This 100.9-mile drive from Mira Monte, CA to Long Beach, CA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes. You'll primarily be on the Ventura Freeway and San Diego Freeway, with a small portion on North Ventura Avenue, making it a largely highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, this route offers an efficient way to travel between the Pacific Coast regions. The relatively short distance and straightforward path mean you can focus on reaching your destination without significant planning for overnight stays. It's a practical option for getting from the inland valleys to the coastal urban areas.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
50.5 miles from Mira Monte, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 2m 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.
Top landmarks
•RMS Queen Mary — retired British ocean liner
•Terminal Island — island in Los Angeles County, California, United States
•Aquarium of the Pacific — public aquarium in Long Beach, California
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 4m. Total distance: 100.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 90% of the journey on major freeways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 51.2 miles on the Ventura Freeway. This means you'll experience consistent speeds for significant portions of the trip. While the route utilizes major arteries like the San Diego Freeway, it also incorporates segments of North Ventura Avenue, offering a slight variation in road type. Overall, the character is that of efficient, high-speed travel connecting two points in Southern California.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 51.2 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
949 ft21 ft
Total Climb
998 ft
Total Descent
1,605 ft
Highest Point
949 ft
~43.2 mi in
Elevation Range
928 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Ventura Freeway and San Diego Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.6 miles in.
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 17 significant decision points across 100.9 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 11.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 63.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
11.6 mi into trip|~17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 101 South: Los Angeles
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 101 South: Los Angeles
7
63.4 mi into trip|~1h 17m 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
63.6 mi into trip|~1h 18m 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
63.9 mi into trip|~1h 18m 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
98.5 mi into trip|~1h 59m 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.
On the drive from Mira Monte, CA to Long Beach, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Santa Monica along the way.
Santa Monica
63.4 mi in|~1h 17m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Ventura Freeway
51.2 mi
59m
San Diego Freeway
31.3 mi
36m
North Ventura Avenue
5.7 mi
10m
Ojai Freeway
5.7 mi
6m
Long Beach Freeway
2.4 mi
3m
Shoreline Drive
1.3 mi
2m
West Ocean Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
Seaside Freeway
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Ventura Freeway
— 51.2 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mira Monte, CA and Long Beach, CA.
1
Start on Cruzero Street
89 ft·9 sec·Cruzero Street
2
Turn right onto Tico Road
0.2 mi·25 sec·Tico Road
3
Turn right onto CA 33; CA 150
5.7 mi·10 min·North Ventura Avenue
4
Turn straight onto CA 33
5.7 mi·6 min·Ojai Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·45 sec
Toward US 101 South: Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto US 101
51 mi·59 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Sacramento, Santa MonicaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Santa MonicaUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward I 405 South: San Diego FreewayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 405
13 mi·15 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
18 mi·20 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
377 ft·9 sec
Toward I 710 South: Long BeachUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·39 sec·this road
Exit 32BToward I 710 South: Long Beach
14
Merge onto I 710
2.4 mi·3 min·Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 710
0.5 mi·40 sec·Seaside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, AquariumUse the slight left / straight lanes.
17
Continue on Shoreline Drive
1.3 mi·2 min·Shoreline Drive
18
Turn left onto South Chestnut Place
0.2 mi·30 sec·South Chestnut Place
Use the left / uturn lanes.
19
Turn right onto West Ocean Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·West Ocean Boulevard
20
Continue on East Ocean Boulevard
0.1 mi·21 sec·East Ocean Boulevard
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
East Ocean Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given its 2-hour duration, this route works well as a single-day trip, and you can depart at your convenience. Consider leaving earlier in the day to avoid potential traffic congestion, especially as you approach the Long Beach area. Since it's not an excessively long drive, you have flexibility with stops, but planning for one break around the halfway point could be beneficial. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, with an estimated cost of $23 for the 100.9 miles, and ensure you have enough before embarking on the longest stretch. A practical tip is to check real-time traffic conditions before you leave, as freeway speeds can vary significantly in this region.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 50.5 miles from Mira Monte, CA, or about 1h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.2 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 22 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 50.5 miles or 1h 2m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 40m
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 Mira Monte, 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 Mira Monte, CA
This is one driving day of about 100.9 miles and 2h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Mira Monte, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Ventura Freeway for about 51.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 50.5 mi from Mira Monte, CA
· 1h 2m into the drive
The midpoint is around 50.5 miles from Mira Monte, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Long Beach, CA
The final approach into Long Beach, CA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Long Beach, CA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.19 one way
$46.38 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg35 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$23.90
$47.80
premium
$6.18
$24.54
$49.08
diesel
$5.61
$22.28
$44.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
1 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: fair
Tesla Supercharger
Chatsworth, California
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
30.3
0
$10.59
$4.84
Efficient EV
25.2
0
$8.83
$4.04
EV Truck/SUV
40.4
0
$14.13
$6.46
Gas CO2
35 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Mira Monte, CA
Late night
in Mira Monte on Saturday
Local time
2:43 AM
PDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Long Beach, CA
Late night
in Long Beach on Saturday
Local time
2:43 AM
PDT
Current temp
57°F
Mostly Clear
SSE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 17 at 7:10PM PDT until April 18 at 8:00AM PDT by NWS Eureka CA
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
14 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 4m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Mira Monte, CA to Long Beach, CA covers 100.9 miles and takes about 2h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ventura Freeway, San Diego Freeway, North Ventura Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 50.5 miles from Mira Monte, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.19 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 100.9 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 11.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 63.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Mira Monte, CA to Long Beach, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Santa Monica along the way.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 21 ft to 949 ft elevation with about 998 ft of total climbing.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
