This 242.3-mile journey from Cambria, CA to Long Beach, CA is a straightforward, single-day drive, estimated to take around 4 hours and 59 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the Ventura Freeway, El Camino Real, and Cabrillo Highway, with 41% of the route being on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is approximately $56. Given the manageable duration and distance, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The drive offers a mixed terrain experience as you travel along the Pacific Coast.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
121.2 miles from Cambria, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Long Beach is a large port city in Los Angeles County in Southern California. Long Beach has some nice people-gathering amenities and genuine tourist attractions, such as a world-class aquarium and the Queen Mary floating museum/hotel. Special events are also held in the city like the annual Long Beach Grand Prix (a premier racing event held on city streets) and the annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride event. When compared to other areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and West L.A., Long Beach may not always be at the top of someone's tourist visit to the Los Angeles area, but the city draws its fair share of visitors and has proven it can definitely hold its own.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 59m. Total distance: 242.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
The character of this drive is largely a mixed bag, with 41% of the journey utilizing highway stretches. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted segment of 65.2 miles on the Ventura Freeway, offering a chance to maintain a steady pace. However, the route also incorporates sections of El Camino Real and Cabrillo Highway, suggesting a blend of faster-paced driving and more localized road segments. This variation means you'll transition between open highway conditions and potentially more winding or slower-paced areas as you progress south.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ventura Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 65.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 98.4 miles in near CA 154 / Chumash Highway.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 242.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 98.4 miles (CA 154 / Chumash Highway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 204.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 205 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
98.4 mi into trip|~2h 3m in|CA 154 / Chumash Highway
Enter roundabout onto CA 154 / Chumash Highway toward CA 154 East: Cachuma Lake, Santa Barbara
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CA 154 East: Cachuma Lake, Santa Barbara
7
204.8 mi into trip|~4h 12m in
Take the exit toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Sacramento, Santa Monica
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Sacramento, Sa...
9
205 mi into trip|~4h 12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Santa Mo...
8
205.3 mi into trip|~4h 13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway
7
239.9 mi into trip|~4h 54m in
Take the exit toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, Aquarium
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center,...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cambria, CA and Long Beach, CA, road signs point toward Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica.
Lake Cachuma
89.5 mi in|~1h 50m
Santa Barbara
98.4 mi in|~2h 3m|via CA 154
Santa Monica
204.8 mi in|~4h 12m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Ventura Freeway
65.2 mi
1h 15m
El Camino Real
61.8 mi
1h 11m
Cabrillo Highway
41.6 mi
51m
Chumash Highway
32.6 mi
45m
San Diego Freeway
31.3 mi
36m
Long Beach Freeway
2.4 mi
3m
North Santa Rosa Street
1.7 mi
3m
Shoreline Drive
1.3 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Ventura Freeway
— 65.2 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cambria, CA and Long Beach, CA.
1
Start on Village Lane
0.1 mi·25 sec·Village Lane
2
Continue on Village Lane
0.2 mi·44 sec·Village Lane
3
Turn left onto Burton Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·Burton Drive
4
Continue on Eton Road
0.4 mi·47 sec·Eton Road
5
At end of road, turn right onto CA 1 Business
0.2 mi·27 sec·Main Street
6
Turn left onto CA 1
30 mi·37 min·Cabrillo Highway
7
Continue on CA 1
1.7 mi·3 min·North Santa Rosa Street
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn right onto CA 1
0.2 mi·36 sec·Olive Street
9
Merge onto US 101; CA 1
12 mi·13 min·Cabrillo Highway
10
Continue on US 101
45 mi·51 min·El Camino Real
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·38 sec
Toward CA 154: Los Olivos, Lake Cachuma
12
Turn left onto CA 154
6.4 mi·9 min·Chumash Highway
13
Enter roundabout onto CA 154
127 ft·2 sec·Chumash Highway
14
Continue on CA 154
2.2 mi·3 min·Chumash Highway
15
Enter roundabout onto CA 154
113 ft·2 sec·Chumash Highway
Toward CA 154 East: Cachuma Lake, Santa Barbara
16
Continue on CA 154
24 mi·32 min·Chumash Highway
Toward CA 154 East: Cachuma Lake, Santa BarbaraUse the straight lane.
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward US 101 SouthUse the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto US 101
17 mi·19 min·El Camino Real
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on US 101
65 mi·1 hr 15 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Sacramento, Santa MonicaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Santa MonicaUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward I 405 South: San Diego FreewayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto I 405
13 mi·15 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
18 mi·20 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
377 ft·9 sec
Toward I 710 South: Long BeachUse the slight right lane.
26
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·39 sec·this road
Exit 32BToward I 710 South: Long Beach
27
Merge onto I 710
2.4 mi·3 min·Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on I 710
0.5 mi·40 sec·Seaside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, AquariumUse the slight left / straight lanes.
30
Continue on Shoreline Drive
1.3 mi·2 min·Shoreline Drive
31
Turn left onto South Chestnut Place
0.2 mi·30 sec·South Chestnut Place
Use the left / uturn lanes.
32
Turn right onto West Ocean Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·West Ocean Boulevard
33
Continue on East Ocean Boulevard
0.1 mi·21 sec·East Ocean Boulevard
Use the left lane.
34
Arrive at destination
East Ocean Boulevard
Trip Plan
For this 4 hour and 59 minute drive, consider departing early to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Los Angeles area. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in planning your break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $56 for the 242.3 miles. A specific tip for this route: be aware that the longest stretch, 65.2 miles on the Ventura Freeway, offers little opportunity for quick stops, so ensure you're fueled and ready before embarking on it.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 121.2 miles from Cambria, CA, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 53 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.2 miles or 2h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Long Beach, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cambria, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Cambria, CA
This is one driving day of about 242.3 miles and 4h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Cambria, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Ventura Freeway for about 65.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 121.2 mi from Cambria, CA
· 2h 35m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultura...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 183.8
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.7
0
$25.44
$11.63
Efficient EV
60.6
0
$21.20
$9.69
EV Truck/SUV
96.9
1
$33.92
$15.51
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Cambria, CA
Afternoon
in Cambria on Friday
Local time
4:10 PM
PDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Long Beach, CA
Afternoon
in Long Beach on Friday
Local time
4:10 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 59m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Cambria, CA to Long Beach, CA covers 242.3 miles and takes about 4h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ventura Freeway, El Camino Real, Cabrillo Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 121.2 miles from Cambria, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $55.69 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 242.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 98.4 miles (CA 154 / Chumash Highway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 204.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 205 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Cambria, CA and Long Beach, CA, road signs point toward Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
