Carpool Lanes: Utilize carpool lanes during rush hour to reduce travel time
2. State Route 1 (SR-1), Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach
Scenic coastal highway offering beautiful views and local attractions, with limited access to downtown Long Beach.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean along this route
- Limited Access to Downtown: SR-1 is not a direct route to Long Beach's central areas, consider using other major highways for shorter routes
- Local Attractions: Stop at attractions like the Queen Mary or Shoreline Village along SR-1
3. State Route 710 (SR-710), East Long Beach Freeway
A north-south freeway primarily serving the east side of Long Beach with limited access to downtown.
- East Side Access: Provides easy access to neighborhoods and attractions on the east side of Long Beach
- Limited Downtown Access: Not a direct route to downtown Long Beach, consider using I-405 or SR-1 for central access
- Parking and Transit Options: Check for available parking garages or transit options when visiting east side attractions
4. Long Beach Freeway (I-710)
East-west freeway that connects Long Beach to the rest of Los Angeles County.
- Connection to LA: Provides a connection between Long Beach and other cities in Los Angeles County
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic, especially during rush hour periods
- Transit Options: Consider using public transit or carpooling to reduce traffic impact
5. Long Beach Boulevard
Main street running through Long Beach, offering access to various neighborhoods and attractions.
- Neighborhood Access: Provides easy access to various residential and commercial areas in Long Beach
- Local Attractions: Stop by attractions like the Museum of Latin American Art or California State University, Long Beach
- Heavy Traffic Spots: Anticipate heavier traffic in busy areas, such as near the Queen Mary or downtown
6. Ocean Boulevard
Scenic road along the coast of Long Beach with access to attractions like Shoreline Village and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy beautiful ocean views as you drive down Ocean Boulevard
- Local Attractions: Stop by attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific or Naples Island
- Limited Access to Downtown: Ocean Boulevard is not a direct route to Long Beach's central areas, consider using other major highways for shorter routes
7. Cherry Avenue
Busy street in eastern Long Beach, connecting to key attractions like the Long Beach Airport and California State University, Long Beach.
- Airport Access: Provides easy access to Long Beach Airport
- College Access: Offers convenient access to California State University, Long Beach
- Heavy Traffic Spots: Anticipate heavier traffic in busy areas, such as near the airport or campus
8. Seven Trees Lane
A winding road leading to popular hiking trails and scenic views in Griffiths Park.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of Long Beach from the top of Seven Trees Lane
- Hiking Trails: Explore popular hiking trails in Griffiths Park
- Limited Access: Not a major thoroughfare, may require extra time for navigation and parking
9. Willow Street
A scenic route along the Alamitos Bay, offering views of yachts and boats.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy beautiful views of the bay and yacht harbor
- Limited Access: Not a major thoroughfare, may require extra time for navigation and parking
- Local Attractions: Stop by attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific or Shoreline Village
10. East Anaheim Street
A busy street in eastern Long Beach, connecting to key attractions like Bixby Knolls and the Long Beach Airport.
- Airport Access: Provides easy access to Long Beach Airport
- Local Attractions: Stop by attractions like the Museum of Latin American Art or the Bixby Knolls shopping district
- Heavy Traffic Spots: Anticipate heavier traffic in busy areas, such as near the airport or shopping districts
11. Bellflower Boulevard
A major east-west road connecting Long Beach to nearby cities, offering access to local attractions like Bellflower Park.
- Connection to Cities: Connects Long Beach to neighboring cities
- Local Attractions: Stop by attractions like Bellflower Park or the Bellflower Lanes Bowling Center
- Heavy Traffic Spots: Anticipate heavier traffic in busy areas, such as during rush hour periods
12. Lakewood Boulevard
A major north-south road connecting Long Beach to Lakewood and nearby cities, offering access to local attractions like the Lakewood Center Mall.
- Connection to Cities: Connects Long Beach to neighboring cities
- Local Attractions: Stop by attractions like the Lakewood Center Mall or Lakewood Village Museum
- Heavy Traffic Spots: Anticipate heavier traffic in busy areas, such as during rush hour periods
13. Artesia Boulevard
A major east-west road connecting Long Beach to Artesia and neighboring cities, offering access to local attractions like the Artesia Pioneer Museum.
- Connection to Cities: Connects Long Beach to neighboring cities
- Local Attractions: Stop by attractions like the Artesia Pioneer Museum or the Artesia Freeway Golf Course
- Heavy Traffic Spots: Anticipate heavier traffic in busy areas, such as during rush hour periods
14. Commerce Street
A major north-south road connecting Long Beach to Commerce and other nearby cities, offering access to industrial areas and warehouses.
- Connection to Cities: Connects Long Beach to neighboring cities
- Industrial Areas: Offers access to industrial areas and warehouses
- Heavy Traffic Spots: Anticipate heavier traffic in busy areas, such as during rush hour periods or at trucking routes
15. Norwalk Boulevard
A major east-west road connecting Long Beach to Norwalk and neighboring cities, offering access to local attractions like the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex.
- Connection to Cities: Connects Long Beach to neighboring cities
- Local Attractions: Stop by attractions like the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex or the Norwalk Historical Society Museum
- Heavy Traffic Spots: Anticipate heavier traffic in busy areas, such as during rush hour periods